Purpose Of Traffic Control Guidelines

All kinds of sizes of vehicles travel roads at surface operations. These vehicles are operated by drivers who have varying levels of experience traveling these mine haulage roads. This means that there is a need for good traffic control on these roads

Standards for Coal & Metal/Nonmetal Operations

The following applies to coal mines.

77.1600(b)
Traffic rules, signals, and warning signs shall be standardized at each mine and posted.

The following applies to metal/nonmetal mines.

56/57.9100(a)
Rules governing speed, right-of-way, direction of movement, and the use of headlights to assure appropriate visibility, shall be established and followed at each mine.

56/57.9100(b)
Signs or signals that warn of hazardous conditions shall be placed at appropriate locations at each mine.

What Mine Operators need to know about Traffic Control ?

Planning and Signs

Planning for traffic control is an essential part of the overall planning of a mining operation. Whenever possible, traffic control planning should anticipate changing mining conditions and future needs. This is especially true at new mine sites and on new (or changed) haul routes. Signs are one of the most important elements in an effective traffic control plan.

The mine operator is responsible for developing, installing and maintaining signs on haul roads. Signs need to be posted wherever it's necessary to regulate, warn, direct, or inform traffic on haul roads and around installations.

Mine operators should take time to carefully identify locations or situations where signs might be needed. Mine operators also need to review haulage safety procedures followed at the mine to identify other potential locations for signs. Remember that overcrowding signs at one location can lead to confusion.

Signs can be permanent or portable to meet the changing conditions at the mine. Portable signs are used in areas where traffic and road conditions change frequently and are usually placed close to the ground for stability.

Design
Effective signs have certain common characteristics. They are: understandable, legible, and visible to equipment operators, especially at night, and in both good and bad weather.

Standardization
Where possible, sign format and design should follow standard public highway signs. Signs need to be similar in regards to size, shape, color, and lettering throughout the mine site.

Placement
Signs need to be positioned correctly with respect to the situation. Signs also need to be clearly visible and legible. When placing signs, take into account the time it takes a driver to react to the sign, and the mechanical characteristics (such as delay times and braking distances) of the vehicles used at the mine.

Visibility
Signs need to be visible to all equipment operators. Sign size, height, and lateral placement are important to ensure that signs are properly illuminated by vehicle headlights. Studies recommend a vertical height of 5 to 8 feet and a lateral offset of 6 to 12 feet in most situations. Consider using reflectorized signs where necessary, especially if the mine operates either at night or in poor weather conditions.

Maintenance
Maintain signs to ensure legibility and visibility. Clean signs as necessary to keep them visible. Evaluate signs as necessary to make sure they are correct for the conditions

Hazard
All persons who will operate a vehicle on mine property need to be aware of the traffic plan. For example, a contractor entering the property needs to know if traffic is to drive to the left. They also need to know about potential haulage hazards and haulage safety procedures followed at the mine.

What Equipment Operators need to know about Traffic Control ?

Haulage Routes
Equipment operators sometimes develop a false sense of security by driving the same haul roads every day. This is dangerous because haul roads near active mining operations can change every day. Therefore, operators need to pay close attention to posted signs and to changes in the mines traffic pattern.

Traffic Patterns
Traffic patterns other than the usual right hand patterns used on highways are found at some mines. Equipment operators need to know the meaning of unfamiliar signs before traveling on mine property. They also need to be aware of the traffic pattern used at the mine and where changes in the pattern may occur.

Haulage Safety Procedures
To help prevent accidents, operators need to follow all haulage safety procedures in force at the mine.

Characteristics of the vehicle
This includes things such as visibility, blind spots and braking limitations.

Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Equipment operators are responsible for reporting any unsafe conditions to their supervisor. Examples of unsafe conditions include:

• Poorly placed signs - Signs placed too close to or too far away from a potential hazard
• Confusing signs - Not knowing what a sign means.
• Overcrowded signs - Too many signs for the operator to read all posted at one location.
• Missing signs - Obvious signs not posted or gone.
• Out-of-date signs - Signs posted for conditions that no longer exist.
• Problems with the vehicle.