Arlington, VA — A latest explosion and hearth ensuing from an object hanging a lithium battery-powered machine has prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to situation a security alert.
The company describes the incident, through which a rock fell about 6 ft onto a steady private mud monitor resting on high of a steady mining machine. Miners first noticed flames coming from the machine earlier than an explosion resulted in bigger flames till extinguishing.
“Many devices such as the CPDM, hand-held radios, cellphones and cap lamps are powered by lithium batteries,” MSHA says. “When designed, manufactured, used and maintained properly, lithium and other battery sources for these hand-held devices are a safe power source.”
MSHA presents greatest practices associated to the protected use of lithium and different batteries:
- Ensure miners appropriately use lithium battery-powered devices and shield them from uncommon and extreme warmth, stress, impacts, and different hazards.
- Conduct office examinations and remove hazardous situations.
- Control roofs, faces and ribs close to the place individuals work or journey.
- Educate miners on the right use and care of lithium battery-powered tools, together with sporting applicable private protecting tools.
- Follow producer’s directions for storage, use, charging and upkeep of lithium batteries.
- Keep hearth extinguishing tools available.
