METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On October 30, 1999, a 50-year-old mechanic, with 6 months mining experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was mounting a wheel on the front axle of a haulage truck when the multi-piece wheel rim assembly exploded and struck him.
Best Practices
The manufacturers guidelines for servicing multi-piece wheel rims should be consulted and followed.
Debris and corrosion should be removed from multi-piece rim components prior to returning them to use.
MSHA Publication IG 60, "Tire and Rim Safety Awareness Program" is available from the National Mine Health and Safety Academy or on the internet at www.msha.gov. The file is PDF.
This is the 46th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 45 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Exploding Vessel Under Pressure in 1999. There were three Exploding Vessel Under Pressure fatalities in the same period in 1998.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report