MSHA - Focus On - Winter Alert 2008

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	Winter Alert 2009 "Beat Winter Hazards, Win with Winter Alert"

Overview

"Conditions at underground and surface coal mines can change dramatically during the winter months," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "We must be ever mindful of the seasonal changes that can affect our work environments."

Low barometric pressures and low humidity, coupled with seasonal drying of many areas in underground coal mines, have contributed to the larger number of mine explosions during winter months. Other hazards include limited visibility, icy haulage roads and walkways, and the freezing and thawing effect on highwalls at surface mines.

MSHA warns miners and operators at underground coal mines to follow safety checklists by ensuring adequate ventilation, applying liberal amounts of rock dust, conducting frequent and thorough examinations, and being familiar with emergency procedures to prevent coal mine ignitions and explosions.

Miners also are urged to be vigilant about keeping escapeways clear of impediments. Miners and operators of surface mines should examine the stability of highwalls, remove snow and ice from walkways, de-ice any equipment, and apply salt and sand liberally where needed.

During their normal inspection duties, MSHA inspectors will distribute posters, hardhat stickers, a "practice ventilation awareness" pocket card and a "basic ventilation" compact disc PowerPoint presentation that can be shown and discussed during meetings with underground coal miners.

Basic Mine Ventilation

Coal Miner’s Ventilation Checklist

- Printer Friendly Version

Always.. conduct methane checks:
- before.. equipment is energized at the face
- at least.. every 20 minutes (or more often if required by the mine’s ventilation plan)
- before.. equipment is trammed inby the last open crosscut immediately
- before.. welding, cutting, or soldering
- continuously.. during welding, cutting, or soldering immediately before and
- after.. blasting
Always.. make sure ALL gas detectors are calibrated and operating properly.
Always.. keep line brattice or ventilation tubing within 10 feet of the face (or other distance required in your mine’s ventilation plan).
Always.. report:
- ventilation control leakage..
- changes in air velocity..
- methane gas feeders..
- ventilation tubing leaks..
- smoke and other strange odors ..
Always.. report and/or repair damage to ventilation controls (i.e. stoppings, line brattice, check curtains, regulators).
Always.. report and/or repair damage to ventilation controls (i.e. stoppings, line brattice, check curtains, regulators).
Always.. make sure water sprays and scrubber systems are properly operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and your mine’s ventilation plan.
Never.. change or alter any ventilation controls without proper authorization.
Never.. operate an auxiliary fan if the main fan is down.
Never.. use an auxiliary fan to remove methane – use line brattice.

Decal and Posters
Surface Mines Poster (Low Resolution) Surface Mines Poster (High Resolution)	Underground Mines Poster (Low Resolution) Underground Mines Poster (High Resolution)
Decal

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