November 7, 2008-- WVCA is working with the WV Mine Safety & Technology Task Force and the Mine Safety & Health Administration to set up a pilot program to use and properly test the use of proximity detection devices (PDD) on place-change continuous miners. PDDs are designed to provide warning and shut off capabilities for machine operators and others working in close proximity to mining equipment.
A proposed work plan is being developed by the parties to define the scope of the study, its objectives for PDD reliability, availability, operational functionality, and overall performance, a set of criteria and standards by which to evaluate and measure the objectives.