Highwall and Shovel: MSHA
BEST PRACTICES
1. Train all miners in highwall hazard recognition.
2. Conduct examinations prior to beginning work around highwalls, and as frequent as necessary to ensure safety, especially during periods of changing weather conditions. Inspect areas back of the crest and the face of the highwall for cracks, sloughing, loose ground, and large rocks that could be hazardous.
3. Communicate changes in mining conditions or blasting issues to oncoming shifts.
4. Ensure loose material is scaled prior to performing work. To safely scale using a powered shovel, maintain the highwall height within reach of the bucket. Areas which cannot be made safe by scaling should be barricaded against entry by miners or equipment.
5. Position the shovel and trucks so that the shovel cab swings away from the highwall when loading.
Click here for the pdf of this Highwall and Shovel Safety Bulletins as provided by MSHA.
Highwall and Portal: MSHA
BEST PRACTICES
1. Conduct examinations prior to beginning work around highwalls, and as frequent as necessary to ensure safety, especially during periods of changing weather conditions. Inspect areas back of the crest and the face of the highwall for cracks, sloughing, loose ground, and large rocks that could be hazardous.
2. Communicate changes in mining conditions or blasting issues to oncoming shifts. Use catchments benches and portal shield designs consistent with the site.
3. Train all miners in highwall hazard recognition.
4. Ensure loose material is scaled prior to performing work. Areas which cannot be made safe by scaling should be barricaded against entry by miners or equipment.
Click here for the pdf of this Highwall and Portal Safety Bulletin as provided by MSHA.
