Duty 8: On-Shift Exam

Learner will demonstrate how to conduct a safe and thorough on-shift examination. Learner will also explain job duties, why they are conducted, any associated risk, and how to implement appropriate controls. A thorough on-shift examination includes the following steps:

Continuously check roof and rib conditions in all areas (Roof/rib control)
Continuously check travelways for slipping/tripping/falling hazards (General housekeeping)
Go to tailpiece (dumping point)
- Look, listen, feel, and/or smell for abnormal conditions (Fire hazards)
- Check skirting of tailpiece (guarding)
- Check for alignment of belt
- Check for carry back (General housekeeping)
- Check for rollers in gob (General housekeeping)
- Check for belt switch, mine phone, and fire-suppression (Fire hazards)
- Check for air movement in outby direction (ventilation)
- Ensure a clear walkway (General housekeeping)
- Check roof and rib conditions (Roof/rib control)
- Check guarding (Guarding)
- Check whether belt is wet or not (Dust control)
- Conduct gas test (Ventilation/gas detection)
Go to feeder
- Ensure feeder cable is correctly hung
- Check for housekeeping (General housekeeping)
  - Check for coal spillage and oil spillage (Fire hazards)
- Ensure water sprays on feeder are in good working order (Dust control)
- Check for fire extinguisher (Fire hazards)
Travel up #1 entry to face (examining travelway)
- Observe roof, rib, and roadway conditions (Roof/rib control)
- Check line curtains and checks (Ventilation)
- Check centers/sights (Roof/rib control)
- Check for scooping and rockdusting (General housekeeping)
- Check cutting dimensions (height and width)
- Perform a methane test and oxygen deficiency test (Ventilation/gas detection)
  - Conduct methane test not less than 12 inches from face, roof, and rib (Ventilation/gas detection)
  - Document test results (Record keeping)
- Check air velocity and quantity behind curtain (Ventilation)
- Check for red tags on last row of bolts on each side of curtain (Roof/rib control)
- Enter date, time, and initials on date board (Record keeping)
Travel to #2 entry, face
- Observe roof, rib, and roadway conditions (Roof/rib control)
  - Make notations for later reference (Record keeping)
- Check line curtain and drops
- Check face depth
- Check centers
- Check for scooping and rockdusting
- Check cutting dimensions (height and width)
- Perform a methane test and oxygen deficiency test (Ventilation)
  - Conduct methane test not less than 12 inches from face, roof, and rib (Ventilation/gas detection)
  - Document test results (Record keeping)
- Check air velocity and quantity behind curtain (Ventilation)
- Check for red tags on last row of bolts on each side of curtain (Roof/rib control)
- Enter date, time, and initials on date board (Record keeping)
Travel to #3 entry face
- Observe roof, rib, and roadway conditions (Roof/rib control)
  - Make notations for later reference (Record keeping)
- Check line curtain and drops
- Check face depth
- Check centers
- Check for scooping and rockdusting
- Check cutting dimensions (height and width)
- Perform a methane and oxygen gas test (Ventilation)
  - Conduct methane test not less than 12 inches from face, roof, and rib (Ventilation/gas detection)
  - Document test results (Record keeping)
- Check air velocity and quantity behind curtain (Ventilation)
- Ensure 12’ bolts are installed and make notations
- Check for red tags on last row of bolts on each side of curtain (Roof/rib control)
- Enter date, time, and initials on date board (Record keeping)
Conduct methane detection and oxygen deficiency tests in the immediate return
- Conduct methane test not less than 12 inches from face, roof, and rib (Ventilation)
- Document test results (Record keeping)
Continuously monitor section atmosphere for NO2 and CO if applicable (Ventilation)
Document any hazards observed and corrective actions taken (Record keeping)