West Virginia Mine Safety Board Gives Coal Operators Three Years To Implement Proximity Technology for In-Service Machines
West Virginia’s Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety finalized a rule that will give coal operators three years to update continuous mining machines with “proximity detection systems” that would prevent miners from being crushed or pinned by underground equipment by stopping the machine if it gets too close to a worker. The new rule gives companies until July 1, 2017 to add the systems to machines that are already in service. The rule, however, requires that the proximity detection systems be included on all machines placed into service after January 1, 2015 or rebuilt after July 1, 2015. While the rule also requires that the systems be placed on other types of mobile unground equipment by July 2017, it does allow for some exceptions, stating that operators may comply with the rule by using blind-spot cameras or “other alternatives” recommended by the Board and approved by the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training. The rule is set to take effect on July 1, 2014.
