ISSUE DATE: 06/16/10
LAST VALIDATED: 03/31/2021
PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P10-04
FROM: NEAL H. MERRIFIELD
Acting Administrator for
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
SUBJECT: Safe Access, Fall Prevention and Fall Protection involving Self-Propelled Mobile Equipment
Scope
This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel, underground and surface mine operators, and independent contractors.
Purpose
This PIB provides information on providing safe means of access, fall prevention, and fall protection to miners operating, conducting maintenance or service activities, or accessing work platforms of self-propelled mobile equipment.
Information
Accessing, operating or maintaining self-propelled mobile equipment often requires activities such as climbing ladders, or walking on machinery surfaces which expose miners to hazard such as falls during all types of weather conditions. Modern mobile equipment is designed to minimize slip and fall hazards; but, large machinery, new and old, can require access at heights with a fall potential that can cause serious injury. The following precautions can reduce slip and fall accidents from mobile equipment.
- Equipment should be inspected for icy, wet, or oily areas at the start of each shift and whenever conditions dictate. Before climbing on, off or around mobile equipment, footwear should be free of mud or other substances that could cause slipping.
- Persons climbing on or off mobile equipment should face the machine. Both hands should be free for gripping the ladder, handrail, or handhold. When necessary, a cord, rope, or other line should be used to lift and lower lunch pails, thermos bottles, or tools.
- Walkways should be no narrower than their original manufactured widths, constructed with slip-resistant surfaces, and securely attached. Unobstructed access should be provided to all areas of the machine where a person might travel.
- Handholds or handrails should be within easy reach at critical locations.
In addition, equipment manufacturers may be providing safe access, fall prevention and fall protection by complying with ISO 2867, “Earthmoving Machinery – Access Systems” or SAE J185, “Recommended Practice for Access Systems for Off-Road Machines.” Any modifications to mobile equipment should generally not be made without an engineering evaluation and concurrence by the manufacturer of the equipment. Unsafe access and fall hazards from mobile equipment can be reduced by the use of:
- portable ladders and work platforms,
- safety belts or harnesses and lanyards utilizing suitable anchor points,
- man-lifts,
- mobile work stations,
- docking stations, and
- relocating service points to safe areas, e.g., installing extended grease lines.
Operators are responsible for providing documentation to verify that their equipment is ISO 2867 certified. Inspectors may use the certification documents in considering if safe access, fall prevention and fall protection is being provided.
What is the background of this bulletin?
Equipment manufacturers have asked for clarification of MSHA’s requirements for fall protection on mobile equipment.
What is the authority for this bulletin?
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et. seq.; and 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11001; 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11002; 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11027; 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.15005
Who are the MSHA contact persons for this program information bulletin?
Mine Safety and Health Enforcement
Lewis Kirk, (202) 693-9617
E-mail: Kirk.lewis@dol.gov
Is this program information bulletin available on the Internet?
This PIB may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page and selecting "Compliance Assistance" and "Program Information Bulletins."
Who will receive the program information bulletin?
MSHA Program Policy Holders
Underground and Surface Mine Operators
Underground and Surface Independent Contractors
Special Interest Groups
Miners’ Representatives