MSHA reemphasizes safety tied to powered haulage

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) produced a presentation on powered haulage best practices for a June stakeholder meeting, noting that powered haulage is the leading cause of deaths in mine operations this year.

MSHA shared several best practices for surface operations following a series of fatal 2021 powered haulage accidents, including:

• Always dump material in a safe location;
• Always construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent over travel;
• Establish safe traffic patterns with proper signage; and
• Chock wheels or turn them into a bank when parking mobile equipment on a grade

The agency also offered best practices for underground operations, including:

• Stop and sound an audible warning device before tramming equipment through ventilation curtains;
• Look in the direction of travel and stay in the operator’s compartment while operating mobile equipment; and
• Install reflective signs or warning lights in low-clearance areas

Additionally, MSHA says operators should design, install and maintain guards tied to conveyors. Conveyors should also be locked and tagged before performing work.