Hypocritical
TREMONT - Some area miners say they may refuse to implement federally-mandated personal tracking and communication systems, arguing the devices have been poorly tested and could actually put anthracite coal miners at more risk.
The mines must submit a set of plans to the Mine Safety and Health Administration today, but worry the wireless communication devices could interfere with electronic detonators used in mine blasting and cause premature explosions.
Miners say using the wireless devices conflict with many existing safety regulations.
Dyno Nobel Inc., an explosives manufacturer, says no personal communication equipment - including cell phones and hand-held radios - should be used when blasting with electric detonators, whether on or off.
The Institute of Explosive Makers requires a minimum separation of five feet, miners said, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require 300 feet.
Rothermel said a recent MSHA test showed the equipment induces a current on the electric blasting circuit.
"Their test results showed that it wasn't sufficient to initiate the blast," Rothermel said. "But holy heck, if it put some on, that's probably too much."
http://www.republicanherald.com/new...andated_tracking_systems_put_miners_in_danger
TREMONT - Some area miners say they may refuse to implement federally-mandated personal tracking and communication systems, arguing the devices have been poorly tested and could actually put anthracite coal miners at more risk.
The mines must submit a set of plans to the Mine Safety and Health Administration today, but worry the wireless communication devices could interfere with electronic detonators used in mine blasting and cause premature explosions.
Miners say using the wireless devices conflict with many existing safety regulations.
Dyno Nobel Inc., an explosives manufacturer, says no personal communication equipment - including cell phones and hand-held radios - should be used when blasting with electric detonators, whether on or off.
The Institute of Explosive Makers requires a minimum separation of five feet, miners said, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require 300 feet.
Rothermel said a recent MSHA test showed the equipment induces a current on the electric blasting circuit.
"Their test results showed that it wasn't sufficient to initiate the blast," Rothermel said. "But holy heck, if it put some on, that's probably too much."
http://www.republicanherald.com/new...andated_tracking_systems_put_miners_in_danger
