Month: October 2021

With any new piece of mining equipment, a mine operator may have invested in the best of the best, but if it is not used optimally then its productivity value significantly decreases. This is especially true for mining safety, where incorrectly used equipment can result in serious injuries or fatalities. According to the NIOSH, some of the most common causes of injuries for workers in both underground mines and surface mines include falls/slips, rockfall, powered haulage, collisions with machinery, explosions, and electrical damage.

Education in mining safety at US institutions

 The National Mining Association has compiled a list of institutions across the US that are dedicated to promoting education in mining. These include courses that are specifically designed for students interesting in mining safety, such as The Energy, Mining and Construction Industry Safety Program at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and Western Mining Safety and Health Training at the University of Arizona.

In addition to the University of Arizona and Colorado School of Mines, other institutions focused on mining and mining engineering include Michigan Tech, Montana Tech School of Mining and Engineering, the Mackay School of Mines, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Utah Department of Mining Engineering, and Virginia Tech Department of Mining and Minerals.

Training for mining equipment and hazard awareness

From fall protection to gas protection, to collision avoidance systems and underground mining phones, solutions are being continuously improved to keep mines as safe as possible, but miners need to be educated on how to use them correctly. In the US, it is required by federal law that all miners receive basic and annual refresher training, and mine operators must have an effective education plan in place.

Section 48 of the federal code lays out the mandatory requirements for submitting and obtaining approval of programs for training and retraining miners working in underground mines (including minimum training hours for equipment such as self-rescue respiratory devices, mining transportation, and education about emergency evacuation). This includes training experienced mine workers, workers with no previous experience in a particular area, annual refresher courses, and hazard training. These training plans must be approved by the MSHA.

MSHA-approving education in mining safety ensures that workers are properly informed on how to use equipment, as well as the correct safety and evacuation procedures. As a supplier of safety equipment and experts in mine safety, Carroll Technologies provides MSHA-approved training for all of the major products in its portfolio. Additionally, miners are introduced to safe work practices and precautionary techniques based on materials and guidance from MSHA.

 

 

The MSHA Approval and Certification Center (A&CC) tests and certifies mining products, providing operators with confidence in equipment, instruments, and materials by ensuring compliance with Federal regulations. This testing and certification makes MSHA-certified mining equipment incredibly valuable for modern mining operations.

Through Carroll Technologies, customers can be supplied with a wide range of MSHA-certified machinery and safety solutions such as Northern Light Technologies (NLT) cap lights, MSA multigas detection, MPS hard hats, and Miner and Equipment Tracking Systems (METS) from Matrix Design Group.

MSHA Accident Prevention

As part of its ongoing dedication to preventing accidents involving machinery and equipment, MSHA standards require operators to maintain control of moving MSHA mobile equipment by enforcing speeds restrictions that are consistent with the conditions at a mining site. When mobile equipment is not in motion, it is essential that it is stored in a safe location that prevents it from moving and becoming a hazard.

MSHA Powered Haulage Safety Initiative

Powered haulage equipment such as shuttle cars, locomotives and front end loaders are one of the leading causes of injuries for surface miners. In response, MSHA has provided safety guidance and collision avoidance rules to help keep mine workers safe. This includes traffic controls, training, and avoiding distractions, as well as collision warning and avoidance systems for mobile equipment. The organisation also provides guidance for safety issues such as seatbelt usage and conveyor belts.

MSHA Safety Training

In addition to MSHA accident prevention solutions, it is required by federal law that mineworkers receive adequate safety training and annual refresher courses from the administration.

It is not enough for mine operators to secure the best products; operational staff must be kept up to date on proper operational techniques and regulatory requirements. Carroll Technologies Group provides a full suite of technical mining training courses, including comprehensive training courses for all of the major products in its portfolio. Staff are introduced to safe work practices and precautionary techniques with materials and guidance provided by MSHA itself.