Mine Spec Vehicles
Mine spec refers to vehicle customisations that meet mining safety standards. Mine spec vehicles are optimised for onsite safety and required for most mining operations. In Western Australia (WA), mine spec vehicles are required to have features such as flashing beacons, warning signals, and proper seating. Some mine sites may request additional features to increase workplace safety. You can have your own vehicle fitted for mine spec modifications, or hire a mine spec vehicle from a trusted provider like Northfleet.
What is a mine spec vehicle?
Mine spec vehicles are modified to meet standard safety regulations put in place by mining companies and state governments. Vehicles are customised to improve safety, function, and performance on mine sites. All vehicle types, including light, heavy, and mobile equipment, must adhere to these safety requirements to be permitted on-site. The specific modifications may differ depending on the vehicle’s intended use, but most mine sites come with a standard list of features along with optional fitments. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, you may be liable for accidents that occur during use. Ensuring your vehicle is up-to-date with the latest safety features helps mitigate risks in the workplace. You may have your personal vehicle customised to mine spec standards, or hire a mine spec vehicle from an established provider.
Why do mine sites require mine spec vehicles?
Mine spec vehicles are required on mine sites to reduce the risk of accident and injury. Mining typically requires travel to and from sites, as well as transport of machinery and equipment. Due to harsh on-site conditions like unstable terrain, unpredictable weather, and possible fire exposure, vehicles must be properly equipped to function optimally against the elements. Mine spec vehicles are adaptable, versatile, and able to operate in most mining environments.
What are the features of a mine spec vehicle?
Mine spec vehicles come with specialised features and equipment to tackle the different conditions of a mine site. These features are added to existing vehicles to improve their efficiency on-site. Understanding these features and how they operate helps keep you safe in the workplace.
Flashing beacon
Flashing beacons are rotating lights attached to an electric motor. They are used around Australia to signal the presence of a vehicle. Beacons come in red, green, blue, magenta, or amber colours. These colours, or combinations of colours, express certain warnings. For example, amber lights typically alert road users to obstructions. On mine sites, flashing beacons make vehicles more visible, which is helpful in dusty or dark conditions.
Battery isolator
A battery isolator is a device that disconnects batteries from a power source for charging or discharging. Using a battery isolator ensures that your vehicle battery always has sufficient power to start the engine. This is important when the battery is drained or failing. By including this feature, mine vehicles stay running and reduce the risk of battery failure. This is particularly useful when mine spec modifications like lights are using up battery power.
ABS brakes
An anti-locking brake system (ABS) prevents skidding by restoring traction to tires while a vehicle is braking. In regular vehicles, wheels typically lock up when hard pressure is applied to the brake. ABS brake systems employ wheel sensors to detect locking and pulse the breaks. This stops your tires locking and allows you to steer your vehicle in emergency situations. ABS brakes are a standard modification for most mine spec vehicles.
UHF two-way radio
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) two-way radios allow secure communication over long distances. Vehicles fitted with UHF two-way radios can transmit messages in remote terrain where cellular signals are weak or nonexistent. This mine spec feature is vital during most mining operations to maintain contact with team members.
Rollover protection
Rollover protection reinforces a vehicle’s structure to reduce risk of injury should the vehicle roll over. Features that make up rollover protection include roll cages, roll bars and fortified framing. These modifications create a protective zone for drivers and help prevent crashing from vehicle accidents.
Which vehicles are best suited for mine spec modifications?
Most vehicles such as four-wheel drives, trucks, and buses are suitable for mine spec modifications. They can be customised appropriately if they are in good working condition and meet standard safety regulations. The most common vehicles on mine sites are Toyota Hiluxes, prime movers, and Commuter buses. These vehicles are durable, adaptable, and well-suited to mine sites after modification.
What are the mine spec vehicle requirements in WA?
In WA, all mine spec vehicles are required to have audible warning signals, adequate seating, and effective flashing lights. Employers and mine personnel are responsible for ensuring their vehicle meets these requirements. They do this by conducting routine maintenance and repairs on the vehicles. Additionally, they must stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety procedures. The aim of these mine spec requirements is to increase vehicle visibility on-site. Ensuring a vehicle is clearly seen and heard decreases the risk of workplace injuries.
Do different mine sites have their own mine spec vehicle requirements?
Each mine site has a separate set of mine spec vehicle requirements. Some mining companies have different protection standards depending on how vehicles are used. An employer may require your vehicle to have extra features which are not included in some standard mine fitment packages. This could be a different brake system, a radio, or a specific seating arrangement. Check with your employer for the full scope of required safety features.
Northfleet has worked with most large mining companies across WA, so we know the ins and outs of mine spec modification. We ensure our vehicles meet standard mine spec guidelines. Northfleet even offers optional mine fitments on select vehicles.
Where can I hire a mine spec vehicle?
You can hire a mine spec vehicle from one of our depots in Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman Perth, or Bunbury. Northfleet provides mobilisation and demobilisation of our fleet to most locations. Our fleet is fully mine spec and gets serviced regularly by a team of industry professionals. We have vehicles available for a range of licence types and offer reliable wet hire services. You can always find the vehicles you need at Northfleet. Chat to our friendly team about our quality mine spec vehicles, or request a quote.