ISSUE DATE: 07/08/2010 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P10-08 

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

 Administrator for 

 Coal Mine Safety and Health 

SUBJECT: Use of Fall Protection at River Loading Facilities 

Scope

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is intended for Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA) personnel, equipment manufacturers, underground coal mine 

operators and independent contractors, miners and miners' representatives, and other 

interested parties. 

Purpose

This PIB provides MSHA recommendations on the use of fall protection under 30 C.F.R. 

§§ 77.1710(g) and (h) consisting of safety belts and lines and lifejackets when persons 

are working on barges at river loading facilities where coal is handled or loaded. 

Information

Safety belts and lines are required under 30 C.F.R. § 77.1710(g) where there is a danger 

of falling. Lifejackets or belts are required under 30 C.F.R. § 77.1710(h) where there is 

danger from falling into water. Working on barges at river loading facilities poses a 

dangerous fall hazard when barges are empty and being positioned for loading. A fall 

from a barge may result in injuries or may render a person incapable of self rescue. 

MSHA encourages the use of a properly fitted full body harness, used in conjunction 

with 100 percent tie-off procedures wherever possible, when persons work on barges at 

river load-out facilities. In addition, 30 C.F.R. § 77.1700 requires that no employee shall 

work alone when hazardous conditions exist unless he can communicate with others, 

can be heard or can be seen. 
2

For greater safety protections, MSHA recommends the following Best Practices when 

working at river load out facilities: 

• Where possible, install and use lifeline tie-off runs and fall protection. 

• Where fall protection is not feasible, always wear a life jacket when working 

around bodies of water. 

• Carry and use adequate lighting when working after dark. 

• Ensure safe access is provided where persons are required to work or travel. 

• Watch footing and stay clear of ropes, cables, and hawsers. 

• Set up a communications schedule when persons work alone. 

• Utilize an on-person electronic emergency warning to notify others immediately 

of a mishap. 

Background

A recent fatal accident occurred at a river loading facility where an employee fell from a 

barge and drowned. The employee was wearing a life jacket, but was apparently 

unable to recover sufficiently from the combination of the fall and cold water to save 

himself. 

Authority

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.; 30 

C.F.R. § 77.1700 and 30 C.F.R. §§77. 1710(g) and (h). 

Internet Availability

This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home 

page at http://www.msha.gov and choosing "Compliance Info" and "Program 

Information Bulletins." 

Issuing Office and Contact Person

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Accident Investigations Program 

Terry L. Bentley, (202) 693-9521 

E-mail: bentley.terry@dol.gov

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division 

Michael G. Kalich, (202) 693-9714 

E-mail: kalich.michael@dol.gov

Distribution

All PPM Holders 

Coal Mine Operators 

Miners' Representatives – Coal 

Special Interest Groups 

Independent Contractors – Coal 

Equipment Manufacturers