Mine Safety DAO 2000-98 Practice Test

The rule tests safe clearance around the shaft collar during boarding to prevent injury from a moving or stopping cage. The shaft collar is the fixed point near the top of the shaft where the cage aligns to enter and exit. Waiting within three meters of this area creates a buffer so the cage can approach, doors can align, and any movement of the hoisting gear or rope won’t sweep someone into danger. This distance helps protect you from being struck, crushed, or entangled as the cage arrives and stops.

Other distances would either be too close to risk contact with the cage or would unnecessarily hinder boarding operations, so three meters is chosen as the safe minimum.