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

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
Included in the category of self-propelled mining equipment are
loading machines, cutting machines, shuttle cars, coal scoops, cleanup
scoops, tractors, roof-bolting machines, face drills, longwall and
shortwall installations, and supply vehicles, but rubber-tired
trailers pulled by battery tractors are not included.
Technical Support tests and evaluates lighting systems in a simulated
working place prior to the installation of the lighting systems
underground. Each lighting system submitted is tested and evaluated
to determine whether the required amount of light is provided, if the
system is designed and installed to minimize discomfort glare and if
the system complies with the other applicable provisions of the
illumination regulations.
A Statement of Test and Evaluation (STE) is issued by Technical
Support for accepted lighting systems. Each STE specifies the
maximum height and width of the working place, the type and model of
machine (for machine-mounted lighting systems), the location and
orientation of light fixtures, the type of diffusers or louvers, and
other conditions under which the lighting system must be installed
and operated to provide compliance with the applicable provisions of
the illumination regulations.
Lighting system manufacturers are furnishing a 3-by-5-inch metal
plate with each accepted machine-mounted lighting system. The metal
plate contains pertinent information about the lighting system and
should be attached to the machine near the permissi- bility plate.
The 3-by-5-inch metal plate is not required by regulation; however,
the plate must be present on the machine to consider the system as
one for which an STE has been issued.
The operator is not required to have an STE; therefore, a citation
shall not be issued for failure to comply with an STE. If the STE is
not being complied with, and in order to issue a cita-tion, the
inspector must take measurements to determine if the failure to
comply with the STE results in a reduction of light below the 0.06
footlamberts required by paragraph (d) of this Section.
When an inspector observes self-propelled mining equipment being
operated in a working place, a lighting system has been installed in
accordance with an STE, and all of the provisions of the STE are
being complied with as recorded on the metal plate, the lighting
system shall be acceptable as being in compliance with paragraph (d)
of this Section and the inspector shall not take light measurements.
Experience with STEs has shown that flexibility in the application of
STEs is needed. Due to differences in machine design, manufacturers'
mechanical design changes, and mine operators' modifications of
February 2003 (Release V-33) 149