MSHA proposes rule requiring proximity detection systems on coal hauling machines and scoops to prevent deaths and injuries.
September 1, 2015
Today, MSHA is announcing that it is issuing a regulation proposing that coal hauling machines and scoops on working sections in underground coal mines be equipped with proximity detection systems. Coal hauling machines include shuttle cars, ram cars and continuous haulage systems. This proposed proximity detection system rule would better protect our nation’s miners from being crushed or pinned in confined underground mine spaces where large equipment is constantly in motion.
From 1984 through 2014, 42 fatal and 179 non-fatal pinning, crushing, or striking injuries occurred in underground coal mines that may have been prevented by the use of proximity detection systems on coal hauling machines and scoops. More recently, from 2010 through 2014, 41 pinning, crushing, or striking accidents involving coal hauling machines and scoops have been reported: 23 that involved coal hauling machines and 18 that involved scoops. Nine of these accidents involved fatalities that may have been prevented by the use of proximity detection systems. For example, on December 16, 2014, at the Highland 9 Mine, a repairman was killed when struck by a ram car. On October 11, 2013, at the Prosperity Mine, a shuttle car operator was killed when another shuttle car struck him.
Many machines have already been equipped with this life saving detection technology. MSHA estimates that, as of June 2015, 155 of the approximately 2,116 underground coal hauling machines and scoops have already been equipped with proximity detection systems.
Proximity detection is a technology that uses electronic sensors to detect motion and the location of one object relative to another. These systems provide audible and visual warnings and automatically stop moving machines before miners get too close and an accident occurs.
This proposed rule follows MSHA’s publication of a final rule in January, 2015, requiring proximity detection systems to be installed on continuous mining machines used to cut coal in underground coal mines.
The rule is an important component of the Labor Department’s “Plan, Prevent, and Protect” strategy for safeguarding all workers. We know this technology works as a number of mine operators have already installed these lifesaving proximity detection systems on coal hauling machines and scoops. We want to learn from their experience during the public comment period on the proposed rule.
Under the proposed rule, operators would be required to use proximity detection systems that:
- Cause a coal-hauling machine or scoop to stop before contacting a miner;
- Provide audible and visual warning signals when a miner gets too close to the machine (within the machine’s warning zone);
- Provide a visual signal on the machine that indicates the system is functioning properly;
- Prevent movement of the machine if the system is not functioning properly;
- Prevent interference with or from other electrical systems; and
- Be installed and maintained by a person trained in the system’s installation and maintenance.
We have included in the proposed rule the following phase-in for compliance:
- Eight months after the rule goes into effect, coal-hauling machines and scoops manufactured after the effective date of the rule; and coal-hauling machines and scoops equipped with an existing proximity detection system, which can be modified underground must be in compliance.
- Thirty-six months after the rule goes into effect, coal hauling machines and scoops equipped with an existing proximity detection system, which cannot be modified underground or needs to be replaced with a new proximity detection system; and coal hauling machines and scoops manufactured on or before the effective date of the rule and not equipped with a proximity detection system must be in compliance.
Thirty-six months after the rule goes into effect, all coal-hauling machines and scoops would need to be in compliance.
In the proposed rule, we are also requesting comments on whether this technology should be required in underground metal and nonmetal mines. The comment period will close on December 1, 2015, and MSHA will hold public hearings during the comment period to provide the public with an opportunity to present their views on the proposed rule.