This knowby has been created using the Guideline for Applying System Safety in Mining
1.0 Introduction: System safety means managing risks in a system to keep it safe while it works. Unlike old methods focusing just on tech safety, system safety looks at everything, including how well safety measures work. It's important for systems that work on their own and are very connected.
1.1 Background and context: System safety, born from complex industries like nuclear and aviation, looks at the whole system—machines, people, environment—to reduce risks. It's about planning and managing safety from start to finish, applicable in all sectors.
1.2 Relevant GMG Publications:
The Guideline for Applying Functional Safety to Autonomous Systems Mining provides an approach to applying functional safety to autonomous systems, referencing international standards and maturity in the mining industry. It describes clear expectations for the communication requirements to support change management and effective application.
The Guideline for the Implementation of Autonomous Systems provides stakeholders with the tools necessary to move forward with implementation of autonomous systems in mining and advance those projects. It should be used as a first step to assist companies implementing autonomous mining projects regardless of the size and scope of project.
The System Safety for Autonomous Mining White Paper provides a comprehensive view of the need for a system safety approach for those deploying and using autonomous systems in the mining industry. It aims to increase awareness of system safety and its benefits in delivering and maintaining safe and efficient autonomous systems.
1.3 Purpose: This guideline provides guidance on applying system safety practices to autonomous systems in mining, building off GMG’s System Safety for Autonomous Mining White Paper and associated Layers of Safety Figure published in 2021.
This guideline will act as both an informative document on system safety and a reference for reviewing end-user internal processes against industry best practices.
The implementation of autonomous equipment is expected to improve productivity and profitability, enable mining in environments that are prohibitive to humans, and reduce the overall health and safety risks for mining operations.
The current core principle for autonomous development is to assess whether the autonomy application is better able to improve health and safety outcomes compared to the existing processes (e.g., mixed fleet operation) that are being replaced. This guideline is intended to assist with this evaluation.
1.4 Scope: This guidelines target audience includes;
- Mine planners
- Mining operator technology, operations, maintenance and health, safety and environment (HSE) teams
- Operations delivery and integration teams
- Procurement (Supply chain)
- Regulators
- Those who design and supply autonomous systems
In Scope:
- Best practice for applying system safety principles, including an overview of a system safety lifecycle and guidance for safety management and safety case development.
- Considerations for software safety management (e.g., training, software release management, access management, and recovery procedures).
In Scope: (continued)
- Considerations related to cyber-risks and protection against cyber-attacks as they relate to safely applying autonomous systems in mining.
- Considerations for patch and upgrade management.
In Scope: (continued)
- Autonomous machines: Refers to autonomous and semi-autonomous machines (ASAMs) as they are defined in ISO 17757 (2019a, 3.1.3.1 and 3.1.3.2). In this guideline, it refers specifically to mining machines.
Out of Scope:
- System safety principles specific to other industries. •Detailed step-by-step process for managing system safety. •Specifics to underground, surface, or a particular scenario. •Considerations for machine learning and advanced analytics (AI) - CMEIG-EMESRT-ICMM White Paper
Out of Scope: (continued)
- Non-deterministic system elements from autonomous systems (I.e., decisions derived from sensors and processing algorithms) - CMEIG-EMESRT-ICMM White Paper
2.0 System Safety Lifecycle
The system safety lifecycle embeds safety in all stages of an autonomous mining system's life, highlighting the V Lifecycle Model. This model outlines phase relationships, inputs/outputs, and emphasizes operations, management, hazard/risk assessment, specifications, and verification/validation for operational transition.
2.1 The V Lifecycle Model guides safety in system lifecycles, ensuring early and ongoing safety consideration. It contrasts with agile processes, fitting autonomous system development with emphasis on traceability, change management, and error reduction. It aligns lifecycle phases with verification and validation, aiding in risk management.
Click on of of the following links to access an overview of the V Lifecycle Model :
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- Public Link - visible to anyone on the internet.
3.0 System Safety Management Activities describes the different safety management activities involved when using an autonomous system. For autonomous systems in mining, safety management involves considering all relevant factors and making sure that the risks related to adopting automation are as low as practically attainable.
4.0 Product Upgrade Development - Once the autonomous system has been implemented, there should be on-going upgrading of the system due to augmented functionality, new functionality, or rectification of the existing system. This section focuses on the upgrade process and assumes the system has already been deployed and is in use.
Click on of of the following links to access the High Level Process Map for Managing a Product Upgrade :
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- Public Link - visible to anyone on the internet.
5.0 Safety Case Development informs the mine operator of the ability of the system to satisfy the operational requirements of the system, based on a site and application specific risk assessment. The safety case is something that should continuously be reviewed and updated in a live format as system safety processes.