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

Bridge Crossing

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Mine Type: Underground Coal
Category: Section Face Equipment
Safety procedures for crossing continuous face haulage systems
in underground coal mines.

Bridge Crossing Safety Continuous haulage systems can create hazards when miners move from one entry to another. One accident occurred when an unblocked conveyor fell on a miner crossing under it.

To avoid this hazard, establish procedures to train miners to de-energize the equipment and to communicate/coordinate with the equipment operator before crossing.

Never cross over or under the system while it is operating. MSHA recommends that miners travel in front of the system when it is backed away from the faces, or outby at the low belt, if a cross over is provided.

Issued: 02/26/2003
Tag # AP2002-M090


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