WorldWide Drilling Resource

Dan Carrocci www.drill-safe.com 57 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JUNE 2013 Roof Bolting Safety Tips Adapted from Information by the Mine Safety and Health Administration More fatalities occur to roof bolter operators than any other occupation in the mining industry. The following safety tips for roof bolter operators can help keep your crew safe: j Always examine the roof, face, and ribs immediately before any work is started. j Never travel inby (toward the work- ing face, or interior of the mine; away from the shaft or entrance) perma- nent roof supports, especially to mark a roof bolting pattern. j Keep a bar of suitable length on the roof bolting machine to scale down loose rock. (Pry Up, Not Down!) j Always test roof, face, and ribs; do not take shortcuts . j Ensure the ATRS (automated tem- porary roof support) system is in proper operating condition before installing bolts. j Never operate the roof bolter when the ATRS is inoperable or does not contact the roof. j Only use manufacturer-approved extensions for ATRS systems. j Ensure the roof bolter is in prop- er operating condition before in- stalling bolts including levers, tram controls, and panic bar. j Know and follow the approved roof control plan; this includes all man- ufacturer's recommendations on the installation of bolts and resin. j Add additional supports at any indi- cation of adverse roof conditions. j Stay in a safe location under per- manent support when installing roof supports. j Always follow bolt installation se- quence. j Drill all holes to the proper depth (not over one inch deeper than the Photo of roof bolting operation courtesy of blm.gov bolt's length). j Use the proper finishing bit when installing shell-type bolts. j Be sure resin is maintained at mine temperature before use. j Check all bolts to make sure they are installed in the proper torque range. j Drill additional test holes if there is a question about adverse roof con- ditions. j Never hold the drill steel or place your hands on the drill pot when installing bolts. j Control respirable dust. Any adverse roof conditions detected during drilling should be immediately re- ported to management and coworkers.