Page images
PDF
EPUB

analyze the task, develop the necessary forms and techniques, and then try them out in the field. They reported to us on June 19, and another contract is presently being processed to employ them to assist us in putting their recommendations into effect. Also, we have contracted with them on June 30 to make a study to adapt their recommendations to fit the coal mine health and safety part of our organization.

The system recommended by Booz, Allen & Hamilton will utilize our computer at Denver to consider all of the many variables involved, and to print out for our district managers each week a list of the mines that should be inspected. The district manager will apply his own judgment and either accept or modify this list.

The computer will then print out all of the pertinent information that the inspector needs to know about the mines selected, including the name of the operator, location, size, type, especially hazardous conditions, previous violations and penalties, historical frequency of fatalities, accidents and injuries, et cetera.

The inspector will utilize an inspection form which combines both ADP markings and enough narrative to describe the conditions in the mines. The required notices and orders will be issued, and the information from the report will go into the ADP system to sustain the process. The computer will also print out lists of mines that must be inspected to determine if previous violations have been abated in the time specified.

The foregoing is a gross oversimplification of the system, but it serves to make my point. The change will be revolutionary and it will be effective. It will not replace our managers and inspectors. It will reduce the time spent in report writing, and it will enable them to do a better job of planning and inspecting the mines.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, let me say again, these revolutionary changes in the mines and in the Bureau of Mines will take time. Of one thing I am certain. We are trying, and we are determined, to make the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 achieve its objectives as soon as possible.

Also, Mr. Chairman, I have here some supplemental information which can be inserted into the record.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

(The material referred to follows:)

[blocks in formation]

Instructions for Preparation of Reports Care and Use of Government Automo

[blocks in formation]

A. Coal Mine Inspection goals.

B. Preparation for inspection.

C. Conducting inspections.

D. Spot-check inspections.

E. Reviewing reports.

F. Conducting mine inspections by a systematic method (outline enclosed). III. Useful Information:

A. Explosives and blasting.

B. Ventilation and mine gases:

1. Collecting, preparing, and mailing air samples.

2. Discussion on mine gases.

C. Coal dust, loose coal, and rock dusting:

1. Collecting, preparing and mailing dust samples.

2. Rock dust surveys.

D. Transportation.

E. Electricity.

F. Fire Protection.

G. Punch mining.

H. Auxiliary fans.

I. Reflectors in lieu of trip lights.

J. Recommended safety standards for transportation, storage, and use of oxygen and acetylene.

K. Shaft and Slope sinking.

L. Useful publications:

1. Library facilities.

2. How publications catalogued.

3. Provide trainee with latest and most important publications relative to each subject.

Title III-Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act-1969

[blocks in formation]

III. Ventilation-(outline enclosed).

IV. Combustible Materials and Rock Dusting:

A. Discuss areas of compliance and noncompliance and that uniform inspections can only be attained by having the inspector apply standards set by the Bureau for acceptance.

B. Coal dust, loose coal, float dust, and other combustible material. C. Use of water in active workings.

D. Mines required to rock dust.

E. Adequacy of applied rock dust.

V. Electrical Equipment-General-(outline enclosed).

VI. Trailing Cables-(outline enclosed).

VII. Grounding-(outline enclosed).

VIII. Underground High-Voltage Distribution-(outline enclosed).

IX. Underground Low and Medium-Voltage A.C. Circuits-(outline enclosed). X. Trolley Wires and Trolley Feeder Wires-(outline enclosed).

XI. Fire Protection—(outline enclosed).

XII. Mine Maps.

XIII. Blasting and Explosives:

A. Discuss areas of compliance and noncompliance and standards set by Bureau for acceptance.

B. Hazards of black blasting powder and mudcaps.

C. Discuss in detail transportation, storage, care and use of explosives and detonators as required by this section of the Law.

XIV. Hoisting and Mantrips-(outline enclosed).

XV. Emergency Shelters-(outline enclosed).

XVI. Communications-(outline enclosed).

XVII. Miscellaneous-(outline enclosed).

XVII. Definitions:

Include latest interpretation, instruction, or decision rendered by the Secretary, Director, or the Director's Staff for each subject.

Issue copies of the latest approved inspectors manual.

Students solicted to ask questions to generate classroom discussion.

XIX. Title II Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.

A. Coverage.

B. Dust standards and respirable equipment.

C. Dust from drilling rock.

D. Noise standards.

E. Health inspection procedures.

Introduction:

INSPECTION METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Systematic inspection methods.

Efficient use of time and effort.

Thorough, honest, impartial inspections.
Best possible results.

[blocks in formation]

II. Detailed Description of Inspecting a Mine That Requires 5 or 6 Inspection

Shifts.

III. Preparation :

A. Have thorough knowledge of requirements of the Act, and current Bureau policy.

B. Obtain copy/copies of and study :

1. Preceding C.M.I. report.

2. Roof support plan.

3. Accident record-if available.

C. Be aware of:

1. Waivers.

2. Permits.

3. Approvals-granted or pending Notices or Orders in effect.

D. Have all necessary equipment checked and ready for use, including auto.

IV. Attitude:

A. Friendly positive attitude.

B. Open mind.

C. Look for and recognize good practices as well as the dangers.
D. Be firm and impartial in taking action.

E. Use the Act as a tool-not a weapon.

F. Fully expect to accomplish something.
G. Accept disappointments gracefully.

V. Appearance-Behavior:

A. Clean and neat person, equipment, and auto.

B. Safe courteous driving-parking.

C. Courteous conduct and speech.

D. Public image.

VI. First Shift at Mine:

A. Arrive early.

B. Meet with officials.

C. Study maps and record books.

D. Meet with mine safety committee.

E. Determine which section to visit first: 1. Immediate attention given to area where most serious hazards likely to exist.

F. Make pertinent notes.

G. Point out any inadequacies of maps or records.

VII. Proceed Underground:

A. Go promptly to face area without unnecessary delay.

B. Observe conditions, practices, and installations en route.

C. Point out and discuss any hazards observed.

D. Keep complete and detailed notes.

VIII. Citing Violations:

A. Definition of the word "Violation".

B. Using good judgment.

C. Taking prompt and appropriate action.

D. Using principles of good human relations when citing violations-getting improvements.

E. Emphasizing effective systems.

F. Followup.

IX. Arrive on Section :

A. Observe procedures for starting production.

B. On-shift examination.

C. Know layout of section and adjacent areas.

D. Ventilating current-course and volume.

E. Determine if imminent danger exists.

F. Examples of imminent danger.

G. Appropriate action..

X. Examine:

A. Roof-condition, supports, and plan compliance.

B. Conditions of entries as to cleanup and rock-dusting.

C. Individual working faces.

D. Production cycle.

E. Face ventilation and controls.

F. Roof and gas testing practices.

G. Explosives-storage, handling, and use.

H. Haulage equipment and practices.

I. Permissibility and maintenance of electric face equipment.
J. Air samples-why, when, where, and how.

[blocks in formation]

1. Conference with Section crew and foreman with management's approval.

XI. Leave Section:

A. Check haulageways, travelways, and open parallel entries as to:

1. Roof conditions.

2. Coal spillage, float dust, and rock dust.

3. Electrical installations and wiring.

4. Haulage equipment and practices.

5. Condition of track, belts, and/or roadways.

6. Any questionable condition observed when riding man trip into mine.

7. Ventilation controls-stoppings, overcasts.

8. Feasibility of isolating belt entries.

9. Velocity of air on belt and trolley entries.

XII. Arrive on Surface:

A. Write and/or post Notices Orders.

B. Review findings with officials.

C. Offer assistance-advice.

D. Leave mine.

XIII. Schedule Completion of Inspection:

A. Considering:

1. Number of producing sections.

2. Night shifts.

3. Man trips.

4. Escapeway-return airways.

5. Traveling with fireboss.

6. Sampling return air-collecting dust samples.

7. Maintenance of flame safety lamps and gas testing equipment. 8. Surface facilities, structures, and installations.

XIV. Return to Headquarters:

A. Turn in Notices-Orders.

B. Confer with supervisor if necessary.

C. Clean and service equipment.

D. Ask for any needed assistance.

E. Mail air and dust samples.

XV. Closeout Conference:

A. Prior notification.

B. Time and place.

C. Joint or separate.

D. Conversational tour.

E. Clarity control.

F. Serious hazards.

G. Less serious hazards.

H. Conditions between inspections.

47-135 0-71-45

« PreviousContinue »