Published in the May 2008 Coal USA Magazine
The number went active in December 2006 and, under legislation that MSHA outlined in the Emergency Mine Evacuation Final Rule, operations must report an accident within 15 minutes of realizing it has occurred. The most significant events, such as a death or serious injury, are more obvious, but other boundaries of the regulations are not as well known.
For example, the agency considers the entrapment of a worker for more than 30 minutes to be immediately reportable, regardless of whether the situation is life threatening. An inundation by a liquid or gas, and ignition or explosion involving gas or dust that are unplanned by a mine also fall under the umbrella.
The fire threat is a constant one at both underground and surface mines. MSHA has required that any underground fire that is not extinguished within 10 minutes of initial discovery is to be immediately reportable, or within 30 minutes if the flames ignite on the surface, including at a surface mine complex. If an ignition or explosion occurs that involves a blasting agent or explosive and has not been approved by the mine, it too requires a call.
Geological issues also can require contacting MSHA’s toll-free line to report the incident, such as an outburst (coal or rock) that results in an evacuation or idles regular production for over an hour.
If a roof fall occurs in an active section at or above its anchorage zone, or if movement or ventilation are impacted, it is considered to be immediately reportable. The agency also wants to be informed about unstable conditions at refuse piles, impoundments, or culm banks, particularly those which require evacuation.
Finally, MSHA asks that mines report damage to shaft or slope hoisting equipment when the issue endangers human life or affects its use for more than a half hour. Should an emergency situation occur at a mine but a worker’s injury/death is not realized until a later time, the agency instructs operations to report the event and results.
Sustained injuries by workers that are minor, such as regular sprains, cuts, bruises and other ordinary complaints, do not need to be immediately reported, the agency noted. However, workers should visit safety management personnel to complete injury paperwork as part of agency law.
MSHA also reminds mine personnel that its toll-free line is not just for reporting accidents – it also serves as a tool for reporting hazardous conditions on an anonymous basis. Information that will help, it added, includes mine and owner name, location, and the MSHA identification number for the operation.
