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Show Coal Operators Should Beware of Seasonal Changes in Mines Oct. Through March October through March has historically been the time when mine disasters occur. The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) warns that immediate precautions should be taken to prevent mining accidents during this six-month period. With this goal in mind, beginning in 1971, MSHA has emphasized annually a fall-winter alert program designed to call special attention to the increased hazards during the winter months. Mining personnel should become familiar with the many problems that change mining conditions and increase the risk of disasters. Among these problems are methane gas, which becomes more difficult to control and increases the possibility of methane ignitions and mine explosions; underground mine surfaces, which become drier and increase the possibility of mine fires and coal dust explosions, and changing air temperature and moisture conditions which can create adverse roof conditions. MSHA also warns operators to give particular attention to areas in the mine not frequently traveled; construction sites; wet areas; new roof areas; drift, slope, and shaft areas; dusty roadways; and areas that have wet and damaged cables. Escapeways in mines should be maintained properly and workers should be instructed about escape routes and the use of self-rescue devices. The main purpose of these efforts since the beginning of the fall-winter alert program is to re-emphasize to mine workers and operators the critical importance of safe work practices and the need for extraordinary alertness at this time of year. "By paying particular attention to this six-month period and working together, the mining industry and MSHA car make the coal mine a safer place in which to work and reduce deaths and injuries," said Joseph A. Lamonica, acting administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health. Generally, more than half the money a family spends on energy is used for heating. Without personal hardship, 30 percent of our energy use can be easily cut. The energy we use for our homes draws on all of our energy resources. Each individual conservation effort, multiplied by millions, will leave a reserve amount that can be used to help balance our energy supply. Adopt common sense energy habits and make energy thrift a part of your way of life. The following tips, if implemented, can help substantially in beating heating costs and providing a more comfortable cushion in family budgeting this winter, states Marilyn Manson, USU Extension Agent in Sevier County. If you use electric furnace heating, consider a heat pump system. The heat pump uses thermal energy from outside air and circulates it in the |