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MSHA Job Safety Tips


WORKING AROUND BINS, HOPPERS AND DRAW-OFF TUNNELS

Two of the nine fatalities in the anthracite industry during the 1993-1995 period occurred around bins, hoppers, or drawoff tunnels.

In both cases the miners were apparently using a bar to break frozen lumps that were in the loads being transported from frozen stockpiles.

Both fatalities occurred during the winter months when surfaces around the openings were also slick. Neither miner was wearing a safety belt and tag line.

Both accidents were not readily detected since no eye witnesses were present and both miners were fully covered with material.

REMEMBER:
  • Establish safe work procedures for any work conducted in these areas.

  • Communicate frequently with other miners.

  • Never work over frozen material feeding into bins, hoppers, and drawoff tunnels.

  • Disconnect and lock out the circuits controlling the feed before entering.

  • Always wear a safety belt, lanyards and/or tag lines when entering these areas, with a second person attending the tag line.

  • Avoid working around draw holes to feeders and drawoff tunnels on foot, and if necessary do not work with your back to steep stockpiled material which could shift and slide without warning.

  • Be especially conscious of these hazards during winter months.
DON'T BE THE NEXT MINER SUFFOCATED!!

U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration



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