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District 8 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
Info-Grams and Close Call Accidents

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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Accident Info-Gram
APRIL 2002

Roof Fall On Scoop

Rock on CanopyAn unplanned roof fall occurred on April 20, 2002, at a District 8 mine. The fall partially covered a battery-operated scoop that was located just inby the feeder on the No. 3 Section. The scoop operator and helper were rock dusting this area when a slickensided horseback fell. Four-foot and six-foot fully grouted roof bolts supported this area and the roof strata separated above the anchorage zone of the bolts. The fall measured 18-feet wide, 7-feet high and extended 60 feet in length. Protected by the canopy, the operator climbed out of the scoop deck. Neither miner was injured as a result of the roof fall.
       Roof falls such as this prove the importance of substantially constructed canopies or cabs on diesel-powered and electric face equipment. Canopies and cabs provide the necessary protection for miners that operate this type of equipment.
Rock on Scoop Wheel
BEST PRACTICES
  • Examine the roof frequently and thoroughly.
  • Watch for changing roof conditions and communicate these conditions to others.
  • Drill test holes at least one foot longer than primary support to help identify problems in roof strata.
  • Notify your foreman, danger out the area, and correct conditions immediately when adverse roof conditions are detected.
  • Install additional support, shorten cut depth, and narrow entry width where slips, cracks, or other adverse roof or rib conditions exist.

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This file was last updated on 1/16/2003

This information was provided by concerned miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.



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