Abstract
In the mining industry, the reliability and safety of equipment are paramount to ensuring operational efficiency and worker safety. This case study explores the critical role of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) in improving maintenance practices and preventing equipment failures, specifically focusing on the safety challenges posed by hydraulic hose failures in haul trucks.
At a mine site, recurring incidents of haul truck fires were traced back to bursting hydraulic hoses, posing significant safety risks and operational disruptions. Our investigation revealed that preventive maintenance (PM) tasks were not consistently performed on schedule, leading to catastrophic hydraulic hose failures before their planned overhaul periods.
By optimizing the CMMS, we were able to systematically track and manage both preventive and corrective maintenance activities. The software facilitated detailed logging of maintenance work, enabling the identification of trends and root causes behind equipment failures. Analysis of maintenance data highlighted the critical need for a mid-life replacement strategy for hydraulic hoses, rather than relying solely on overhaul periods.
This presentation will delve into the methodology of using CMMS data to drive maintenance decisions, the implementation of the mid-life replacement strategy, and the resulting improvements in safety and operational efficiency. Attendees will gain insights into the practical application of CMMS in identifying and mitigating maintenance issues, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient mining operations.