Alabama Administrative Code
Title 480 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Chapter 480-3-3 - MINE SAFETY
Section 480-3-3-.13 - Haulage

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 480-3-3-.13

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 02, November 27, 2024

(1) Blocking Frogs - When mechanical haulage is used, the wedge opening formed between the switch point and stock rail must be so filled as to eliminate the danger of a foot being jammed or caught therein. Openings formed by wing rail of frogs must likewise be so filled.

(2) Trolley Suspension and Guarding - All trolley wires carrying two hundred twenty (220) volts or more and less than six feet six inches (6'6") above the top of rail must be guarded at all points under which men and animals are required to pass and regardless of height, at stations designated for loading and unloading of man trips and at sand boxes.

(3) Person Operating Locomotive - At no time shall a haulage locomotive be operated by any one other than a qualified motorman or man having had experience or training in the operation of such motor. The motorman shall have direct supervision of the haulage crew and shall be responsible for the safe operation of the trip.

(4) Maintenance and Inspection - Haulage locomotives shall be maintained in good operating condition and shall be equipped with adequate brakes, head-lights, warning signals, sanding devices and two standard re-railing devices.

(a) Before operating a haulage locomotive, at the beginning of a shift, the motorman shall inspect such locomotive to determine whether it may be safely operated; such inspection shall include the testing of brakes, lights, warning signals and sanding devices.

(5) Men and Material on Locomotives - Unless safe and adequate facilities are provided therefor, men shall not ride, or be permitted to ride, on top of electric locomotives and no material shall be transported on top of haulage locomotives except in a fixed compartment provided for that purpose.

(a) Haulage locomotives shall not be left unattended, except at regularly designated locomotive stations or repair places, or in cases of emergency, and then the brakes must be set, the brake wheel spragged and the trolley pole removed from the wire.

(b) Back-poling with a trolley locomotive shall not be practiced or permitted except that it shall be permitted at points where there is not sufficient clearance to turn the trolley pole and then only for the purpose of moving the locomotive to a point where such clearance is available. Should other conditions necessitate back-poling, it shall be practiced only where permission has been granted by the mine foreman.

(c) Haulage locomotives shall not be operated except when the operator is in the locomotive seat.

(6) Operation and Switching - Flying switches and coupling cars, while the train is in motion shall not be practiced or permitted.

(a) Standard switches with parallel throws shall be provided at all switches on main line haulage.

(7) Rail Bonding - Where trolley locomotive haulage is used, at least one rail shall be continuously bonded and cross bonds installed at all switches and turnouts, provided, however, that cross bonds must be installed at distances of not to exceed two hundred (200) feet apart.

(a) Except in emergencies, the motorman shall accept signals only from his triprider.

(8) Pushing Trips - No trips shall be handled at a speed which is excessive or unsafe as determined by local conditions. Tail lights or approved markers must be used on the rear of the last car of any trip, connected to an electric locomotive.

(a) Where it is necessary to "top" or "rack" cars loaded with rock or ore, they shall not be "topped" or "racked" to a height exceeding eight (8) inches above the side or end of the car.

(9) Cars - Cars, uncoupled from the motor, shall have the brakes set or the wheels spragged when placed on any grade. They shall be further safely secured by effective blocking with blocks or stops if uncoupled from the motor and standing on a grade of two (2) per cent or more.

(a) Drags shall be used on the rear of all cars or trips of cars being hoisted or hauled upgrade, or a derailing device shall be installed to prevent such cars or trips of cars endangering men.

(b) No person excepting trip riders, shall ride on loaded car or cars, and they shall ride only the front or rear end of pulled trips.

Author: Marcus Davis, Workers' Compensation Examiner.

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 25-2-13(2).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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