MSHA has announced a
final rule that will require underground coal mine operators to equip
continuous mining machines with proximity detection systems. The rule takes
effect 60 days after its Jan. 15, 2015, publication date in the Federal
Register.
Since 1984, 35 coal
miners have died after becoming pinned, crushed or struck by these machines.
The use of proximity detection helps protect against these incidents. This
technology uses electronic sensors to detect motion or identify the location of
one object relative to another. The system can signal a mining machine to stop before
it can injure or kill miners working in proximity.
“Simply put, the proximity detection final rule will save
lives and has the potential to dramatically improve the safety of mining
operations,” says Joseph Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and
health.