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Fatality #3 - February 1, 2008

Accident Classification: Machinery
Location: Jap Creek Mine, Alabama
Mine Controller: Reed Minerals Inc.
Mine Type: Surface
Mined Material: Coal (Bituminous)
Incident Date/Time: February 1, 2008 12:30 pm

On February 1, 2008, a 34-year old field service mechanic for Thompson Tractor Company, Inc., was fatally injured while working on the diesel engine of a Caterpillar D10R bulldozer at the Reed Minerals, Inc., Jap Creek Mine in Walker County, Alabama. To observe movement of a potentially damaged lifter and to place it in a better position for retrieval, the victim requested that a co-worker "bump" the engine. "Bumping" the engine involves supplying power to the engine starter to produce limited movement of internal engine components without starting the engine by turning the ignition key to the start position and quickly releasing it. The victim was struck in the left eye when diesel fuel that had accumulated in the cylinder bore was ejected from the open injector sleeve orifice under pressure at a high velocity when the co-worker "bumped" the engine. 



The accident occurred because: (1) the victim had not been provided with hazard training in safe working procedures and the safety hazards related to the failure to remove residual fluid from cylinder bores, (2) power was supplied to the engine starter causing motion of internal engine components while repairs/maintenance was being performed, and (3) the victim was not wearing eye protection. 

FATALITY ALERT

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, February 1, 2008, a 34-year old field mechanic (contractor) with 13 years of experience was fatally injured while troubleshooting a diesel engine on a bulldozer. A valve cover, rocker assembly, and fuel injector had been removed from the cylinder head. The victim was observing the valve lifters while the engine was turned-over to place the lifters in a better position for retrieval. The victim was struck and fatally injured by material expelled from the cylinder head as the engine was cranked. 

FINAL REPORT
CAI-2008-03

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION 

Surface Coal Mine 

Fatal Machinery Accident
February 1, 2008 

Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (DL2)
Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama