Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Info-Gram
August 2001
Remote Control Malfunction
Tram and function levers on remote control stations may stick
unexpectedly causing erratic machine behavior. District 8 has
verified that three different mines have had tram levers to
stick. Small pieces of rock or coal falling into tram-lever
switch wells caused unexpected machine movement. The manufacturer
has supplied membranes to fit over the switches to prevent
foreign objects from becoming lodged in switch wells. The machine
manufacturer has indicated that this is a temporary measure until
a permanent repair or a redesign can be made. MSHA's Approval and
Certification Center will be investigating this matter.
BEST PRACTICES
- Maintain remote control stations in safe operating condition.
Repair or replace as necessary the protective membrane supplied
by the manufacturer.
- Frequently clean remote control stations to prevent
accumulations around levers.
- All persons, including the machine operator, must always be
outside the machine's turning radius and away from pinch points
when the machine is energized.
- Keep all work or travel areas free of tripping or stumbling
hazards.
- Be prepared for the unexpected! Remote actuators can fail
or malfunction at anytime. Always have a plan of escape.
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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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