A particular concern is for the safety of persons, such as maintenance or contractor personnel, who may not normally work around the pile and may not be familiar with the dangers. Ensure that such persons are trained about the dangers. Post warning signs around the surge pile to identify the danger area and reinforce the training information. Adequate illumination should be provided for operations after dark. Work with the mobile equipment operators to determine where best to install lighting to minimize glare problems.
Water vapor coming off the coal can make visibility difficult or impossible.
The use of infrared cameras may be useful in these types of situations. When visibility is inadequate the operation of mobile equipment should be suspended until conditions permit adequate visibility. There should be provisions for radio communication between everyone who either works on the pile, affects the pile, or supervises pile operations. If a cavity is suspected, the condition should be immediately reported to all employees in the affected area and to the supervisor in charge of stockpiling operations. Cavities should be eliminated immediately or the area should be dangered-off.