West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety moves forward on proximity detection

Posted by Daniel Gleeson on 22nd January 2014

In a move that could presage stiffer regulations in other geographic areas of the global mining industry, the West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety has passed a draft proposal adding additional requirements for safety measures in underground coal mines. The draft proposal includes requirements for proximity detection systems, cameras on section equipment, expanded rules related to powered haulage accidents, and requirements for strobe lights and reflective clothing. Dana M. Svendsen, an Associate at Jackson Kelly PLLC explains “the proposed rule includes requirements for the following:

  • Proximity detection systems on all “newly purchased” place-change continuous miners within six months following the effective date of the rule, all rebuilt place-change continuous miners within 12 months, and on all existing place-change continuous miners within 36 months
  • Cameras or proximity detection systems on scoop cars and battery-powered section haulage equipment within 36 months
  • A minimum of 100 in2 (0.0645 m2) of reflective or highly visible clothing to be worn by all underground employees
  • The use of strobes lights at hazardous work sites
  • The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training Director to be responsible for seeking expeditious approval of extended-cut mining plans with the US Government’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in order to reduce instances of unnecessary equipment moves underground.

“The final proposal should be posted for public comment by the end of the month, and will be subject to a 30-day public comment period, prior to the board moving forward to implement state new regulations. MSHA has previously proposed a rule to require proximity devices on mobile equipment in underground mines, but it has been stalled at the Office of Management and Budget since September 2011. Another proposal by MSHA to require the devices on continuous miners is expected in May 2014 to strengthen protection of miners by reducing the potential of pinning, crushing or striking hazards associated with working close to mobile equipment. The proposals of the WV Board may give a hint of where MSHA may go with the federal regulations.”

Picture courtesy of Mine Site Technologies, one of many suppliers of proximity detection equipment.