Equipment Hazards at a Mine
This course based on MSHA’s Title 30 CFR Part 46.5.b.2 discusses how to recognize and avoid hazards associated with mobile equipment and stationary machinery.
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Learning Objectives
• State the importance of safety around powered haulage and mining machinery • List common rules for avoiding injuries and fatalities around mobile equipment • Describe common surface mine haul road design, traffic patterns, and right of way rules • Describe the “six foot visibility point” • Identify mobile equipment hazards and describe best practices for avoiding them • Identify stationary equipment hazards and describe best practices for avoiding them
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 30 CFR Part 46.5.b.2 |
Key Questions
What are some of the most common surface mining fatalaties caused by?
According to MSHA, over half of all fatalities at surface mines commonly involve powered haulage and machinery.
What are some ways to reduce injuries and fatalaties caused by mobile equipment?
To reduce injuries and fatalaties caused by mobile equipment, follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic and warning signs, communicate clearly with equipment operators, stay out of equipment blind spots, and avoid pinch and crush points.
How wide should haul roads be?
Haul roads should be wide enough so that each lane of travel provides clearance on both sides, equal to one-half the width of the widest vehicle in use.
What are blind spots?
“Blind spots” are areas where the operator’s view is blocked by the equipment itself.
What are pinch and crush points?
Pinch points, sometimes called “crush points,” are dangerous areas within which a worker or a worker’s body parts may be crushed by equipment or machinery.
How do I reduce the risk of injury from stationary equipment?
The risk of injury from stationary equipment is drastically reduced when contact is completely avoided or when the machinery is safely and securely stopped, de-energized, blocked, and locked and tagged out.
What are emergency stop cords and what are they designed to do?
Emergency stop cords are safety measures used to prevent injury from moving machine parts and are designed to deactivate the machine if a worker pulls the cord or falls onto it while leaning into a dangerous area.
Sample Video Transcript
Most surface mine fatalities involving mobile equipment are a result of poor communication, limited visibility, or lapses in judgment. Specific incidents include haul trucks running over pedestrians and smaller vehicles, or crushing miners between other vehicles, equipment, or structures. To prevent serious injuries and fatalities, miners and others on site should always follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic and warning signs. Communicate clearly with equipment operators via radios, hand signals, and eye contact. Stay out of equipment blind spots, and avoid pinch and crush points.
Additional Resources
- US Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) – www.msha.gov
- MSHA’s Safety Tips – http://arlweb.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/categories/mobileequip.htm
- MSHA’s Safety Targets Program – http://arlweb.msha.gov/Safety_Targets/HitByEquipSurfMNM/DosDonts.asp
- MSHA Safety and Health Topics – http://arlweb.msha.gov/S&Htopics.htm
Course Applies To
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