16 JANUARY 2022 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Adapted from Information by the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) On May 18, 2021, a telehandler was towing a trailer with a diesel pump onboard up an inclined underground roadway when the tow hitch suddenly broke. The trailer rolled down the roadway, striking and fatally injuring a contract laborer. MSHA advises the following best practices for safety while towing: n Use towing hardware (hitches, tow bars, receivers, couplers, pins, pintles, safety chains/cables, etc.) which is properly designed and rated. Before each use, examine towing hardware for wear, cracks, and other damage. n Never exceed the recommended maximum towing capacity of a tow vehicle or trailer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and only use equipment designed for towing. n Always use properly sized safety chains in conjunction with hitches. Safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle in case the other tow hardware fails. n Never position yourself directly behind equipment being towed uphill. n Establish procedures for safe and proper towing. Train workers to follow these procedures and identify hazards associated with towing. MSHA Safety Tips Towing MIN
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