25-10-2012, 04:14 PM
MSHA COMMUNICATIONS AND TRACKING GUIDANCEPPL
Communication_and_Tracking.ppt (Size: 1 MB / Downloads: 26)
Post Accident Communications
A redundant means of communication with the surface for persons underground, such as secondary telephone or equivalent two-way communication.
Post Accident Tracking
Consistent with commercially available technology and with physical constraints of the mine, above ground personnel must be able to determine the current or immediately pre-accident location of all underground personnel.
“Any system so utilized shall be functional, reliable, and calculated to remain serviceable in a post-accident setting.”
MSHA MINER Act Compliance
MINER Act requires, by June 15, 2009, a plan to be approved, must provide for post-accident communications and electronic tracking systems.
A guidance PPL was developed to assist mine operators in developing their communication and electronic tracking for their ERP.
On December 18, 2008, MSHA made the PPL on “Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements for the MINER Act” publicly available on the Agency’s website for comments.
MSHA also made available on the Agency’s website preliminary estimates of costs associated with implementing the MINER Act requirements under the guidance in the PPL.
MSHA invited the public to comment on the guidance in the PPL, as well as the preliminary cost estimates by January 8, 2009, midnight EST.
Summary of Communication Provisions
Throughout each working section.
Along escapeways.
Within 200 feet of strategic areas (DM can require longer or shorter distances.)
Strategic areas include belt drives and transfer points, power centers, loading points, SCRS caches, and other areas identified by the DM.
Other alternatives to strategic areas identified by the DM.
Check in/Check out procedure for bleeders or other remote location.