Program Policy Manual - VOLUME V - Mine Safety and Health ...

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
fire at the belt flight or at a manned location where personnel
have communication with all miners who may be endangered.
The visual signal shall be capable of attracting the attention of
persons referred to in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) under normal
mine lighting conditions.
Both signals need not be located in the same place. In some
instances, the signals may be acceptable located a considerable
distance apart, provided such signals can be seen or heard by
responsible persons.
An alarm signal at the section telephone equivalent to that of a
loud speaking telephone or "Page" system will be accepted for
compliance with paragraph (a).
Sensors responding to effects of fire other than heat may be
acceptable subject to individual determination. The Technical
Support Group, Bruceton, Pennsylvania, will provide assistance
where needed in making this determination.
Means for "Rapid Evaluation" as addressed in paragraph (b) is any
method that will effectively demonstrate that the sensor and
warning device systems are operative and capable of performing in
the event of a fire. This will be determined on a system-bysystem
basis by the district manager.
MSHA will accept a system in which the trouble signal is or is not
distinctive from the alarm signal. However, in this later
instance, both the trouble and alarm signal will indicate a "fire"
situation. The mine operator will then be required to respond to
the signal prepared to control a fire. That is to say, that the
communication lines need not be electrically monitored for short
circuits, ground faults, and open circuits.
If communication lines are incorporated into a fire-warning
system, MSHA will accept the use of communication systems without
electrical supervision.
75.1103-6 Automatic Fire Sensors; Actuation of Fire-
Suppression Systems
The fire sensor and suppression devices required at belt drives
under Section 75.1101 may be separate and apart from the sensor
and alarm system required under Section 75.1103, except that the
sensor and alarm system required under Section 75.1103 shall
transverse and include the belt drive area. If the systems
required under Sections 75.1101 and 75.1103 are combined and are
interconnected, then the more stringent requirements of Section
October 2003 (Release V-34) 107