Keeping the headgate splitter arm parallel to the top of the shearer. Maintaining the position of the headgate splitter arm near parallel is critical to keeping dust from boiling out into the walkway, especially at higher-seam longwalls that are typically found at western longwall operations. During recent surveys [Rider and Colinet 2007], NIOSH personnel observed a hydraulically adjustable splitter arm that was angled down toward the pan line during head-to-tail passes, allowing respirable dust to migrate over the top of the splitter arm and into the walkway (Figure 3-11).
Figure 3-11.—Position of splitter arm may allow dust to migrate into walkway.
Also, as mining advanced toward the headgate, NIOSH personnel noticed that a dust cloud would roll up under the splitter arm belting when the cutting drum was in the raised position and the splitter arm was angled upward (Figure 3-11). Positioning the splitter arm so that it is level with the shearer body and parallel to floor may prevent the dust cloud from migrating over or under the splitter arm and into the walkway.