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A s p a r t o f t h e i n v e s t i g a t i v e w o r k , M S H A ' s i n v e s t i g a t i o n t e a m e x a m i n e d and tested the remote control unit and continuous mining machine involved in t h e a c c i d e n t . T h e y w e r e b o t h p u t through a series of operational tests to determine if the machine would function properly, including forward and reverse tram controls, with all functions operat- ing properly. A battery of tests for the remote control unit and continuous mining machine on the H section at the mine were also per- formed, and the remote control unit was tested at the laboratory of Matric Ltd. in Pennsylvania, and an examination of the controller and its components was initi- ated at the Approvals and Certifications Center in Triadelphia, West Virginia, in early April. "During the two days of testing of the continuous mining machine at the mine, it did not exhibit [and] startup problem," MSHA said, referring to an early com- ment of startup issues from mine person- nel. "The remote control unit was also tested to determine the range of the device and if it would fail to function in certain areas. The range was found to be well beyond either end of the continuous mining machine. No areas near the con- tinuous mining machine were discovered that would affect the function of the remote control unit." T h e a g e n c y c o n c l u d e d t h a t t h e r o o t c a u s e o f t h e a c c i d e n t w a s a f a i l u r e t o comply with provisions of the approved roof control plan that prohibited any- one from being positioned between the c o n t i n u o u s m i n i n g m a c h i n e a n d t h e coal rib when tramming from place to place. s a f e t y r e p o r t c o n t i n u e d 34 www.coalage.com December 2014 Maintenance supervisor Michael Justice was electrocuted August 20 while troubleshooting a Fletcher DDR-15A roof bolter in Virginia.