A number of Sandvik machines are equipped with an optional door interlock which will automatically engage the park/emergency brake when the door is open while the machine is running, however closing the door will release the brake.

Sandvik said this may result in movement of the machine if the operator did not engage the park/emergency brake before exiting the machine.

This may result in the machine’s total loss of braking capacity, causing serious injury or death.

The company said to avoid the problem operators should always manually engage the park/emergency brake or shut down the machine before exiting the operator’s compartment.

Sandvik is working with the Mine Safety and Health Administration to find a suitable solution to the problem.