Proximity Detection Systems Now Required For Continuous Mining Machines
Earlier today, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a final rule that is effective March 16 requiring underground coal mine operators to equip continuous mining machines (except full-face machines) with proximity detection systems. Any new machines manufactured after the effective date must be compliant with the rule’s requirements by November 16. Some mining companies already rely on these systems to promote safer workplaces, and those machines with a proximity detection system must be compliant with the rule’s requirements by September 16, 2016. For any machines currently being used that do not have such systems, they have three years to meet the rule’s requirements, until March 16, 2018.
According to MSHA, 34 “preventable fatalities” and 238 nonfatal “preventable” injuries occurred in underground coal mines since 1984 that are attributable to continuous mining machines. The final rule is available here.
