HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 contents: Be Aware of Mine Hazards ...... 3 Poster “Mine Hazards” ...... 4 Safety Challenges at Thin Seam Mines ...... 5 Kentucky Mine Safety Conference Held State Grants Meeting Holmes Safety Association Meeting ...... 12 Pre-shift Examination Contests...... 13 Wellness ...... 14 Playing It Safe in the Great Outdoors ...... 15 Lowell Thomas Broadcasts From Deep Inside Whipple Mine...... 16 Fighting Mine Drainage, PA’s No.1 Source of Water Pollution...... 18 What’s Happening ...... 19 Surface Haulage Safety Seminar Playing It Safe in the Great Out doors (Continued) ...... 20 First Aid Training Pays! ...... 21 Mining Our History ...... 22 Registration Form (Tram/Instructors Seminar)...... 23 Fighting Mine Drainage, PA’s No.1 Source of Water Pollution (Continued) DOE Secretary Promises to Investigate Tailings Hazards ...... 25 Words To Think About ...... 26 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. For more information visit the MSHA Home Page at www.msha.gov.

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: Photos of the Empire Mine, Palmer, Michigan, photographer Tom Buchkoe, Marquette, Michigan. If you have a potential cover photo, please send an 8" x 10" print to Donald Starr, Holmes Safety Association Bulletin, National Mine Health and Safety Academy, 1301 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813-9426.

KEEP US IN CIRCULATION PASS US ALONG HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 Be Aware 3 of Mine Hazards Your Life May Depend On It! (Mines and Minors Don’t Mix) by Alexis M. Herman, Secretary of Labor It’s school vacation time every year dozens of children Abandoned underground again, and kid’s thoughts turn and adults are seriously hurt or mines often contain decaying from textbooks and term fatally injured while playing on timbers, loose rock, and papers to fun and play, includ­ active and abandoned mine tunnels that can collapse at any ing outdoor adventures. Old property. These accidents time. They may also harbor quarries can become swimming sometimes happen in traditional deadly gases. holes on hot summer days; mining areas like the coal fields Stay Out - Stay Alive is sand and gravel piles look like of Appalachia and the remote a simple safety message. We interesting playgrounds; aban­ areas of the west. But the threat want kids to be kids. We want doned mine shafts beckon is anywhere there are active or them to create unforgettable explorers. But, for the unaware, abandoned quarries, sand and memories this summer - away all three mean danger. gravel pits, underground mines, from active or abandoned Already this year we have or other mining operations. mines. seen two stark reminders that Surface mines can have MSHA’s web page at mines and minors don’t mix. dangerous highwalls, www.msha.gov features a In Oklahoma, a 13-year-old undetonated explosives, and section on the hazards that girl drowned while swimming other hazards. Old, flooded unsuspecting children and with friends in an inactive strip quarries can have icy tempera­ explorers may encounter at mine. In Maryland, a six-year- tures, deceptive depths, and mine sites. Check it out - it old boy playing on a quarry dangerous, undetectable mining could save your life. site, plunged more than 100 equipment just below the feet to the bottom of the water’s surface. quarry. Playing at such sites may seem like harmless fun, but

HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Safety Challenges at Thin Seam Mines by Barbara Fotta, Robert Peters, and 5 Launa Mallett Additionally, 94% of mines by average coal seam height as Small underground coal operating in seams of 3.5 feet low (less than 43 inches), mines have historically experi- or less employed fewer than 50 medium (43-60 inches), or enced higher fatality rates than people. Thin seam or low coal high (greater than 60 inches). larger mines (National Academy mines are located almost To reduce the confounding of Sciences, 1983; Peters and exclusively within the Appala- effects of mining method and Fotta, 1994). By “small” we chian coal fields. And, in fact, mine size on injury rates, mines mean mines that have fewer 96% of small thin seam mining using longwall mining methods than 50 underground employ- operations are located in three and mines employing an ees. Although various ideas states: Kentucky, West Virginia, average of 50 or more under- have been presented about what and Virginia. The proportion of ground workers were identified factors might be responsible for total U.S. underground bitumi- and excluded from analysis.1 this difference, researchers have nous coal being produced from During the five year-period had a difficult time establishing thin seam mines appears to from 1992-1996, there were the specific causes. Mine size is have remained constant during roughly 700 nonlongwall mines highly correlated with seam recent years. However, as thick in operation that employed height. Smaller mines tend to seams of underground coal are fewer than 50 undergound operate in significantly thinner depleted, one might expect to miners. While most of these coal seams than large mines. eventually see a decline in the mines used continuous miners Mining height is usually equal average height of the U.S. coal in their operations, an esti- to the height of the coal seam, seams being mined. mated 10-15% employed and can vary from as low as 20 The objective of this article conventional mining methods. inches to a height of 12 feet or is to continue to identify and These 700 mines accounted for more. Because there are several quantify the kinds of injuries a total of 139 million employee reasons to expect that differ- associated with working in thin hours, almost half of which ences in mining height are seam mining operations. An were worked in seam heights related to differences in injury analysis of these injuries may less than 43 inches. The rates rates for particular types of help us to identify the hazards of nonfatal injuries were accidents, additional statistical associated with working in low computed for the five-year analyses have been performed seam conditions that place period from 1992-1996. Since to examine this issue (see Fotta miners at greater risk of injury the number of fatalities per and Mallett, 1997). Of the 90 than their counterparts who year is much smaller than the million hours worked by work in high seam conditions. number of nonfatal injuries, a underground miners at bitumi- seven-year period (1990-1996) nous coal mines in 1996, Method was used in computations of approximately half were worked Using the mine-level employ- fatality rates. in mines with an average seam ment and injury data reported to MSHA, mines were stratified height of five feet or less. (Continued next page)

1This does not entirely eliminate the confounding effects of mining method. Researchers were unable to identify all mines using conventional mining methods. However, using information from the injury database, 9% of the injuries occurring in low seam mines were associated with conventional mining methods. The corresponding percentages for medium and high seam mines were 3% and 1%. However, limitations to the MSHA employment database did not permit calculation of the corresponding number of hours worked at conventional mines. HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 6 Results Figure 1 shows the number of nonfatal and fatal injuries for the major types of accidents. Table 1 gives rates of nonfatal and fatal lost time injuries for each of the three seam height categories. HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Table 1. Nonfatal injury rates (injuries per 200,000 employee hours) by type of incident and 7 seam height in small undergound bituminous coal mines (<50 underground employees)

1 Information concerning whether miners were under supported or unsupported roof is not coded in the MSHA database.

2 Excludes those injuries resulting from falls of roof or rib during roof bolting or continuous miner operation.

(Continued next page) HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

a good look at the roof when haulage systems and battery 8 crawling or stoop walking as powered scoops tend to be opposed to standing in an used in place of shuttle cars in upright posture. There appears thin seam conditions. Although to be no relation to seam a consistently decreasing trend height for fatalities caused by is not observed across seam falls of supported roof. height for the rates of fatal injuries, the lowest rates Rib Falls consistently occur in high Roof Falls As expected, the rate of seams. And, in fact, of the 20 Rates of nonfatal injuries nonfatal injuries caused by rib miners killed in powered caused by roof falls increase as falls increases substantially as haulage incidents, only two seam height increases. Con� mining height (and the height were in high seams. versely, the rate of fatalities of the rib) increases. The two A contributing factor to the caused by roof falls is lowest in fatalities resulting from falls of higher rates of injuries ob� seam heights above 60 inches. rib both occurred in high seam served in low and medium One reason fatality rates are mines. seams involving powered higher at lower seam heights haulage incidents is the low may be that MSHA regulations Powered Haulage clearance of the mine roof. As permit mines operating in The rate of nonfatal injuries the mining height decreases, heights of less than 42 inches associated with powered the mine roof or top, as well as to use underground mobile haulage decreases substantially installed roof bolts and plates, equipment without overhead as seam height increases. This become additional sources of canopies to protect the opera- trend is particularly evident for injury to the miner. Necks, tor. Of the 54 miners killed by backs, heads, and shoulders roof falls in small mines during are the body parts most 1990-1996, seven were operat� frequently injured when miners ing equipment without a contact the mine roof. Of the canopy. 210 incidents in which the Twenty-three of these 54 source of injury was reported miners (43%) were under to be the mine roof, 32% unsupported roof, and 31 were involved load-haul-dumps, 19% under supported roof. In involved shuttle cars. According comparison to seams above 60 the rates of nonfatal injuries to the accident narratives, these inches, the rate of fatalities involving personnel carriers miners were injured when they caused by falls of unsupported (such as mantrips), load-haul- hit a bump, hole, or rock on roof in lower seams is twice as dumps (mostly scoops), and the mine bottom, causing them high. A variety of potential conveyors (includes mobile to be thrown into the roof. In explanations have been sug� bridges). One reason the rate medium seam heights, miners gested to account for this of injuries involving shuttle cars are similarly injured when they difference (see Holmes Safety is actually lower in thin seam are thrown up into the protec� Bulletin, December 1994, pp. mines may be the proportion� tive canopy on the equipment 4-9). One factor that may be ately fewer shuttle cars are they are operating. Another contributing to this difference used in low seam mines as factor that may contrib in fatality rates is that it is compared to medium or high more difficult for miners to get seam mines. Continuous HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

ute to injuries caused by install them into the roof. miners are often stressing theirÄ powered haulage in low seams Incidents involving continuous backs with continual stooping 9 is the operator’s restricted field mining machines accounted for and duck walking.Ä of vision. Due to the low profile only 16% of nonfatal injuries design of equipment used in but 70% of the fatal injuries. Nonpowered Hand thin seams, the operator is Seam height does not appear to Tools often in an almost fully reclined be related to the rate of Rates of injuries resulting posture while driving mobile injuries associated with continu� from incidents involving equipment. ous mining machines. nonpowered hand tools do not vary substantially with changes Machinery Handling Materials in seam height. The rates of nonfatal injuries involving machinery incidents Slips and Falls are higher in low and medium As expected, the rates of seams than in high seams. This injuries due to slips or falls trend persists for incidents increase substantially as seam involving roof bolting opera� height increases. tions, which accounted for 71% Stepping or Kneeling of machinery nonfatal incidents on Object and four of the 16 fatal ma� The highest rate of nonfatal The rates of injuries due to chinery incidents. All four fatal injuries is associated with the stepping or kneeling on an incidents occurred in low or “handling materials” accident object are substantially higher medium seams. Additional category. Most of these injuries in low seams than in either information about injuries involve musculoskeletal sprains medium or high seams. The involving roof bolting opera� or strains, particularly of the activity of the miner is usually tions can be obtained by back. The rate of injuries does described as crawling or looking at the actual source of not appear to vary much with kneeling at the time of the the injury. For nonfatal injuries, seam height. The highest rate is injury. As expected, rates of the specific source of the injury found in the medium seam injuries to miners while crawl� is coded as the mining machine height category. Medium seams ing or kneeling were strongly itself at twice the rate in low also have the highest rates of related to seam height. The rate seams as in high seams. All back injuries overall, the is ten times higher in low four fatals resulted from highest rates of injuries result� seams than in high seams. crushing injuries involving the ing in strains or sprains, and About 75% of these injuries roof bolting machine. An the highest rates of injuries were to the knee. Articles on additional source of nonfatal resulting from all types of miners’ knee disorders have injuries is roof bolts. The rate overexertion (lifting objects, been published in the research of injuries involving roof bolts pulling or pushing objects, and medical literature for many is four times higher in low wielding or throwing objects). years (Bruchal, 1995). Miners seams than in high seams. One This may reflect the fact that in low seam conditions often reason that injuries involving miners in 43-to 60-inch seams work on hard and uneven bolts are more prevalent in low cannot stand fully erect when surfaces, pushing their joints to coal seams may be that miners lifting and transporting materi� extreme ranges of motion with frequently must bend and als, and they may experience static stress. unbend roof bolts in order to difficulty in using their leg muscles to do so much of the (Continued next page) lifting. Additionally, these HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

concern at medium seam operations is posture. Miners 10 working at these heights cannot lift using the traditionally advocated safe lifting proce� dures based on unrestricted height. Laboratory studies of the effects of lifting materials using different postures (e.g., kneel� ing, stooping, etc.) suggest that working heights in the 48- to 72-inch range are more stressful on the back than working heights which require a person to remain kneeling or Prolonged kneeling can mands placed on the miner which allow a person to stand adversely affect the skin, generally increase as seam (Gallagher et al. 1995). Re� bursae, and knee joints, height is reduced. Additionally, duced mobility is another resulting in cuts and scrapes, as mining height decreases, the concern in lower seam heights. bursitis, laxity of the knee joint, mine roof increasingly becomes Miners who must duck walk or or torn menisci. As expected, an additional source of injury crawl from place to place when the rates of knee injuries to the miner. Although equip� within their work area may be for different seam height ment is sized proportionally for moving more slowly and with categories were compared, thinner coal seams, the height greater expenditure of energy substantial differences were restriction makes it infeasible to than miners who are free to found. Overall, rates of knee use protective canopies. It also walk upright. It appears that injuries decreased as seam puts limitations on the place� visibility, limits to mobility, and height increased. About 23% of ment of operator compart� posture restrictions may all the knee injuries in low seams ments, which affects what and affect miners’ safety. However, were the result of crawling or how much an operator can see further investigations are working on the knees for while in the cab. Lower mining needed to gain a better under- extended periods of time. This heights can also make tasks standing of the exact processes percentage dropped to 9% in more difficult to perform, such by which low seam height medium seams and less than as requiring a roof bolter contributes to injuries, and to 5% in high seams. identify better strategies for injury prevention in this very Conclusions challenging work environment. The working height of an underground coal mine can (Continued next page) directly affect safety in a number of ways. As the working height decreases to the extent that miners must stoop, duck walk, or crawl, the operator the added effort of miners’ vision, posture, and bending and unbending roof mobility become increasingly bolts in order to insert them restricted. The physical de� into the mine roof. A safety HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Human factors research has ■ Recommendations for the been performed to try to address design of controls on roof bolting machines 11 some of the hazards associated ReferencesÄ Bruchal, L [1995]. OccupationalÄ with working in low seam mines. ■ Studies have been performed on Procedure for bending bolts knee disorders: an overview. InÄ in low coal the following: Advances in IndustrialÄ Ergonomics and Safety VII, Ed.Ä ■ Recommendations for ■ Personal protective by A. Bittner and P. Champney,Ä equipment (e.g., knee pads, keeping miners away from unsupported roof Published by Taylor and Francis,Ä gloves, reflectorized outer pp. 89-93.Ä garments) ■ Preventing back injuries Fotta, B, Mallett, L [1997]. EffectÄ ■ Design recommendations for underground mobile ■ Various materials handling of mining height on injury rates inÄ equipment operator devices and procedures U.S. underground nonlongwallÄ compartments bituminous coal mines. NIOSHÄ Information Circular ReportÄ 9447.Ä

Gallagher S, Hamrich C, Cornelius K, Redfern M [1995]. Peak 15/si moments associated with a cable hanging task. Abstract in Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 39th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, p. 956.

National Academy of Sciences [1983]. Fatalities in small underground coal mines, Contract no. J0100145, Bureau of Mines Open File Report 124-83, ■ Recommendations for Please contact the authors if you 20 pp. improving the maintainability would like more information design of underground about these topics. ❏ Peters R, Fotta B [1994]. A equipment review of recent data concerning accidents caused by falls of ■ Software for evaluating the unsupported roof. Holmes Safety adequacy of the equipment operator’s field of vision, Bulletin, December, pp. 4-9. given the size of the operator and various dimensions of Peters R, Fotta B [1994]. the operator’s compartment Statistical profile of accidents at small underground coal mines. In ■ Reduction of shocks and jolts Proceedings of the Bureau of through the incorporation of Mines Technology Transfer viscoelastic foams and other features to improve shuttle Seminar, SP 18-94, pp. 5-14. car seating HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 12 Kentucky Mine Safety Conference Held by Ron Sullivan, Safety Associates, Inc.

displayed equipment, products, The second annual Kentucky and services of interest to the Mine Safety Conference was mining industry. One of the held in Pikeville, Kentucky, new exhibitors this year was State Grants April 21-23, 1999. There were Safety Associates, Inc., who has more than 300 in attendance Meetings developed a full eight hour The State Grants program Left to right: annual refresher training Jim Stephens, managers will be available Pres. of Safety program exclusively for coal throughout the National Mine Assoc., Inc. truck drivers (see the January Instructors conference to meet John L. Franklin, 1999 issue of Holmes Safety Commissioner of one-on-one with state grants KY Dept. of Mines Association Bulletin, page 12). recipients to discuss any issues and Minerals In his address to the conven� Tracy Stumbo, related to the grants. These Chief Inspec., KY tion, Commissioner Franklin meetings will be scheduled for Dept. of Mines called the coal truck drivers’ one hour on a first-come-first- and Minerals safety training a “very, very served basis. A sign-up sheet will good program” and urged the and all reports indicate that the be posted for those interested. attendees to visit the Safety conference was a big success. Associates exhibit. Some of the featured speakers were: The Honorable Commissioner Holmes Safety Johh L. Franklin Governor of Kentucky, Paul E. addressing the Patton; Congressman Hal Association Mine Safety Rogers from Kentucky’s 5th Conference. Meeting District; Richard Lawson, The Executive Board of the President and CEO of the Holmes Safety Association will National Mining Association; meet at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, and John L. Franklin, Commis� October 14, at the National Mine sioner of the Kentucky Depart� Health and Safety Academy, ment of Mines and Minerals. Beaver, WV. The agenda for the two-day conference included a variety of events such as a golf tourna� ment, a pre-shift examination Everyone interested in mine contest, an EMT contest, an safety should plan to attend awards banquet, and entertain� next year’s conference. Watch ment by members of the the HSA Bulletin for the exact Kentucky Opry. date and make your reserva� As it was last year, one of tions early. ❏ the highlights of the conference was the exhibit hall where a large number of vendors HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

hazardous conditions, the result situation, and is given 20 will be a safer working place. minutes to complete the test. 13 Pre-shift And a safer working place The field problem is laid out Examination should result in less need for similar to a mine rescue field. mine rescue and recovery The field usually consists of Contests work. Pre-shift contests can be three entries and three cross- by Tracy Stumbo, Chief Accident useful tools for training and cuts. The problem designer Investigator, KY Dept. of Mines and teaching pre-shift examiners, places several hazardous Minerals and truly promote mine safety conditions in “the mine.” Each Photos by Wayne Collett, KY Dept. of Mines and Minerals by giving contestants practice in contestant accumulates points identifying and eliminating based on his ability to locate What is a pre-shift Working the field hazardous conditions. The problem examination contest contests give recognition to and what happens there? examiners who perform this vital task. Hopefully, the pre- The purpose of a pre-shift examination is to identify hazardous conditions in the mine. Contestant Without a doubt, mine taking a rescue and mine emergency reading technician teams are necessary and are to be commended for their work. However, these two groups are put into action after an accident occurs. Wouldn’t it shift contests will inspire benefit everyone - companies, examiners to do a thorough Contestant with labor, and regulatory agencies - and professional examination. field judges if more emphasis were placed A typical contest consists of on prevention? three parts: a written test, the Studies of accident reports field problem, and completion and eliminate the hazardous show that an adequate pre-shift conditions. examination detects and If the “hazardous condi� eliminates many hazardous tions” cannot be eliminated conditions that contribute to while the participant is in the injuries, fires, and explosions. mine, the contestant is awarded points for “dangering off” the Contestant Although state and federal laws using his meter require pre-shift examinations, area. Each contestant also unfortunately, some coal accumulates points for accuracy companies do not always take and thoroughness in completing the exams seriously. With of the pre-shift book. Twenty- the pre-shift book. mining companies, labor, and five written questions test each regulatory agencies working of the contestant’s knowledge of For further information contact: pre-shift function and mine Johnny Greene, Kentucky together to promote the idea Department of Mines and Minerals, that an adequate pre-shift safety law. Each contestant P.O. Box 851, Hazard, KY 41701, examination will eliminate takes the test in a lock-up Phone: 606/435-6079 HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

is thinning and allowing more selecting clothing that has a and more ultraviolet radiation tight weave. Blue jeans are 14 wellness to penetrate to the earth’s ideal. Suggest a shirt that when surface. The earth’s natural held up to the light, can’t be sunscreen, which once pro� seen through. There are tected outdoor workers, has specially treated SPF rated been significantly diminished. clothing items that have been The problem is apparent tested to protect the wearer and well documented: Unpro� from ultraviolet for workers tected exposure to ultraviolet that want to go a step further. radiation from the sun is Cover as much skin as possible: hazardous to outdoor workers. wear long sleeve shirts, gloves, The solution: Take proactive hats with a 4” brim and a flap measures to educate and that covers the neck, long protect those affected. trousers, and sunglasses that As part of a total program of block 100% of UVA/UVB rays. Sunscreen protection, employers should Outdoor workers will find it Protects provide sunscreen in the same hard to stay out of the sun Outdoor way they provide hearing and from 10:00 A.M. through 3:00 eye protection. Mount a sun- P.M., as most doctors recom� Workers screen dispenser in a strategic mend. When possible, they location with an accompanying should work in the shade by Brad Bierman warning sign. This makes good during these hours. If riding health sense and business equipment, the worker should Employers are becoming sense, and avoids potential find out if the manufacturer increasingly aware of the serious problems down the offers a sun shield. dangers to outdoor workers of road. Remember, sun damage may unprotected sun exposure. When selecting a sunscreen occur in as little as five years Perceptions of the sun’s healthy product, order a good “profes� of cumulative exposure and benefits are being discarded sional” sunscreen that is may not give any advance with the knowledge of the designed for outdoor workers, warnings of the problems to relationship between the sun’s not the kind of sunscreen used come. ultraviolet radiation and the at the beach to get a golden For additional information epidemic increase in skin tan. After all, a tan means that on sun protection, contact the cancer. It now appears that the the skin has been damaged. American Academy of Dermatol� sun has the potential for being And, the “recreational” sun- ogy, 847/330-0230. one of the worst enemies of screens are normally greasy For information on the outdoor workers. The American and/or sticky; not so with the sunscreen, contact SmartShield Academy of Dermatology professional sunscreens. The Sunscreens for a “Practice expects reported skin cancer to sunscreen should be an SPF 25 SafeSun” kit, 3311 Oak Lawn top 1.2 million this year. At or 30. Anything higher than SPF Ave., Suite 200, Dallas, TX greatest risk? Outdoor workers. 30 provides negligible addi� 75219, 800/343-1504, Fax: Mounting research suggests tional protection and greatly 800/431-1568, or E-mail: thinning of the ozone layer as a increases chances for an [email protected]. prime contributor. Little by allergic reaction. Reprinted from the May 1998 issue of the little, at a rate estimated at 7 to Additional suggestions for Rimbach Publishing Co.’s Industrial 10% every 10 years, the ozone protecting workers include Hygiene News HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Playing 15 it safe in the great outdoors

Bikes, skates, and Preventing lawn mower Now that summer is here skateboards accidents and school is out, your chil� More children are injured in More than 4,700 children are dren will be spending more biking, skating, and injured in lawn mower related time outdoors. To help ensure skateboarding accidents than in accidents each year. These safety their playtime safety, keep the any other outdoor activity. Take tips can reduce the dangers: following in mind. these safety precautions: ❏ Before mowing, clear Playground hazards ❏ Every skater and skate- away rocks, gravel, and other In 1991, some 250,000 boarder should wear a helmet objects that could be thrown by children were hurt in play- approved by the Snell Memorial the blades. ground accidents. Before letting Foundation or the American your children play at an National Standards Institute ❏ Don’t give children unfamiliar playground: (ANSI). Knees, elbows, wrists, mower rides. The risk of a and hands also should be child falling off a mower and ❏ Check for energy absorb� shielded with protective gear. under the blades is too great. ing material__wood chips, sand, Children ages 5 and under are or rubber matting__under usually too small to safely ride ❏ Keep children under age playground equipment. a skateboard. 5 indoors while you mow. Keep older children at a distance. ❏ Make sure swings and ❏ Every bike rider should equipment are firmly anchored wear a helmet and follow traffic ❏ Don’t be in a hurry to let below ground level and located rules. your older children mow. at least six feet from the Youngsters should be at least nearest fence, tree, or other ❏ Make sure your child has 12 years of age before operat� object. the right size bike. When the ing a standard mower; at least youngster sits on the seat with 14 before using a riding ❏ Look for protruding bolts hands on the handlebar, the mower. Be sure your riding on jungle gyms, seesaws, and balls of both the child’s feet mower has a shut-off switch slides. should touch the ground. (Contined on page 20) HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 Lowell Thomas Broadcasts From 16 Deep Inside Whipple Mine by Melody Bragg

It was 1934 and America extremely proud of the Whipple mount the “cage” that would was in the midst of a nation- operation which averaged 1,800 lower them 600 feet below the wide love affair with radio. An tons of coal daily that was ground. However, plans had to era was dawning when listeners shipped to 21 states and be changed at the last minute. could learn of news that was abroad. One fact which espe� Officials informed Thomas that only moments old. Radio cially impressed Thomas was his two female companions granted its audience a mental the enormous amount of water would not be allowed to join magic carpet to transport their present in the imagination to places they knew mine. Five pumps their eyes would never see. on the surface Among the most famous of worked constantly these mental wizards was to pipe water newsman Lowell Thomas. His through miles of flair for description and mountain and out impressive voice made him one of the mine shaft. of the most popular broadcast� Lowell arrived ers of his day. He had a talent early on the day for the sensational and often of the broadcast thrilled his listeners by taking to enable him to his broadcast to new and spend several exciting places. Through the hours in prepara� eyes of Thomas, listeners were tion. He was given vicarious view of a world accompanied by Lowell Thomas of amazing variety. several guests who broadcasting live In May 1934, Thomas took underground in were eager to Whipple Mine, his American listeners to a share in this latest 1934 place which, although it was adventure. In� familiar to thousands, was both cluded in the list frightening and fascinating to of guests were those unfamiliar with it. Tho- two young boysÄ mas announced that on May and two womenÄ 31, 1934, he would make his who were convinced that a tripÄ him underground. Miners were famous national broadcast from down a mine shaft would beÄ superstitious about the presence 600 feet below the surface the adventure of a lifetime.Ä of women in the mines, and inside the Whipple Mine in When time for the broadcast even the influence of one as Fayette County, West Virginia. neared, Thomas and his famous as Lowell Thomas was The announcement brought companions traveled to the not enough to make them take excitement to listeners and to Whipple Mine and prepared to any chances. the communities surrounding the mine. Fayette County was HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Lowell Thomas being ‘down in the hole’, but Sun Oil ‘Coalkote’, which Broadcast then I’m used to being in the further keeps some of the dust (Continued) hole. down and is a great help to 17 “I can’t help reflecting on those who consume coal. Upon reaching the bottom of that moody contrast, this “So, it’s down here in the the shaft, Thomas and his eager subterranean mine here, way black mine that the coal miners spectators entered the room down in the darkness and labor in the underground that was to serve as his under- depth of the earth and that gala depths while up there in the ground broadcasting station. oceanic spectacle in New York harbor of New York are the Two technicians were already today, our high seas fleet on splendid fighting ships swept by present, one operating a parade. All around me are salt breezes of the sea. telegraph and the other with a tunnels - 50 miles of them - “And now for some news telephone, poised and ready. A from which coal is brought from the close, confined depths microphone stood waiting for from distant parts of this mine of this subterranean pit, down the famous broadcaster to by small electric trains, 1,800 here in the darkness of this begin. tons of it a day. But to keep it black coal mine, where there At exactly 5:45 P.M., the dry down here, four times as are so many electric lights that voice of Lowell Thomas poured much water must be taken out it’s almost light as day. Let’s out to the world from 600 feet of the mine each day - 8,000 take a look at the wide open below the surface in the tons of water and 1,800 tons of spaces of the west. The word Whipple Mine. It was a land- coal. from the west is dry, very dry, mark performance and marked “The ventilation seems okay, drought and more drought. the first time a radio broadcast in fact, better than in many “This situation beyond the had been attempted successfully broadcasting studios I’ve Mississippi has grown so from the interior of a working known. A gigantic steel fan serious that cattle are starving underground coal mine. circulates 100,000 cubic feet of by the thousands. This terrific After discussing the big news fresh air through the mine per drought is putting hundreds of of the day regarding a presi� minute. thousands of farmers in the dential review of the naval fleet, “And to make it as safe as hole. Not only the grain grow� Thomas began to share his possible, nonflammable power ers but the livestock raisers. impressions of the underground is used for shooting down the They are now in a hole so deep world with listeners. coal; miners use electric lamps that the government is getting Following are excerpts from on their fiber helmets instead busy to relieve the situation. his broadcast: of the old-time carbide flame; “The farmers out there are “I certainly am just as far and white rock dust is spread having to cope also with a from nautical festivities tonight all around, nonexplosive rock plague of grasshoppers. The as it’s possible to get. Tonight dust, to keep that terrible black better part of six states are was the night that I was going coal dust from exploding and afflicted with these pests. to try to broadcast from the blowing up the place, as used Apparently, no relief is in sight, bottom of a coal mine and to happen so often. Safety except government relief and that’s where I am at this seems to be the watch word of also railroad relief. moment - 600 feet under- these mines. “Governor Horner of Illinois ground in the Whipple Mine of “The coal is hoisted up this has appealed to the railroads to the White Oak Coal Company, shaft to that framework which cut down on their freight rates near Mount Hope, in the heart they call the tipple, and they on grain, so as to help the of West Virginia, 70 miles east wash it all off to make it clean growers. The plight of the of Charleston. Miners call it as possible and spray it with farmer in the dry regions may HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

make these coal miners Thomas continued, “Here’s a Following a banquet in his 18 around me more content with curious thing in connection honor, Lowell Thomas left the their lot... with this mine broadcast that coal fields in search of new “Way back in March, may give you a chuckle. Do you adventures, and the landmark General H.S. Johnson of the remember when aviators were underground broadcast was NRA issued this warning: ‘Raise superstitious about flowers and declared a tremendous success. wages and cut down hours or wouldn’t take flowers with them Thomas had dared to travel strikes will sweep the country.’ in a plane? Well, coal miners deep underground where 360 Let’s see how good a prophet have their pet superstitions too. men made their living every day the general was. “I brought a couple of 10- and for a few short moments, “The shipping industry is at year-old boys along today to the imagination of America a standstill. In New England give them a thrill, and two went with him. ❏ and in the South, the men in ladies - one of them a leading the textile industries are still businesswoman of the threatening to walk out. The Shenandoah Valley - business Fighting Mine situation in the steel industry is manager and part owner of Drainage, PA’s still deadlocked. In northern two daily newspapers in Ohio, it is the electrical indus� staunton, Mrs. C. K. Brown. No. 1 Source try. “Oh, but women are not of Water “An article from this week’s allowed in the coal mines! If a Pollution ‘Nation’ declares that the signal woman goes into one, and the for a general strike in northern miners know about it, some of Slippery Rock Creek is Ohio may be given tomorrow them, often all of them, will something of a success story in night. The unions have called refuse to work the next day. In the continuing fight against for a great torchlight parade some cases, they refuse to go Pennsylvania’s No. 1 source of and mass meeting. However, we back to work for a week or so water pollution, the rust- should remember that pretty - until the evil spell has worn colored acid runoff from much the same thing happened off, I suppose. abandoned mines. in 1921. In that year, the whole “So the ladies came a Two environmental groups country was swept by labor couple of hundred miles in in Butler County, working with troubles, but we recovered and vain, and they are now looking the state and mining compa� good harvest years followed. down inside in vain. This is a nies, have installed six drainage Maybe we’re not much in the man’s world down here at the systems to clean up the water hole after all. bottom of Whipple mine. The flowing from abandoned mines “Sam Scott, one the best reason for this superstition, I into Slippery Rock Creek. It’s known figures in the coal understand, is that whenever a just a start, really, but they’re mining world, is sitting beside woman visits a coal mine, already seeing progress. me. Mr. Scott, are things any something terrible happens “That creek, it was abso� better in the mine, so far as soon afterward. And usually that lutely polluted, dead water. Now both miners and employers are something is an explosion. it has trout in it,” said John C. concerned?” Mr. Scott replied, “Yes, and women will cause Oliver 3d, secretary of “We’ve had our difficulties too, explosions in the NBC control Pennsylvania’s Department of but for the time being, they room in New York City if I Conservation and Natural seem to be ironed out. Anyhow, don’t hurry up and say - So Resources. from down here in the mine long until tomorrow!” everything seems to be looking (Continued page 25) up.” HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 What’s happening at the... 19 National Mine Health and Safety Academy Conferences/Seminars 1999 TRAM Conference/ National Mine Instructors Seminar -- October 12-14, 1999 Some of the topics to be covered are: Innovative Instructional Techniques; Instructional Technology and Computer Applications; Underground Mine Safety (MNM and Coal); plus others. To enroll in the Conference/Seminar, please return the enrollment form on page 23. You can either mail the form or fax it to 304/256-3251. Publications: Videos: There is no charge for the The following videos have been MERD - Mock Disaster (C) following new publications. produced and are available from Documents a simulated mine the Academy for $8.00 each. emergency problem held in an Fatal Accidents Involving active mine with seven mine Contractors at Coal and Harvey Roles I (MNM) rescue teams participating. Metal/Nonmetal Mines, A hazard recognition and first aid (Cat. No. VC 926, 17 minutes) 1996-1997 training video. It depicts a Presents statistics, abstracts, and contractor arriving at a surface Safety on or Near the Water illustrations on fatalities involving mine to do some work. The lack (MNM) contractors that occurred in coal of proper hazard training, in Discusses the hazards of and metal/nonmetal operations addition to his preoccupation working on or near the water from January 1996 through while driving, ultimately and December 1997. (Cat. No. OT contributes to a near fatal the precautions that need to be 37) accident. This video comes with taken to protect the workers in an 8-page guide. this situation. (Cat. No. VC 925, Fatal Accidents Involving (Cat. No. VC 921, 13 minutes) 14 minutes) Conveyors at Coal and Metal/ Nonmetal Mines, 1990-1998 Harvey Roles II (C) Silicosis: A Preventable Presents statistics, abstracts, and A first aid training video featuring Disease (MNM) illustrations on the fatalities that a review of the fundamentals of An employee’s questions about occurred at coal and metal/ rescue techniques following an the health effects of silica dust nonmetal operations from electrocution. This video comes exposure are answered. (Cat. January 1990 through April with an 8-page guide. (Cat. No. No. VC 929, 19 minutes) 1998. (Cat No. OT 40) VC 922, 13 minutes) Stay Alert and Stay Alive (Truck Fatal Accidents Involving Locating and Rescue of Accident Awareness)(C) Drowning at Coal and Metal/ Trapped Miners (C/MNM) Covers the tragic death of one Nonmetal Mines, 1996-1997 Describes the equipment and truck driver and the effects of Presents statistics, abstracts, and methods used to locate trapped his death on his family. Also illustrations on fatalities involving miners in an underground mine covers some safety driving drownings that occurred at coal environment. (Cat. No. VC 927, practices. (Cat. No. VC 860, 11 and metal/nonmetal mining 18 minutes) minutes) operations from January 1996 through December 1997. (Cat. No. OT 34) HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Preventing lawn 20 mower accidents Surface Haulage (Continued from page 15) Safety Seminar that automatically stops the blades from spinning without a driver in the seat. The Mine Safety and Health Administration sponsored a three- day seminar on Surface Haulage Safety, August 17-19, at the Mine Poolside precautions Health and Safety Academy, Beckley, West Virginia. This seminar Every year in the United States, was for the mining industry, related support groups, mining some 3,000 children under age 5 regulatory agencies, and others that are involved with the safety, drown or nearly drown. Take planning, design, and application of mine construction and these safety precautions: maintenance activities. ❏ If you have a backyard Topics that were covered at the conference: pool, learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Contact - How to Save Money on Repairs the American Red Cross or - End Loaders__Steering Transmission Integrated your local hospital or fire Control (STIC) department for CPR courses. - Conveyor Systems Safety - Electric Drive Off-Highway Haulage Trucks ❏ Erect a fence around the - Causes of Crane Accidents and Lift Concepts pool. Gates and latches - Independent Contractors shouldn’t be operable by a - Dump Point and Surge Pile Safety child. - Application of Technology to Earth Moving Equipment and Its Effect on the Environment ❏ Never allow a child (even - Haulroads-Keys to Accident Prevention a very good swimmer) to swim - Safe Truck Operation unsupervised. - Large Wheel Loaders - A Preview of WV Surface Haulage Accidents ❏ Supervise all diving. - Computerized Dashes__VIMS (Vital Information Management System) When swimming in a body of - Off-Road Tire Basics and Care and Maintenance water they’re not familiar with, - DOT Procedures/Regulations__Truck Inspections have your children follow this - Safety Aspects of Mounting/Dismounting Tires maxim: “Feet first, first time.” - Heavy Equipment Safety - Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems Primary sources: National Safety Council, Chicago, IL; The - Safety Features of MT Series Trucks American Academy of Pediatrics, - Safe Dump Trailer Operation Elk Grove Village, IL - Trucking Safety__Bottom Line Results - Use of Cameras on Blind Spots - Computerized Haulage Training Simulators - Vision Technology in Haulage and Mining If you have questions about the seminar, please contact Johnny Tyler at 304/256-3541. ❏ HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

First Aid Training Pays! 21 by Carolyn Bald

Our hard Rock Pile Mine is a knife. We went directly back to often helping with procedures, family owned and operated sand the maintenance building where giving her much needed and gravel operation. Our home the first aid bag was stationed support, and attending to all is located on the same property. just inside the door, along with necessary paperwork. Twelve Although we are a small a telephone. I immediately had hours had elapsed by the time operation with only three her take her left hand and the butcher knife was surgically employees, we adhere to MSHA apply pressure to the carotid removed. At no time did I ever regulations and take all the safety artery to help slow the flow of panic or lose my concentration training very seriously. When blood from her head wounds. throughout that long night. The going through the training We both knew not to remove surgeons complemented the fact courses, people often wonder if an imbedded object from the that everything had been done they will ever use what they are wound. With one hand, I exactly correct, making their learning, or if they could applied pressure to a large job easier, and probably saving remember what to do if it was a gash running from her forehead her life. loved one. to the crown of her head using Thanks to the training I had On August 11, 1998, that sterile packing. With the other received, the complete medical question was answered for me. hand, I dialed 911 for assis� first aid bag I had put together, I was working in the mainte� tance. and a calm approach to the nance building area when I By the time the ambulance emergency, my mother is heard someone screaming. I arrived, we had the bleeding recovering well. I will never looked toward the driveway that stopped. I was able to assist wonder again if I would panic leads up the hill to our home the EMTs when they arrived in a real emergency especially site and saw no one. I could and accompanied my mother in if it were a loved one. I am not understand the words the ambulance, still applying very grateful for that safety screamed or determine where pressure to the wound. I was course. they were coming from. able to converse with her, A moment later I saw my helping to keep her calm. She Submitted to the bulletin by mother coming down the hill was transported to a Public Carolyn Bald HC 33, Box 37 cross-country, covered with Health hospital where she was Gallup, NM 87301-9701 Phone: 505/371-5786 blood, with what appeared from readied to be airlifted to a a distance to be an arrow in trauma unit in Albuquer� the right side of her head. As que, NM. she came closer, I could see it Throughout this was a large knife. I could not event I was able tell if there were other wounds to remain with at that point. By the time I my mother, crossed the yard she had reached the bottom of the hill. She told me someone was in the house and had attacked her with steak knives and a butcher HSA Bulletin July/August 1999 Mining Our History 22 An Overview of Disaster Anniversaries

by Melody Bragg

85 Years Ago Intensified by coal dust, the blast 55 Years Ago travels through the shaft and six miners lose their lives. Inrush of Water Ignition of Gas Balkan MineÄ Brilliant No. 2 MineÄ Palatka, MI 75 Years Ago Brilliant, NMÄ July 14, 1914 July 28, 1944Ä Ignition of Gas Seven men lose their lives when Gates No. 1 Mine Six men lose their lives whenÄ an inrush of sand and water Brownsville, PA removal of a stopping short-Ä flood this iron mine. Five others July 25, 1924 circuits the ventilation and gasÄ escape unharmed. accumulates. The gas is ignitedÄ A fall in an unventilated, robbed- by an arc from the controller of aÄ 80 Years Ago out section pushes gas into live locomotive.Ä workings, where it is ignited by Ignition of Gas arcing of machine cable nips. Mine Fire Lansford Mine The explosion is intensified by Powhatan Mine Lansford, PA coal dust. Ten men in the area Powhatan Point, OH July 8, 1919 are killed - six by violence and July 5, 1944 heat and four by afterdamp. A large quantity of gas liberatedÄ A fire occurs when a roof fall by the firing of shots in this 60 Years Ago causes a trolley wire to pull loose anthracite mine is ignited. EightÄ and ignite the coal. Sixty-six of men on the gangway are killed Explosives the 190 men working in the mine are trapped inby the fire and and three others are injured. Duvin MineÄ killed. Sixty of the 66 men killed Cause of the blast is believed to Providence, KYÄ barricaded themselves be smoking or some other open July 14, 1939Ä light.Ä underground. Another attempted a barricade but was overcome. Explosives are ignited by the The five remaining men Ignition of Gas contact of wires with rails or the apparently attempted to get Carswell No. 3 MineÄ poorly insulated cables of a around the fire and were in an Kimball, WVÄ cutting machine. Inadequate area of the mine that was sealed. July 18, 1919Ä rock dusting allows coal dust to be ignited by the blast. Twenty- Gas is ignited when a mineÄ eight men in the explosion area foreman strikes a match whileÄ are killed. attempting to relight his lamp.Ä HSA Bulletin July/August 1999

Registration Form 23 Complete registration, detach, fold, tape or staple and return by September 30, 1999

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Fighting Mine DOE Secretary were to contaminate the Drainage, PA’s No. 1 Colorado River. Source of Water Promises to Leavitt, along with other 25 Pollution Investigate Utah elected leaders, have (Continued from page urged the Energy Department to 18) Tailings take control of the site from At the first statewide confer� Hazard the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- ence on mine drainage, local sion, which now oversees it. The NRC’s plan for the closed environmental groups, mining U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson had promised to Atlas Mining site is to cap the executives and government materials in place. officials swapped business cards investigate the safety hazards of capping in place the uranium Denver-based Atlas Corp., and ideas, hoping to come up tailings pile on the banks of the owner of the old uranium mill, with more success stories that, Colorado River near Moab, set aside enough money to pay like Slippery Rock’s, rely on Wyo. most of capping costs. If a local work. “I will send a team of DOE decision is made to move the “It just generates ideas. You people out there right away,” tailings, the additional funds get to meet people who are Richardson said June 15 at the would have to come fromÄ doing different things,” said Western Governors’ Association Congress.Ä geologist Margaret Dunn, who annual conference. Leavitt added it is crucial theÄ runs the consulting firm “If it is a hazard, it may Energy Department take overÄ BioMost Inc. and worked with need to be cleaned up,” because “these are the bestÄ people in the world at cleaningÄ the Slippery Rock Watershed Richardson said in a later Coalition to turn around the interview with The Salt Lake up these sites.” The agency hasÄ Tribune. “We want to resolve sullied creek. cleaned up similar sites all overÄ About 2,500 miles of the problem... Somebody the West.Ä should clean it up.” He called Richardson’sÄ Pennsylvania streams are Richardson said he would commitment “very good news.”Ä polluted by mine drainage, send a team of advisers to Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah,Ä according to the state. The cost investigate the 130-acre pile is proposing an appropriationÄ to clean it all up: about $3.3 containing 10.5 million tons of to shift the oversight from theÄ billion. radioactive dirt, and examine NRC to the DOE, and thatÄ The expensive way to do it the potential safety and environ- transfer also is endorsed byÄ is to treat the pollution with mental hazards posed by plans other Utah officials. A similarÄ chemicals and treatment plants. to cap the uranium where it measure has been introducedÄ The cash-strapped grassroots sits. by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif.Ä groups prefer a cheaper An alternate plan to move Richardson said he previ�Ä method known as passive the tailings for a disposal site ously had met with InteriorÄ treatment. Slippery Rock, for several miles from the river is Secretary Bruce Babbitt andÄ example, Dunn’s group inter� being pushed by Utah elected Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, aboutÄ officials, environmentalists and the problem.❏ cepted the drainage with several members of Congress.Ä limestone gravel pits and Moving the material would cost Article from Mine Safety and ponds, improvements that lower substantially more than capping Health News- June 25, 1999 the acidity of the runoff and it in place, the Department ofÄ remove much of the iron. The Energy chief’s commitmentÄ projects cost between $50,000 came after he was pressed byÄ and $150,000 each.❏ Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, whoÄ warned of “catastrophic”Ä Clips of an article taken from Mine Safety and Health News - June 25, 1999 consequences if the tailingsÄ HSA Bulletin July 1998

26 Words to think about...

Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things, distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. THOMAS CARLYLE

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. THOMAS A. EDISON

A memorandum is written not to inform the reader but to protect the writer. DEAN ACHESON

It’s a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don’t quit when you’re tired, you quit when the gorilla is tired. ROBERT STRAUSS

Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo. H. G. WELLS

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them. BILL VAUGHN

You can’t make anything idiot proof because idiots are so ingenious. RON BURNS NOTICE: We welcome any materials that you submit to the Holmes Safety Association Bulletin. For more information visit the MSHA Home Page at www.msha.gov. 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. Please address any comments to: Donald Starr Holmes Safety Association Bulletin MSHA—US DOL, National Mine Health and Safety Academy 1301 Airport Road Beaver, WV 25813-9426 Please call us at 304/256-3283

REMINDER: The District Council Safety Competition for 1999 is underway—please remember that if you are par� ticipating 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 Holmes Safety Association Officers and Executive Committee 1998-1999

Officer Name Representing State President ...... Steve Lipe ...... Supplier ...... AZ First Vice President ...... Joseph Sbaffoni ...... State ...... PA Second Vice President ...... Doyle Fink ...... Federal ...... TX Third Vice President ...... Harry Tuggle ...... Labor ...... PA Fourth Vice President ...... William Vance ...... Mgmt...... NM Secretary-Treasurer ...... Pat Hurley ...... Federal ...... VA

Name Representing State Name Representing State Name Representing State Jesse Cole ...... Federal ...... WV Richard Burns ...... Mgmt...... WY Ron Cunningham ...... State ...... OK John Collins ...... Federal ...... OH Robert Coker ...... Mgmt...... TX Steve Dunn...... State ...... MO Don Conrad ...... Federal ...... PA Gary Cook ...... Mgmt...... NM John Franklin...... State ...... KY Dave Couillard ...... Federal ...... MN Jim Dean ...... Mgmt...... WV Larry Frisbie ...... State ...... WA Robert Crumrine ...... Federal ...... OH Vern Demich, Jr...... Mgmt...... PA William Garay ...... State ...... PA Gerald Davis ...... Federal ...... PA Matt Hindman ...... Mgmt...... PA Lee Graham ...... State ...... KS Ron Deaton...... Federal ...... KY Bill Holder ...... Mgmt...... NM Tom Gregorich ...... State ...... MN Bruce Dial ...... Federal ...... WV Glen Hood ...... Mgmt...... TX Tony Grbac ...... State ...... WV Bob Glatter ...... Federal ...... VA Robert Johnson ...... Mgmt...... CO Ben Hart ...... State ...... FL Jim Hackworth...... Federal ...... VA Joe Kinnikin ...... Mgmt...... NM Paul Hummel ...... State ...... PA Whitey Jacobson ...... Federal ...... TX George Krug...... Mgmt...... FL Phillip Johnson ...... State ...... KY Jerry Johnson...... Federal ...... WV Pete Kuhn ...... Mgmt...... WY Debbie Kendrick ...... State ...... AK Jack A. Kuzar ...... Federal ...... CO Joseph Lamonica ...... Mgmt...... DC Douglas Martin ...... State ...... AZ Rexford Music ...... Federal ...... KY Kevin LeGrand...... Mgmt...... IA Gilbert Meira ...... State ...... NM Joseph Pavlovich ...... Federal ...... KY Ernest Marcum ...... Mgmt...... WV Jim Myer ...... State ...... OH Leland Payne...... Federal ...... IN Jon Merrifield ...... Mgmt...... OH Bob Novello ...... State ...... TX James Petrie...... Federal ...... PA Bill Moser ...... Mgmt...... WV Glen Rasco...... State ...... GA John Radomsky...... Federal ...... MN Kevin Myers ...... Mgmt...... KY Ed Sinner ...... State ...... OR Bob Randolph...... Federal ...... PA Myron Nehrebecki ...... Mgmt...... PA Richard Stickler ...... State ...... PA Mel Remington ...... Federal ...... PA Greg Oster ...... Mgmt...... MN Bonita Stocks ...... State ...... AR Martin Rosta ...... Federal ...... AL Richie Phillips ...... Mgmt...... KY Ron Umshied ...... State ...... MT James Salois...... Federal ...... MN Richard Radakovich ...... Mgmt...... PA Sam Vancil ...... State ...... IL Donna Schorr ...... Federal ...... PA David Rebuck ...... Mgmt...... PA Michael Weaver ...... State ...... ID John Shutack ...... Federal ...... VA Ray Rucker ...... Mgmt...... TX Alan Cook ...... Supplier ...... AZ Judy Tate...... Federal ...... TX Subash Sethi ...... Mgmt...... NM Chuck Edwards ...... Supplier ...... PA Timothy Thompson ...... Federal ...... WV Nancy Staley ...... Mgmt...... MI Shea Kirkpatrick ...... Supplier ...... CA Glenn Tinney...... Federal ...... PA Cheryl Suzio ...... Mgmt...... CT Steve Walker ...... Supplier ...... WV Roger Carlson ...... Labor ...... MN Steve Taylor ...... Mgmt...... TX Vern Demich...... Emeritus...... PA Joe Main ...... Labor ...... DC Penny Traver...... Mgmt...... MI William Hoover ...... Emeritus...... AZ Lloyd Armstrong ...... Mgmt...... MN Gary Moore...... Mgmt...... NM Al Simonson...... Emeritus...... MN H.L. Boling...... Mgmt...... AZ Doug Conaway ...... State ...... WV Harry Thompson ...... Emeritus...... PA

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 FIRST-CLASS MAIL 1301 Airport Road POSTAGE & FEES PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Beaver, WV 25813-9426 Permit No. G-745

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Upcoming events: ■ Aug. 26, 1999, Pennsylvania State Contest, Carmichaels, PA ■ Sept. 1-2, 1999, Southern WV Mine Rescue Association Contest, Beckley, WV ■ Sept. 2, 1999, Illinois Mine Rescue and Bench Contest, Collinsville, IL ■ Sept. 8-10, 1999, State of Alabama Mine Rescue, Bench, First Aid, and EMT Contest, Birmingham, AL ■ Sept. 21-24, 1999 National Mine Rescue, First Aid, EMT, and Bench Contest, Louisville, KY ■ Nov. 18-19, 1999, Kentucky State Mine Rescue, EMT, and Benchman Contest, Lexington, KY