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MSHA Job Safety Tips


ELECTRICAL

The anthracite industry has experienced an alarming increase in electrical fatalities in recent years.

Three of the nine fatalities that occurred from 1993-1995 were electrocutions.

All three occurred to miners doing routinely assigned work duties not associated with electrical work.

Two of the three occurred on the surface; one of the three involved contact with an energized highvoltage line by a crane.

Two of the three involved double phasetoground faults and ungrounded 480volt Delta systems.


REMEMBER:
  • Thorough electrical inspections are needed to locate most electrical faults.

  • All electrical work must be performed or observed by a qualified electrician.

  • Wet conditions, present in most anthracite mines, significantly increase the need to inspect and maintain electrical equipment.

  • All electrical conductors are assumed to be energized and direct contact should be avoided where possible.
U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration



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