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MSHA Job Safety Tips


Truck Drivers -- Dump Sites

Many haulage accidents have occurred at truckbuilt stockpiles. Often the cause of these accidents was that the area near the edge of the slope or pile, especially near a steepened slope, was not strong enough to support the weight of the loaded haul truck. Discussions with miners indicate that a large number of nearmisses also occur.

SOME DO'S AND DON'TS . . .

DO ...... Realize that the area near the edge of a steep slope may not support the weight of a loaded haul truck.

DON'T dump over the edge of a pile in an area where the pile has been loaded out at the toe, or otherwise oversteepened.
DO ...... Dump back from the edge of the slope. A good rule of thumb used by some operators is to dump at least the distance of one truck length back from the edge of the pile.
DO ...... Wear your seat belt.
DO ...... Check the dump area before dumping for cracks, for slopes steeper than the material's angle of repose, and for other signs that it may not support the weight of the haul truck.

DON'T drive on questionable areas.
DO ...... maintain adequate berms or bumper blocks

DON'T use a berm or bumper block to stop the vehicle.
DO ...... Back up slowly and come to a gradual stop at the dump point.

DON'T come to an abrupt stop.
DO ...... Keep the top of stockpiles sloped so that trucks are backing up a slight grade to reach the dump point.
DO ...... Back up perpendicular to the edge of the slope or bumper block.
DO ...... Remember that trucks going over stockpiles continue to be a common cause of injuries and fatalities.

DON'T be the next accident victim.

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



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