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

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
Examples of tests which may be performed with equipment energized
are:
1. Voltage and current measurements;
2. Pressure and volume measurements on hydraulic systems; and
3. Mechanical clutch setting.
Sections 75.1720(c) and 77.1710(c) require that protective gloves
be worn by miners when they are performing work "which might cause
injury to the hands," unless the gloves would create a greater
hazard by becoming entangled in the moving parts of equipment. As
the accident and injury data associated with working on energized
circuits and equipment clearly indicate, this type of work presents
a significant risk of hand injury. Therefore, gloves, in
accordance with Sections 75.1720(c) and 77.1710(c), are required
whenever miners troubleshoot or test energized electric power
circuits or electric equipment. Work gloves in good condition are
acceptable for troubleshooting or testing energized low- or mediumvoltage
circuits or equipment. This Section does not prohibit
installation of temporary guarding on an energized trolley wire
provided:
1. It is not necessary to remove the trolley wire from
the clips or hangers to install the temporary trolley
guarding;
2. It is not necessary to wrap the guarding material around
trolley wire;
3. The temporary trolley wire guard is specifically designed for
the purpose so that it can be easily and safely installed
without exposing the miner to a shock hazard; and
4. The miner who installs the temporary wire guard has received
training in the hazards of energized trolley wires and in the
safe method for installing the temporary trolley wire guards
used at the mine. All miners who perform tasks in proximity
to energized trolley wires (e.g., motormen, brakemen, supply
crewmen, trackmen, wiremen, and miners who rock dust and roof
bolt in the track entry) should receive this training as part
of the training they receive under the applicable provisions
of Part 48.
February 2003 (Release V-33) 54