04/21/2009 71550

BITUMINOUS UNDERGROUND MINE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is technical work enforcing the state underground mining laws affecting electrical installations and equipment located in and around underground bituminous coal mines.

An employee in this job enforces and promotes compliance with the laws and regulations governing the installation and operation of electrical equipment in and around the underground bituminous coal mines. Work involves conducting regular technical inspections of electrical equipment and systems installed in underground mines; or reviewing, evaluating and recommending approval or disapproval of plans for new and modified electrical equipment, systems and installations prior to their implementation in bituminous mining operations within the Commonwealth. Work includes providing technical advice on a variety of electrical safety issues and conducting investigations of mining accidents involving electrical equipment to determine causes and preventive action. An important aspect of this work involves the discretionary authority to order the withdrawal of mine employees if threatened with imminent physical danger and to close the mine until these conditions are corrected. Work involves an element of physical danger when inspecting electrical installations and equipment in the mines. Technical work is performed independently although consultation with the supervisor may be held on especially difficult or unusual problems.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Inspects electrical equipment that is or may be installed and operated in and around bituminous coal mines.

Enforces and promotes compliance with the electrical safety portions of bituminous underground mining laws.

Inspects trailing cables on mining machinery to determine their conditions and adequateness of size and checks size of fuses or setting of automatic circuit breakers on cables.

Explains unsafe conditions to mine officials and orders corrective action.

Inspects mining machinery for compliance with safety requirements, checks for presence of safety guards, and ensures that enclosures of explosion proof machinery are maintained in proper condition.

Investigates mining accidents caused by electricity to determine causes and responsibility and recommends measures to prevent similar accidents.

Assists in directing mine rescue operations.

Prepares detailed reports of inspections and investigations.

Conducts in-depth technical reviews and research of electrical systems and equipment applications for underground bituminous mines in order to ensure conformance with mining laws, established performance criteria or national standards.

Conducts inspections of new, rebuilt or modified electrical equipment installed at underground bituminous mining sites and their associated surface facilities.

Participates in the review of new mining technologies and makes recommendations on the safety of new or proposed systems.

Advises mine officials and employees of provisions of the bituminous underground mining laws that affect installation and operation of electrical equipment in and around underground bituminous coal mines.

Discusses with mine officials, electricians and other mine workers various safety and technical problems.

Keeps abreast of developments in equipment, techniques and procedures in the mining industry.

Meets with and speaks before various safety organizations.

Serves on mine commissions for the purpose of investigating and reporting on any problems or questions of compliance with provisions of the bituminous underground mining laws that deal with electricity.

Conducts and participates in formal and informal training sessions and courses.

Travels to various work sites to conduct inspections.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods and practices involved in constructing, installing and operating electrical systems and equipment inside mines and within the immediate vicinity of mines.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved in constructing, installing and operating electrical systems and equipment inside mines and within the immediate vicinity of mines.

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the construction, installation and operation of electrical systems and equipment inside mines and within the immediate vicinity of mines.

Knowledge of the functionality, defects, faults and corrective measures involved in underground mining electrical equipment.

Knowledge of underground bituminous mining operations.

Ability to interpret laws and regulations.

Ability to read and understand schematics concerning electrical equipment and systems.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Ten years of experience in underground bituminous coal mines, and graduation from high school or certification of equivalent training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Possession of a current and valid certificate as a bituminous mine electrician issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Must be at least 30 years of age.