Physical Hazards at a Mine
Physical hazards can be created by dangerous energy or force, such as electricity, high noise levels, explosions, and fire. This course provides information on high voltage hazards, such as overhead and downed power lines, energized guy wires, and other contact hazards. Noise hazards, explosive hazards, and fire hazards, such as hot work, are also discussed. Based on MSHA’s Title 30 CFR Part 46.5.b.2.
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Learning Objectives
• Identify hazards and list best practices for avoiding electrical shock from power lines and guy wires
• Identify hazards and list best practices for hearing protection
• Identify hazards and list best practices for working around blasting operations
• Identify fire hazards
• Identify hazards and list best practices for hot work
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 30 CFR Part 46.5.b.2 |
Key Questions
What is the difference between direct and indirect contact with power lines?
Direct contact occurs when a person, tool, or piece of mobile equipment directly contacts the power line or a downed power line. Indirect contact occurs when the power line inadvertently energizes the ground, a body of water, or other conductive surface or structure.
What should a person do if a downed power line makes contact with a piece of equipment that they are in?
If a vehicle or piece of equipment you are in makes contact with an overhead power line, remain calm and do not attempt to exit the vehicle. Immediately call for help and await instructions.
How does a person avoid electric shock?
To avoid electrical shock, use only non-conductive, insulated tools around exposed sources of electrical power.
When is hearing protection required at a mine site?
Where noise levels exceed acceptable standards, MSHA requires that miners wear appropriate hearing protection, such as ear plugs and/or ear muffs.
How can I reduce the risk of blasting hazards at a mine site?
Proper blast planning, blast area management, and blast team communication can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death from blast hazards, including ejected material, known as “flyrock.”
What is a “flash burn?”
A “flash burn” is a type of eye injury caused by intensely bright ultraviolet (UV) welding flash. To avoid a flash burn, wear appropriate eye protection, including safety glasses or a welder’s face shield, and never look directly at welding flash.
Sample Video Transcript
Prolonged and repeated exposure to the high noise levels produced by equipment such as drills, conveyors, crushers, diesel engines, and machinery can have a range of damaging and lasting effects on the human ear. Unprotected exposure during use of explosives or close proximity to air horns can also permanently damage hearing. Where noise levels exceed acceptable standards, MSHA requires that miners wear appropriate hearing protection such as ear plugs and/or ear muffs.
Additional Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Standards – https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=19
- OSHA Standards – https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=37
- Oregon OSHA – http://osha.oregon.gov
- Oregon OSHA Fact Sheets – http://www.orosha.org/pdf/pubs/fact_sheets/fs46.pdf
Course Applies To
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