제  목 : Cold weather increases workplace hazards
  일  자 : 1997년 12월
  제공처 : INTERNET

   Cold weather increases workplace hazards
  -------------------------------------------

 MSHA identifies underground risks

As winter approaches, the Mine Safety and Health Administration(MSHA) is warning
coal operators and miners that colder weather creates more hazards in mines.
MSHA's Winter Alert campaign, which runs annually from October through March,
emphasizes increased vigilance underground during the winter months.

All coal mines contain methane, and when the barometric pressure drops during
colder weather, methane can migrate more easily into the mine atmosphere,
increasing the risk of an explosion. Furthermore, dry winter air can contribute
to an explosion by allowing coal dust to become more easily suspended in the
mine atmosphere.

"Thanks to the cooperative efforts of coal mine operators, miners, and others
concerned with mine safety, we have made strides to reduce the risk of explo-
sions, but each year the risks are very real," said MSHA Director J. Davitt
McAteer. "Mining continues to be dangerous and we must be as vigilant today
as we have been in the past if we are to deal successfully with these risks."

Historically, some of the nation's worst mining disasters occurred between
October and March and, since 1900, more than 250 fatal coal mine explosions
have killed nearly 6,600 people. In December 1907, an explosion in Monongah,
West Virginia, killed 362 miners, making it the worst mining accident in U.S.
history.

As part of the campaign, MSHA is distributing safety signs as well as calendars
that list the dates, locations, and numbers of fatalities of past coal mine
explosions.

MSHA also is reminding underground coal miners and operators of the following:

    Consistently follow the mine-approved ventilation plan.

    Conduct thorough pre-shift, on-shift, and weekly checks for methane and
    other hazards.

    Keep potential ignition sources out of working areas; give special attention
    to maintenance of bleeder systems in worked-out areas, to ensure that
    methane from these areas cannot accumulate and become a hazard.

    Complete rockdusting in all areas of the mine.
    Never smoke or carry smoking materials into an under-ground mine.

  Employers can prevent CO poisoning

Carbon monoxide   a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas   is one of most common
industrial hazards. Mild poisoning can cause such symptoms as nausea, dizziness,
or headaches, while severe poisoning can result in brain or heart damage or even
death.

As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the following suggestions will
help employers prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

    Install an effective ventilation system to remove poisonous carbon monoxide
    from the area.

    Maintain appliances and equipment in good order, adjusting flames, burners,
    and drafts to reduce the formation of carbon monoxide.

    Consider switching from fossil fuel-powered equipment tobattery-powered
    machinery when possible.

    Provide approved respirators for emergency use. Regular respirators(nega-
    tive pressure) will not work in this atmosphere. If necessary, provide an
    independent air supply to workers.

    Install carbon monoxide monitors or regularly test air in areas when carbon
    monoxide is generated or used.

    Provide preplacement and periodic medical examinations for workers who
    cannot be exposed to carbon monoxide. If possible, transfer affected workers
    to other jobs.

    Instruct workers in the hazards of carbon monoxide and train them in the
    proper use of respirators.