michigan technological university guidelines for traffic control at surface mines michigan mine...

Michigan Technological University

Guidelines for Traffic Control at Surface Mines

Michigan Mine Safety & Health Training Program

Michigan Mine Safety & Health

Training Program


ContentsPurpose of Traffic Control Guidelines Standards for Coal & Metal/Nonmetal Operations What Mine Operators need to know about Traffic Control What Equipment Operators need to know about Traffic Control Regulatory Signs Traffic Patterns Warning Signs Guidance Signs


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Purpose Of Traffic Control Guidelines

All kinds of sizes of vehicles travel roads at surface operations. These vehicles are operated by drivers who have varying levels of experience traveling these mine haulage roads. This means that there is a need for good traffic control on these roads.


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Standards for Metal/Nonmetal Operations

56/57.9100(a) Rules governing speed, right-of-way, direction of movement, and the use of headlights to assure appropriate visibility, shall be established and followed at each mine. 56/57.9100(b) Signs or signals that warn of hazardous conditions shall be placed at appropriate locations at each mine.


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What Mine Operators need to know about Traffic Control

Planning and SignsDesignStandardizationPlacementVisibilityMaintenanceHazard Awareness


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What Equipment Operators need to know about Traffic Control

Haulage RoutesTraffic PatternsHaulage Safety ProceduresCharacteristics of the VehicleReporting Unsafe Conditions


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Regulatory Signs

These signs give information about the rules of the road.Disobeying these signs can result in disciplinary action even if they don't result in an accident.


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Stop Signs

Stop signs need to be located as close as possible to the point where a vehicle is supposed to stop. Use "STOP AHEAD" signs in cases of limited sight distances. Supplement stop signs with "4-Way" or "All Way" signs where multi-way stops are required. Examples of places where stop signs might be used include: intersections of secondary roads and main haul roads, intersections where sight distance is limited, intersections of haul roads and public roads, and places where accidents have occurred in the past.


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Yield Signs

Yield signs need to be located as close as possible to the point where vehicles are supposed to yield. Place "Yield Ahead" signs in advance of the "Yield" signs where necessary. Yield signs assign the right-of-way where secondary roads intersect main haul roads, or where two haul roads intersect and stopping is not required.


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Speed Limit Signs

Speed limits are based on factors such as road conditions, grades, surface, visibility, curves, potential hazards, and the mechanical capabilities of the haulage equipment used at the mine. Post speed limits at regular intervals to remind drivers of applicable speed limits. Also post speed limit signs near intersections where traffic may be entering onto the haul road from another road with a different speed limit.


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Turn Prohibition Signs

These signs are used to restrict certain types of turns at intersections. They are also used at intersections to keep traffic from turning onto a one way road and traveling in the wrong direction.


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Lane Use Control Signs

These are used at intersections where drivers are required to turn, or to tell drivers how certain lanes are to be used.


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No Passing Signs

No passing signs are placed at the beginning of (and at intervals within) a restricted passing area. A "Pass With Care" sign indicates the end of the no passing zone.


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Keep Right/Left Signs

These signs are placed at the end of median dividers and channeling islands to indicate which side of the median or island should be used by traffic.


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Do Not Enter Signs

This sign is placed at the end of a one way road to keep traffic from entering the roadway and traveling in the wrong direction. "Wrong Way" signs supplement "Do Not Enter" signs.


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One Way Signs

These signs are placed at appropriate corners of intersections facing traffic entering or crossing the one way road.


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Traffic Pattern Signs

Changes in traffic patterns need:Sign of Advanced Warning Sign Where Change Begins Sign Indicating When Change Should Be CompletePattern reminder

Left Lane Driving


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Traffic Patterns - Left Lane Driving


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Warning Signs

These signs indicate the presence of a hazard.Ignoring these signs can result in an accident.


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Curve Signs

These signs help to warn drivers about potentially hazardous curves which may not be obvious to them. Supplement the sign with a "Reduced Speed Limit" sign if the safe speed for negotiating the curve is less than the posted speed limit.


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Steep Grade Warning Signs

These signs provide drivers with advanced warning of steep downgrades where they need to exercise special caution. Post the percent grade, length of grade, and any special gearing requirements to better prepare the driver to descend the grade safely.


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Escape Ramp & Berm Signs

Escape ramp and berm signs give drivers advance warning of their location in case of an emergency.


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Intersection Warning Signs

Intersection warning signs inform drivers in advance about obscured intersections or where crossing or turning traffic may not be immediately visible.


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Narrow Roadway Signs

These signs warn drivers in advance that the roadway ahead narrows to such an extent that two vehicles cannot pass each other safely.


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Roadway Condition Signs

These signs let drivers know about sharp rises or drops in the roadway surface that could create hazardous conditions, or affect the safe handling of the vehicle.


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Traffic Pattern Warnings

These signs remind the driver of the prevailing traffic pattern.


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Advance Warning Signs

Advance warning signs give drivers enough lead time to safely complete a maneuver. These signs are also used in cases of limited sight distance and in advance of a change in regulations.


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Railroad Crossing Signs

Used to Identify railroad crossings.


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Other Warning Signs

Other warning signs are used for special conditions such as blasting zones.


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Guidance Signs

Guidance signs provide information to drivers, and direct drivers and visitors to destinations such as offices, shops, scales, and other areas.

michigan technological university guidelines for traffic control at surface mines michigan mine...

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