Source: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/uncontrolled-energy-sources-targeted-new-msha-initiative
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 08:59:01
Document Index: 100928771

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 56', '§ 56', '§ 56', '§ 56', '§ 56', '§ 56']

Uncontrolled Energy Sources Targeted in New MSHA Initiative | Jackson Lewis
The Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched an enforcement and educational outreach initiative to call attention to the danger of working around uncontrolled energy sources, a risk the agency said that has claimed the lives of 28 miners in the Metal/Non-Metal (M/NM) sector since 2005.
In a joint effort with the National Lime Association, MSHA has released lockout-tagout-tryout (LOTO) procedures in a one-page alert, “Lock-Tag-Try.” It lists applicable MSHA standards and outlines 11 best practices. The alert also includes a link to fatalgrams on each of the 28 fatalities. In an accompanying memorandum to M/NM operators, Administrator Neal Merrifield noted that 10 miners died when they contacted electrical power or were burned in arc flashes, and four more died when unblocked equipment moved, fell or shifted, or other uncontrolled stored energy was released while they were working. Fatalities included eight supervisors and seven contractors, he said.
Merrifield reminded mine operators that MSHA standards require that, before work is done on electrical circuits, power must be disconnected, switches locked out, and warning notices posted and signed by those performing the work. In addition, power to machinery or equipment must be off and the machinery or equipment blocked against hazardous motion before beginning repairs or maintenance. If, after locking out drive motor electrical circuits, other hazards or sources of energy exist, they, too, must be identified and controlled to prevent unplanned release. These sources include hydraulic, pneumatic, or spring pressure, parts or objects that could fall or pivot, and hot fluids or chemicals that could be released into the workspace, the Administrator said.
Electrical standards affected by the lockout/tagout alert are 30 CFR §§ 56/57.12006, §§ 56/57.12016, and §§ 56/57.12017. The mechanical lockout standards are 30 CFR §§ 56/57.14105. MSHA’s “Rules to Live By” standards enforcement initiative, which prompts inspectors to issue citations associated with heavy fines for alleged violations, include §§ 56/57.14105 and §§ 56/57.12017.