THE EE WAS OPERATING THE SHEARER IN THE LONGWALLSECTION. HE WAS CHECKING THE CUTTING LEVEL OF THE DRUM WHEN THE FACE BLEW OUT AND A PIECE OF COAL STRUCK HIS BOTTOM LIP. HE RECEIVED 4 STITCH ES TO CLOSE THE LACERATION. RETURNED TO WORK HISNEXT SCHEDULED SHIFT ON 1-28-02.