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Mine Safety and Health Administration MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Miner's Tip

Dump Neutralizer Switch

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Mine Type: Coal and Metal, Surface
Category: Haulage


Dump Truck Large haulage trucks are typically equipped with a dump neutralizer switch that locks out the reverse gear in the transmission when the bed raise lever is activated.

Preston Jackson, an MSHA Inspector from Kentucky who used to operate these trucks said: "If an operator forgets to put the truck in neutral when backing up to the dump, and believe me, it does happen, I know from experience, the switch will not allow over travel."

Preston believes that the switch should be checked regularly. This simple test can be performed on a level area by putting the truck into reverse and activating the bed raise lever. If the truck can still move in reverse, take it out of service and get it fixed.

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MSHA extends a thank you and a tip of the hardhat to
Preston Jackson of Barbourville, KY
a winner of a limited edition sticker and patch.

If you have a tip you would like to pass on, you can e-mail it to
zzMSHA-MinersTips@dol.gov.
If your tip is selected, you will receive credit in this space.


Issued: 05/08/2009
Tag # AP0095086