Mining at Night: For Surface Miners

Mining at Night: For Surface Miners

By:  The Mine Safety Institute, Part 46 New Miner Training

It’s Dark at Night

That may seem obvious, but it’s an important point to remember. Mining at night means you are mining in the dark with artificial lights that create the need for your eyes to constantly adjust to changing light conditions. This will create regular delays in your reaction time to hazards.

More Equipment More Problems

Large light banks mean more equipment to be aware of and work around as well as more sources of electricity to control.

• Wear light or bright colored clothing.
• Opt for bright white hard hats or put reflective tape on your hard hat.
• Wear a vest with reflective tape.
• Carry a bright flashlight.
• Use a headlamp for hands -free light.
• Slow down when doing tasks.
• It takes 7-10 seconds for your eyes to adjust when moving between lighted and dark areas. Pause until your eyes adjust.

• Clean and inspect headlights and tail lights.
• Turn your lights on at sundown (before it’s dark).
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Use berms as a steering guide if you have trouble seeing the road.
• Slow down.
• Add extra space between vehicles

• Light plants must be positioned so that they don’t blind miners. The activity being done in the area they are located must be considered.
• Lights must be placed out of the way of mining activities.
• Check lights for exposed wires or broken bulbs.
• Check light placement for stability.
• Avoid placing lights in standing water.
• Place lights in the driest area possible.