Transcript Cap Lamp Signals

Cap Lamp Signals
Safety & Communication in
the Dark
Created by
Pat Gazewood
Underground Mining Presents
Many Challenges.
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Environment is primary concern.
Atmosphere.
Ground conditions.
No lighting.
History Teaches:
• Fire was first
tool used for
illumination in
underground
mining for
centuries.
• Later candle
sticks were used
up until the 19th
century.
Miners Needed Better
Lighting.
• Candles created
poor lighting.
• Candles started
fires, killing
thousands of
miners over the
centuries.
• Methane gas
explosions were
a big problem.
Walking Down the Drift
Was a Problem.
• Then someone
thought. Let’s stick
a candle on a cap.
• The cap lamp was
born.
• Still problems
persisted.
• Wax in your eye
burns. Hair burns
really nice. Smells
great too!
Invention Is the Mother
of Necessity.
• Lamps
progressed from
candles to
carbide.
• From carbide to
batteries.
• Better
illumination was
a must.
Invention of Portable
Battery Units.
• Greatly
increased
visibility.
• Reduced fire
hazards.
• Increased safety
in working
areas.
Cap Lamps Have All
Kinds of New Features.
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Halogen bulbs.
PED devices.
Leaky feeder radio.
Longer battery life.
Reduced sizes &
weight.
• Intrinsically safe.
Cap Lamps Are a Safety
Tool & PPE.
• It illuminates
hazards.
• By allowing
better
identifications
of hidden
objects in the
dark.
• It communicates
a miner’s
actions.
• It allows you to
control actions
of others that
may not see
hidden dangers
by warning
them.
Safety Tools Require
Proper Training.
• Cap lamp
signals can be a
matter of life or
death!!!
• Improper usage
causes problems
up and down the
mining cycle.
• Not understanding
signals creates
dangerous
behaviors.
• It can create ramp
rage, delay mining
cycles, and lead to
an accident, or
worse death.
Cap Lamps Are Simple
to Learn & Practice.
• There are three
basic
commands.
• Come forward.
• Move away.
• Stop.
Come Forward
Command:
• This command is
simple. Rotate
head in a wide
circular motion.
Move Away Command:
• This command is
made by moving
the head up
down like you
nodding yes.
The Stop Command:
• This command is
simple.
• It means stop
NOW!!!
• Move the head
back and forth
like your
motioning “no”
with the head.
Hindrances to Cap Lamp
Communication.
• What barriers
cause break
downs in
communication
here & create
hazards.
• Misunderstood
signals.
• Illumination in
haulage ways.
• Lack of training.
• Stubbornness.
• Belief that hand
signals are
visible in the
dark.
• Laziness.
Overcoming Communications
Hindrances.
• Don’t rely on
drift illumination
as a
communication
catch all.
• If you don’t
understand
signals stop &
talk verbally.
• Overcome the deer
in the headlight
look.
• Work with one
another, not
against.
• Learn to use lamp
signals they are
more empowering
than hand signals
when used
properly.
Proper Care For Personal
Cap Lamps.
• Inspect lamp
before & after
each use.
• Note: charging
status. Green
light is lit. It’s
fully charged.
• Unlit green light,
it’s not fully
charged.
Proper Personal Lamp
Care Cont.
• Inspect cords.
• Test both bulbs.
• Make sure cords
have reflective tape
so if your light goes
out you can be
scene.
• Check lens.
• Check for missing
parts.
Repair Tag Station
• If your lamp is
B.O. Tag it out.
• Attach a repair
tag.
• List what is
wrong & tie a
knot in cord.
Cap Lamp Care Cont.
• Leave lamp in
charger.
• If your lamp goes
dead, while
underground, lamps
are at various
places
underground.
• Follow up. Return
spare lamps back
to original
chargers. When
finished.
In Summary:
• Effective communication with
cap lamps increases operator
awareness.
• Reduces confusion between
mining personnel.
• Lowers the potential for major
traumatic accidents.
Working Accident Free
Requires Everyone’s Help.
Going Home Safely Everyday
is The Most Important Thing
You Can Do Today!
Safe Working Motto:
There is No Service So Needed,
No Job So Important,
That We Cannot Take The Time
To Do The Job Safely.