HSA Bulletin November 1997 contents:
Training future mine emergency responders; what topics should be included? ...... 3 42 CFR Part 84: It’s time to raise your respirator program to the new standard ..... 6 MSHA Hazard Alert ...... 8 MSHA reminds coal miners of cold-weather dangers ...... 8 Safety practices for oxy-fuel cutting and welding ...... 10 Four states to get increased inspections as metal/nonmetal fatalities rise ...... 12 Start making plans! ...... 12 Adding forklift attachment may have contributed to fatality ...... 13 Hazard Alert ...... 13 Barricading makes a comeback? ...... 14 Missing the point ...... 14 1997 fatality summary ...... 15 Miner’s tag saves lives underground ...... 16 Bloodborne pathogens ...... 16 Seven miners die in September in mining-related accidents ...... 17 Confined space entry a System Safety approach ...... 18 Training ...... 19 Pennsylvania team takes first place in mine rescue contest...... 20 Research Center developing computer-driven emergency response materials ...... 21 The golden sands of Nome...... 22 Back to basics for a healthy spine...... 23 Recent strides in understanding stroke ...... 24 Helpful hints for healthier lives ...... 25
The Holmes Safety Association Bulletin contains safety articles on a variety of subjects: fatal accident abstracts, studies, posters, and other health- and safety-related topics. This information is provided free of charge and is designed to assist in presentations to groups of mine and plant workers during on-the-job safety meetings.
PLEASE NOTE: The views and conclusions expressed in Bulletin articles are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing official policy or, in the case of a product, represent endorsement by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
COVER: Thanks to Terry Jacobs of Gouverneur Talc Co., Inc. (Gouverneur, NY) for this month’s cover photo of miners loading a shot to sink a decline in their woolastinite mine—a mineral used in ceramics and as a neutral filler in paints. The miners are, from the left, Kenny Woods and “Doc” Taylor working in Gouverneur Talc’s No. 4 mine. [If you have a potential cover photo, please send an 8" x 10" print to the editor, Fred Bigio, MSHA, 4015 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203-1954] KEEP US IN CIRCULATION PASS US ALONG HSA Bulletin November 1997 3
Training future mine emergency responders Part 2: What topics should be included?
By Michael J. Brnich, Jr., Mining engineer; Launa Mallett, Research sociologist; and Charles Vaught, Research sociologist. U.S. Department of Energy, Pittsburgh Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA Since 1991, Pittsburgh Research which report experts responses to aid, and the use of emergency Center (PRC- formerly part of the questions about training for future breathing apparatus and available fire Bureau of Mines) researchers have mine emergencies. During the fighting equipment. Where mine recorded extensive interviews with 30 interviews they discussed how training operators have rescue teams, Federal individuals who are experts in the should be conducted, who should be and some state regulations define area of mine emergency response. trained, and what topics should be minimum training requirements for These individuals, who have an included. This article will cover the these teams. However, no regulations average of 35 years of mining third area: Topics that should be are known to exist that require experience and 29 years of mine included in training for mine comprehensive training for respond- emergency response experience, emergency response managers. ing to and managing mine emergen- related stories and observations from It is well known that some level cies. Since there are no regulations events that they experienced during of mine emergency response training in this area, the experts were asked their combined 850 plus years in is required by Federal and most state what they thought decision-makers mine emergency response. The mine safety regulations. Generally need to know to effectively manage a purpose of this effort was to gather speaking, this mandated training is mine emergency. They identified five information that could be passed on for front line workers who often will major subject areas: emergency to both today’s and tomorrow’s mine be the first individuals to confront a response planning, mine ventilation, emergency responders to train and mine emergency. Underground mine gas analysis, fire fighting, and guide them in handling future events. miners, for example, must receive mine rescue. This is the second of two articles training in escape procedures, first Nine individuals suggested that HSA Bulletin November 1997 4
responders be educated in overall 1. Having a well designed mine ventilation. emergency response planning. These emergency response plan and experts believed this topic area 2. Practicing for emergencies Another expert stressed the should include training in the during that discussion as well. importance of emergency response development of an emergency personnel being well versed in response plan followed by training of Seven response experts stressed ventilation: personnel in the implementation of that responders should be given …you’ve got to take care of your the plan. Stressing the importance of extensive training in mine ventilation ventilation. …if you’re putting a lot training in mine emergency response and five suggested training in mine of air in the mines, and it’s going planning, one veteran remarked: gases. Many of these 12 individuals over a fire, you’re not doing anything. They (mine management) should felt that most responders do not fully You’ll never get it out, but you’ve got understand the requirement for understand ventilation systems and to… You may stop it (air) over here, preplanning. And they planned mine gases well enough to make but you may build up gas, or make it production ahead of time. They good decisions about how to a more dangerous situation over should plan for an emergency ahead proceed. As one veteran noted: [there]. of time. Because if that emergency Well, I think one of the most occurs, all the planning in the world critical things that you encounter Finally, one veteran emphasized for your production, it doesn’t mean when you get to a mine is the how knowledge of mine ventilation anything… If you don’t plan for the ventilation system… at that mine. and mine gases can enhance the emergency, and the emergency You know what, what has happened decision making process: occurs, you are not going to be able to the ventilation system, and what Training them, where we have to handle it. you need to do… to restore the people who can look at a mine map, ventilation, and unfortunately, too understand ventilation, understand In another section of the many of us just don’t know that how air [behaves], (and) what the interviews, experts were asked about much about ventilation, and I think involvement of ventilation with the issues that should be passed on to that’s one of the critical areas, incident is. Who understands what future responders. It is interesting to whether it be an explosion, or a mine gases mean. Who will be able note that mine emergency veterans mine fire, or either one. That’s one to put things together, and to make stressed the significance of prepared- of the most critical areas to me, decisions that might alleviate this ness with respect to: and… we aren’t that proficient in situation. HSA Bulletin November 1997
underground emergencies. Finally, 13 interviewees believed that response personnel need extensive 5 training in mine fire fighting and mine rescue. Overall, devoting resources to training for a potential emergency was encouraged by all of these experienced responders.
Suggested reading The topic of mine emergency response preparedness is compli- cated. While there are many facets of the emergency preparedness puzzle that must be considered, this series of articles has touched on only several small pieces. To obtain Veterans generally felt that future making process. As one veteran information on other areas of responders, especially the decision suggested, training of higher level emergency response planning, the makers in the command center, decision makers in mine rescue authors suggest the following sources: should be trained in, or at least have procedures is important: Auf der Heide, Erik, Disaster a strong understanding of, fire Well, I don’t think that the Response: Principles of Prepara- fighting and/or mine rescue proce- operating supervision from the, shall tion and Coordination. C. V. dures. As suggested by several we say… the non-production Mosby Co., Baltimore, MD, 1989, 363 experts, all too often responders do departments are aware of what the pp. not know how to properly attack a mine rescue personnel have to do, mine fire. Delay in figuring out how and what types of situations that they Mallett, Launa, Michael J. Brnich, to handle a mine fire can result in get into. I think if they had a session Jr., and Charles Vaught. “Emergency the loss of valuable time, and on mine rescue, [for the] department Response Planning for Small Mines; potentially the loss of the mine. As heads… so [they] can have a better Who Needs It?”. Improving Safety one veteran reflected: understanding of the terminology, and at Small Underground Mines, Fire fighting,… how to fight a the equipment that was being used, Bureau of Mines Special Publication fire. A lot of people don’t know how why it was being used, (and) how 18-94, 1994, pp. 11-13. the hell to fight the fire, particularly long it could be used. with the air, fighting a fire direct, and Brnich, Michael J. Jr., Launa getting to it right away. …You just Conclusions Mallett, and Charles Vaught. “Emer- can’t stand around and wait till we Five major topics that should be gency Response Planning.” Holmes call somebody… to say “We got a included in training for emergency Safety Association Bulletin, fire. What do you want us to do?” response decision-makers were November 1994, pp. 11-13. …you got to get in and fight the identified by experts. Nine veterans damn thing. And you can’t wait. Once suggested that future responders be REFERENCES: Vaught, Charles, and D. G. Wooten. you wait, particularly in the Pitts- trained in mine emergency response “Responding to an Underground Mine burgh seam, you’re a dead man. planning. Emphasized in their Fire: A Case Study.” Paper in You’re not going to have a mine. discussions was the view that not only Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual Institute on Mining Health, should responders be trained in Safety, and Research (Blacksburg, VA, Similarly, some response experts planning, but also in testing and Aug. 24-26, 1992). Department of believe that decision makers should revising of plans. Twelve experts Mining and Mineral Engineering, Virginia Polytech. Institute and State be familiar with mine rescue talked about the importance of University, Blacksburg, VA, 1992, pp. procedures. Especially with emergen- training emergency responders in 197-208. cies at larger operations, individuals mine ventilation and mine gases. All from regional company offices are twelve veterans underscored the role often called in to help manage the that a thorough understanding of event. Knowledge of mine rescue ventilation and mine gases plays in procedures can enhance the decision deciding how to handle most major HSA Bulletin November 1997 42 CFR Part 84: It’s time to raise 6 your respirator program to the new standard
By Jay G. Mears, Product Line Manager, MSA
It’s the dawn of a new era for your Answers to frequently Question 3: How have standards air purifying respirator program. asked questions changed for air purifying, particulate As you’re likely aware, the Following are answers to frequently filter respirators? National Institute for Occupational asked questions about the new Answer 3: The 42 CFR Part 84 Safety and Health (NIOSH) has standard and how it will impact you. standard creates three new series of updated and modernized the federal You should become familiar with the particulate filters designated by regulations that certify non-powered level of protection you can expect NIOSH as N, R and P. All of these air purifying particulate respirators. from the different respirator classes. filters are tested against the most These are the most widely used Also, you should know that new fit penetrating size of aerosol (0.3 types of respirators, commonly used testing may be required if the filter microns). With all series of filters (N, for protection against hazardous change has an impact on the face R and P), consideration must be particulates generated during seals, as with some maintenance-free given to hygiene, damage and operations such as welding, respirators. breathing resistance. As with 30 CFR sanding, grinding and chipping. Part l l, approvals under 42 CFR Part This new certification standard Question 1: Can I continue to use 84 are obtained for the complete is know as Part 84, for the Code of my existing inventory of respirator assembly, not just the Federal Regulations in which they NIOSH-approved 30 CFR Part 11 filters. Additionally, filters in each of appear, 42 CFR Part 84. In short, particulate filters? the three series (N, R and P) will the regulations reclassify filters by Answer 1: Under 42 CFR Part 84, have three minimum efficiency levels specific efficiency ratings and NIOSH is allowing manufacturers to - 95%, 99% and 99.97%. For performance characteristics rather make and ship 30 CFR Part 11 example: than by type of hazard. Beginning particulate filters as NIOSH-certified Filters with the “N95, R95 and P95” July 10, 1998, respirator manufac- until July 10, 1998. Afterward, designations will be certified as turers will be able to offer only respirator manufacturers must offer having a minimum efficiency of 95%. products approved under the new only the respirators and filters that Filters with “N99, R99 and P99” Part 84 standard. comply with 42 CFR Part 84. In the designations will be certified as Although products that met the meantime, your current 30 CFR Part having a minimum efficiency of 99%. old standard, 30 CFR Part 11, still 11 products still provide adequate Filters with “Nl00, R100 and P100” provide adequate and approved and approved protection. designations will be certified as protection, making the switch having a minimum efficiency of requires preparation time. With Question 2: How is the new 99.97%. workplace assessment, standard different from the old? This means that under the new worker-needs evaluation, training, Answer 2: Currently, 42 CFR Part standard you will have a total of nine possible fit testing and inventory 84 outlines testing and certification new particulate filter designations changeover, it’s been estimated the requirements only for non-powered, from which to choose. transition could take companies air purifying, particulate filter three to six months. That’s why respirators. While the 30 CFR Part Question 4: How will I know which respiratory protection program 11 classifications were filter is right for the protection I managers must act now to begin substance-specific (dust/mist and need? making the switch to Part 84. dust/mist/fume/HEPA), the new Answer 4: NIOSH’s nine new Above all, it means you need to be regulations classify particulate designations will help to define and informed. filters by efficiency and perfor- clarify usage parameters. Each of the mance characteristics against nine types of filters is designed to non-oil- and oil-containing hazards. coincide with specific requirements HSA Bulletin November 1997 regarding usage, service life and the work environment, use a filter of N, R or P classes. duration. The specifics of these any series (i.e., N, R or P series). In short, if changes in filter limitations will evolve over time and If oil particles (e.g., lubricants, media affect the face piece seal— 7 are clarified in NIOSH’s User’s Guide. cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are which may occur in filtering face Overall, the N series filter is tested present, use an R or P series filter. piece respirators—you should check against sodium chloride (NaCl) and (Note: N series filters cannot be used with your respirator manufacturer to is limited to use in atmospheres if oil particles are present.) determine whether you or personnel containing non-oil-based particulates; If oil particles are present and in your company need to be fit tested it can’t be used if oil particles are the filter is to be used for more than again with the new respirators. Of present, such as those generated one work shift (eight hours), use course, you should fit test all when cutting oil-covered steel. only a P series filter. employees at least annually. N filters have a time-use restric- tion of eight hours (continuous or Question 5: Can I still use my Question 7: How can I tell if my intermittent). However, the service current respirator? respirator and filter meet the new time can be extended by performing Answer 5: The updated standard will NIOSH standards? an evaluation in the specific work- not necessarily require you to change Answer 7: It’s important to note that place setting that demonstrates either, the type of respirator or filter you NIOSH grants approvals for the (a) that the extended use will not currently are using. Most people will complete respirator assembly, not just degrade the filter efficiency below the be able to continue using the same the filters. You can be sure your efficiency level specified in the types of respirators they currently materials are certified according to the approval, or (b) that the total mass use. In other words, most filters requirements of 42 CFR Part 84 by loading of the filter is less than 200 certified under 42 CFR Part 84 will checking the NIOSH approval numbers ma. be “dropin” replacement products for on the products. Those certified under The R series and P series are filters certified under 30 CFR Part 11. 42 CFR Part 84 will carry the designa- tested against dioctyl phylate (DOP) In many cases, however, the filter tion “84A” -for instance, 84A - 0001. and are intended for filtering any media will change. The final Additionally, on all 42 CFR Part non-oil- or oil-containing particles. R determination depends on NIOSH’s 84-compliant products, you will find filters also have a time-use restriction filter selection criteria and the user’s logos from NIOSH and the Department of eight hours (continuous or application and exposure(s). of Health and Human Services. Finally, intermittent). However, the service certification filter series and efficiency time can be extended using the same Question 6: Does the new standard levels (e.g., N95, P100, etc.) will be methods described above for N series mean all users will have to be fit included on the 42 CFR Part 84 label. filters. tested? Filters marked as P100, for example, P filters may be used in either a Answer 6: In most cases, 42 CFR meet the requirements of a P series nonoil- or oil-containing atmosphere, Part 84 will not require a new fit filter and have a 99.97% efficiency. and they do not have any time-use test, because the face piece stays the Except for the P100 filter, there are no restrictions other than those normally same and only the replacement requirements to color code the various associated with particulate filters. cartridge changes. However, many classes of filters. The Pl00 will be color Therefore, by definition, any filters filters certified under the old coded magenta, similar to HEPA filters meeting the more stringent P series standard can not meet the require- you may be using now, which are tests can be used for applications ments of the updated rule. That’s approved under 30 CFR Part 11. meeting N or R series requirements. because the initial efficiency require- The P series filters are the only ments of particulate filters have Reprinted from the September 1997 issue of Industrial Hygiene News, 8650 series certified for use without any increased. Therefore, many of the Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237- time or use restrictions other that current “dust/mist” and “dust/mist/ 5010. those normally associated with fume” filters will have to be rede- For a copy of MSA’s “Intelligence particulate filters. (The P100 is the signed. Ideally, these new filters also Report: Getting Ready for 42 CFR Part only filter to be assigned the familiar will be drop-in replacements for your 84,” contact MSA toll-free at 1/ magenta color.) current respirator filters. Additionally, 888-867-0602 and request Bulletin No. 1000-30; or contact your nearest In general, the selection of N, R even though the 99.97% efficiency authorized MSA distributor. For more and P series filters depends on the rating is similar to the former information on MSA and its other presence or absence of oil particles, HEPA requirements, replacements in products, visit MSA on the Internet at as follows: this category still will have to meet www.MSAnet.com. If no oil particles are present in the test requirements specified by the HSA Bulletin November 1997 MSHA MSHA reminds coal 8 Hazard miners of cold-weather Alert dangers
Miners are being run As winter approaches, the Mine This year’s Winter Alert over by powered haulage Safety and Health Administration slogan—0nly you can prevent and other mobile (MSHA) is once again warning coal mine explosions!— appears on equipment at metal and operators and miners that colder safety signs distributed to all nonmetal mines weather creates more hazards in underground coal mines. MSHA Since January 1995, 18 miners have the mines. MSHA’s Winter Alert also is disseminating Winter Alert been run over and fatally injured by campaign, which runs annually calendars that list the dates, trucks, dozers, front-end loaders, and from October through March locations, and numbers of fatalities a drill. Ten of the fatalities involved emphasizes increased vigilance of past coal mine explosions. haulage trucks which ran over miners underground during the winter When posted in mine offices, that were on the ground or in a months. bath houses, underground sections, pick-up truck. In eight other All coal mines contain methane, and other areas where miners incidents, equipment operators were and when the barometric pressure work, these signs, and calendars run over by the same equipment they drops during colder weather, will serve as a constant reminder of were operating. methane can migrate more easily the increased dangers thatexist this Mine operators and contractors into [be mine atmosphere. increas- time of year. can successfully eliminate these types ing the risk of an explosion. of accidents at their operation by Furthermore, dry winter air results MSHA also is reminding under- establishing and enforcing the in drier conditions underground, ground coal miners and operators following basic safety rules: and this makes coal dust more of the following: • Require truck drivers and mobile likely to get suspended in the mine • Consistently follow the equipment operators to remain in atmosphere which also can mine-approved ventilation their units while in designated contribute to an explosion. plan. areas. “Thanks to the cooperative • Conduct thorough pre-shift • Prohibit foot traffic in haulage efforts of coal mine operators, on-shift and weekly checks areas. miners, and others concerned with for methane and other • Develop a communications system mine safety, we have made strides hazards. to alert equipment operators with to reduce the risk of explosions, • Keep potential ignition restricted visibility to pedestrians but each year the risks are very sources out of working and other traffic in the area. real,” said J. Davitt McAteer, areas; give special attention • Provide signs which clearly assistant labor secretary for mine to maintenance of bleeder describe traffic hazards on mine safety and health. “Mining contin- systems in worked-out property. ues to be dangerous and we must areas, to ensure that • Establish and enforce procedures be as vigilant today as we have methane from these areas for parking and leaving mobile been in the past if we are to deal cannot accumulate and equipment unattended. successfully with these risks.” become a hazard. • Require all mobile equipment to Historically, some of the • Complete rockdusting in all be blocked against movement nation’s worst mining disasters areas of the mine. prior to repairs. occurred between October and • Never smoke or carry • Provide hazard training for March and since 1900 more than smoking materials into an delivery and customers coming 250 fatal eoal mine explosions have underground mine. onto mine property. caused the loss of nearly 6,600 • Require operators to use seatbelts. lives. In December 1907, an Reprinted from the Philadelphia office of • Require front-end loader operators explosion in Monongah, W.Va., the U.S. Department of Labor’s MSHA to visually confirm truck drivers in bulletin no. III-97-10-14-183-MM— killed 362 miners, making it the Contact: Amy Louviere at (703) their cabs before loading. worst mining accident in U.S. 235-1452. history. HSA Bulletin November 1997
Coal mine explosions since 1900 October through March 9 60 56 50 52 47 40 39 38 30 32
20
10 October November December January February March
Fatalities from coal mine explosions since 1900 October through March 1500
1374 1200 1255 1190 900 976 854 787 600
300 October November December January February March
Violations cited during Winter Alert activities October 1996 through March 1997 1500 1410 1200 1005 948 900
600 410 300 104 26 34 Bleeder Workplace Ventilation Methane Smoking Equipment Combustible systems examinations controls accumulations prevention maintenance materials & rock dusting HSA Bulletin November 1997 Safety practices for oxy-fuel cutting 10 and welding
By Dave Bell, Marketing Manager, CONCOA
We learn by experience. Learning safety equipment. If you do not have wiped clean with a clean cloth free of through personal experience, like a operating instructions, obtain a copy oil and lint, and the valve shall be child touching a hot stove, is harmful, from the manufacturer or the local opened momentarily and closed wasteful and unwise. Let the experience distributor of the equipment, or obtain immediately. of others teach you the safe use of a copy of general instructions. • Always perform these steps after the cutting and welding equipment. • Always follow the manufacturer’s regulator is attached to oxygen Safe practices developed from operating instructions at all times. cylinders: experience in the use of welding and Deviation from these instructions can 1. Engage the adjusting screw and open cutting equipment are described in this result in injury. the downstream line to drain the article. Through research, development • Always obtain qualified instructions regulator of gas. and field experience, we have evolved before attempting to install or use the 2. Disengage the adjusting screw and reliable equipment and safe installation, equipment unless already familiar with open the cylinder valve slightly so that operation and servicing practices. the equipment the regulator cylinder pressure gauge. Accidents occur when equipment is • Always have equipment periodically pointer moves up slowly before opening improperly used and maintained. The inspected and repaired by a qualified the valve all the way. 3. Stand to one reasons for safe practices may not repair shop. side of the regulator and not in front of always be given. Some are based on • Always inspect the filter in the inlet the gauge face when opening the common sense, others may require nipple of oxygen regulators to insure cylinder valve. technical volumes to explain. It is wiser the filter is in place and clean. If the • Always leak-test the connections after to follow the rules. filter is missing, have the regulator assembly and before lighting the torch. Failure to observe these safe inspected and cleaned, and the filter Flames shall not be used. practices may cause serious injury or replaced by a qualified repair shop. • Always purge the hoses individually death. When safety becomes a habit, the • Always keep your oxygen from before lighting the torch for the first equipment can be used with confi- combustibles. Oxygen cylinders, cylinder time each day. Hoses shall not be dence. valves, couplings, regulators, hoses and purged into confined spaces or near apparatus shall be kept free from oil, ignition sources. Hoses shall be purged Oxy-fuel welding and grease and other flammable or after a cylinder change. cutting safe practices explosive substances. Oxygen cylinders • Always follow the manufacturer’s Oxy-fuel equipment, properly used, can or apparatus shall not be handled with instructions for lighting, adjusting and safely weld, heat and cut metals; but oily hands or gloves. extinguishing torch flames. A friction carelessness creates such hazards as • Always have at least one special lighter, stationary pilot flame or other fire and explosions. The equipment cylinder wrench available for immediate suitable source of ignition shall be mixes flammable fuel gases and oxygen use. Cylinders not having fixed hand used. Matches, cigarette lighters or under pressure to support a flame. wheels shall have keys, handles or welding arcs shall never be used. Oxygen is not flammable, but it nonadjustable wrenches on valve stems • Use pressure reducing regulators only vigorously accelerates combustion of while these cylinders are in service so for the gas and pressure for which they fuel gases and combustible material. that the gas flow can be turned off are labeled. The regulator inlet Sparks, flying slag, fumes, hot metal as quickly in case of an emergency. connections shall comply with ANSI/CGA well as heat, are normally under • Always close the cylinder valves Standard V-1, Compressed Gas Cylinder control. The wise operator avoids whenever the equipment is unattended. Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections. unnecessary risks by protecting himself • Always drain the regulator. Before a • Always inspect connections and union and others from accidents as described regulator is removed from a cylinder, nuts on regulators before use to detect here and in the referenced sources. the cylinder valve shall be closed and faulty seats which may cause leakage the gas released from the regulator. when the regulators are attached to Always follow these rules • Always “crack” the cylinder valve. cylinder valves or hoses. Damaged units Always carefully read the manufacturer’s Before connecting a regulator to a or connections shall be replaced. operating instructions prior to using cylinder valve, the valve outlet shall be • Always ascertain that gauges used for HSA Bulletin November 1997 oxygen service are marked “USE NO approved for the purpose. (206 kPa). This requirement shall not OIL.” • Never attempt to repair or substitute apply to storage of acetylene dissolved • Always drain oxygen regulators of parts on equipment, particularly the in a suitable solvent in cylinders 11 oxygen before they are attached to a regulators. Special techniques and tools manufacturer and maintained according cylinder or manifold, or before the are needed to safely repair oxy-fuel gas to U.S. and state departments of cylinder valve is opened. Oxygen welding and cutting apparatus. transportation requirements, or to cylinder or manifold valves shall always • Never handle, lay or store oxygen acetylene for chemical use. be opened slowly. regulators or other oxygen equipment • Never stand in front of the outlet • Always have repair maintenance for on oily or greasy surfaces. The when cracking the cylinder valve, stand regulators or parts of regulators equipment can become contaminated to one side. Fuel gas cylinder valves (including gauges) performed by with oil or grease which might result in shall not be cracked near other welding qualified technicians. a fire or explosion. work or near sparks, flame or other • Always replace hoses showing leaks, • Never use acetylene pressure above possible sources of ignition. burns, worn places or other defects 15 psi”. Acetylene pressure above 15 which may render the hose unfit for psig can result in a fire or explosion. Conclusion service. • Never empty the oxygen cylinder To paraphrase an old saying, you’re • Always close torch valves in confined below 25 - 50 psi”. If the oxygen never too old to learn new safety tips. spaces. Additionally, the fuel gas and cylinder is allowed to become If you follow these ‘always’ and ‘never’ oxygen supply to the torch shall be completely empty, it will lose its positive tips, you will work safer and smarter. positively shut off at a point outside the pressure and contamination may enter confined area whenever the torch is not the cylinder and create an unsafe For additional information, contact Controls Corporation of America (CON to be used, such as during lunch or condition. COA), 1501 Harpers Rd., Virginia overnight. Unattended torches and • Never transfill (refill) empty oxygen Beach, VA 23454, 800/225-0473 in USA, hoses shall be removed from the or fuel gas cylinder. Return them to the 757/422-8330, www.concoa.com confined space. gas supplier for proper filling. Special REFERENCE SOURCES: • Always ascertain that hoses for procedures and techniques are For more information, refer to the oxy-fuel gas service comply with the necessary to safely fill cylinders. following standards or the latest revisions and comply as applicable: Rubber Manufacturers Association IP-7 • Never change regulators from one 1. ANSI Standard Z49.1, Safety In Specification for Rubber Welding Hose gas service to another or replace a Welding and Cutting, American and that hoses for oxy-fuel gas service pressure gauge with one taken from Welding Soc., RO. Box 351040, Miami, FL 2. ANSI Standard Z87.1, Practice for are color-coded according to the any other service. Contamination Occupational and Educational Eye authorities having jurisdiction. resulting in a fire or explosion can take and Face Protection, American place by changing pressure gauges or National Standards Institute, 1430 Things that you never do Broadway, New York, NY 10018 regulators from one service to another. 3. American Welding Society Bulletin • Never use oxygen as a substitute for • Never leave pressure on a regulator F4.1-80, Recommended Safe Practices compressed air. Oxygen shall not be when not in use. for Welding and Cutting Containers and Piping That Have Held used in pneumatic tools, in oil • Never open a cylinder valve wide Hazardous Substances (See ref. 1 for preheating burners, to start internal open. An acetylene cylinder valve shall address.) combustion engines, to blow out not be opened more than approxi- 4. NFPA Standard 51, Oxygen- Fuel Gas Systems for Welding and pipelines, to dust clothing or work, or mately one and one-half turns and Cutting, National Fire Protection Assoc., to create pressure for ventilation or preferably no more than three-fourths Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 similar applications. Jets of oxygen shall of a turn, unless otherwise specified by 5. NFPA Standard 51B, Cutting and Welding Processes, (See ref. 4 for not be permitted to strike any oily the manufacturer. address.) surface, greasy clothing, or enter fuel • Never exceed the manufacturer’s 6. CGA Pamphlet P-1, Safe Handling of oil or other storage tanks. recommendation for withdrawal rate Compressed Gas in Containers, Compressed Gas Association, 1235 • Never interchange oxygen cylinders, from gas cylinders. Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA equipment, pipelines, or apparatus with • Never use compressed air from a 7. OSHA Standard 29 CFR, Part 1910, any other gas. cylinder without reducing the pressure Subpart Q, Welding, Cutting and Brazing, U.S. Government Printing • Never use attachments for mixing through a suitable regulator attached to Office, Washington, DC 20402 gases. No device or attachment the cylinder valve or manifold, unless facilitating or permitting mixtures of air the equipment used is designed to About the author: Dave Bell is industrial products or oxygen with flammable gases prior withstand full cylinder pressure. marketing manager at CONCOA, a to consumption, except at a burner or • Never use acetylene at a pressure in world-wide manufacturer of gas flow in a torch, shall be allowed unless excess of 15 psig (103 kPa) or 30 psia control equipment. HSA Bulletin November 1997 Increased inspections as metal/ 12 nonmetal fatalities continue to rise
Even after MSHA’s unprecedented preventable. However, I am quite fatal accident. “mine sweep” to try and increase disheartened that three fatalities McAteer added, “we are now safety awareness in the metal/ occurred just after our mine sweep entering a stepped up inspection nonmetal sector of the mining ended. We are definitely not where mode that will send more inspectors industry, fatalities in that sector we want to be.” to certain mine sites to conduct continue to rise. “While we still do not know inspections for longer periods of time As of Oct. 2, that total fatality precisely the reason fatal accidents and allow for observance of specific count stands at 54 for 1997. One continue to occur at such an work practices. fatality occurred during the mine increased pace this year, we will “During the September sweep, sweep and three occurred this week, continue to focus our resources on inspectors were told to emphasize after the sweep was completed. finding a solution and bringing a halt communication and education with On Sept. 15, MSHA dispatched its to this disturbing trend,” added regard to causes of fatal accidents entire force of inspectors to the McAteer. “We are going to keep and ways to prevent these accidents nation’s 11,000 non-coal mines to trying various methods of assistance from occurring,” McAteer explained. review safety measures with miners and enforcement until we hit the “During this phase, we will look for and to look for hazardous conditions. right button.” any and all violations of mine safety MSHA is beginning the next phase As for the cause of the recent regulations at these mine sites and of the accident reduction efforts by increase in mining deaths, McAteer will cite those violations.” focusing inspection personnel on related that investigators are looking Also, as part of this phase of several key states in which mining at such possibilities as excessive work accident reduction, the six MSHA fatalities are most frequently occur- hours of employees due to district offices will develop and ring this year. Agency personnel will downsizing at some operations, newly implement a tailored program of be shifted from other areas of the hired employees who are not mine inspection for the mines and nation to focus on mining sites in properly trained in certain duties, miners in those areas. Attention will California and Texas, both of which contractor employees who are be focused on tasks and circum- have six fatal accidents; and Florida unfamiliar with the dangers of the stances which have involved fatal and Nevada, which both have five mining environment, and a lack of accidents and will ensure that mine fatalities. awareness by supervisors of their operators are devoting appropriate Davitt McAteer, assistant secretary responsibilities under the Federal resources to miner safety. of labor for MSHA, said that Mine Safety and Health Act. According inspectors “reached a great majority to MSHA’s preliminary investigation, Reprinted from the October 3, 1997 issue of Mine Safety and Health News. of industry miners, supervisors, and one of the miners killed on the job Copyright 1997 by Legal Publication mine managers and made them this week had worked 12-hour shifts Services. aware that these accidents are for 15 consecutive days before his
Start making plans! 1998 Joint Mine attend now. Information and Lake Hamilton Resort Inn in Hot Safety and Health registration forms will be in the mail Springs, Arkansas on March 3-4, Conference soon. 1998. Start now and make plans to This conference will be held at the attend. Information and registration 1998 Arkansas Mine forms will be in the mail soon. Medallion Hotel on the north side Safety/Health Conf. of Dallas in Farmers Branch, Texas Reprinted from the Fall 1997 issue of the Ark. Dept. of Labor’s MSHA News. February 18-20. Make plans to This conference will be held at the HSA Bulletin November 1997 Adding fork lift attachment may have contributed to fatality 13
Alterations of haulage equipment and accident included a failure to inspect The defective seat belt did not a failure to examine the equipment the loader and altering the equipment contribute to the accident, said the before it was used led to the in a manner that made it difficult to report, but MSHA did issue a powered haulage accident that killed reach the parking brake. separate citation for it. John E. Meyer April 26 at Kilauea The park brake lever was difficult MSHA noted that engine coolant Crushers in Wickenburg, Ariz., to reach because the operating was on the roadway at the location according to MSHA’s final report on controls for the Balderson Quick where the loader had stopped before the accident. Coupler, which had been installed by it ran backwards. There were no Meyer, an equipment operator the previous owner, were located external leaks in the hydraulic and welder, was moving a welding between the loader operator’s seat system. machine using a front-end loader that and the lever. To apply the lever, Aside from the seatbelt violation, had been adapted to function as a operators would have to stand up, MSHA issued two citations. The first, forklift. The loader was being used to reach over the Balderson controls a violation of §50.10, which requires carry the welding machine up a 19% and then down to the park brake mine operators to report a fatality grade when one of the wheels struck lever, which was under the instru- immediately. The accident happened the ground. ment panel. at I p.m. April 26 and was not The loader stopped and began to The Balderson Quick Coupler reported until 7:25 a.m. April 28. descend backward. The engine either installed on the loader allowed for MSHA also issued a citation for stalled or was turned off, and engine the removal of the bucket so the an alleged violation of §56.14100 coolant on the ground indicated that loader could be used as forklift or (a), which requires that equipment is the loader may have overheated. A crane. The loader was equipped with inspected before use. MSHA stated warning notice indicated the service the forklift attachment at the time of the loader was not inspected before brake would not function when the the accident. the accident. engine was not running. MSHA said the loader was Reprinted from the October 3, 1997 issue MSHA concluded that Meyer left equipped with a roll-overprotective of Mine Safety and Health News. the loader as it was moving back- structure and a seatbelt, but the Copyright 1997 by Legal Publication ward. Meyer’s death was a result of seatbelt was found to be defective. Services. blunt injuries. Other factors in the
Hazard alert—Hydraulic problems
By Don Huntley, Pete Kerfoot, and Don Conrad Two mining accidents occurred floor. This caused the scoop body to operators’ complaints of malfunction recently in central Pennsylvania due raise pinching the operators head should be investigated thoroughly. to hydraulic problems on equipment. between the frame of the scoop and Controls that do not function as The first happened because a the mine roof. The control of the designed, components of a machine roofbolter had excessive pressure in scoop steering was very sloppy and that move, with extreme speed, the circuit that controlled the required excessive movement allowing erratically or even extreme slow stabilizer jack. The excessive pressure the operators hand to inadvertently movement can present a hazard to caused the front of the bolter to be activate the bucket down pressure. the equipment operator. Let’s all give lifted off of the mine floor. When the Both occurrences resulted in severe some special attention to the jack was retracted, the machine fell injuries to the equipment operators. hydraulic systems of our equipment rapidly and the canopy on the bolter Remember hydraulic systems can in future weekly examinations. struck the operator on the head. The deteriorate over time. Weekly Reprinted from Holmes Safety second occurred when a scoop examinations of equipment should Association’s Pennsylvania State operator unintentionally pressurized include all machine functions not just Council’s News Letter, Vol. 2, No. 2, 30 the scoop bucket against the mine permissibility, and equipment June 1997. HSA Bulletin November 1997 14 Barricading makes a comeback? By Michael J. Brnich, Jr., Mining Engineer, (412) 892-6840 ([email protected]) and Charles Vaught, Ph.D., Research Sociologist, (412) 892-6830 ([email protected]).
Underground coal miners have always mine has been mining super longwall barricade chambers to the miners, faced the risk of having to escape a panels up to 1,000 feet wide and (2) inform the work force about mine fire or explosion. Before nearly 19,000 feet long. What is procedures in place for its mine self-rescue devices, they would often unique about this mine is the pitch of rescue team to support an evacua- barricade rather than risk escaping the coal seam. Starting with the setup tion, and (3) provide an opportunity bare-faced through a toxic atmo- entries at the back end of the panels to explore other escape strategies for sphere. Barricades were often crudely and proceeding outby for about super longwall panels. constructed of brattice curtain, 9,000 feet, the coalbed dips down- We administered the exercise to timbers, nails, and whatever other ward on a 7% to 10% pitch. Once 172 individuals at the mine. After materials the miners could find. mining has reached midpanel, the each class, we asked the miners to However, barricaded miners were coal begins pitching upward on about complete a questionnaire. According often found dead because their the same percent grade (i.e., the coal to the results, 99% said that the chamber became oxygen-deficient, forms a basin at midpanel). As a situation described in the training carbon monoxide leaked in, or they result, miners working on the exercise could happen in real life tore down the barricade too soon longwall must escape uphill for about and 96% indicated that the exercise upon hearing a rescue team ap- 1.75 miles before reaching the mains. helped them remember something proach. Even after filter self-rescuer From there, they continue uphill on important regarding escape from a devices were introduced, miners were grades of up to 11% to reach the mine fire. Finally, although only 57% taught barricading techniques. portal. Escaping this mine on foot of the trainees had seen the barri- Following advances in sophisticated would require significant time, cade chambers, over 86% said that seismic sensing equipment in the energy, and oxygen. they would use one in an emergency. 1970’s, a signaling protocol was As a result, mine personnel In summary, the exercise heightened developed for locating barricaded constructed barricade chambers in awareness of the mine’s barricade miners. crosscuts in the mains and between chambers and showed workers that The barricading ideology began to the longwall panels. The chambers there are situations where barricading change in the early 1980’s with the have large concrete bulkheads on should be considered as an option. introduction of self-contained each end that are fitted with an As more mines consider super self-rescuers (SCSR’s) that provided airlock. Boreholes from the surface longwall panels, escape will become miners with enough oxygen to reach provide fresh air and water. The an important concern. Operators will the first split of fresh air. Although chamber in the mains is fitted with a need to address whether it is feasible MSHA still mandates instruction in lined shaft that permits lowering an for their miners to traverse long barricading, greater emphasis is now escape capsule from the surface. The distances in an evacuation. If not, placed on teaching miners to use mine stores additional SCSR’s in the other options may need to be SCSR’s proficiently and to be chambers, along with first aid and considered. knowledgeable about their escape other supplies. routes. Only recently has at least one NIOSH researchers worked with Reprinted from the July 1997 issue of NIOSH’s Mining Health and Safety mine operator begun to revisit mine personnel to develop a UPDATE. U.S. Department of Health barricading as an alternative to simulated decision-making exercise to and Human Services, National Institute escape. teach workers about barricading. The for Occupational Safety and Health— Since early 1996, this U.S. coal goals were to (1) introduce the Vol. 2, No. 1.
through a skylight onto a concrete It was connected to three lanyards Missing floor. He broke both his arms and joined end-to-end for a combined seven ribs, fractured his shoulder, length of about 58 feet. the point and punctured a lung. His spleen and Reprinted from the May-June 1997 issue A worker in Australia suffered serious kidney had to be removed. The of Western Australia’s MINESAFE. injuries after he fell nearly 60 feet worker was wearing a safety harness. HSA Bulletin November 1997
Metal/Nonmetal Mining 1997 fatality summary Twenty-one of the fatalities were classified as powered haulage, 10 were 15 This article updates the status of injuries; machinery fatalities ac- classified as machinery, 6 were fatalities occurring in both coal and counted for 16% of the fatalities and classified as slip/fall of person and 5 metal/nonmetal mines from January fall of roof, rib or back caused 11% were classified as electrical. Sixteen through September of 1997. Based of the fatalities. fatalities occurred at limestone on preliminary accident reports, as of operations, 11 occurred at sand and September 30, 1997, 78 fatalities Coal Mining gravel operations, and 8 occurred at have occurred at coal and metal/ Nine of the fatalities were classified gold operations. Six fatalities each nonmetal mining operations. During as powered haulage, 7 were classifeid occurred in Calif. and Tex. and 5 this period, 24 fatalities occurred at as fall of roof/rib/back and 3 were fatalities each occurred in Fla. and Nev. coal operations and 54 fatalities classifed as machinery. Of the 24 Forty-five of the fatalities occurred at occurred at metal/nonmetal opera- fatalities, 7 occurred in W.Va., 4 in surface operations, the remaining 9 tions. Powered haulage fatalities, in Pa., and 3 in Ky. Fifteen fatalities fatalities at underground facilities. both coal and metal/nonmetal were occurred underground and 9 on the the most frequent accident classifica- surface. Submitted by: John V. Forte, National tion, causing 38% of the fatal Mine Health and Safety Academy
FATALITY SUMMARY, January–September 1997 Based on preliminary accident reports as of September 30, 1997
ACCIDENT CLASSIFICATION NUMBER OF FATALITIES 510152025
Electrical
Exploding/breaking agents Metal/Nonmetal Coal Exploding vessels under pressure
Fall of face/highwall
Fall of roof, rib, or back
Falling/sliding materials
Ignition/explosion
Hand tools
Hoisting
Machinery
Powered haulage
Slip/fall of person
Other (drowning) HSA Bulletin November 1997 16 Miner’s tag saves lives underground In an underground mining emergency mine headings at strategic points. The underground along line of sight of such as a rock [or roof] fall, tracing receivers register the individual tag about 90 meters (275'). The miners trapped underground has, in codes whenever a miner (or receivers are encased in a tough the past, been achieved by counting machine) is within range. This polycarbonate casing designed for those who emerge from the pit and information is stored in the controller maximum resistance to knocks, subtracting them from the number of along with details such as the date seeping water and extremes of workers who went underground at and time it was recorded and the temperature. the start of the shift. The obvious location of the reader itself. The data The product is a major break- inadequacies of this method, is then transmitted to the mine through that will contribute signifi- highlighted by the coming and going computer via controllers and cantly to the safety of thousands of of workers and supervisors under- processed, giving immediate reports miners. ground, have led to the design of the of the location or identity of miners first comprehensive tracking system in particular areas. The features of For more information, contact Chris Stubley on Tel: (08) 9222 3531. for miners underground. this system become essential during The Miners’ Tracking Tag, less blasting, as the tags are a much more Reprinted from the June 1997 issue of than 40 millimeters long, fits inside effective mechanism for locating MINESAFE published by The Mining Operations Division, 6th the casing of the battery pack of each miners than a simple roll-call. Floor, Mineral House, Department of miner’s cap-lamp. Powered by the One feature of the tag is that it Minerals and Energy, Western Australia, cap-lamp battery, the tag transmits its can operate on a charged battery for 100 Plain Street, EAST PERTH WA 6004 unique code, corresponding to a a period of more than 10 years. The Editor: Catherine Stedman, Tel: (08) miner’s lamp number and name, by tags themselves are tiny, with 9317 3485 radio at half second intervals to dimensions of 26mm x 38mm, receivers attached to the backs of (about 11/16" x 1") with a range Bloodborne pathogens How to protect yourself
It is important to understand what treating all fluids as infectious, you 2. Pocket mask. A pocket mask the hazards of bloodborne pathogens prevent possible infection through refers to any one of many types of are and what preventative measures unnecessary contact or inappropriate devices used while performing CPR you can take to protect yourself from actions. or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. exposure. The three main areas of When equipped with a one-way valve, protection include Attitude, Personal Personal protective this device prevents the victim’s blood Protective Equipment and Housekeep- equipment or blood-tainted fluids from entering ing. Personal protective equipment the rescuer’s mouth and nose. includes clothing and equipment, Attitude worn by an employee during activities Housekeeping Your attitude is a vital part of which may result in exposure to Housekeeping refers to methods for protecting yourself. The right attitude bloodborne pathogens. Personal cleaning and decontaminating infected means taking universal precautions. protective equipment always starts surfaces and the disposal of blood This means that you treat all human with gloves, but may also include and body fluids. All decontamination blood and body fluids as infectious. gowns, face shields, eye protection must include the use of an appropri- When coming upon an accident and pocket masks. ate disinfecting solution such as one scene, many different fluids may be 1. Single shield and eye part bleach to ten parts water. present. Some may not be infectious protection. These items prevent Presented by G.E. Miera, NM State Mine and some may not even have come blood from entering the mucous Inspector, Bureau of Mine Inspection, from the victim, as in the case of an membranes through the eyes, nose or P.O. Box W105, Socorro, NM 87501 Telephone: (505) 535-5460, industrial or auto accident. By mouth. FAX (505) 835-5430 HSA Bulletin November 1997 Seven miners die in September mining-related accidents 17
Even as MSHA inspectors conducted other on the clam shell closure line fell on him. He had 17 years’ an unprecedented “sweep” of metal drum. Due to miscommunication experience. and nonmetal mines, six non-coal with the hoist operator, the hoist A 44 yaer-old equipment miners and one surface coal miner drum moved and he fell between operator was killed in a haulage died in September accidents. the two drums and was crushed. accident on Sept. 30 at a sand & Year-to-date (Oct. 3) prelimi- A 57 year-old contract truck gravel operation in Salado, Texas. nary figures show that 54 metal/ driver was killed on Sept. 16 in a He was removing overburden and nonmetal miners and 24 coal haulage accident at a gold mine in drove an empty Caterpillar scraper miners have died in mining-related Silver Peak, Nev. He was hauling into stockpile, made a left turn off accidents. water to a leach pond with a the stockpile and the scraper rolled A contract driller working at a tractor trailer water truck. He over. quarry in Dixon, Ill., was killed in stepped out of the cab and was run A 48 year-old truck driver was a machinery accident on Sept. 3. over by the rear wheels. killed in a haulage accident on The victim had nine years’ experi- A 56 year-old superintendent at Sept. 19 in Lovely, Ky. The victim ence and had been drilling a hole a sand and gravel operation in was driving a 170-ton truck from about 4 feet from the edge of a Friars Point, Miss., was killed in a the pit to the raw coal dump. While 92-foot highwall. He was in the slip/fall accident on Sept. 28. He driving down an incline near the process of adding drill steel when was last seen working on the dump site, the truck began to the drill hammer feed chain broke dredge at 4 p.m. that day, and was accelerate and went through the and he fell over the edge. The reported missing at 5:20 p.m. His coal dump, through the guardrails, MSHA report noted that a lanyard body was found about 15 miles and dropped 55 feet onto the raw was found on the drill and a safety downstream. MSHA said he had coal crusher and the conveyor belt belt was located in the drill truck worked 12-hour shifts for 15 structure. The victim was ejected about 40-feet away. consecutive days before his fatal from the truck before it came to On Sept. 8, a 48-year-old accident. rest. laborer was killed in a machinery A 35 year-old service technician Reprinted from the October 3, 1997 issue accident at a quarry in Nolan, was killed in a machinery accident of Mine Safety and Health News. Texas. He was performing mainte- on Sept. 29 at a surface mine Copyright 1997 by Legal Publication nance at the cement plant and operation in Fort Meyers, Fla. He Services. standing on top of a bridge crane was in the process of removing a (which was used to feed raw tire from a truck with a hydraulic material to the cement plant) with boom mounted on the truck. The one foot on the hoist drum and the tire came off the boom hook and
ALERT reminder: ● Always maintain adequate mine ventilation and make frequent checks for methane and proper airflow. ● Know your mine’s ventilation plan and escapeways. Properly maintain methane detection devices. Communicate changing mine conditions to one another during each shift and to the oncoming shift. ● Control coal dust with frequent applications of rock dust. ● Make frequent visual and sound checks of mine roof during each shift. NEVER travel under unsupported roof. HSA Bulletin November 1997 Confined space entry a System 18 Safety approach
By Chuck Miller, ONRSA System Safety Specialist
There is an all-too-well-documented HAZOP is one such method. Extensive detail is crucial in CSE safety. potential for fatal consequences when process studies are carried out by Concentration levels, operating and workers enter confined spaces. A repeatedly testing the applicability of maintenance history for each space System Safety perspective can help to a series of seven guide words (no/ need to be considered. Once again, address the challenges of safe not, more, less, as well as, part of, to cover all the potential risk factors, confined space entry work (CSE). other than, reverse) to all relevant it’s critical to obtain input from all System Safety, after all, is simply process parameters. The entire those with relevant knowledge or applying technical and managerial flowsheet is examined in an incre- hands-on experience in the CSE skills to the systematic and forward mental, sub-section approach. A scenario in question. looking identification and control of rigorous process examination, A wide range of equipment is hazards throughout the life cycle of a assisted by this universal checklist, available for CSE work. Instruments project, program or activity. The key will maximize the team’s hazard detect oxygen levels, combustible and thrust is prevention of accidents identification success. This same type toxic gases. Respirators filter out through effective risk management. of teamwork should be employed in harmful agents, or exclude them by Confined space entry activity can defining the risk factors and supplying their own atmosphere. be considered a project involving a designing appropriate controls for Special clothing provides a barrier specific set of risk factors. Each each CSE target. against contact with noxious materi- situation must be evaluated on a Particularly important in this als. Communication systems provide case-by-case basis. Certainly the effort is a “clean slate” approach to an added layer of safety, essential traditional approach to CSE safety risk identification. Similar situations where line of sight feedback is not attempts to address all known will provide a wealth of information, possible. Some models even detect hazards. Where there have been but the unique factors —ones that lack of motion by the CSE worker problems, the critical gap has often may prove the most hazardous— and alert the attendant. Rescue been lack of adherence to proper could easily be overlooked. Categoriz- equipment covers a broad range of procedures for the situation. There ing a vessel based on the material it CSE configurations. Ventilation and may not have been adequate training processes is very likely an oversimpli- purging options are numerous. With for the workers entering a tank or fication, and extrapolating information all these resources at hand, there vault, or some risk factor may have gathered from similar cases may should be no reason to experience a been overlooked. System Safety can mean the right “what if” questions CSE injury or fatality. Proper address both these aspects. Rather never get asked. application of the available knowledge than adapting an existing entry A technique known as Change can prevent them. The key is to procedure to the new situation, a Analysis, which compares and ensure that all the essential informa- complete and systematic assessment contrasts two similar events or tion comes forward at the beginning, process should be performed to situations, would be beneficial here. when the equipment or procedures avoid errors of omission during It would allow the team to pinpoint are being designed. Systematic project planning. the differences between the two CSE teamwork is the answer. System Safety techniques com- situations in question. Perhaps a Reprinted from Ontario [Canada’s] monly draw on the combined subtle change in work environment Natural Resource Safety Association’s knowledge of a multi-talented group generated by the different locations of July/August 1997 issue of Health & of experts, using a structured two CSE spaces would result in Safety RESOURCE. brainstorming technique as a guide. significant risk factors. Attention to
Readers: Please work extra SAFELY during the Winter Alert! HSA Bulletin November 1997 Training Highlighted “versus degraded” technique 19 Kathleen M Kowalski, Ph.D., Research Psychologist, NIOSH
What do fighter pilots and miners hazard is obvious. However, other 25% drop in incident rates, which have in common? They are learning more subtle dangers are present, management and researchers to recognize hazards using the including working without safety attributed in part to the “degraded” “degraded” technique developed by gloves and glasses. hazard recognition program. the U.S. military. Traditionally, fighter Other examples include working However, in field studies such as this, pilots learned to recognize targets by in a confined area between rib and one cannot rule out the possibility studying photos taken under the best equipment, and placing tools on that factors other than the change of of conditions (a “highlighted” machinery (especially if the machin- training method contributed to this training approach). However, ery is powered up or moving). One reduction. research showed that the pilots did advantage of the degraded approach We are currently working with the better when trained with less than is that it encourages group discus- Illinois Department of Natural ideal (“degraded”) pictures of the sions about workplace hazards. Resources and Illinois Eastern targets. “Degraded” refers to pictures To compare the effectiveness of Community College to develop a where cloud cover, rain, poor “highlighted” versus “degraded” “degraded” hazard recognition weather conditions, natural barriers, hazard recognition training, we training package for the mining buildings, or other obstructions developed experimental and control industry. The package, including a partially hide the object—conditions training modules. These modules video, slides, overheads, and an that pilots would likely encounter in were used alternately during Part 48 instructor’s manual, will be available real life. training and followed with the same from MSHA’s National Mine Health This approach can also be used individual test of hazard recognition. and Safety Academy, Beckley, WV for mine hazard recognition training. Miners trained with the “degraded” (304-256-3257) by fall of 1997. One example used a “highlighted” training module scored significantly Kathleen M Kowalski, Ph.D., Research photo of a miner’s foot positioned higher on the test than those trained Psychologist, (412) 892-4021 within a trailing cable loop on a in the more traditional “highlighted” ([email protected]). mine floor. The photo showed the manner. We conducted two further Reprinted from the July 1997 issue of potential dangers of tripping or being field studies in underground coal NIOSH’s Mining Health and Safety caught by a retracting cable. The mines in the South and Midwest UPDATE. U.S. Department of Health second photo showed a “degraded” involving more than 2,600 miners. and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health— version of the scene. The cable loop Both sites experienced more than a Vol. 2, No. 1.
MSHA Hazard Alert—Falls from trucks Five deaths and 396 serious injuries
Since January of 1992, five truck trucks used in mining. Climbing on To help prevent these type of drivers have been fatally injured when top of and getting off the trucks accidents, operators should: they fell from trucks. Fall protection account for the biggest percentage of Provide load-out facilities was not provided in three of the the accidents. Other activities which equipped with fall protection. Require fatalities and in the other two accounted for the most accidents: that fall protection be used at all fatalities, fall protection was available Checking the load distribution on load-out facilities. Provide fall but not used. the truck. Securing tarps on loaded protection for truckers when tarping Additionally, 396 truck drivers trucks. Opening and closing hatches trucks. Train all truck drivers in the have been seriously injured during on tanker trucks. Performing one of proper methods of getting on and off the same time period. These injuries the required preshift safety checks. the trucks. Require preshift inspec- are occurring as the drivers conduct Getting in or out of the vehicle cab. tions be conducted in a safe manner. various activities on and around HSA Bulletin November 1997 Pennsylvania team takes first place 20 in mine rescue contest
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company’s their skills will never be needed.” Roger Carpenter of Eastern Bailey Team of Graysville, Pa., won The Energy West Mining Associated Coal Corporation’s first place yesterday in the mine Company Silver Team of Hunting- Federal No. 2 Team, Fairview, rescue competition at the 1997 ton, Utah, took first place in the W.Va, took first place in the bench National Mine Rescue, First Aid, First Aid portion of the competition. competition. Benchmen are charged EMT and Bench Contest which was In the first aid contest, participants with maintaining the rescue held Sept. 16-18 at the Kentucky must demonstrate the correct equipment. In the bench competi- Fair and Exposition Center in method of caring for an injured tion, participants must thoroughly Louisville, Ky. Island Creek Coal miner. Teams are judged on proper inspect breathing devices that have Company’s B-Team of Oakwood, application of skills according to been purposely tampered with, and Va., and Kerr-McGee Coal the fundamentals of first aid. In the they must correct those defects as Corporation’s Galatia Mine Rescue first aid event, second and third quickly as possible. Second and Team of Harrisburg, Ill., were the place went to Eastern Associated third place winners in the bench second- and third-place winners in Coal Corporation’s Federal No. competition were Todd Watson of the mine rescue portion of the 2 Team of Fairview, W.Va., and Lodestar Energy, Inc.’s West contest, sponsored by the Depart- Jim Walter Resources, Inc.’s Kentucky Team, Clay, Ky., and ment of Labor’s Mine Safety and JWR #1 Team of Brookwood, Ala. James Schuessler of Cyprus Health Administration. Eastern Associated Coal Emerald Resources Corp.’s Mine rescue contests are Corporation’s Coal River Team Cyprus Emerald White Team, designed to sharpen skills and test of Seth, W.Va., took first place in Waynesburg, Pa. the knowledge of miners who may the combination mine rescue/first The national mine rescue, first one day be called upon to respond aid competition, in which scores aid, EMT, and bench contest for the to a real mine emergency. The for both events are combined. coal mining community is held in contest requires teams of six Eastern Associated Coal odd-numbered years. members each to solve a hypotheti- Corporation’s Harris Team, of Mine rescue training began in cal rescue problem while being Twilight, W.Va., and Energy West the United States in 1910, the year timed and observed by judges Mining Company’s Silver Team the U.S. Bureau of Mines was according to precise rules. The of Huntington, Utah, took second created. Joseph A. Holmes, the simulated problem involved trapped and third place in the combined bureau’s first director, sought a miners who had to be located and mine rescue/first aid competition. training vehicle that would provide rescued. State and federal mine Top honors in the Emergency the mining industry with a cadre of safety experts evaluated each team Medical Technician (EMT) portion mine rescue specialists who would as they worked through their of the event went to Premier be prepared to respond to mine rescue problem in a simulated Elkhorn Coal Company’s Team disasters. The training efforts mine environment. Teams were No. 1, of Myra, Ky. In the EMT evolved into local and regional rated on adherence to safety contest, a primary and secondary competitions and, a year later, a procedures and how quickly they EMT tackle real-life scenarios. national contest. President William completed their task. EMTs are certified and provide an Howard Taft was present at the first “Competition of this kind calls unbroken chain of medical care national competition. attention to the need for the highest until the patient arrives at the standards in mine safety,” said J. hospital. Second and third place in United States Department of Labor, Office of Information, Philadelphia, Pa. Davitt McAteer, assistant labor the EMT contest went to 19104 secretary for mine safety and Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation’s Mine Safety and Health Administration: health. “These rigorous exercises Galatia Mine Rescue Team of III-97-09-19-163-PA/VA/WVA Contact: Amy Louviere or Kathy Snyder, help mine rescue teams be ready Harrisburg, Ill, and Lodestar Phone: (703) 235-1452. for tomorrow’s emergency by Energy, Inc.’s A Team of Clay, Ky. preparing today. Naturally, we hope HSA Bulletin November 1997 Research Center developing computer-driven emergency 21 response materials Overview of the Mine Emergency Response Internet Training Simulation (MERITS)
Another advantage of the computer- (for example, victims’ families), the addressing a problem at hand until ized format of MERITS is the ability media, medical services, labor, the family member can be calmed to track each stage of the resolution government officials, and weather down and moved to an appropriate of the emergency. As a result, it will events (such as flooding that facility away from the command be possible to provide better and interferes with the flow of supplies to center. Should required resources more detailed feedback on the user’s the mine), debriefing of rescue (food, medical supplies, etc.) be performance. The software will teams, and traffic problems. exhausted or delayed during the monitor the speed and appropriate- The simulation of the under- course of the simulation, or other ness of the actions, allowing for a ground and surface events will be unanticipated developments occur, it thorough debriefing at the end of the performed by the host computer. will be the responsibility of the exercise on all actions taken. Relevant information concerning trainees to address these issues while MERITS will be an interactive those events will be passed to the still attending to other ongoing multimedia computer simulation, local PC and communicated to the events. These “interruptions” can delivered via the Internet, of an trainees. At times, the host PC may provide a greater sense of realism to underground coal mine that is need to trigger certain events on the the trainees by exposing them to the undergoing some type of emergency. local PC. For example, digital sound stresses that can be involved in an It will simulate both underground recordings will likely be used to actual emergency. and surface events at the mine site, simulate ringing phones and The simulation will operate on a and provide a means for the users interaction with the media and set of “rules” which determine its (command center personnel trainees) families of victims. Corporate possible behaviors. The rules will to be informed of those events and to personnel, political figures, and cover classes of information neces- make decisions to attempt to resolve others may “visit” the command sary to create a realistic simulation. the emergency. These decisions, in center (via a digital video recording These classes of information may turn, will affect the progress of the appearing on the screen), demanding include human factors (physiology, simulated emergency. that certain courses of action be psychology, level of training), mine Some of the underground events taken. This will be accomplished by design (mine location, ventilation which will be simulated include the “playing” audio and video files that systems), internal and external spread of the fire and smoke under reside on a CD on the local PC that resources (firefighting capabilities, the influence of the mine’s ventilation has been supplied in advance. As rescue team availability, supplies), system, the actions of the miners another example, updated mine maps political considerations (relations attempting to escape the mine, the produced by the “rescue teams” will with federal, state and local authori- rescue teams attempting to locate the be displayed to the trainees for ties, media impact, relations with miners, and unexpected events such viewing. The local PC will also victims families) and economics as roof falls. The underground provide an interface through which (costs associated with rescue efforts). simulation will be based primarily on the trainees may direct certain many Bureau of Mines research courses of action to be taken. At Delivery of MERITS studies concerning mine ventilation times, a secondary event may arise It is anticipated that the host PC will simulation, SCSR training and field that prevents the trainees from be a dual-processor Pentium running audits, oxygen cost studies, miner addressing other issues until that the Windows-NT operating system. demographics, and analyses of situation is resolved. For example, the This host would be maintained by a miners’ behaviors during past unexpected arrival of a distraught mining organization at a central emergencies. family member at the command location (although mines with Surface events will include center (depicted via digital video) appropriate facilities will be able to interactions with unofficial visitors may interrupt the trainees from maintain both a host and local PC at HSA Bulletin November 1997
their site). This host would provide food supplies, and facilities for sound card and speakers. security to “lock out” unauthorized housing, food, briefings, etc. will be • CD-ROM drive, 4x speed or 22 users, so that only one site at a time required. Because the simulation greater, 1 GB or greater hard disk, a can access MERITS. itself is performed on the host PC, Super VGA monitor, a mouse, access Although MERITS will be capable mines that do not have high speed to the Internet, and a printer. of generating a random emergency PCs will be able to access and use • The Windows 95 or Windows NT situation on its own, a scripting MERITS. Another advantage of using operating system, a Java-enabled Web feature will be provided that allows the host to perform the simulation is browser, and the local MERITS the host organization to specify that a central trainer can be program and data files (distributed to parameters about the emergency. This responsible for developing the the trainees in advance on CD). will allow for controlled experiments simulation exercises. These exercises Exact requirements may change where the host organization knows in can be updated periodically to as the project develops. Hardware advance the type of emergency provide new and varied training needed to run the simulation will be scenario that will be generated. experiences. restricted to that which will be Software to interface with the available to most schools, training MERITS program will be installed on Hardware/software centers, and corporations and to the local PC prior to starting the reqmts. for the host PC: many individuals by the time the simulation. Certain information must • Dual-processor Pentium PC simulation is ready for distribution. be supplied to this interface program equipped with at least 32 MB RAM, 2 by the trainees before the simulation gigabyte or greater hard disk, and Reprinted from the May 1997 issue of The Guardian—Volume XXVIII Issue is initiated. For example, a mine map access to the Internet. II—a publication of the United States (either supplied to the trainees on • Windows NT operating system and Mine Rescue Association, P.O. Box 1010, CD or downloaded off of the the MERITS simulation software. Uniontown, PA 15401. Internet) will need to be supplied. Also, details concerning the mine’s Hardware/software formal emergency response plan, reqmts. for a local PC: including responsible personnel, • 486 or better PC equipped with 16 availability of equipment, medical and MB RAM, Sound Blaster compatible
The golden sands of Nome
When destitute miners on the beach Dunham wrote in 1900, “For many at Nome realized that the ruby miles along the beach, double ranks colored sand at their feet was laced of men were rocking, almost with gold, they must have thought shoulder to shoulder, while their that they had died and gone to partners stripped the pay streak and heaven. The beach strike was a poor supplied the rockers with water and Mining the man’s paradise where digging the pay dirt.” At the height of the Nome beach (from the Web gold was said to be easier than summer mining season, nearly 2000 site of the stealing it. The work required only a men, women and children were Alaska State shovel, a bucket or can, and a crude, rocking on the beach. It is estimated Library—44- easily built rocker. Efficient use of that the “beachcombers” mined as 113) the rocker required two or more much as $2 million in gold from the people, with one filling the hopper, sand. By fall of 1899, Nome, easily another pouring water over the sand reached by ship, had become a and another rocking the cradle. The booming city of about 5,000. Among shallow diggings on the beach were the variety of businesses were at least ers, 3 fruit and cigar stores, 5 open to everyone; beach land could 20 drinking establishments, 16 laundries, 4 bath houses, 2 paper not be staked by any individual. If lawyers, 11 physicians, 12 general hangers, 2 hospitals and one you left your diggings another merchandise stores, 4 real estate “massage artiste.” prospector could move in. Poet Sam offices, 4 drug stores, 3 watchmak- HSA Bulletin November 1997 Back to basics for a healthy spine 23 Low back pain eventually strikes 8 by pushing you into poor posture. with your knees drawn up or with a out of 10 adults, so chances are it Instead, choose comfortable, low- pillow between them. If you sleep on has laid you low or affected someone heeled shoes or flats. your back, place pillows under your you know. Back pain used to dictate neck and knees. days or even weeks of bed rest, but Lift and carry properly Stomach sleeping can stress a no longer. For most patients, doctors When lifting anything, always bend weak back. If you’re a confirmed now advise cautiously continuing your knees so you hoist the load with stomach sleeper, put a pillow under normal activities. your sturdy thigh muscles, not your your abdomen to help protect your Most episodes of low back pain vulnerable back. For support and back. pass quickly. Call your doctor if balance, keep your feet apart and severe symptoms last longer than a lined up under your shoulders. Don’t Exercise wisely couple of days or hamper your daily twist, bend forward or reach while Avoid exercises that strain your lower activities. Seek help immediately if lifting. Carry heavy objects close to back, such as double leg lifts with back pain affects bowel or bladder your body. straight legs, classic sit-ups, hip control, if your groin or rectum gets twists, toe touches and backward numb, or if your legs feel weak. Take care of your back arches. The good news: You can prevent at work Regular aerobic exercise back pain from occurring or If you have to sit at work all day, strengthens your back—and the rest recurring by staying fit and by take regular breaks to give stiff of your body. Try brisk walking, following “be-kind-to-your-back” muscles a welcome stretch. Your swimming, stationary biking or rules. You can also strengthen at-risk work surface should be at a cross-country skiing. In addition, add muscles by exercising. comfortable height, and your chair a few exercises to your routine that should support your lower back. For specifically target back, abdominal Stand tall additional support, place a pillow or and leg muscles. The exercises Good posture is one of the best ways rolled-up towel at the small of your described below can improve the to prevent low back pain. Remember back. Rest your feet flat on the floor muscle strength and flexibility you your gym teacher’s instructions? or on a footrest. If you must stand need to maintain good posture. Assume your full height, hold your for prolonged periods, try placing Reprinted from the Fall 1997 issue of head up and pull your tummy in. one foot on a low stool. Georgetown University Medical Center’s Avoid sticking out your buttocks or Healthy Decisions. arching your back. Try sleeping on your The GU Center is located at 3800 Don’t stand tall in high-heeled shoes, side Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, DC though. These can punish your back Experts advise sleeping on your side 20007 Telephone: 202-784-4234.
Two exercises for Pelvic tilt the floor, pull one knee to your a healthy back • As you exhale, press the small of chest with your hands. your back to the floor. • Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly The pelvic tilt, the most commonly • Hold this position for 5 seconds. lower your leg. recommended back exercise, • Relax and repeat, building up to • Repeat 10 to 20 times daily with strengthens abdominal muscles and 10 times daily. each knee. stretches the muscles of the lower • You don’t need a floor to perform • Vary by raising both knees to back. The knee raise stretches your the pelvic tilt! Try performing the your chest. lower back and the hamstring tilting motion while sitting, standing If your back muscles feel tight at muscles of your thighs. or on your hands and knees. first, try doing these exercises after Begin both exercises by lying on taking a warm bath or shower. your back on the floor, with your Knee raise knees bent and your feet flat. • Pressing the small of your back to HSA Bulletin November 1997
the other type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, one of the cerebral arteries 24 weakens and breaks, causing bleeding into the brain, and the death of the tissue around it
On the frontiers of stroke therapy For a long time, physicians regarded stroke with an air of resignation. The condition was often unpredictable and largely untreatable. The damage left in its wake was usually irrevers- ible. Fortunately, though, such a scenario usually stimulates a lot of research, and what investigators have found out about ischemic stroke is changing the way it is treated. The first thing they’ve found is that they can actually unplug the blood vessel that has become occluded during ischemic stroke. Thrombolytic, or clotbusting, drugs Recent strides in which were originally (and are still) used to treat heart attacks,† actually understanding break up the clot. This minimizes the time that brain tissue is deprived of stroke oxygen, thus preventing cell death. Clotbusters must be given within three hours of the onset of the There are few more serious assaults them a person’s ability to communi- stroke, so it is essential to know the the brain can suffer than a stroke. cate, walk, coordinate, or reason. In warning signs of stroke and get to Many people know that these “brain attacks” are often a result of uncontrolled high blood pressure. • Sudden weakness or Most also know about stroke’s numbness of the devastating aftereffects: death or loss face, arm, or leg on of function. Fewer people know one side of the body exactly what happens during a stroke. • Sudden dimness or Up until about a decade ago, loss of vision, particu- health care professionals also had a larly in one eye relatively low awareness of the Now that new treatments • Loss of speech or process of stroke. It was certainly are available that must be trouble talking or known that one of the two types of administered within hours understanding speech stroke, ischemic* stroke, occurs of the stroke, it is • Sudden, severe head- when a clot lodges in one of the essential to get to the ache with no apparent cerebral arteries, which are the blood hospital without delay. cause vessels that feed the brain with You should become • Unexplained dizziness, oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood. As a familiar with these unsteadiness, or result, the flow of blood in the brain hallmark signs of stroke. sudden falls, becomes completely occluded. The especially with any of brain cells downstream of the the above symptoms blockage, starved for oxygen and nutrients, wither and die, taking with HSA Bulletin November 1997 the hospital immediately if you or a researchers are finding out that by loved one experience them. There, intervening at different levels of the the doctors must first determine that sequence, they might be able to 25 the stroke is not a hemorrhagic one, prevent some of the damage that since clotbusters, which thin the occurs at later stages, thus preserving blood, can worsen those. vital functions. Newspaper reports from patients Researchers are vigorously who have received the clot-busters investigating a whole new group of successfully sound nothing short of medications. Called neuroprotective miraculous. Some who have suffered agents, they intercede at different massive strokes walk away from the steps of this spiral of damage, hospital days later feeling fine or with protecting the cells from onslaught. minimal loss of function, for In clinical trials, about a third of the example, a little weakness in a limb. patients who receive neuroprotective Unfortunately these success stories agents leave the hospital with a don’t occur nearly as frequently as higher level of function than those we’d like, and clot-busters do have a who don’t. Some of these agents downside: they themselves can cause could be available as early as 1998. bleeding in the brain, or hemorrhagic Now that the face of stroke stroke. It is one of the side effects of treatments has changed, there is a which every patient is advised before massive movement to educate the receiving thrombolytic drugs. public about the signs of stroke. Take Researchers have also found out a minute to read over the box below. that a stroke is actually a long chain Now, whether you recover from a of events in which the clot is only the stroke or not may only be a matter first link. Indeed, much of the of time. damage caused by stroke occurs ischemic stroke and heart attack are hours, even days, after the initial * Ischemia is a state of oxygen caused by the same process. incident. The trauma of the clot sets deprivation that may lead to tissue death. Reprinted from the Summer 1997 edition off a chemical cascade. If it proceeds † A heart attack is caused by a clot of Hoechst Marion Roussel’s unchecked, the resulting deficits can lodging in one of the arteries of the heart, CardiSense—Vol. VII, No. 4. be extensive and profound. But causing ischemia and tissue death. Thus
Helpful hints for healthier lives
Good health news, useful ideas and one study, adults with hypertension drank fewer than two glasses, beneficial products you can use. who ate a low-fat diet and 9 or 10 according to one study. All those in • Brisk walks increase your energy servings of fruits and vegetables every the study had a family history of the level, reduce stress and promote day for two weeks had significant disease. optimism. They also rev up your reductions in blood pressure. metabolism and can help you • Reducing your stress can lower Sources: California State University at maintain or lose weight. your risk of heart disease. People Long Beach, American Heart • Washing your hands keeps you with reduced blood flow to the heart Association, Duke University, healthy. Children who washed their had a three times higher risk of heart “University of California, Berkeley— hands four or more times during the attack or death if they had a high Wellness Letter” “Prevention,” Fred school day had 24% fewer sick days stress level, one study found. Hutchinson Cancer Research Center because of colds and flu and 50% • Drinking plenty of water every day fewer sick days because of stomach may reduce your risk of colon Reprinted from the summer 1997 issue of the George Washington University troubles. cancer. Women who drank more Health Plan’s Vital Signs. • Eating more fruits and vegetables than five glasses a day had half the can lower your blood pressure. In risk of the cancer as those who HSA Bulletin November 1997 26 THE LAST WORD... Overlook a great deal. Improve a little.—Pope John XXIII
He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.—Menander of Athens
Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.
Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.—Martha Graham
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.—Mark Twain
Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.
THE PATIENCE PRAYER God grant me patience …and I want it right now!
Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute.
NOTICE: We welcome any materials that you submit to the Holmes Safety Association Bulletin. We DESPERATELY need color photographs suitable for use on the front cover of the Bulletin. We cannot guarantee that they will be published, but if they are, we will list the contributor(s). Please let us know what you would like to see more of, or less of, in the Bulletin.
REMINDER: The District Council Safety Competition for 1997 is underway—please remember that if you are partici- pating this year, you need to mail your quarterly report to:
Mine Safety & Health Administration Educational Policy and Development Holmes Safety Association Bulletin P.O. Box 4187 Falls Church, Virginia 22044-0187
Please address all editorial comments to the editor, Fred Bigio, at the above address or at: MSHA—US DOL, 5th floor—EPD #535A, 4015 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Phone us at (we love to hear from you): (703) 235-1400 Holmes Safety Association Officers and Executive Committee 1996-1997
Officer Name Representing State Acting President ...... Gary Moore ...... Management ...... NM First Vice President ...... Roger Carlson ...... Labor...... MN Second Vice President ...... Jake DeHerrera ...... Federal ...... CO Third Vice President ...... Steve Lipe ...... Supplier ...... AZ Acting Fourth Vice President ...... Joseph Sbaffoni ...... State ...... PA Secretary-Treasurer ...... Robert Glatter ...... Federal ...... VA
Name Representing State Name Representing State Name Representing State Jesse Cole ...... Federal ...... WV Matt Hindman ...... Mgmt...... PA Larry Frisbie ...... State ...... WA John Collins ...... Federal ...... OH Bill Holder ...... Mgmt...... NM William Garay ...... State ...... PA Don Conrad ...... Federal ...... PA Glen Hood ...... Mgmt...... TX Lee Graham ...... State ...... KS Dave Couillard...... Federal ...... MN Robert Johnson ...... Mgmt...... CO Tom Gregorich ...... State ...... MN Robert Crumrine ...... Federal ...... OH Joe Kinnikin ...... Mgmt...... NM Tony Grbac ...... State ...... WV Ron Deaton ...... Federal ...... KY George Krug ...... Mgmt...... FL Ben Hart ...... State ...... FL Bruce Dial ...... Federal ...... WV Pete Kuhn ...... Mgmt...... WY Paul Hummel ...... State ...... PA Doyle Fink ...... Federal ...... TX Joseph Lamonica ...... Mgmt...... DC Phillip Johnson...... State ...... KY Jim Hackworth ...... Federal ...... VA Kevin LeGrand ...... Mgmt...... IA Debbie Kendrick ...... State ...... AK Patrick Hurley ...... Federal ...... VA Ernest Marcum...... Mgmt...... WV Douglas Martin...... State ...... AZ Whitey Jacobson ...... Federal ...... TX J. Blair McGill ...... Mgmt...... PA Gilbert Meira ...... State ...... NM Jerry Johnson ...... Federal ...... WV Jon Merrifield...... Mgmt...... OH Jim Myer ...... State ...... OH Jack A. Kuzar ...... Federal ...... CO Bill Moser ...... Mgmt...... WV Glen Rasco ...... State ...... GA Gary Manwaring ...... Federal ...... AL Kevin Myers ...... Mgmt...... KY Ed Sinner ...... State ...... OR Rexford Music ...... Federal ...... KY Myron Nehrebecki...... Mgmt...... PA Richard Stickler ...... State ...... PA Joseph Pavlovich ...... Federal ...... KY Greg Oster ...... Mgmt...... MN Bonita Stocks ...... State ...... AR Leland Payne ...... Federal ...... KY Richie Phillips ...... Mgmt...... KY Ron Umshied ...... State ...... MT James Petrie ...... Federal ...... PA Richard Radakovich ...... Mgmt...... PA Sam Vancil ...... State ...... IL Bob Randolph ...... Federal ...... PA David Rebuck ...... Mgmt...... PA Michael Weaver ...... State ...... ID Mel Remington ...... Federal ...... PA Ray Rucker ...... Mgmt...... TX Mark Wharton ...... State ...... CO Martin Rosta...... Federal ...... AL Subash Sethi ...... Mgmt...... NM Alan Cook ...... Supplier ...... AZ James Salois ...... Federal ...... MN Nancy Staley ...... Mgmt...... MI Steve Walker ...... Supplier ...... WV Donna Schorr...... Federal ...... PA Cheryl Suzio ...... Mgmt...... CT Bruce McDermit...... Supplier ...... PA John Shutack ...... Federal ...... VA Steve Taylor ...... Mgmt...... TX Chuck Edwards ...... Supplier ...... PA Judy Tate ...... Federal ...... TX Penny Traver ...... Mgmt...... MI Shea Kirkpatrick...... Supplier ...... CA Timothy Thompson ...... Federal ...... WV William Vance ...... Mgmt...... NM Alex Bacho ...... Emeritus...... MD Glenn Tinney ...... Federal ...... PA Frank Salas...... Labor ...... AZ Vern Demich ...... Emeritus...... PA Lloyd Armstrong ...... Mgmt...... MN Harry Tuggle ...... Labor ...... PA Ford B. Ford ...... Emeritus...... VA H.L. Boling ...... Mgmt...... AZ Joe Main ...... Labor ...... DC William Hoover ...... Emeritus...... AZ Richard Burns ...... Mgmt...... WY Doug Conaway ...... State ...... WV Ronald Keaton ...... Emeritus...... WV Robert Coker ...... Mgmt...... TX Ron Cunningham...... State ...... OK Richard Machesky ...... Emeritus...... PA Gary Cook ...... Mgmt...... NM Steve Dunn ...... State ...... MO Irmadell Pugh ...... Emeritus...... WV William Craig...... Mgmt...... WY Bob Novello ...... State ...... TX Al Simonson ...... Emeritus...... MN Jim Dean ...... Mgmt...... WV Marino Franchini ...... State ...... NY Harry Thompson ...... Emeritus...... PA Chuck Gessner ...... Mgmt...... AZ John Franklin ...... State ...... KY Tom Ward, Jr...... Emeritus...... PA We are short of articles on metal/quarry safety and welcome any materials that you submit to the Holmes Safety Association Bulletin. We DESPERATELY NEED color photographs (8" x 10" glossy prints are preferred however, color negatives are acceptable—we will make the enlargements) for our covers. We ALSO NEED color or black and white photographs of general mining operations—underground or surface. We cannot guarantee that they will be published. If they are, we will credit the contributor(s) within the magazine. All submissions will be returned unless indicated. U.S. Department of Labor MSHA, Holmes Safety Association BULK RATE P.O. Box 4187 POSTAGE & FEES PAID Falls Church, VA 22044-0187 DOL PERMIT NO. G-59
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Upcoming events:
■ Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 33rd Annual Int’l Cement Seminar, Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
■ Dec. 1-5, 103rd Northwest Mining Assoc. Annual Conv./Expo, Spokane, WA
■ Dec. 10, Safety Seminar for Underground Stone Mines, Holiday Inn–Airport, Evansville, IN
■ Dec. 14-16, Louisville Construction/Mining Expo, Kentucky Fair/Expo Ctr., Louisville, KY
■ Feb. 18-20, ’98, S. Cent. Dist. Jt. Mine Safety/ Health Conf., Dallas Medallion, Dallas, TX