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AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY with the public, [and] often these passenger vehicles are holiday makers who may have never seen a road train before and at times they don't understand the stopping distances and crash avoidance spaces required when interacting with that type of heavy vehicle. We wanted Optalert on this operation as we understand that fatigue is a critical risk in our business and we want to do every- thing to ensure that we not only meet our legislative responsibili- ties but exceed them. "We want to use technology that is at the cutting edge of fatigue management," he said. "Our drivers often report back near-misses where passenger vehicles do dangerous things in an effort to overtake a road train or pull out in front of them, not understanding that such a heavy vehicle needs more stopping and crash avoidance space. That's why it is so critical that our drivers are 100% alert and totally vigilant to the actions of those around them." The Optalert system has been in full use since early May, with very positive driver feedback following an extensive debrief and training program run by senior Bis Industries management. Havini said, "[Fatigue management] is a very human issue and while experience helps keep it in control, it only takes one 'micro sleep' to cause a tragedy, especially at the wheel of a road train. "The key to the success of this roll out has been the support of Optalert and the lengthy debrief session they had with drivers to iron out any concerns or issues. Bis Industries has had a long- standing relationship with Optalert and we have had times when the system was used successfully and also times when it was not so successful. Any time you are an early adopter of high technol- ogy, you will encounter teething issues, but we have worked close- ly with Optalert over the years to iron out those issues and as a result our feedback has gone into making the system more rugged and suitable for mining and outback road conditions. The result is a product that we have a lot of faith in." Training Facility for Tire Fitters Otraco International has opened a custom-designed, off-road tire- fitting training center in Perth, from which it aims to train hun- dreds of graduates in certified automotive-mechanical heavy tire fitting. Otraco said the new facility will train tire fitters in the com- pany's operations at sites across Australia, and help address the shortage of qualified off-road tire fitters. The center comprises a large tire pad, training rooms, offices, workshop and hardstand. Otraco said it offers a simulated mine environment with trainees able to work on real mining equipment. "One of the most important advantages of this approach is that it enables trainees to undergo training in a very safe, controlled environment. It also enables them to decide whether they like the life, as trainees will be required to work a full mine roster, work nights, undergo mock client audits and even eat in a crib room," said Otraco general manager Alistair Swanson. Trainees will attend the center for the first six weeks of the cer- tificate and then continue their training at mine sites. Mining com- panies and local businesses have equipped the center with both open-pit and underground mining machinery, including a Caterpillar 789B haul truck from BHP Billiton and an Elphinstone R2900 bogger and tire handler from Downer Mining. BHP Billiton Iron Ore's Head of Community and Indigenous Affairs Richard O'Connell, said his company supports the center as it provides a real-life practical training experience. "We under- stand the importance of skill development to meet the needs of our growing Western Australian community. Equally, we are com- mitted to reinforcing a culture of safety and best practice." The center will initially take groups of six to eight students to meet the needs of Otraco's operation, while commercial courses to mining equipment companies will be offered at a later date. Otraco is owned by diversified mine contractor Downer EDI Mining. The company's tire-management software system, OTRA- At the opening of Otraco International's training center in Perth were, (from left) Otraco Training Manager Tony Crilly, BHP Billiton's Head of Community and Indigenous Affairs Richard O'Connell, Otraco General Manager Alistair Swanson and Downer Mining CEO David Overall. 114 E&MJ; • SEPTEMBER 2012 www.e-mj.com