Brake fade can have serious consequences if not regularly taken into consideration, as four underground coal mine workers discovered after a losing control of a light vehicle.

A mine worker was driving with three other occupants down a decline when the vehicle’s service brake became unresponsive, causing him to lose control.

The driver shifted to first gear and applied the park brake and managed to bring the vehicle to a stop after sliding for 118m.

After an initial investigation, it was discovered the wheel nut indicators melted off due to high heat from the brakes. Low range was not engaged.

Brake fade – or vehicle braking system fade – is the reduction in stopping power that can occur after repeated or sustained application of the brakes of a vehicle, especially in high load or high-speed conditions.

Brake fade is caused by a build-up of heat in the braking surfaces and the changes and reactions in the brake system can be experienced with both drum brakes and disc brakes.

“Mine workers are reminded that before commencing a decent they should choose an appropriate gear with the appropriate speed range to allow the engine braking to maintain speed,” the NSW Resources Regulator said.

“Mine operators must ensure that their workforce is trained and competent to operate vehicles in underground conditions.”

The risk of brake fade can be avoided by regularly replacing brake pads and rotors, as well as changing the brake fluid.

This is essential in environments like underground mines, where vehicles are in constant use in harsh conditions.

Though the incident involved a light vehicle, it serves as an important cautionary tale for mining vehicles especially, as brake fade has the risk of cascading in trucks with multiple brakes.

If one brake fades, brake load is transferred to the remaining brakes, causing them to work harder, get hotter, and fade more.