NIOSH Comments to DOL (Department of Labor) on the Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Rule on Automatic Emergency-Parking Brakes for Rubber-Tired Self-Propelled Electric Face Equipment, by R. A. Lemen, Aporil 29, 1988

摘要

The testimony dealt with the concern of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) over the requirement that equipment fully loaded be supplied with emergency parking brakes sufficient to allow a complete stop on the maximum grade used in the mining industry. The concern arose from the fact that parking brakes which could safely bring a traveling 15.8 ton shuttle car with a 10 ton payload on a 17 percent downhill grade to a complete stop would be able to inflict injury to the operator if the same braking effort were applied to an empty shuttle car on a level grade. NIOSH recommended that all underground vehicles be equipped with seat belts and shoulder harnesses to minimize the potential for injuries resulting not only from rapid deceleration but also from vehicle roll overs, rapid turns, or other vehicle mishaps. NIOSH was also concerned that self propelled electric face equipment traveling less than 2.5 miles per hour should be equipped with automatic emergency power breaks unless these vehicles have drive mechanisms that quickly stop the machine once it is deactivated. NIOSH also recommended that the entire standard be applied not only to electric operated underground mining vehicles but to diesel operated vehicles as well.