MSHA has issued two Winter Safety Alerts for Surface Coal Mines and underground coal mines, addressing the first line of defense, roadways and walkways as well as ventilation and rock dust.
Surface Coal Mines
Examinations are your first line of defense
- Check highwalls, benches, and roadways, especially after each rain, freeze or thaw
- Examine equipment for exhaust leaks
- Maintain equipment to operate safely in winter weather
Roadways
- Remove snow and ice
- Allow ample space between vehicles
- Slow down and be patient
Walkways
- Keep clear of ice and snow
- Remove all slip and trip hazards
- Apply sand to maintain traction
- Wear foot gear that grips
Underground Coal Mines
Examinations are your first line of defense
- Check for methane, check methane monitors
- Check ventilation controls
- Check permissibility
- Clean up accumulations of combustible material
- Check water sprays and cutting bits on the
continuous mining machine
Ventilation
- Know your ventilation plan: sufficient to dilute and render harmless explosive, noxious gases, dusts and fumes
- Maintain ventilation controls
- Maintain bleeders free of roof falls and water
Rock Dust
- Keep bleeder entries well rock dusted
- Use mechanical means to regularly apply rock dust in inaccessible worked-out areas
- Maintain 80% rock dust in all areas
- Rock dust within 40 feet of faces
- Rock dust downwind of mining
- Continuously rock dust longwall tailgate and immediate return
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