Xerebrus Inc. Flare XM-1 cordless cap lamp, in rare cases, may turn off when in close proximity to a high-power UHF handheld radio and not be able to be reset to the on position except by plugging the lamp into a charger. An upgrade was made to the latest release of the Flare XM-1 cap lamp to help eliminate the issue. Customers who experience this issue should contact their place of purchase or Xerebrus for warranty consideration.

For more information, visit http://www.xerebrus.com/.

Users of cap lamps powered by lead-acid batteries need to be aware of a potential possibility of explosions involving the batteries.
See Alert

Fletcher Mining Equipment issued an important technical bulletin concerning nozzles on ANSUL fire suppression systems.

Fletcher is offering an upgrade on their equipment to the new ANSUL F-½ fire suppression nozzle. The redesigned F-½ nozzles have a rubber blow-off cap with retainer strap (Part Number 415108). The previous F-½ nozzles utilized the black plastic blow-off cap (Part Number 4120). See attached Fletcher Information Bulletin No. 117.

ANSUL F-½ nozzles (Part Number 16449) have been redesigned to accommodate a rubber blow-off cap with retainer strap. The redesign nozzle (part number is the same for both version of the F-½ nozzles) has a hole on the top the nozzle to enable the rubber cap to 'blow-off' when activated. The retainer strap keeps the cap with the nozzle. An 'R' will be stamped on the redesigned nozzle after the part number to help with identification. The blow off caps can only be used on the ANSUL F-½ fire suppression nozzle for which they were designed. See attached ANSUL Bulletin No. 5713.

Only ANSUL provided blow-off caps can be used on ANSUL fire suppression nozzles. Hydraulic hose protective caps cannot be used as blow-off caps on any ANSUL fire suppression system nozzles.

See Fletcher Information Bulletin No. 117

See ANSUL Bulletin No. 5713

In a recent metal/nonmetal mine fatality, a mechanic was fatally injured while checking for a hydraulic leak on an Atlas Copco ST-8B Scooptram. While checking for a hydraulic leak, the victim leaned into the ejector plate relief port in the back of the loader bucket. The ejector plate of the bucket was retracted, crushing him against the back of the bucket.

Atlas Copco has developed a general hydraulic system safety notice that they are distributing to all of their LHD and Truck customers. The safety notice was developed to remind workers to take the necessary precautions before and during work on a hydraulic system.

The safety notice will be included in all Parts Books and Service Manuals for the model numbers in the attached service news.
See Service News

A scoop was recently cited for non-compliance of 30CFR 75.523-3(b)(2). If the machine's hand pump was used to release the AEPB when the scoop was off, when the scoop was re-energized, the AEPB would not reset until one of the hydraulic functions was operated. The AEPB was restored to normal operation when a hydraulic function was operated.
See Alert

Benshaw issued a warning safety notice to inform users of the Benshaw RS solid state reduced voltage starters with SCR bypass contactors of a potential safety hazard. To eliminate this potential hazard, Benshaw will supply at no charge a relay interlock kit to be installed in the control logic for the motor starter. Please refer to the attached bulletin for affected starters and contact information.
See Benshaw Inc. Warning Safety Notice

Instructions for Properly Maintaining the Braking System
In October of 2005, a non-fatal accident occurred when a personnel carrier lost its brakes, rolled down a grade, and collided with another vehicle. The machine involved in the accident was a battery powered Brookville Model ULPC, 13 Man Ultra Low Personnel Carrier. The personnel carrier's braking system consisted of an electrical regenerative brake, a hydraulic service brake, and a spring applied parking/emergency brake. The service brake system failed at the time of the accident and the operator was unable to regain control of the machine using the regenerative or the emergency brake. Tests of the service brake system showed intermittent failure of the hand operated hydraulic service brake actuator (master cylinder). The investigation determined that debris found inside the actuator caused seal failure in the actuator.
See Brookville Product Information Bulletin

The automatic emergency-parking brakes on some Bucyrus 848 Un-A-Haulers may take 4 to 5 seconds to activate after the panic bar is hit. When this type of equipment is field tested, the brake must engage within one second after hitting the panic bar. As a precaution, the 848 Un-A-Haulers should be field tested to determine if the brakes activate immediately (within one second) when the panic bar is hit as required by 30 CFR 75.523-3(b)(1).

Bucyrus has issued a bulletin describing a remedy for the delayed brake activation. As described in the attached bulletin, the remedy consists of replacing the brake solenoid valve with a replacement solenoid valve and a pilot-to-close check valve. Please contact a Bucyrus representative with any questions or for more information.
- See Bulletin

MSHA has been notified by Caterpillar of a potential corrosion issue related to certain Caterpillar off-highway trucks and tractors. Specifically, engine exhaust may contribute to frame corrosion of the cab support structure. Caterpillar has launched an inspection program with provisions for repair, if required, that will affect a number of trucks and tractors in use at coal and metal and nonmetal mines throughout the United States. Please contact your local Caterpillar dealer immediately to schedule a service appointment. For specific information, please use the link provided below.
See More Information

A Caterpillar (Bucyrus) Model 30M3L Remote Controlled Continuous Miner with a Forced Potato model LOKN remote was involved in a non-fatal accident. During the accident investigation, it was determined that the second remote controller kept on the working section on charge for this continuous miner was used to move the continuous miner immediately after the accident.

See Alert

On Sunday, January 9, 2011, a catastrophic failure occurred in an oxygen cylinder fitting connected to the breathable air system in a refuge alternative located in an underground coal mine. The refuge alternative was an inflatable tent design manufactured by the A.L. Lee Corporation, model number 4042-35 manufactured on March 21, 2008. This refuge alternative is equipped with 12 high pressure oxygen cylinders, each pressurized at 4,500 psi. The manufacturer of the failed high pressure fitting is unknown at this time. Once the fitting manufacturer is identified, this alert will be updated with this information.
See Notice

An Equipment Alert and an update have been issued regarding valve and fitting failures on breathable air components of refuge alternatives. On Sunday, January 9, 2011, a catastrophic failure occurred in an oxygen cylinder fitting connected to the breathable air system in a refuge alternative located in an underground coal mine. On January 21, 2011, A. L. Lee reported a second CGA 701 brass fitting failure in a refuge alternative that had been returned to their shop.

See Update

CSE is issuing this User Notice in response to a recent incident in which SR-MP training units were not used and handled in accordance with the Instruction Manual. Preliminary investigation indicates that units were used longer than the 5 minutes specified in the the Instruction Manual and that these overused units or their associated mouthpieces were then co-mingled with new units.
See User Notice

DEWALT has identified a potential safety hazard with certain large angle grinder side handles. We are concerned that under certain circumstances a small number of side handles could exhibit a condition where the handle could break causing the user to lose full control of the unit.

See DeWalt Safety Notice

Recently in Australia, a loader traveling downhill lost its brakes after the engine stalled, causing the operator to lose control. The loader rolled over onto the operator who was crushed between the cab and the ground. It was found that the brake accumulator pressure was too low to provide effective braking, and several of the parking brake components were missing.
See Alert

Fairchild International issued a Product Information Bulletin concerning the fire suppression system on Fairchild battery powered scoops. The fire suppression system may not be installed according to manufacturer recommendations (Ansul).

The hoses & fittings fire suppression circuit drawing numbers TC1730X21, TC1730X26, and TC1730X27 were revised to comply with Ansul specifications. If you have questions or do not know if the machine's fire suppression system complies with Ansul's specifications, please contact your Fairchild service representative.
- See Bulletin No. 2126

J.H. Fletcher & Co. ("Fletcher") has previously manufactured a 2-bolt swinger L TOO. The design of this bolter (see attached drawing) has a small T-style ATRS and provides the operator the ability to install two bolts in a straight line by having a boom that can swing from side to side without resetting the ATRS. This design allows the boom to swing and in and out to address the drilling pattern. Approximately 32 machines have been distributed by Fletcher over the years with this design.

For more information, see bulletin.

J.H. Fletcher & Co. (Fletcher) has identified a potential risk on DDR walk-thru machines with mast tilt using worm gear tilt boxes. The boxes, which are located on specific machines, provide the operator the ability to tilt the mast to different angles for drilling the roof and ribs. During a routine drilling process an operator had the mast tilted when the tilt box suddenly gave way. The mast rotated freely inward, narrowly missing the operator, who was standing at his work station.

For more information, see bulletin.

Industrial Scientific Corporation has determined that the GasBadge® Plus single-gas instrument may not properly indicate a low battery condition resulting in a failure to alarm or instrument shut down. As a result, for safety reasons, Industrial Scientific is issuing a recall of all current GasBadge Plus instruments (v2.2 and earlier; manufactured prior to February 2012). MSHA Approval No. 18-A050012-0.

For more information, visit www.indsci.com/gbplusrecall

Owners, Operators and Rebuilders of J.H. Fletcher & Co. Two-Leg Hinged Canopy
In November 2009 an accident occurred at a West Virginia mine. The information obtained by J.H. Fletcher & Co. ("Fletcher") indicates that the roof bolter operator ribbed the tram canopy while tramming the roof bolter. The operator steered the machine into the rib. The damage to the tram canopy cylinder was so severe that the cylinder eye separated from the cylinder rod (Attachment 1). When this event took place the cylinder was no longer connected to the tram canopy and the canopy fell on the operator's head. The bolter had tram canopy extensions installed.
See Notice

Owners of J.H. Fletcher & Co. Model DR and CDR Single Mast Feed Roof Drill Only
See Notice

As a result of a fatal accident at the Century Mine in Ohio (USA) on August 8, 2011 involving a base lift jack, Joy has received a number of inquiries concerning whether or not our design is adequate. In this regard, it must first be noted that the base lift jack involved in the August 8, 2011, accident was not a JOY product. In addition, as a reputable supplier of equipment and systems to the mining industry, Joy Mining Machinery wants to assure our customers that we routinely review and evaluate our products for safety compliance and performance. Therefore, the purpose of this Service Bulletin is to inform users of JOY equipment that such a review has been conducted on the JOY powered roof support hydraulic base lift circuits to verify that the circuit does not have any potential issues with respect to pressure intensification as a result of design or functionality.

See Globul Service Bulletin No. GSB0154

MSHA has been made aware of a hazardous condition that may exist in 600 volt and 1000 volt circuit breakers. This includes all frame sizes. The circuit breakers may appear to be new or rebuilt, but they have been changed from the manufacturer's original design. These mining circuit breakers, originally manufactured by Eaton Cutler-Hammer, may have been purchased either directly from the 3rd party or through a mining supply company. There is evidence that some of these circuit breakers have been modified by a 3rd party rebuilder with knock-off 600 volt and 1000 volt covers. The covers are of unknown construction and were not manufactured by Eaton. The labeling affixed to the breakers was also reproduced by the 3rd party rebuilder in an effort to make the circuit breakers look new and legitimate.
See Notice

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fluke is voluntarily recalling certain 333, 334, 335, 336 and 337 Digital Clamp Meters that were manufactured between January 29, 2008 and February 27, 2009. The models and serial numbers affected are listed in the table available below.
- See List

An accident occurred with a diesel powered TerraPro Personnel Carrier. The driver of the TerraPro Personnel Carrier reported that he lost control of the machine after the throttle became stuck with the engine at maximum RPM. When the throttle pedal was in the fully depressed position, it could become stuck and result in the operator loosing control of the engine rpm.

Getman acquired TerraPro equipment line in 2007. The equipment in question was built prior to the acquisition. Getman issued Service Bulletin No. 08-01 to address the sticking pedal issue with the TerraPro Personnel Carriers built prior to April 2007.

The electronic throttle pedal sticking issue was questioned with the TerraPros manufactured by Getman. Service Bulletin No. 08-02 addresses the sticking pedal concern of Getman TerraPros built from April 12, 2007 to present.

See Service Bulletins
- 08-01
- 08-02

This letter is being issued to highlight the need to perform the required daily pre-start inspections, as described in the Operators and Safety Manual, on Models 2630ES, 2646ES, and 3246ES scissor lifts manufactured by JLG Industries, Inc. ("JLG"). Reports from the field have indicated that the upper lift cylinder pin retainer hardware could loosen over time, and if overlooked dUring the daily walk-around inspections, could potentially disengage the pin keeper.
- See Alert

Komatsu issued Parts & Service News (Reference No. AA08089B and AA09095) on July 1, 2009, concerning a steering bleeddown manifold fitting. The 45° hydraulic piping elbow /flare fitting may experience a failure due to stress. A visual examination of the fitting should reveal any cracks and/or oil leaks.

A Komatsu Electric Drive Dump Truck 830E-AC developed a crack in the fitting that sprayed hydraulic oil on an uncovered piece of exhaust pipe resulting in a fire. Exhaust pipes should be completely protected but openings in the wrap have been detected on other machines. A deflector may be installed around the fitting to divert oil away from engine parts in case of a fitting failure until a fitting replacement can be obtained and installed by Komatsu.

The Parts & Service News lists the dump trucks affected and explains how to replace the fitting with an improved fitting. Komatsu distributors are in the process of informing customers about replacement of the steering bleeddown manifold fitting.
See Komatsu Parts & Service News

COAL MINE FATALITY - An electrician, with 21 years of experience, was fatally injured while troubleshooting a dragline trailing cable at a surface coal mine. The electrician was working at an electrical junction box that supplied power to the dragline when he contacted two energized phase conductors. Incoming power to the junction box had been visually disconnected and locked out by the electrician. An onboard diesel powered generator was started and back fed 480 volts through on-board transformers connected to the dragline's trailing cable and energized the phase conductors to 23,000 volts.
See Bulletin

MSA recently became aware through internal and third party tests, as well as from our supplier, Paulson Manufacturing, that certain high impact propionate visors (marked Z87.1+) may not meet the high impact requirements of the ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard.
See Notice

MSHA recently became aware of a backbiter rivet shearing, causing the keeper on the snap hook to detach from the unit. This resulted in the loss of dual-action functionality of the snap hook. Sperian Fall Protection, Inc., which represents the Miller brands, issued a letter to their customers instructing them to conduct a daily inspection (by the user) and a periodic inspection by a company-appointed competent person according to the manufacturer's instructions.
See Letter

Loading and continuous-mining machines, since 1981, are required by MSHA to be equipped with load-locking valves in the boom and head lift cylinders. The load locking system installed must be maintained in proper working order.
See Alert

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Petzl America Inc, announced a voluntary recall of Shock Absorbing Lanyards manufactured before May 2011 by Scorpio and Absorbica. Some lanyards are missing a safety stitch on the attachment loop, which can cause the lanyard to disconnect from the climbing harness, posing a fall hazard to consumers. One fall injury occurred in France due to this condition. Consumers should immediately stop using the lanyards and contact Petzl America Inc. for a free inspection and replacement of any non-conforming products. For additional information, mine operators should contact Petzl America Inc. at (877) 740-3826 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.petzl.com.
See Notice

3M is recalling the THOR family of Self-Retracting Lanyards units manufactured by IKAR from November 01, 2011 to June 25, 2012 (M-, RLD- and 205G- Series) as result of concerns with the brake pad material found in this family of retractable lanyards.

For more information, see notice.

Capital Safety is aware of a reported inadvertent disconnection during use of the locking snaphook used in a series of Y-shaped Protecta lanyards with twin elastic lanyard legs that both attach directly to the eye of the snaphook. The locking snaphook used on these lanyards is part number 9502573.

See Alert

Pyott-Boone Electronics issued a letter to inform users that Pyott-Boone Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitors may experience false detections when a radio frequency transmitter is transmitting nearby. The false detection will cause a detection spike and be recorded on the Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) event log. The spike will be an instant maximum value unlike a gradual increase with actual rising of CO levels.

This false detection is not limited to Pyott-Boone CO monitors. Other manufactures of CO monitors will experience the same false detections and/or erratic readings. Inspectors and mine personnel should be informed that a hand-held radio that is transmitting near a CO monitor could affect readings on the CO monitor and create inaccurate readings on the AMS.

Pyott-Boone Electronics and other manufactures are designing CO monitors to be more resistant to radio interference.
See Pyott-Boone letter

Sandvik issued a Human Safety Bulletin stressing the importance of manually engaging the park/emergency brake before exiting the equipment.

A number of Sandvik machines are equipped with an optional door interlock. The door interlock will automatically engage the park/emergency brake when the door is open while the machine is running however, closing the door will release the brake. This may result in movement of the machine if the operator did not engage the park/emergency brake before exiting the machine.
See Human Safety Bulletin

A Sandvik 582 scoop (formerly EIMCO) was cited under 30 CFR 75.523-3 for the parking brake not releasing when the hand pump was operated. The same violation may exist on other 580/582 machines. The machines affected are listed below. These scoops have been in the field for years and the braking systems may have already been modified to fix the hand pump feature.

Check the parking brake system on all EIMCO 580/582 scoops for compliance with all provisions of 30 CFR 75.523-3, which covers the hand pump brake release feature.
See Machines Affected

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
See Notice