MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES - PH13-V-1 - Mine Safety and Health ...

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 3
3. Communications. An evaluation for compliance with applicable standards
shall be conducted of all communication methods, including attention to
grounding, insulation, proper operation, and safe access.
4. Dust Control Parameters. Dust controls used on the section shall be inspected
to determine compliance with applicable standards and the approved mine
ventilation plan. A representative number of miners shall be polled to
determine if conditions observed represent normal mining conditions. The
inspector shall not travel to the mine for the sole purpose of conducting a dust
control parameter inspection with plans to return on the next inspection day
with the intent to conduct respirable dust sampling (dust control parameters
shall be conducted on the same day respirable dust sampling is conducted).
At least once during each inspection, the inspector will determine if the mine
operator performed an adequate on-shift examination of the dust controls (§
75.362(a)(2)(On-shift examination)). Respirable coal mine dust samples shall
be collected pursuant to the Coal Mine Health Inspection Procedures
Handbook; and Chapter 1 Revision. To assure dust data cards are properly
completed, special attention needs to be given when documenting the
assigned occupational code, DAs, and MMU assigned numbers. (Refer to
Coal Mine Occupations Form 2000-169 for further occupation information.)
When inspectors are present on working sections evaluating dust control
parameters, they should take air quantity measurements and assure that the
face ventilation control devices are installed and maintained in accordance
with the approved ventilation plan under § 75.370(a)(1) (Mine ventilation plan;
submission and approval). They should also discuss with section personnel
the importance of maintaining face ventilation controls in accordance with the
approved ventilation plan.
5. Dates, Times, and Initials. The inspector shall examine all working places on
each working section and determine if the mine examiner had certified with
dates, times, and initials that the required examinations were conducted.
6. Escapeway Map. The inspector shall determine if an up-to-date escapeway
map is maintained on each working section and that the RA location and
escapeway map coincide. Discussions shall be conducted with the miners to
determine if they are familiar with the map location, the designated escape
routes, and evacuation procedures.
7. Fire Protection. All firefighting equipment shall be inspected for compliance
with applicable standards, including attention to equipment maintenance,
placement for safe access, inspection record, and adequate capacity available
for use on the section. Inspectors shall determine if the requirements of §
75.1100-1(a) (Type and quality of firefighting equipment) are being complied
Release 1 (February 2013) 3-57