The work in this topic area is supported by the NIOSH Mining Machine Safety and Ergonomics programs. See the NIOSH Mining Products page for software, guides, training materials or other items related to this topic. |
In years past, underground coal mining equipment consisted of simple but rugged machines powered by electric motors and hydraulics. They were maintained by personnel who needed only a basic knowledge of hydraulics, electricity, and mechanics. Today, engineers have transformed these machines into powerful, complex mining systems, requiring an increase in the knowledge and skills that are necessary of maintenance personnel. Fortunately, during this period designers have made significant advances in the field of maintainability engineering, such as the application of sensors and diagnostics and the modular replacement of components. System design techniques have also improved. Designers are using many of these innovations and techniques more and more in underground mining equipment.Data & statistics
Impact of Maintainability Design on Injury Rates and Maintenance Costs for Underground Mining Equipment (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
The U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed the design of underground mining equipment with respect to ease of maintenance and maintainer safety. Maintainability design recommendations have been prepared and published including basic maintainability engineering information for equipment designers and a buyers' guide to assist purchasers of mining machinery.
Guides
Maintainability Design Checklist (PDF, 50 KB, 1996)
The purpose of this Maintainability Design is to provide a summary of design review points for the
maintainability assessment of new or existing underground equipment.
Measurement & analysis
Maintainability (HTM, 35 KB, 2004-12-06)
Most efforts to decrease the frequency and severity of injuries to miners have stressed miner training and work procedures, improved work environments and safety and environmental control equipment, improved personal protective equipment, improved equipment control and display design, enhanced lighting and visibility-related research, and organizational issues. However, the industry has paid much less attention to the design of the mining machine itself with respect to maintenance cost or safety for the maintainer.