Working with Electricity at a Mine

Key Questions

The following key questions are answered in this module:

Why is it important to test electrical circuits?
Testing electrical circuits exposes miners and others onsite to the risk of serious or fatal injuries from electrical shock or an arc flash.

What are some effective ways to prevent fatalities from electric shock?
Locking out, tagging out, and grounding circuits and mechanical equipment prior to performing work are effective means of preventing serious injuries and fatalities resulting from electric shock.

What is the purpose of grounding a circuit?
Grounding the circuit provides additional protection from shock in the event that someone removes your lock and energizes the circuit.

What are some of the dangers of using extension cords?
Poorly maintained or improperly used extension cords can expose miners and others onsite to the risks of fire, electrical shock, and tripping or falling.

What are some of the dangers of using large batteries?
Working with large automotive and marine batteries can expose miners and others onsite to toxic chemicals, electric shock, arc flash, and potential explosions.

What are some best practices when working around power lines?
When working around power lines, make sure to install nonconductive physical barriers and insulating sleeves, have high-visibility spheres to help make the line locations visible, and make sure that all overhead and buried power lines are professionally located and identified.

Sample Video Transcript

Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:

Working with large automotive and marine batteries can expose minors and others on sight to toxic chemicals, electric shock, arc flash, and potential explosions. Minors tasked with charging, installing, removing, or maintaining batteries should be properly trained to safely perform those tasks. In extreme cases, batteries can overheat and cause a fire or even explode. When this happens, the battery can release battery acid, lead, and toxic fumes, potentially injuring skin, eyes, and lungs. When batteries are charging, explosive gases such as hydrogen are produced, creating an increased fire hazard. Operating batteries in dirty, dusty environments can also cause problems. Surface leakage, created by accumulated dust mixing with spilled electrolyte, can cause the battery to short and create a fire hazard.

Additional Resources

Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:

• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) – www.msha.gov
• MSHA Safety Idea - http://arlweb.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/ideas/wire.htm
• MSHA Miner’s Tip - http://arlweb.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/Tips/electricalhazard.htm#.V4gQy-nmrL8
• MSHA Hazard Alert - http://arlweb.msha.gov/Alerts/ARCFLASHAlert082011.pdf

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