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Section: 56.6100a
Date: 01/12/2012
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: Detonators were being stored in the same magazine with other explosive material. The magazine has one door with two locks when door is open accesses is open to both, explosive materials and detonators separated by hard wood as in a powder chest(day box). But this is used as a magazine not a day box. Is not emptied at end of the shift. This condition exposes miners to the hazard of an unexpected explosion. Result in injuries to the miners.
Action: The explosive supplier removed the material from the mine site,terminating this citation.
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Section: 56.4101
Date: 01/04/2012
Negligence: Low
District: SC
Condition: There were no readily visible signs prohibiting smoking and open flames posted at or near the hydraulic storage tank on the short head cone crusher #30 to warn employees of the hazard. The lack of a warning sign to notify persons of the hazard could lead to a fire/burn incident.
Action: [None stated on citation]
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Section: 56.1000
Date: 08/25/2011
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The mine operator failed to notify MSHA of closure of mining activities at this mine site. The overburden stripping crew and equipment which was operating at this site has been relocated to another mine site. MSHA was notified the plant on site was shutdown on November 22, 2010 and that stripping of overburden commenced on January 07, 2011 at this site. The stripping crew ceased mining activities at this site on March 2, 2011 and no other mining activities are ongoing at this site at this time.
Action: MSHA was verbally notified that the stripping crew was relocated and that no mining activities were on going at this site terminating the cited condition.
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 06/27/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The existing guard for the overhead furnace fan in the breakroom building is not adequate to prevent contact with the fan blades. The existing guard has openings approximately 2 to 3 inches wide and 6 inches long. The fan is located on the back of the furnace approximately 75 inches above the floor. The location of the furnace in the southeast corner of the breakroom and the location of the fan on the back side of the furnace make contact unlikely. This condition exposes miners to cuts, bruises and/or broken bones associated with contacting the rotating fan blades. The condition was not open or obvious because of the location. The mine operator was unaware of the condition.
Action: The operator provided an adequate guard for the-furnace fan in the breakroom.
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Section: 56.14100b
Date: 06/27/2011
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The stop/brake lights provided on the Cat 988 F front end loader S/N 8YG----- are not functional at this time. The front end loader is operating in the pit area of the mine loading material into the primary crusher. Two other haul trucks are operating in the pit area to access load out bins on the north side of the crushing plant. This exposes a person operating the other mobile equipment to the hazard of not being alerted to the front end loader stopping causing a collision which could result in strain or sprain injuries.
Action: Fixed the brake lights.
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Section: 56.13011
Date: 06/24/2011
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The operator had an air pressure tank with a pressure gauge that was located along an air line past a gate valve. This gauge could not continuously give an accurate reading of the pressure within the tank should the gate valve be closed. At that point when this gate valve is closed the gauge would only be reading the pressure with the air line. A miner not knowing what the accurate air pressure is within the tank could have it rupture resulting in lost work days or restricted duty type injuries. Miner have an outside source check the air compressor unit for safety and did not notice the discrepancy.
Action: The operator placed a properly functioning gauge on the end of the tank which will give continuously correct reading of the pressure within the unit.
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Section: 46.9b2
Date: 04/29/2011
Negligence: Low
District: SC
Condition: The records for the most recent annual refresher training completed on xx/xx/2011 did not indicate the type (Part 46) or time duration (8 hours) on the 5000-23 form. This is a records violation and has no gravity.
Action: The required information was added to the training form.
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Section: 56.14100c / 56.14132a / 56.14101a2 / 56.14100c
Date: 04/28/2011
Negligence: High
District: NC
Condition: Citation #1 The brake lights on the Fiatallis FC 85 was not functional at time of inspection, This condition exposes operator of other equipment to the hazard of not having a warning when the grader makes sudden stops. which could result in injuries to both operators. Citation #2 The horn nor the back up alarm was working on the Fiatallis FC 85 road grader. This condition give no warning to other equipment or miners in the area. this condition exposes miners to the hazards of be run into. Citation #3 The parking brake on the Fiatallis FC 85 road grader used to grade road ways on the mine site was not functional at time of inspection. This condition exposes the operator of the hazard of the brakes not holding in the event of an emergency. Citation #4 The tie rod end on the left side of the Fiatallis FC 85 road grader had movement by hand of 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch up and down. This condition exposes the operator to the hazard of loosing control of the grader, causing injury to the operator.
Action: Removed Fiatallis FC 85 from site.
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 04/21/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Guarding was not provided for the Snubbers on each side of the screen. Two Snubbers on each side vibrate during Scalper Screen operation creating a pinch point between the snub and bracket. The Snubbers are positioned low on the screen side and there isn't any maintenance activities performed near the unguarded parts making an accident unlikely. Should a miner contact the moving machine part it would result in lacerations, contusions and/or fractured bone injuries.
Action: The snubber brackets were removed.
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Section: 56.14206b
Date: 04/19/2011
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The Komatsu 155 AX dozer ripper attachment was left in the raised position, not blocked or secured and unattended. The point of the ripper shank was about 4 inches above the ground. Unexpected lowering of the ripper assembly can result in impact type injuries to body parts involved. Miners have not travel in the area of the ripper during normal mining operations. This condition was not open and obvious as the tip of the ripper was close to the ground and there was grass and weeds around it.
Action: The ripper attachment was lowered to ground level.
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Section: 56.18010
Date: 04/18/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: No one at the mine site is currently trained in first aid. The last training received expired in February 2010. This exposes a person to the hazard of not properly assessing the injury.
Action: None listed
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Section: 56.14101a2
Date: 04/12/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The parking brake on the Euc R35 haul truck (unit #005) that hauls from the plant to the stockpile area would not hold on the maximum grade it traveled. This condition exposes miners to a hazard of unexpected movement of equipment.
Action: The parking brake has been repaired. This citation is hereby terminated
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Section: 56.15001
Date: 04/12/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The battery charging area near the center of the shop did not have water or neutralizing agent available. This condition creates a hazard of not being able to immediately flush or wash off corrosive materials.
Action: A neutralizing agent was put near the battery charging area. This citation is hereby terminated.
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Section: 56.4501
Date: 04/05/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The fuel lines on the diesel tank located on the fuel tank to the portable four inch John Deere Pump, ID 979, was not equipped with valves to stop the flow of fuel at the source. Without a shut off valve on the tank, if there was a leak during a malfunction, this condition could cause fire hazards. This condition exposes miners to burn and smoke inhalation type injuries. The tanks were 55 gallon and used on an as needed basis to remove water from the pit area. The manager was not aware of the standard.
Action: A shut—off valve was installed on the diesel tank capable of stopping the flow of fuel at the source.
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Section: 56.14205
Date: 04/05/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The bench grinder located in the tool area of the small shop was being used beyond the design capacity of the manufacturer as the grinder did not have a safety flange on the grinding wheel. This condition exposes miners to the hazards from the grinding wheel shattering. The grinding wheel was in good condition and had a peripheral food of 270 degrees. The grinding wheel is used as needed for plant repairs. Management did not know that the condition existed.
Action: The stationary grinder was removed from service and removed from the shop.
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Section: 56.14115c
Date: 04/05/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The bench grinder located in the tool section of the small shop had no safety washer on one side of the grinding wheel. This condition exposes miners to the hazards from an exploding grinding wheel. The grinding wheel was in good condition and had a peripheral food of 270 degrees. The grinding wheel is used as needed for plant repairs. Management did not know that the condition existed.
Action: The stationary grinder was removed from service and removed from the shop.
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 02/21/2011
Negligence: High
District:
Condition: A return roller was found not guarded. This was on the Scalper Screen under conveyor. The roller was near 63 inches wide and 74 inches above the ground. This was a large area under the #90-037 Simplicity screen that one could easily walk underneath. Usually one miner would clean up around this area daily on a shift. Clean up duties are performed by a skid steer loader that has other clean up attachments to more effectiviely clean under the equipment. This condition creates a potential entanglement hazard to the miner. Note: This plant was last operated during Sepember, 2010.
Action: An adequate return roller guard was installed in the effected area.
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Section: 56.18002a
Date: 02/18/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: W
Condition: The D-1 crane was found to have an accumulation of excessive clinker dust in the operator's compartment. This dust is being constantly moved about the cab of the crane by a circulating fan. The competent person that the mine operator has designated to conduct the examination of working places is not recognizing to potential health issues that miners are exposed to while operation the D-1 crane. Continues breathing of any dust has a high potential to cause disabling health issues. The company has provided means to clean out the operator's work place. Training has been given but it may be lacking the facts that no dust is good for any body to breath. Would the competent person allow their loved ones to be exposed to such health and safety issues? Photos taken. The company's miners have vacuumed out the cab of the crane operator's work place. The task still needs further attention. The vacuum may have clogged. The floor board and ledges of the cab still has dust that has not been removed. This fine dust that remains in the cab shall be removed and the circulation fan and filters will need servicing. The competent person designated to conduct the examination will need additional training. This area shall be checked and documented that the check was done on each shift. The door seals shall be checked to assure that they are sealing to prevent clinker dust from entering the cab when the door is closed. The lighting in the cab may need to be brighter to see the condition of the cab upon examination of the working place. This citation is here-by extended to the 02/21/2011 15:30 hours.
Action: (none indicated)
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Section: 56.14207
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: High
District: NE
Condition: The foreman who is operating the #40608 Chevy 1500 pick up truck failed to set the parking brake when unattended. The hazard is the truck moving when unattended. This truck parks on level ground and has a automatic transmission. The foreman said he was in the spring thaw when the rules to live by were discussed. Foreman XXXXXXXXXX engaged in aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence in that he is a foreman and knows the standards. This violation is an unwarrantable to comply with a mandatory standard.
Action: none listed
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The underside of the primary field conveyor #2 located in the pit had the underside of the self cleaning tail pulley unguarded from contact. The distance from the guard on the side to grade measured about 27". The self cleaning tail pulley was about 11" above the bottom of the guard on the side. No miners are on foot around the plant while the plant is in operation. Cleaning is done from the underside of the pulley with a skid steer and attachment. This condition exposes miners to permanently disabling entanglement type injuries. The condition was not recognized as a hazard by mine management. The condition has existed for some time and has been accepted by MSHA in the past.
Action: (none indicated)
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Section: 56.4401
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The 300 gallon gasoline storage tank at the fuel station is not securely mounted on a firm foundation. This tank is approx. 6' above the ground on a metal stand that is not attached to anything. This tank sways with slight effort when pushed by hand and could easily be knocked over if struck by mobile equipment. A fire or explosion hazard exists should an incident occur. This area is used to power wash mobile equipment and for parking.
Action: (None indicated)
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Section: 56.11016
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Snow on the walkway to the pit pump control box was not removed, nor was sand or salt applied to the walkway in a timely manner. Miners using the walkway are exposed to slip and fall hazards and associated injuries. There were foot prints in the snow and miners access the control box daily to start and stop the pit pump as part of normal mining activities. Mine operator indicated being familiar with the standard but notice this condition due to the remote location of the control box.
Action: The snow was removed from the walkway to the pit pump control box.
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Section: 56.14107
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The existing guard for the self cleaning tail pulley for the lime field conveyor did not extend down far enough to prevent contact with the tail pulley from the sides and/or rear. The existing guard was approximately 34 inches above the ground. The tail pulley was approximately 8 inches in from bottom of the rear guard. The exposed area was approximately 31 inches long on the sides and 39 inches long back. Contact with rotating components would result in entanglement injuries of body parts involved. Miners do not normally work in this area when conveyor is in operation. Clean up is done with skid loader. The mine operator indicated not recognizing the hazard and believed the existing guard was adequate.
Action: The mine operator fabricated and installed a guard to cover the bottom area of the tail pulley.
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Section: 56.11016
Date: 02/15/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Snow on the walkway and stairs used as the east entrance to the primary crusher MCC trailer was not removed, nor was sand or salt applied to the walkway and stairs in a timely manner. There was snow covering the bottom step and about 2 inches of snow on top of the second step. Miners using the walkway and stairs are exposed to slip and fall hazards and associated injuries. There were foot prints the snow and miners access the MCC trailer thru the east entrance daily to start and stop the crusher and field conveyors as part of normal mining activities. Mine operator indicated not recognizing the hazard of miners accessing the MCC trailer thru the snow.
Action: The snow was removed from the walkway and stairs used as the east entrance to the primary crusher MCC trailer.
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Section: 56.20008b
Date: 02/14/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The door for the portable toilet does not lock from the inside. This toilet is located beside the control booth for the secondary plant.
Action: The door is now capable of being locked from the inside.
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Section: 56.3606a
Date: 02/11/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: the blast site was not posted with warning signs. This creates the hazard of unauthorizes persons accessing an active blast site.
Action: signs will be posted
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Section: 56.13001
Date: 02/11/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The approx. 8 gallon portable air tank did not have a [ASME] American Society of Mechanical Engineers certification stamp on it. This condition creates a hazard of rupture of a pressure vessel to the miner.
Action: tank was removed from mine site
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Section: 56.11005
Date: 02/11/2011
Negligence: Low
District: SC
Condition: The right front fixed access on the CAT 773F, company number 282513, was not provided with three inches of toe clearance. The ladder had been bent into the bumper decreasing the amount of toe clearance. This condition creates a fall hazard to the miner when ascending or descending the ladder. One miner was operating the truck at the time of inspection.
Action: The ladder brackets were straightened and the ladder now has sufficient toe clearance.
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Section: 46.9h
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: There were no certificates of task training for review at this mine for any of the currently emloyed miners. The operator has had recent Part 46 training certificates available for review but no task training. The operator stated the training was being done but the person in charge of safety has left the mine and the current staff could not find the task training records.
Action: Operator provided task training certificates of all currently employed miners.
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Section: 56.12028
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: The mine operator was unable to produce current documentation that the continuity and resistance test of their electrical system had been conducted with the specified time. The last known test was on July 2009. Miners working around this area were exposed to the possibility of shock if a ground fault condition were to go undetected. The vast majority of the plant is subjected to heavy vibration and weather.
Action: A test of the plants electrical system was done on 10/30/2010.
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Section: 46.12a2
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: The mine operator did not provide information to a contractor working on site of their obligations to comply with including Part 46 training requirements and regulations under the 30CFR. Contractor on site was cited for training and fall protection not being used.
Action: A discussion with the operator of his obligations under part 46.12a2 to tell the contractors that come on site of the rules for training and the regulations of the 30CFR.
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Section: 46.11b4
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: High
District:
Condition: A contractor [Contractor Name Here] was allowed to have truck drivers on the mine site that did not have site specific hazard awareness training. The truck drivers were on site to get loaded with fill material at the NO. 3 pit. The lack of training exposed truck drivers to an increased risk of injury by not knowing the hazards in this area of the mine. This is a not high mobile equipment area.
Action: Site Specific Hazard training was given to the truck drivers.
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Section: 56.14112a1
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: The guard for the tailpulley on the No. 2 feed conveyor was not being maintained. The guard had fell off the self cleaning tailpulley exposing the moving machine parts. The tail pulley is approximately 68" off the ground under the No. 1 screen deck. Miners working in this area were exposed to the possibility of injury, from entanglement hazards. This area is accessed by miners for maintenance and repair on an needed basis.
Action: A metal mesh guard was installed around the entire tailpiece of the No. 2 feed conveyor.
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Section: 56.12008
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: The energized conductor cable, providing 480 volt three phase power for the No. 2 Screen feed conveyor was found to have slipped from its strain relief bushing. The only means of support was the inner termination points inside the motor junction box. In the event of strain on these terminations a fault may occur with harmful voltages present. High temperature arcing may also occur. Miners are in this area on an as needed basis and could receive a shock or burn requiring medical attention.
Action: The 480V wiring for the No. 2 screen box was reinstalled back into its proper bushing.
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Low
District:
Condition: The feed conveyor was not provided with a proper guard to cover the moving machine parts of the tail pulley. The operator had plastic fence for an area guard at the entrance of the surge tunnel. The conveyor tail pulley was located approximately 20" above the floor in this confined area under the surge tunnel. Persons working or traveling in the area could accidentally contact the moving machine part resulting in crushing of bones or amputation injuries. Miners clean the area when the plant is down.
Action: A metal mesh guard was installed covering the moving machine parts of the return roller of the feed conveyor.
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: A return roller at the entrance of the surge tunnel, on the feed conveyor was not provided with a guard covering the pinch point of the moving machine part. The return roller is approximately 54" above the bottom and foot prints were seen under and around the return roller. The return roller was located at a level were a miner could easily contact the moving machine part. This hazard will cause bruising, crushing, and amputation injuries to a miner traveling or working in this area if he/she would contact the moving machine part pinch point.
Action: A metal mesh guard was installed covering the return roller on the feed conveyor.
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Section: 56.4200b2
Date: 02/09/2011
Negligence: High
District:
Condition: There was no fire extinguisher readily available on the Caterpillar 215 Excavator in case of fire. The equipment operator has a quick escape route. The miner was exposed to a potential burns from a fire. There was a fire extinquisher approximately 500' away in the operator's dragline.
Action: The Caterpillar excavator was taken off the mine site by the operator. But if this standard is cited (56.4200b2) by MSHA on the same excavator it could be considered more than ordinary negligence.
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Section: 57.20014
Date: 11/23/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Toxic materials and chemicals are being stored in the kitchen and the Mine Managers Office at the mine. A bottle of Clorox bleach was stored against the coffee pot in the Mine Managers Office and a stain remover (GooGone) and a box of insect foggers were stored under the sink area adjacent to the refrigerator in the kitchen area of the scale house. These areas are accessed daily by mine personnel. This exposes the miner to the hazard of inadvertently ingesting toxic materials which could result in injuries.
Action: Moved the bleach.
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Section: 56.11001
Date: 11/08/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: Safe means of access is not provided for the west end of the walkway on the north side of the Simplicity screen. The drive motor for the Simplicity screen extends across the walkway and miners are accessing the west end of the walkway by stepping over the drive motor. The drive motor is approximately 17 inches high. It is approximately 43 inches from the east side of the north walkway to the west side of the walkway. The motor mount is approximately 24 inches across. There is a tension bolt approximately 6 inches high on the west side of the motor mount. This condition presents a slip, trip or fall hazard. Miner stated the motor is stepped over approximately 1 time every 4 months for changing screens. This condition exposes miners to cuts, bruises, strains, sprains and/or broken bones associated with a fall. The mine operator did not recognize the hazard of stepping across the motor. The condition has existed for a long period of time.
Action: The mine operator provided safe access for the west end of the walkway by installing a step for crossing over the drive motor.
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Section: 56.12004
Date: 11/05/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: During inspection of the shop building Lincoln Idealarc 250 located at the west wall an electrical conductor was found with no mechanical protection. The stinger end protection had been damaged to the point of exposing bare metal around the tip for an area of approximately 2 inches high x 4 inches long. The approximately 80 - 90 no load voltages expose miners to an electrical shock and burn injury should the condition continue. Employees use the welder/stinger on an as needed basis. The cable was not connected to the welder at the time of discovery.
Action: The operator replaced the damaged stinger
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Section: 46.9b3
Date: 10/26/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The mine name is not properly documented on the 5 annual refresher training records reviewed for this site. The company name is documented instead. This standard requires the mine name and not the company name.
Action: None
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 09/08/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The snubber stabilizers on the Deister 6x20 screen were not guarded to prevent contact. The unguarded area was 8 inches wide 12 inches high 12 inches from the walkway and was 48 inches above the metal graded floor. This condition exposes miner working or traveling in the area to lost workday/restricted duty type hazards. Miners and mine management have continuous access to this area daily as part of continued mining operations. This condition had not been detected as a hazard and reported on the area exam by the miner who did the exam.
Action: The snubber stabilizers on the Deister 6x20 screen are now guarded to prevent contact.
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Section: 56.14131c
Date: 08/30/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The operator's seat in the Euclid R85 haul truck, was not properly tetered. The seat had been replaced with an air ride seat and the tethers that were on the old seat were not installed on the new seat. The tethers maintain the seats position inside the operators cab in the event of a roll over or collision type accident. Should the haul truck roll over or be involved in a collision type accident a miner could receive fatal bone crushing injuries. The terrain where the haul truck is used does have steep grades, and the truck is exposed to customer trucks and other large mobile equipment. The mine operator stated that he was not aware that the new seats needed tether straps.
Action: The haul truck was provided with a new tether.
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Section: 56.14100a
Date: 08/18/2010
Negligence: High
District: NC
Condition: An adequate pre-operational inspection of the haul-truck was not being perfomed before being placed in operation. This was discovered during a routine safety inspection of the truck. The equipment operator did not know how to check the emergency steering. The company inspection party was also unaware of the operating procedures. After review of the operating manual and troubleshooting, the mechanic discovered that the truck had an accumulator, and the unit was defective. The mine operator is responsible to maintain and check operation of important safety features such as the steering. Equipment: Euclid R40C Haul-Truck
Action: All safety devices are being checked.
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Section: 45.4b
Date: 06/24/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The mine operator failed to keep a contractors list maintained at the mine site. It is the operators responsibility to maintain a list of all contractors that work on site at any given time.
Action: A list of all contractors was compiled by the scale operator.
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Section: 56.14205
Date: 06/16/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The Milwaukee lhp bench grinder tongue guard was set over the 1/4 inch from the grinding wheel. The Left grinding wheel was set at 1 1/4 inch and the left grinding wheel was set at 1 inch from the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel has some wear in the center of the wheels but still had life left on each wheel. The expected injury would be cuts and hazard would be fragments from a broken wheel. Location welding shop.
Action: The tongue guard was adjusted
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Section: 56.14107a
Date: 06/08/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: The Rainhart Co. laboratory sifter located in the QC lab room did not have the 1/3 hp Dayton motor belt drive guarded from contact. The belt drive was 44" from grade with an opening 14" wide by 15" high on the back side of the unit. The back of the unit was facing the corner. A miner accesses the lab once a week to run samples. This condition exposes miners to lost workday/restricted duty type injuries. The mine operator was aware of the hazard.
Action: None suggested on the citation/order. A guard has been installed.
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Section: 57.14107(a)
Date: 06/02/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: A guard was not provided for the belt drive system of the secondary crusher. The belt drive operates at a high rate of speed with 300 hp electric motor. The drive system is located 11 feet 4 inches above the ground with a elevated travel way that could be access with ladders in the area. This exposes a miner to the hazard of accidentally contacting moving machine parts. The termination due date is extended to allow time for the mine operator to order the required steel to guard the drive system on the basis that is are is not accessed except for when the area is lock and tag out in accordance with company policy.
Action: The area will be guarded or taken down.
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Section: 56.14100b
Date: 06/02/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Tongue guards were missing on both grinders in the shop. The threaded mounting holes, manufacturer installed, were over the wheels and easily visible on the Baldor grinder. This safety device contains flying fragments should the wheel break apart during operation. A prominent groove could be seen in the side of the wheel indicating each of the wheels had been used for grinding. This practice is dangerous and increases the likelihood that the high speed wheel will break apart causing serious injuries from the flying fragments. A grinder is used about once per week by employees.
Action: The tongue guard was installed on the Dayton grinder. The Baldor grinder has been removed from service.
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Section: 56.14100b
Date: 04/06/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: SC
Condition: The nuetral safety switch on the #389 Ford F-350 service truck did not function properly when tested. This condition exposes the miner to the hazard of being able to start the truck while the transmission is in gear and the clutch not depressed. 11-2-09 - 7000-3a - 1. Subsequent Action - Upon further review and research it has been determined that this piece of equipment is available to other miners. This changes the likelihood from unlikely to reasonably likely. And the S&S from no to yes.
Action: The switch was replaced and functioned properly when tested.
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Section: 56.12047
Date: 03/30/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NE
Condition: The guy wire supporting the high voltage transmission lines and transformers (12,500 volts) was not insulated to meet the requirements for grounding or insulator protection of the National Electric Code. The high voltage lines supplied power to the primary crushing plant and was located adjacent the main road into the plant. Fatal injuries would be expected in the event an employee were to contact guy wire energized with 12,500 volts (Photographed)
Action: The guy wire was grounded below the transformers.
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Section: 56.4402
Date: 03/18/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District:
Condition: A red five gallon safety can was not labeled to indicate its contents.
Action: The safety can contained approximately 4 1/2 gallons of gasoline and was labeled to indicate its contents.
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Section: 56.12004
Date: 03/15/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: Electrical conductors exposed to mechanical damage shall be protected. The 480 volt power cable for the C-ll conveyor was worn through in two areas exposing the copper conductors. The worn areas measured approximately 3/4" long each, with a total of 3 conductors insulation that was cut through to copper. The cable was located approximately 52” high from ground level and approximately 48" from a ladder used to access the catwalk for the C-1l conveyor. This area is accessed 1 time per week when the plant is running to grease. Should a miner contact the 480 volt exposed copper conductors, harmful voltages would be imposed on the miner. The plant was last run on 06/15/2009, with this condition present at the time.
Action: The 480 volt power cable for the C-l1 conveyor was repaired then wrapped several times with electrical tape.
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Section: 30 CFR 56.6306f3
Date: 02/26/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: Access to the blasting site was not guarded during the evacuation procedure to prevent passage of unauthorized persons or vehicles from nearing the blasting zone and the radio communication failed to account for all entry points blocking traffic prior to detonating the shot. From the north gate an over-the-road truck drove by the gate where taffic should have been contained. A front-end loader on the road to block traffic, left the post. The communications checker failed to contact the north gate prior to allowing blasters to detonate the shot. The north gate employee did not have an opportunity to announce the roadway was finally blocked off and all accounted for, as one contract worker was not immediately accounted for. The hazard is an unahuthorized person within the blasting zone during detonation causing fatal injury.
Action: Safety discussions were held on evacuation procedures during blasting.
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Section: 30 CFR 56.9314
Date: 02/26/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: The concrete sand stockpile was not trimmed to prevent a hazard to persons at the plant. Loose unconsolidated material was located at the top approximate 30 feet of the estimated 60 foot high stockpile. The hazard is the material suddenly releasing, falling, and burying the front end loader, or customer over-the-road trucks loading at the base of the stockpile. The caterpillar 980G front end loader was laoding 12-15 trucks per hour.
Action: A dozer pushed the top material on the stockpile.
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Section: 30 CFR 56.20002c
Date: 02/26/2010
Negligence: Moderate
District: NC
Condition: There were no single service drinking cups provided at the potable water cooler in the shop building. Three full water bottle containers were available for the water cooler. Maintenance is conducted in the shop as needed to work on mobile equipmenet and the plant equipment. The hazard is not preventing water deficiency related illness.
Action: Drinking cups were provided at the water cooler in the shop.
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Section: 30CFR 56.11001
Date: 02/26/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: A safe means of access was not provided while servicing the articualting haul truck. A miner would leave the cab area and traverse a norrow walkway over the top of the fender to the engine compartment. The miner would then open the engine cover while standing on a 24" deck which narrow to 12" wide. He would check and fill fluids such as windshield washer, engine oil, and coolant. Muddy footprints could be seen on the deck. Nothing was being used to stop a fall. The miner was exposed to a 57" fall to the ground. The fall would result in severe strains, sprains, and broken bones. This was a routine practice normally done at the start of each shift.
Action: The miner is using fall protection. The railing system for the truck is being designed by the mine operator.
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Section: 30CFR 56.11027
Date: 02/26/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: Handrails were not provided on the WB1 motorized work boat. The boat is made of flat steel approximately 8' X 16'feet. The boat is used to transport miners to and from the dredge. It is also used as as work platform for maintenance around the dredge. When more than one miner rides the boat, they stand while being transported across the water. This is a daily practice at least once per shift. With no railings or other means of restraint, it is reasonably likely that a miner would fall onto the platform. As for a fall into the water, life jackets are being utilized. Life jackets can reduce the severity of injury
Action: Hand rail post were installed on the work boat with chains between them. The chains are fastened to eyebolts on these post. The chains have self closing snap hooks that allow miners to board the work boat.
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Section: 56.14205
Date: 02/24/2010
Negligence: Low
District:
Condition: On 08/17/2009 a miner was removing a bearing from the housing. Proper tool were not being used when removing the bearing, the miner was using a maul when striking the bearing a piece of the bearing chipped off striking the mine in the arm causing a laceration resulting in three stitches to close. A better tool to use would be the press.
Action: The miner now uses the press to remove bearings from the houseing, terminating this citation.
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Section: 56.12032
Date: 02/23/2010
Negligence: High
District: SC
Condition: Cover plate missing from 110v electrical wall outlet.
Action: Install cover plate.
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Section: 56.11001
Date: 02/12/2010
Negligence: High
District: NE
Condition: Safe access was not provided to the elevated platform of the motor base platform, of the portable plant. Three persons were working on the elevated platform of approx. 8' at this time, 1 was a contractor, 1 was a miner and the other person was the person listed on the Legal Idnetiy Report as the person in charge of safety and is listed as V.P./Owner of this mine. The only way for a person to access this elevated platform was to walk up a stairway with no handrails and it was under construction at this time or climbs a portable step ladder onto a platfrom with no handrails across that platform to an opening in handrails onto the platform in which they were working. None of the persons on the elevated platform had fall protection with them. If one of them would slipped (sic) while mounting or dismounting the elevated platform he would have recieved broken bones or a concussion in the fall of approximately 8' to the ground. If this condition would not have been correcte in a timely manner it would be reasonably likely that an accident would occure.
Action: The 3 persons removed themselves for(sic) the elevated platform
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Section: 56.11001
Date: 01/27/2010
Negligence: Low
District: NC
Condition: Hand rails were not provided for persons adding oil to the diesel engine on the CAT 325D excavator(rental company name omitted)rental #R79. The miners would stand on the elevated platform and open the hood to add oil without handrails provided to prevent persons from falling. The platform is approximatly 24 inches wide and was approximatly 7 feet above the ground level. Oil is added as needed in all weather condition exposing this miner to the hazard of falling to the ground below.
Action: Blank
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