2007 National Electrical Troubleshooting Contest
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) held its second National Electrical Troubleshooting Contest on Thursday Nov. 15, 2007 at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy, 1301 Airport Rd., Beckley, W.V. Qualified or certified mine electricians working in the coal sector participated. Participants took a written exam and attempted to safely solve a troubleshooting problem while being timed. In this contest, four simulated power centers that typically appear in mines were used as work stations to stage problems. Electricians performed troubleshooting and testing on these power centers to solve the problems. Those participating in this free contest learned more about personal safety practices and learned safety tips from electricians, MSHA officials, and state mining agency representatives.
15 electricians from 4 states participated in the nationwide competition. Applicants had to prove they had valid qualifications and certification when they registered. The top three winners received trophies recognizing their accomplishment, and each participant received a certificate for participating in the contest. The State of West Virginia awarded the top contestant from the state with the Tom Harmon trophy. Tom, an electrical inspector and the inventor of the simulation power centers, retired at the end of 2007 after 30 years with the state and 42 years in mining.
Award Winners
Click on Picture to Enlarge
First Place |
Second Place |
Third Place |
First Place Harmon Trophy |
|