MSHA - Interactive Training - JTA Spiders - Scoop Operator

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	Scoop Operator
	Contact: Palmer.Melvin@dol.gov

A workplace exam will be conducted as you travel through the section. Special attention will be given to the feeder, scoop park location, battery charging stations and any area where work is being done

3. Duty 3: Conduct workplace exam

Observe for mobile equipment

Check for bad top

Check for cracks, loose rock, taking on weight, water

Check for loose ribs

Check for cracks, brows and sloughage

Look for uneven bottom

Ledges and potholes

Check for slip/trip hazards while walking

Check ventilation

Check fly pads and line curtains

Check for damaged bolts

Health and safety standard

Note locations of trailing cables

Correct and/or report any unsafe conditions

4. Duty 4: Control Functions

Stay in deck at all times while testing deck controls

Give trainee adequate time to learn and practice these controls

Use picture or diagram of deck controls to train

Demonstrate the pump motor directional switch

Flip down one click to "run", two down for "forward" and three down for "reverse"

Must stop at "run" position first for pump motor to stop (time delay on pump)

Tram pedal must be fully released for pump to start

Demonstrate light switch function

on/off switch

lights change direction in conjunction with tram lever

Demonstrate foot brake function

depress to stop

Demonstrate park brake function

push park brake lever forward(smallest lever)

pump hand/manual release lever to release brakes in emergency situation (larger lever)

Demonstrate panic bar

Push to shut the machine down

Kicks breaker to battery

Activates park brake if powered on

Demonstrate audible alarm function

manual bell

Demonstrate the tram pedal function

depress to tram

may have to raise pedal with your foot if it sticks/spring breaks

Demonstrate steering function

push lever forward to go left

pull lever to go right

self-centering valve

Demonstrate bucket function

self-centering valve with lock position for float

pull back to raise bucket

push forward to lower bucket

push forward to a second position to put bucket in float

Demonstrate ram control

push lever forward to go out

pull lever to pull back in

self-centering valve

ram should always be pulled completely back in to prevent buildup of materials behind ram

Demonstrate PTO lever

used for drills, saws, during pillaring, running hydraulics off

directional flow valve

should be self-centering

Demonstrate battery control function

self-centering

push to raise battery

pull to lower battery

used to change batteries

Explain fire suppression system activation

Pull pin, push plunger

(two) one located in operator's compartment and one near the electrical panel - only one has to be pushed to activate system

5. Duty 5: Pre-op Scoop

Power off

Visually inspect

Check for and remove excess rock dust bags, garbage, etc.

remove and centrally locate waste

Check canopy condition

support cracks

bolts

Check tires/wheels

lug nuts

Check battery lid locks/straps

If battery explodes, lid will fly

Check plugs and plug locks

Check battery indicator

Check rub rail

main panel box

Check fire suppression system

check red button

check pin

check seal

located at operators compartment and near the panel on offside

Check for slate bar

Check operators compartment for material build-up

Check lights

missing or damaged

Untitled

Power On

Check brakes

park brake

check park brake hydraulic release

foot brake

check pedals for sticking

Check lights

Check light switch

manual on/off switch

automatic

The lights on this scoop change direction with the tam forward and reverse tram switch

Check forward/reverse switch

ram

steering

battery raise

bucket control up/down/float

PTO

Ram and PTO hoses

Check panic switch

Check breaker system

handle in deck - push/pull

This will also lock park brake

Check tram pedal

check for sticking

Could possibly use the panic

Check forward/reverse tram

6. Duty 6: Tramming

Keep all body parts with the deck compartment

Clear persons out of scoop car Red Zone

Sound audible alarm before tramming (voice or bell)

Serves as a warning to persons in area

Start pump

Set directional switch

Lights should change direction in conjunction with this switch

Release park brake

Push lever on brake tender valve

The scoop is capable of pulling through the park brake - it could fill the section with smoke

Check brake pressure

Should read aprx. 1600 psi

listen for change in sound of pump motor

Check steering

swivel machine left/right

Depress tram pedal

Keep scoop centered in roadway (if possible)

battery end first

Use existing tire tracks to judge position of scoop

you may also stay closer to the rib without obstructions

Subtopic

bucket end first

Use existing tire tracks to judge position of scoop

use ribs to judge scoop positioning while avoiding cables

try to stay 6" to 1 foot away from rib to avoid damaging canopy, when possible

scoop may not always be centered in roadway - must consider obstructions along roadway, i.e. miner cable, bolter cable, supplies, debris

Make a left turn

Steering is controlled by a hydraulic valve. As long as valve is open, the wheels will make a maximum turn

use sketches/diagrams to assist in training

bucket-end first

once bucket reaches corner, slowly begin the turn

as soon as front tire reaches the corner, swivel to complete turn

The wheels on a scoop do not turn, the entire machine articulates

as soon as front tire passes the corner, begin straightening out your turn in line with left rib

observe right hand corner of bucket as you make the turn

keep machine bucket 6-12" off the right rib

battery-end first

Keep scoop off the left rib (approximately 4-5') to keep from getting deck into the rib (swing it wide)

as soon as tire reaches the corner, begin your turn

watch offside of battery and keep scoop battery 6-12" off the right rib

continue making turn until you can center scoop in the entry

Make a right turn

bucket end first

make sure you let front wheel go just past the right hand rib corner

If you turn too soon, you will jam the operators's compartment into the rib

swivel scoop to the right

observe left hand corner of bucket

keep machine bucket 6-12" off the rib

battery-end first

let battery end tire come to corner

swivel scoop hard to the right

observe left hand corner of battery end

keep battery end 6-12" off the rib

use sketches/diagrams to assist in training

Observe for persons and obstructions in travel ways

Refer to Scoop Red Zone Policy

Ring bell or flash lights

Refer to Scoop Red Zone Policy

Stop (if necessary)

Refer to Scoop Red Zone Policy

Stop scoop for persons on offside of machine

Refer to Scoop Red Zone Policy

Traveling through ventilation controls/fly pads/curtains

slow down

sound audible alarm

This alarm should be given well in advance of traveling through controls/fly pads/curtains

flash lights

replace any damaged ventilation controls

Operate at speed under which you can maintain control of the scoop

Consider road conditions (water, mud)

experience

Be aware of other equipment and cables in travel ways

switch out points

shuttle car movement

roof bolter cable in low coal

miner cable

water line

7. Duty 7: General Scooping/Cleaning

take note of any cables in area

Use crossovers or hang cable

do not run over cables

take note of any unsupported roof in area

look for red reflectors to indicate unsupported top

do not tram inby last two rows of permanent supports

do not tram past unbolted crosscuts

Be aware of production activities on the section

SLAM (stop, look, analyze and manage) both safety and production needs

push materials toward feeder/face/rounded corner of rib

use float position of bucket control for general cleaning

This lets the bucket follow the bottom and picks up more material

put tram in forward position

push material towards load point

clean middle of the entry first, then right rib (where cables usually are), then left rib, re-scoop middle once more

cleaning right rib

position scoop at 45 degree angle to the right rib

this allows the bucket to push along rib and pick up loose material

align front corner of bucket with rib to help keep the operator's compartment from ribbing

allow the bucket corner to slide along the right rib while tramming forward

push material to the load point

observe front right corner bottom of bucket and surface of area you are cleaning to be sure you are picking up loose material

If the bucket tries to ride up the right rib, stop, back off and reposition/re-angle your machine

cleaning left rib

Position scoop to maintain straighter alignment (22 degree angle)

left rib is harder to clean, usually jagged and may take more than one pass

once you back out of pass, you can see remaining material better

sometimes it is necessary to turn machine around and push material to the center of a break-through, etc. where it can be picked up

allow the bucket corner to slide along the left rib while tramming forward

push material to the load point

cleaning break-through

push material into center of the entry intersection to be picked up

discharge load

retract ram

8. Duty 8: Scooping/Cleaning feeder

determine when to clean the feeder

On occasion, you may take materials on up to the face from the feeder to dump if cars are coming in to dump

if mining cycle is on left side, you can clean middle and right hand dump without hindering haulage by coordinating scooping activities with dumping car

Cannot stockpile coal at face - can place at face to be loaded out during next cycle (usually a one load deal)

if mining cycle is on right side, you can clean the left dump without hindering dumping shuttle cars

If car is loading up the middle, you may just have to have car stop until you clean up

cars run same pattern - familiarize yourself with the pattern

Try to keep at least one car hauling at all times

avoid hitting feeder and knocking it out of alignment

avoid cables

clean the rib without cables

refer to general cleaning procedures

slow down when nearing feeder

ease up to the feeder until you feel the bucket bump it

back up about 6"

raise bucket

pull forward until bucket is overtop of feeder

discharge load

retract ram

9. Duty 9: Scooping/Cleaning face

Ensure gas check has been made or have one made

take note of any unsupported roof in area

look for red reflectors to indicate unsupported top

do not tram inby last two rows of permanent supports

do not tram past unbolted crosscuts

See roof control plan

roll and pin up curtain

if area is too low, curtain may have to be taken down

back up approximately 80' from where last cut was taken

as a general rule

scoop center first

Refer to general scooping procedures

scoop right rib

where cables usually are located

Refer to general scooping procedures

scoop left rib

Refer to general scooping procedures

re-scoop center

Refer to general scooping procedures

push materials to face

discharge load

retract ram

back scoop up

lower bucket to ground

anytime scoop is parked, bucket should be angled away from you to the rib and lowered to the ground

ensure park brake is set if scoop is being parked

turn pump off

rock dust roof and ribs by hand

lower or re-hang curtain

10. Dust 10: Supplying

Supplying bolter

communicate with roof bolter

visually inspect bolter and determine if supplies are needed

bolter operator may request certain items

special bolts/glue due to roof conditions

locate and obtain supply insert

contains bolts and plates

approximately 1000 per insert

should be located along intake stopping line on neutral side

usually two inserts available on section

scoop up insert

hook safety chain from insert to hook on scoop bucket

when traveling on steep grades, bucket should be pointed upgrade

stop and get glue and place in insert

should be located along intake stopping line on neutral side

stop and get boards and place on top of scoop

should be located along intake stopping line on neutral side

tram to bolter

see tramming procedures

contact bolter operator and have him set up to load supplies

based on seam height

where they are working

place supplies on bolter (4' bolts)

Try to keep enough for two shifts

approximately 200 bolts and plates on each side of bolter (400 per machine)

approximately same amount of sticks of glue (10 bundles) per machine - place on back of bolter

Approximately 2-3 fly boards on each machine down middle of machine

use good lifting techniques - do not twist with a load a your hands.

Use cutters to un-band supplies and stand back away from bands being cut

gather trash and load into empty side of insert

return supply insert back to general location

unhook safety chain

push off with ram

retract ram

park scoop to load/unload

lower bucket to ground

anytime scoop is parked, bucket should be angled away from you to the rib and lowered to the ground

ensure park brake is set if scoop is being parked

obtain material for stoppings

Determine what supplies are needed and where they should be place

contact boss

scoop up two pallets of blocks

located generally along intake stopping line down neutral

when traveling on steep grades, bucket should be pointed upgrade

stop and obtain plaster and any wedges/half-headers needed

at least 5 buckets per stopping

half-headers and wedges are usually with the blocks, but may not be

visually inspect area to determine best location for placing supplies

roof and rib conditions

straight/smooth rib area

height

entry width

convenient to brattice man

location of stoppings to be build

push supplies off with ram

retract ram

11. Duty 11: Changing batteries/Scoop maintenance

Changing Batteries

Determine the need to change batteries

Look at indicator (will tell you how low batteries are)

tram to battery station

set up at belt head

back into the station observing location of fresh set of batteries

drop off dead batteries on the opposite side of new batteries

keep dead batteries at least 4-5' away from charger

lower battery jacks

Lower bucket to ground

Any time scoop is parked, bucket should be angled to the rib and lowered to the ground

Ensure park brake is set if scoop is being parked

Turn pump off

exit scoop and remove safety chain from batteries

put safety chains on back side of the fork arms

place operator's side chain in position to use as a guide

on back of jack, flip chain down to align you with the fork arm

unplug batteries

get jumper cables

conduct visual inspection of jumper cables

cuts, nicks, abrasions, plugs

plug jumper cables into scoop and one set of the batteries

may need to hang cables to reach batteries

if fresh batteries are on charge, unplug

be sure and turn charger off prior to removing the plugs from the batteries

remove external grounds

get back in scoop

reset breaker

tram forward to pull out from under batteries

line up with fresh batteries

tram back towards fresh batteries and observe fork from scoop entering the slot on fresh batteries

while backing into batteries, attempt to get scoop forks square with batteries

exit scoop, shut scoop off and ensure both forks are aligned with battery slots

unplug jumper from batteries on scoop

place on left rib (canopy side) in a safe location

plug scoop back into fresh batteries

re-hook safety chains on fresh batteries

hook external grounds to the dead battery casings

place dead batteries on charge

Raise battery lids

Charging and discharging batteries can give of hydrogen gas - very explosive

check to make sure charger kicks on

listen for hum

check gauge

Check water level in fresh set of batteries

lock lids in place

reenter scoop

reset breaker

use scoop to raise fresh batteries to proper position

push battery jack lever

use pictures/visuals to train

turn scoop off and lower bucket to ground when scoop is parked

ensure park brake is set if scoop is being parked

Entire area needs to be kept clean (free of trash), well rock dusted, and vented

Scoop Maintenance

Check oil level for hydraulics

remove cap and visually check oil tank with ram fully back

site glass is another method of check

Do not allow dirt to enter the fill port - dirt destroys hydraulic systems

ensure oil is in the screen

add hydraulic fluid as necessary

Keep hydraulic fluid clean

Grease scoop

bottom and top bearings

middle section (2-3 fittings)

drive shafts

do not use battery lids as cargo area

Wear PPE

goggles/safety glasses w/shields, rubber gloves

Unplug batteries from scoop or scoop charger prior to servicing

wash (from time to time) to remove material buildup

baking soda available for neutralizing acid buildup

Acid will appear as white powder on cable and terminals on battery

remove battery caps to check water level

randomly check water level in several cells with battery fully charged

If majority is low, then you need to go ahead and check all cells

When adding water, fill to 1/4 inch above the lead plates

Use distilled water only

Check battery posts for insulating covers

Replace as needed

replace strap/lid locks

plug in batteries

ensure battery plugs and lids are locked and secure

scoop housekeeping

remove trash

remove rock dust buildup

Clean material buildup from behind ram

Material behind the ram can cause damage to the ram cylinder

Retracting the ram completely prevents buildup behind ram

clean spilled oil and excess grease from machine

12. Duty 12: End-of-shift Activities

recheck feeder and clean if necessary/possible

If feeder needs cleaned, park scoop as close as possible

recheck bolter supplies

recheck scoop supplies

Check rock dust, nails, spads, etc.

leave scoop charged or leave extra set of fresh batteries for next scoop operator

very important for planned belt moves and power moves to have fully charged batteries - plan ahead

park scoop in a location where it cannot be damaged by other mobile equipment

park scoop in feeder area if feeder needs cleaned

try to park in less traveled break-thru (intake side easier to find)

shut off

lower bucket to ground

anytime scoop is parked, bucket should be angled away from you to the rib and lowered to the ground

ensure park brake is set if scoop is being parked

13. Duty 13: Unusual Situations, Emergencies, Non-routine duties

Fire

Refer to fire-fighting and emergency evacuation plan

gather fire fighting equipment

rock dust

water hose

fire extinguishers

Subtopic

assist miner men in fire suppression activities

Loss of brakes

Stay in your seat

Steer into rib

Hit panic bar

Show escapeways

Assist with mechanical repairs

Communications are key to safety in non-routine and/or unusual situations

Repeat commands to make sure they are clear

SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze and Manage) the task

Title

Scoop Operator

Subject

Company

Author

D. Combs

Version

174

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