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

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
Subpart E Safeguards for Mechanical Equipment
77.400 Mechanical Equipment Guards
The word "line," used in paragraph (b) of this Section, means
beltline and should read "... if whipping action from a broken
beltline would be hazardous to persons below." The guard required
in paragraph (c) should extend a minimum distance of 30 inches from
the point where persons could become caught between the belt and
the pulley.
77.401 Stationary Grinding Machines; Protective Devices
Only wheels or discs with manufacturer's identification tags still
attached, showing the proper r.p.m. rating of the wheel, shall be
used. A grinding wheel or disc rated for 5,000 r.p.m. should not
be used with a machine rated for 7,000 r.p.m.
77.403 Mobile Equipment; Falling Object Protective Structures
(FOPS)
In enforcing paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section, the inspector
must make an independent judgment that a FOPS is necessary in order
to protect the operator of the equipment. If an inspector observes
equipment being operated and, in his/her opinion, a FOPS is
necessary, the inspector shall issue a citation or order.
When mobile equipment other than what is listed in this Section,
such as an excavator with a rotating deck, is used where there
exists a hazard from falling objects, steps shall be taken to
protect the operator. If, upon inspection, any machine is found
operating in close proximity to a highwall and there is a danger
from falling material, an order of withdrawal under the provisions
of Section 107(a) of the Act would be appropriate to protect the
machine operator.
77.403a Mobile Equipment; Rollover Protective Structures
(ROPS)
Section 77.403a and 77.403b are written without parentheses. A
citation may be written as 77.403a(c)(1). There are other possible
combinations, but ensure that the correct transposition is made.
If an inspector, upon an inspection of a mine, finds that an
imminent danger does exist which involves equipment manufactured
prior to July 1, 1969, and relates to the lack of ROPS for such
equipment, he/she shall issue an order under Section 107(a) of the
Act. Such orders should describe the conditions (equipment,
grades, etc.) and/or practices which constitute the imminent
danger. Any such order issued should require the equipment (or
similar equipment) to be withdrawn prohibited from operation under
the conditions that created the imminent danger.
February 2003 (Release V-33) 170