MSHA Job Safety Tips
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BUCKET REPAIR
One of the nine fatalities in the anthracite industry during the 1993-1995 period occurred to a contract welder performing repair work.
Serious injuries also occurred when frontend loaders were being used as elevated work platforms and also used to stabilize or put pressure on a crack area.
In most cases, the miners involved were experienced in these tasks and probably used similar work practices in the past.
Safe work procedures must be established and followed at all times.
Due to their large size, heavy equipment such as dozers, frontend loaders and cranes are frequently used to move and position the buckets during the repair.
REMEMBER:
- Once positioned, secure the bucket with legs or supports to prevent its accidental movement.
- Secure the spreader bar and chain, if attached when the bucket is positioned and secured, to prevent its shifting should the bucket shift when the ground settles or frozen ground thaws.
- If working alone, provide communication to other workers and check in at regular intervals.
- When multiple miners are working on a single bucket, establish an onsite communication system to eliminate accidental flash exposure to the eyes.
Mine Safety and Health Administration