MSHA Final Rule Mandates Use of Proximity Detection Systems in Mining Ops

Today, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a final rule that will require operators of underground coal mines to equip continuous mining machines with proximity detection systems. It will be published in the Federal Register on Jan. 15 and become effective 60 days thereafter. "Simply put, the proximity detection final rule will save lives and has the potential to dramatically improve the safety of mining operations," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "It already has the support of many in the mining industry. In fact, a number of coal companies installed proximity detection systems long before there was a legal obligation to do so." Thirty-five coal miners have died since 1984 when they became pinned, crushed or struck by continuous mining machines. To combat these kinds of accidents, a number of mining companies have adopted the use of proximity detection, a technology that uses electronic sensors to detect motion or the location of one object relative to another. These systems can be programmed to send warning signals and stop machines before they injure or kill miners working in the confined space of an underground coal mine. With the new rule, a proximity detection system consists of machine-mounted components and miner-wearable components worn by each miner on the working section. The final rule establishes performance and maintenance requirements for these systems and requires training for persons performing the installation and maintenance. The rule includes phase-in periods of 8 to 36 months to give mine operators ample time to obtain MSHA approvals, modify continuous mining machines to meet the new requirements, and provide training to miners. The phase-in periods are based on the availability of four MSHA-approved proximity detection systems, the estimated number of continuous mining machines that would be rebuilt or replaced by new machines during the phase-in periods, and manufacturers' capacity to produce and install these systems.

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