Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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www.msha.gov |  |
| Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance | |
| Mine Type: | All Underground | Category: | Section Face Equipment and Mobile Equipment |
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MSHA's Accident Prevention Program Safety Ideas "Mechanical Proximity Warning Device" Printer Friendly Version |  |
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In the 1950's, cars were often equipped with curb feelers, a spring or flexible wire that would make a noise if it contacted a curb. This would signal the driver in time to avoid damaging the wheels or hubcaps. Using a piece of 48 inch conveyor belt, 4 to 5 feet long by 4 to 6 inches wide and a couple of pieces of angle iron, you can make a pinch-point feeler, a warning device for the corners of a continuous miner. This will give a warning nudge to anyone in the danger area, giving
 him or her about a two-foot running start to stop the machine or to yell at the operator to stop. The belting is stiff enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to
give if it runs into a miner or vice versa. The flexibility also allows this "curb feeler" to drag against the rib or be smacked by a shuttle car with little or no damage. A little spray from a can of reflective paint will make the belt a visual warning device as well. One or two on each corner will help or put as many as you want. In this case, there IS safety in numbers.
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Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor Arlington, VA 22209-3939 |
Phone:
(202) 693-9400 Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401 Technical (web) questions: Webmaster On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov or call (877) 778-6055 Contact Us | |
