Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.

Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.

Stop gathering arms when cars are full.

Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.

Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.

Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.

Start conveyor booms and gathering-arm motors, and operate winches to position cars under boom conveyors for loading.

Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.

Signal workers to move loaded cars.

Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.

Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.

Notify switching departments to deliver specific types of cars.

Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.

Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.

Estimate and record amounts of material in bins.