ISSUE DATE: 5/20/2011

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-42

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

 Administrator for

 Coal Mine Safety and Health

 NEAL H. MERRIFIELD

 Administrator for Metal/Nonmetal

 Mine Safety and Health

 LINDA F. ZEILER

 Acting Director of Technical Support

SUBJECT: Run-through Check Curtains

Who needs this information?

Underground coal and underground metal/nonmetal mine operators, miners’ 

representatives, independent contractors, Mine Safety and Health enforcement 

personnel and other interested parties need this information. 

What is the purpose of this Program Information Bulletin (PIB)?

The purpose of this PIB is to inform the mining industry of the hazard associated with 

opaque, semi-opaque and translucent curtain or fly pads used as a run-through check 

curtain.

Information

Operators use run-through check curtains to allow mobile equipment to travel to and 

from a section without having to stop, remove and replace a temporary stopping. These 

run-through check curtains help prevent short circuiting of air on the section during 

such travel. Normally, run-through check curtains consist of fly pads of various sizes to 

accommodate the height and width of the entry opening.
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Some mine operators use the semi-opaque yellow or white line curtain with cuts down 

the sides as run-through check curtains and some mine operators use fly pads that are 

not transparent.

Only transparent brattice cloth or fly pads should be used as a run-through check 

curtain since transparent brattice cloth and fly pads transmit the most light from 

approaching equipment for a miner to see. In addition, for an equipment operator to 

easily see the check curtain, the use of a transparent brattice cloth or fly pads with 

reflective strips would be an effective combination to improve safety. A sufficient 

amount of reflective material should be used to indicate the height and width of the 

entry or crosscut where the run-through check curtain is located without adversely 

affecting its transparent properties. Reflective material should be placed on both sides 

of the curtain. Typically, reflective material is approximately 2 inches in width.

The importance of using transparent run-through check curtain is that it allows 

equipment operators to see through the curtain to the other side before traveling 

through. Use audible warning devices prior to running through transparent check 

curtains as an additional safety measure. Using audible warning devices and 

transparent check curtains will prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities caused by the 

equipment operator’s visibility being obstructed.

What is the background for this PIB?

MSHA has investigated numerous accidents involving fatalities and lost time injuries

resulting from miners being struck by mobile equipment traveling through opaque, 

semi-opaque and translucent check curtains. 

What is MSHA’s authority for this PIB?

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

Is this PIB on the Internet?

This PIB may be viewed on the internet by accessing MSHA’s home page 

(http://www.msha.gov), choosing “Compliance Info” and “Program Information 

Bulletins.”

Who is the MSHA contact persons for this PIB?

Coal Mine Safety and Health

John Arrington, (202) 693-9549

E-mail: arrington.john@dol.gov

Metal/Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

Marvin Lichtenfels, (202) 693-9600

E-mail: lichtenfels.marvin@dol.gov
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Technical Support, Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center

Harry C. Verakis, (304) 547-2082

E-mail: verakis.harry@dol.gov

Who will receive this PIB?

Underground Coal Mine Operators

Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mine Operators

Miners’ Representatives

Independent Contractors

Line Curtain and Fly Pad Manufacturers