There are 1433 publications listed on this page. Click the icon next to the publication title to show or hide details for that publication. Or, click the icons below to show or hide details for all publications. (For this many publications, there will be a noticeable delay when showing or hiding all details.)
| 100 Years of Improvement in Aggregate Worker Safety The aggregates industry faces a number of challenges in the near future, including the loss of experienced mine workers due to retirement, an influx of new, inexperienced workers and more challenging mining conditions. More effective training is needed to reduce injuries of both experienced and inexperienced workers from ever increasing diverse background. The awareness and involvement of the whole workforce needs to be fostered by management, labor and government jointly identifying risk factors, selecting mining practices, implementing mining plans and engineering and administrative controls. (PDF, 6810 KB, 2003-03)
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| A 20-Liter Furnace Test Method to Determine the Combustion Gas Toxicity of Conveyor Belts Experiments were conducted with mine conveyor belt samples in a 20-L furnace and in a laboratory fire tunnel to measure and compare the major toxic gas concentrations evolved during the combustion of the materials. The toxic gas concentrations, measured simultaneously through a multiport sampling device and treated as yield values, included hydrogen chloride (HO), hydrogen cyanide (HeN), oxides of nitrogen (NOx treated as NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO).
(PDF, 220 KB, 1996)
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| 60 Years of Rockbursting in the Coeur D'Alene District of Northern Idaho, USA: Lessons Learned and Remaining Issues Sixty years of rockbursting in the Coeur d'Alene district has taught painful lessons and led to a number of practical advances in controlling rockburst hazards. This paper summarizes those lessons, concentrating on practical measures that have been successfully adopted to reduce hazards. (PDF, 409 KB, 2002-02)
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| Above-the-Earth Field Contours for a Dipole Buried in a Homogeneous Half-Space An essential element of the Bureau of Mines electromagnetic location and communication system for trapped miners is a quantitative knowledge of the surface and above-surface electromagnetic fields created by an underground transmitter. The field solutions given in this report use approximations in which the displacement currents are negligible for low frequencies. The earth is represented by a homogeneous half-space model in which a dipole source is immersed. The vertical magnetic field equipotential contours at and above the surface are graphically mapped. The volumes of the regions bounded by these contours are directly related to the geometrical zones of signal detectability. Knowledge of the detectability zones will enable the proper search strategies to be developed for airborne detection of trapped miners. (PDF, 342 KB, 1983)
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| Acceleration and GPS Data Monitor Truck-Haulage Jolts This paper discusses the application of global positioning system (GPS) data, accelerometers, and pressure transducers to provide feedback about equipment operations and identify the cause of truck jolts. (PDF, 794 KB, 2000)
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| Accuracy and Precision of Microseismic Event Locations in Rock Burst Research Studies Stability analyses of fractured and faulted rock masses require delineation of the position, extent, and orientation of geologic discontinuities. Recommendations are made for increasing the accuracy and precision of locations of microseismic events detected under similar field conditions. (PDF, 4026 KB, 1992)
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| Accurate Directional Borehole Drilling: A Case Study at Navajo Dam, New Mexico Describes a project conducted by the Bureau of Mines in which the accurate directional drilling of a borehole was demonstrated with the objective of intercepting a designated target. The project was conducted at Navajo Dam in northern New Mexico at the request of the Bureau of Reclamation. (PDF, 2520 KB, 1987)
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| Accurate Navigation and Control of Continuous Mining Machines for Coal Mining One of the safety and health research programs of the former U.S. Bureau of Mines Pittsburgh Research Center was the evaluation of technology that will provide remote-controlled operation of mechanized equipment in underground room-and-pillar mining. As part of this program, advanced machine navigation and control technologies were developed for underground room-and-pillar and highwall coal mining that can be applied to commercially available mining equipment. (PDF, 1542 KB, 1997)
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| An Active Proximity Warning System for Surface and Underground Mining Applications NIOSH has developed an active proximity warning system called HASARD (Hazardous Area Signaling and Ranging Device) for warning workers as they approach known dangerous areas around heavy mining equipment and other dangerous work zones. HASARD was field tested on a Joy 12 continuous miner, a Komatsu 210 M Haulpak, and on a highwall launch vehicle. HASARD provided warnings as designed and proved to be rugged enough to withstand the harshest of production environments. (PDF, 3100 KB, 2001)
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| Adaptive-Noise-Cancellation Techniques for Through-the-Earth Electromagnetics: Volume III An electromagnetic (EM) system for the location of trapped mine workers at coal-mine (300 m) depths has been developed. The use of such a system in deep mines (1-km depth) requires transmission at extremely low frequencies (ELF) and a reduction in the effective noise level beyond that which can be obtained by acceptable integration times. Automatic-noise-cancellation (ANC) techniques reduce the effective noise level by combining several received signals that contain correlated noise. Such signals can be obtained either from a remote magnetic antenna or a local electric antenna. During Phase III of this program, real ELF noise data were acquired and used to test the ANC algorithms developed during Phase II. (PDF, 3135 KB, 1984)
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| Addressing the Safety of Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Lessons Learned The functional safety of programmable electronic (PE) mining systems is an international issue and concern. From 1995 to 2001, 11 PE-related mining incidents in the U.S. were reported by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. (PDF, 219 KB, 2003)
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| Advance and Relieve Mining: A Method to Mitigate the Effects of High Horizontal Stress on the Mine Roof Evaluation of the "Advance and Relieve" mining method is described to determine effectiveness for conditions where high horizontal stresses caused long running roof falls resulting in hazardous conditions and the premature abandonment of panels. "Advance and Relieve" mining involves the removal of a pillar of a portion of a pillar during development, creating a cave along one side of the panel.
(PDF, 5767 KB, 2001)
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| Advances in Mine Emergency Communications Since 1981, Federal mining law has required every miner working in underground coal mines to have a self-contained, self-rescuer (SCSR) available for use in emergencies. Some miners that have escaped from fires using SCSR's have reported that they had to remove their mouthpiece to talk during escape, thus compromising the protection afforded by the SCSR. To address this problem, two-way, FM radios were built into the SCSR to improve the ability to communicate should the miners be separated over relatively short distances. (PDF, 1817 KB, 1994)
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| Advances in Proximity Detection Technologies for Surface Mining Equipment Technology is available to assist off-road dump truck drivers in monitoring blind spots near their equipment. NIOSH is evaluating systems based on radar, GPS, RF tags, and cameras. (PDF, 433 KB, 2004)
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| Advances in Remote Sensing Techniques for Monitoring Rock Falls and Slope Failures As part of an on-going study at the Spokane Research Laboratory, several new methods for monitoring slope instabilities are being investigated. This paper describes the potential adaption of systems such as interferometric synthetic aperture radar, imaging spectroscopy, and time-domain reflectometry, to slope monitoring and design. (PDF, 654 KB, 1998)
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| The Aging Workforce: An Emerging Issue in the Mining Industry The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median age of the mining workforce is rising faster than the overall U.S. civilian labor force. The Mine Safety and Health Administration reports that the percentage of injured and ill workers who are 45 or older increased steadily from 1988 to 1998. Given this trend, health and safety programs must consider the physiological changes associated with aging when evaluating job tasks and the working environment. (PDF, 171 KB, 2000)
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| Airborne Dust Capture and Induced Airflow of Various Spray Nozzle Designs Water spray characteristics, including droplet size and velocity, airborne dust capture potential, and induced airflow quantity for various spray nozzle designs were evaluated to provide basic information for improving spray applications. Test results indicate that there are trade offs between airflow inducement and dust capture efficiency. This information can be utilized to improve the performance of water sprays for reducing airborne dust levels. (PDF, 1837 KB, 2007-07)
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| Airborne Dust Liberation During Coal Crushing This paper describes laboratory experiments in a wind tunnel with a roll crusher to identify relationships among crushing parameters, product size, coal rank properties and airborne dust generation. (PDF, 1143 KB, 2001-06)
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| An Alarm to Warn of Overhead Power Line Contact by Mobile Equipment A report on research to develop a device that alerts workers when a power line has been contacted by equipment. The approach being investigated is based on measuring electric current flow to ground through a machine during a line contact. (PDF, 275 KB, 2001)
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| Alternative Methodologies for Evaluating Explosion-resistant Mine Ventilation Seals Discusses the evaluation of a seal evaluation method, based on a hydrostatic pressure loading concept, for in-situ testing of seals in an operating mine. (PDF, 6213 KB, 2003-10)
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| Analyses of Mobile Equipment Fires for All U.S. Surface and Underground Coal and Metal/Nonmetal Mining Categories, 1990-1999 This report analyzes mobile equipment fires for all U.S. surface and underground coal and metal/nonmetal mining categories by state and 2 year time periods during 1990-1999. (PDF, 1240 KB, 2004-01)
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| Analysis and Design Considerations for Superimposed Longwall Gate Roads A U.S. Bureau of Mines investigation of longwall panel layouts to maximize coal recovery and minimize interactive problems in multiple-seam operations. (PDF, 992 KB, 1992)
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| Analysis and Design of Rib Support (ADRS): A Rib Support Design Methodology for Australian Collieries This paper summarises the results of a research project whose goal was to provide the Australian coal industry with a rib support design methodology and software tool that could be utilised by suitably qualified colliery staff. (PDF, 286 KB, 2005)
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| Analysis and Prediction of Longwall Methane Emissions: A Case Study in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed, VA Increasing longwall panel dimensions, particularly face width in gassy coalbeds, may result in unexpected increases in methane emissions. To investigate this problem, continuous longwall face emission monitoring studies were conducted at two adjacent mines operating in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed, where longwall faces were to be extended from 229 to 305 m (750 to 1,000 ft). (PDF, 1919 KB, 1997)
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| An Analysis and Prevention of Flyrock Accidents in Surface Blasting Operations Discusses several flyrock injury incidents at surface mines and construction sites and describes some injury mitigation techniques. (PDF, 133 KB, 2004)
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| Analysis of Acoustic Responses of Domal Salt Mine Samples The Bureau of Mines has developed an acoustic test for determining if a rock salt sample is from a "normal" nongassy salt face or from a gassy face where an outburst has the potential to occur. The acoustic test procedure and equipment are described, and raw test results and data analysis are shown. Results are also shown for several salt samples that were analyzed using a laser Raman microprobe. (PDF, 678 KB, 1990)
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| Analysis of Bench Crest Performance at the Yellowstone Mine: A Case Study A case study is presented that relates statistical descriptions of joint sets to the distribution of local wedge failures along the crest of a catch bench at the Yellowstone Talc Mine. (PDF, 575 KB, 2004-05)
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| Analysis of Communication Systems in Coal Mines The results of a two-year research effort aimed at improving cormnunication systems in coal mines is reported, as well as a review of communication methods presently used in coal mines. Theoretical and-experimental results of a four pronged effort in the areas of (1) through-the-earth propagation, (2) paging system design, (3) improvement of wired telephone systems, and (4) carrier current systems are described. Auxiliary systems not included in the above are considered briefly. (PDF, 6143 KB, 1973-05)
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| Analysis of Highwall Mining Stability - The Effect of Multiple Seams and Prior Auger Mining on Design The objective of this is paper is to review the current state of knowledge and practice in highwall mining. (PDF, 1182 KB, 2005) |
| Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Metal/Nonmetal Mining Categories, 1990-2001 This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface metal/nonmetal mining categories during 1990-2001 by state and six successive 2-year time periods. (PDF, 1793 KB, 2004-11)
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| Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990-1999 This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface coal mining categories by state and 2-year time periods during 1990-1999. (PDF, 1611 KB, 2004-09)
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| Analysis of Multiple Seam Stability NIOSH completed a major study to identify the location and likely severity of multiple seam interactions (undermining and overmining). More than 300 multiple seam case histories were assembled into the largest data base of multiple seam case histories ever collected. These data were analyzed with the multivariate statistical technique of logistic regression, LaM2D to estimate the multiple seam stresses, ALPS and ARMPS to determine pillar stability factors, and the CMRR to measure roof quality. The study resulted in the development of a computer program, called Analysis of Multiple Seam Stability (AMSS), which can help mine planners to evaluate each potential interaction and take steps to reduce the risk of ground control failure. (PDF, 658 KB, 2007)
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| Analysis of Nonstandard Noise Dosimeter Microphone Positions This study, conducted as part of a project involving the evaluation of a new type of noise exposure monitoring paradigm, showed the dffects of dosimeter microphone placement in a diffuse field were found to be minor for most of the test microphones/locations. (PDF, 618 KB, 2008-03)
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| Analysis of Pillar Design Practices and Techniques for U.S. Limestone Mines As underground stone mining expands to deeper cover situations, and more efficient mining methods are utilized, effective stone pillar design methods become more important. Seventy-two stone-mine pillar designs were examined or factors effecting stability and results are presented. (PDF, 1315 KB, 1999-12)
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| Analysis of Practical Ground Control Issues in Highwall Mining Some of the issues discussed in this article include highwall stability, reasons for early pull out of highwall miner holes, and geotechnical engineering and planning factors and operating practices to improve highwall stability and minimize the risk of a trapped highwall miner. (PDF, 335 KB, 2004-08)
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| An Analysis of Rock Failure Around a Deep Longwall Using Microseismics A state-of-the-art, three-dimensional, full waveform, microseismic system was used to analyze the rock failure around a deep bump-prone longwall panel. Analysis of the recorded events is discussed. (PDF, 442 KB, 2001-08)
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| Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems A statistical study was conducted of roof bolt performance at a number of mines throughout the U.S. Analysis of the results led to guidelines that can be used to make preliminary estimates of the required bolt length, capacity, and pattern to improve roof stability for more difficult conditions. (PDF, 140 KB, 2001-08)
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| Analysis of Safety Aspects and Mining Practices for Effective Ground Control in Surface Mining A study was conducted to determine the causes of slope failure and highwall/spoilbank failure and included: a review of accident statistics; a review of mining laws pertaining to surface mining; a literature review; and mine visits. The study emphasized surface mines in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. (PDF, 248 KB, 2000-08)
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| Analysis of Seismic Signatures from Gas and Dust Based Explosions at the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine A seismic monitoring system located at NIOSH's Lake Lynn Experimental Mine has monitored experimental gas and dust based explosions and impact tests. The results suggest a large explosion that's not restricted can generate potentially the same magnitude as a small explosion that is restricted. (PDF, 959 KB, 2008)
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| An Analysis of Serious Injuries to Dozer Operators in the U.S. Mining Industry This report describes serious injuries occurring to bulldozer operators working at U.S. coal, metal, and nonmetal mines. The period covered is 1988-97. (PDF, 345 KB, 2001-04)
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| Analysis of the Interaction Between Mobile Roof Supports and Mine Strata To provide a better understanding of the mechanics of strata deformation, the authors have collected and reviewed measurements of convergence and stress in one western U.S. mine and have completed pseudo-three-dimensional, boundary-element modeling for two typical pillar-pulling plans. (PDF, 202 KB, 1998)
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| Analysis of Underground Coal Mine Fire Incidents in the United States from 1978 through 1992 This U.S. Bureau of Mines publication is an analysis of 164 underground coal mine fire incidents occurring in the United States during the 15 years from 1978 through 1992. Fires were analyzed by year, State, coalbed thickness, mine size, mining method, ignition source, burning substance, location, equipment involved, detection method, time of day, time of year, number of injuries and fatalities, method of extinguishment, and evacuation measures taken. (PDF, 5674 KB, 1995)
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| Analytical Investigations of Electromagnetic Location Schemes Relevant to Mine Rescue: Part I - Executive Summary; Part II - Collected Reprints - Analytical Investigations of Electromagnetic Location Schemes Relevant to Mine Rescue A summary of past analyses that are relevant to electromagnetic location in mine rescue situations. The analytical results indicated that detection of a trapped miner equipped with a special transmitter is feasible in most situations. Location of the miner by surface measurements is also generally feasible within certain errors. (PDF, 4916 KB, 1974-12-02)
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| Anchorage Pull Testing for Fully Grouted Roof Bolts Despite its potential importance, there is no widely accepted anchorage test for fully grouted roof bolts. Recent studies using short encapsulation pull tests are described. (PDF, 864 KB, 2002-08)
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| Antenna Design & Coupling Studies at Medium Frequency for lmproved Coal Mine Communications This report covers antenna deslgn, analysis, and development work suited for use with a wireless radio communication system operating at medium frequency. The work includes the test and evaluation of prototype vehicular antennas developed during the program. (PDF, 3045 KB, 1978)
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| Apparatus for Measuring Diesel Tailpipe Emissions in Underground Mines A collaboration between the U.S. Bureau of Mines and Michigan Technological University to develop an apparatus for measuring diesel tailpipe emissions in underground mines. (PDF, 1483 KB, 1992)
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| Apparent Earth Conductivity Over Coal Mines as Estimated from Through-the-Earth Electromagnetic Transmission Tests Electromagnetic narrow-band signals were transmitted through the earth at 27 coal mines located throughout the United States. From those tests, apparent earth conductivity values were derived based upon a homogeneous half-space model of the earth. The derived conductivity values were found to be inversely proportional to the transmitted frequency and mine depth. A linear regression model relating the logarithm of the conductivity to the mine depth was formulated, and the results indicate that the mine depth can be an adequate predictor of the apparent earth conductivity above coal mines. Apparent earth conductivity was found to decrease with mine depths. (PDF, 977 KB, 1984)
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| Application of a Microphone Phased Array to Identify Noise Sources on a Roof Bolting Machine This paper discusses the methods NIOSH used to identify noise sources on a roof bolting machine while drilling. (PDF, 3036 KB, 2007) |
| The Application of Fiber Optics Technology to the Design of Mine Lighting Systems This paper describes Bureau of Mines research and development of a new and innovative mine lighting system based on fiber optics technology. The new lighting concept offers significant advantages over conventional systems in the areas of both safety and long-term maintenance costs. An overview of Bureau research into the problems and limitations of present-day mine lighting systems is also presented. (PDF, 616 KB, 1986)
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| Application of Gas-Enhanced Foam at the Excel No. 3 Mine Fire This paper presents a discussion of the firefighting approach at the Excel No. 3 Mine and an analysis of the results of the application of gas-enhanced foam technology. (PDF, 1881 KB, 2005)
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| Application of Ground Penetrating Radar to Evaluate the Extent of Polyurethane Grout Infiltration for Mine Roof Control: A Case Study The objective of this study was to test the capability of ground penetrating radar to determine the extent of grout penetration into the mine roof strata in the 13-G room area of the NIOSH Safety Research Coal Mine. The study showed that GPR technology can be a useful tool for detecting changes in mine roof due to the injection of the grout. (PDF, 1051 KB, 2004-08)
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| Application of Parametric Column Analysis to Evaluate Eccentric Loading Conditions on Prop Support Performance This paper examines the effect of end conditions and load profiles on prop support performance and applies a new analysis methodology based on eccentric loading to determine a factor of safety for load capacity. Recommendations for installation practices that minimize eccentricity and therefore preserve capacity are also provided. (PDF, 304 KB, 2007)
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| Application of Physical Modelling and Particle Flow Analysis to Evaluate Ore-pass Design An investigation of the hazards in and around ore passes in hard rock mines. Risk assessment methods, such as fault-tree analysis, have been employed to identify the most probable causes of ore-pass failures, define research priorities and analyze the factors that result in malfunctioning and unsafe ore passes. (PDF, 903 KB, 1997)
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| Application of Prevention through Design for Hearing Loss in the Mining Industry This paper describes the quiet-by-design approach of a noise control that reduced noise exposures of continuous mining machine operators by 3dB(A) using the four functional areas of Prevention through Design (PTD), namely Practice, Policy, Research, and Education. (PDF, 146 KB, 2008)
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| Application of Radio-Frequency Identification Systems to Collision Avoidance in Metal/Nonmetal Mines New developments in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems show promise for reducing the number of collisions between haulage equipment and pedestrian workers or other vehicles. This paper describes tests conducted on off-the-shelf RFID systems and the subsequent development of a custom RFID system that could be used for both surface and underground mining equipment. (PDF, 181 KB, 2001)
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| Application of the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) to Extended Cuts The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) has been widely accepted as a tool for geologic characterization and mine planning. The application of the CMRR to extended cuts (cuts greater that 6 m (20 ft) in length) is discussed. (PDF, 313 KB, 1999-04)
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| Applications of Ground-Based Radar to Mine Slope Monitoring Several remote sensing technologies are being evaluated as tools to assess slope stability and monitor slopes for hazards. An interferometric radar device capable of detecting very small displacements on slopes has been assembled and tested. (PDF, 1440 KB, 2004)
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| Applications of Ground-Based Radar to Mine Slope Monitoring This paper summarizes developments in the application of ground-based radar to slope stability monitoring and presents information on NIOSH-sponsored experiments recently completed. Field tests of a hyperspectral imager were conducted to assess its value for improving geologic maps of potentially unstable alteration zones on mine slopes (McHugh and others, 2001). Computerized monitoring methods using images from digital and video cameras are being assessed for application to mine slope surveillance. (PDF, 7065 KB, 2006-04)
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| Applications of the Point Estimation Method for Stochastic Rock Slope Engineering The point estimation method is a computationally efficient approach for estimating the probability of sliding. This method expedites slope stability simulation routines used by NIOSH software to stochastically describe rock slope behavior and assist the engineer in designing catch benches for large rock slopes. Enhanced bench design translates into increased operational efficiency and safer working conditions in open pit mines and quarries. (PDF, 1713 KB, 2004)
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| An Approach to Identify Jobs for Ergonomic Analysis This paper describes the use of four sources of data (injury records, the Nordic Standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, supervisor interviews and management concerns) to prioritize jobs for ergonomic analysis. (PDF, 356 KB, 2001)
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| An Approach to Identifying Geological Properties from Roof Bolter Drilling Parameters Rock drilling parameters including thrust, rotational speed, torque and velocity were examined to determine the ability to identify the strength of the rocks being drilled from the measured parameters. (PDF, 724 KB, 2000)
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| Assessing and Monitoring Open Pit Mine Highwalls This paper introduces various warning signs of slope instability so operators are better able to recognize hazards. The most common slope monitoring equipment and practical methods of installation are discussed as well as the limitations of these systems. (PDF, 413 KB, 2001-08)
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| Assessing Roof Fall Hazards for Underground Stone Mines: A Proposed Methodology A methodology to assess the risk for a roof fall is proposed in a preliminary fashion based on engineering judgment acquired from extensive underground stone mine experience and examination of related literature. The proposed method uses an observational technique to identify the risk of roof falls in three categories. (PDF, 201 KB, 2006-03-27)
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| Assessing the Methane Hazard of Gassy Coals in Storage Silos The Bureau of Mines investigated coal storage silos to determine how gassy coal must be for methane accumulations in a silo to become hazardous and where such accumulations are likely to occur. Methane concentrations were measured in the open space above the stored coal pile, in the pile, and in the reclaiming area. (PDF, 394 KB, 1981)
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| Assessment and Evaluation of Noise Controls on Roof Bolting Equipment and a Method for Predicting Sound Pressure Levels in Underground Coal Mining A research program was implemented to: 1) determine, characterize and to measure sound power levels radiated by a roof bolting machine during differing drilling configurations (thrust, rotational speed, penetration rate, etc.) and utilizing differing types of drilling methods in high compressive strength rock media (>20,000 psi); 2) distinguish and correlate the empirical data into one, statistically valid, equation, in which, provided the mining industry with a tool to predict overall sound power levels of a roof bolting machine given any type of drilling configuration and drilling method utilized in industry; 3) provide the mining industry with several approaches to predict or determine sound pressure levels in an underground coal mine utilizing laboratory test results from a roof bolting machine and 4) describe a method for determining an operators' noise dosage of a roof bolting machine utilizing predicted or determined sound pressure levels. (PDF, 3609 KB, 2006)
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| Assessment of Airborne Dust Generated From Small Truck-Mounted Rock Drills Dust control modifications were implemented on small, truck-mounted rock drills at surface coal mines. The control techniques showed noticeable improvement in measured dust concentrations around the drills. (PDF, 1400 KB, 1995)
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| An Assessment of Engineering Noise Controls at a Talc Processing Plant This report describes an investigation by NIOSH researchers to quantify sound levels and to determine the amount of sound reduction provided by engineering noise controls installed in a talc processing plant. (PDF, 800 KB, 2008)
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| An Assessment of Leaky Feeder Radio Systems in Underground Mines A summary is presented of existing leaky feeder communications systems currently in operation in North America. Background information pertaining to previous use of leaky feeder technology is discussed along with the survey methodology. Seven sites representing eight mines are included in the survey. (PDF, 556 KB, 1980)
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| Assessment of Methane Hazards in an Anomalous Zone of a Gulf Coast Salt Dome This Bureau of Mines research study found gas emission rates from an advancing face, and flows and pressure of gas from an exploration drill hole were dependent upon the geology of salt encountered in a domal salt mine. This information suggests a greater methane emission hazard from the anomalous zone than from the associated normal salt. (PDF, 33349 KB, 1984)
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| Assessment of Present Electromagnetic Techniques for the Location of Trapped Miners Field studies have been conducted in a large number of coal mines throughout the U.S. to determine the effectiveness of electromagnetic techniques in locating men trapped underground following a mine disaster. Results indicate an expected 45% probability of detecting a miner's signal from a depth of 1,000 ft and a 90% probability at a depth of 500 ft. (PDF, 773 KB, 1980)
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| Automation to Control Silica Dust During Pallet Loading Process Two recent studies evaluated workers' dust exposures in automated pallet loading processes. The first study involved a Bureau-designed dust control system using a push-pull ventilation technique. The second study evaluated different commercial automated pallet-loading systems. Results from a ground silica evaluation site indicated respirable dust samples taken were below the threshold limit value as established by the Mine Safety and Health Adminstration. (HTML, KB, 1990)
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| The Availability of Primary Copper in Market Economy Countries: A Minerals Availability Appraisal A U.S. Bureau of Mines study on the potential availability of copper from 204 mines and deposits in market economy countries. (PDF, 2199 KB, 1992) |
| Back Injury Control Measures for Manual Lifting and Seat Design This article discusses research results of studies that shed light on possible mechanisms through which low back injuries may occur and how this knowledge can be leveraged to reduce the risk of low back pain. (PDF, 597 KB, 2007)
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| Bag and Belt Cleaner Reduces Employee Dust Exposure A system to reduce occupational dust exposure during bag loading and stacking operations in the metal mining industry was developed. The system, known as the Bag and Belt Cleaner Device (B&BCD), was developed by NIOSH, and designed to clean the surfaces of 50 and 100 pound (lb) bags and conveyor belts while the bags were transported to stacking locations. (PDF, 339 KB, 1997-03)
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| Barricading Makes a Comeback? Although MSHA still mandates instruction in barricading, greater emphasis is now placed on teaching miners to use SCSRs proficiently and to be knowledgeable about their escape routes. Only recently has at least one mine operator begun to revisit barricading as an alternative to escape. (PDF, 1020 KB, 1997-11)
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| Behavior of a Coal Pillar Prone to Burst in the Southern Appalachian Basin of the United States This paper describes research designed to quantify the behavior of a particular size abutment pillar prone to burst or bump (local terminology). This information reflects the overriding influence of the local geologic characteristics on bursts, provides the field measurements needed to verify concurrent modelling studies, and suggests some basic mechanisms associated with coal pillar bursts. (PDF, 516 KB, 1990-08)
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| Behavior of Coal-Gas Reservoirs Gas occurs in coalbeds in an adsorbed and a free gas state. Adsorbed gas is stored in the micropore structure and its transport is governed by Fick's law. The free gas occurs in the fracture system and flows according to Darcy's law. These two modes of mass transport are interdependent. Production decline curves of coal-gas wells are of the constant percentage decline type and, thus, show no indications of flow characteristics peculiar to coal-gas reservoirs. The effectiveness of surface boreholes as a degasification scheme depends upon both good fracture permeability and a high fracture density. Conventional methods of reservoir engineering analysis are not applicable to coalbeds. (PDF, 1022 KB, 1969)
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| Behavior of Nitrogen Oxides in the Product Gases from Explosive Detonations In this study, 10-lb charges of blasting agent confined in either thin-wall 4-in-diam galvanized pipe or 4-in schedule 80 stainless steel pipe were detonated in a closed chamber. detonation gases were analyzed for nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide (NO), ammonia, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and methane. Data were evaluated to determine the kinetics of the oxidation of NO to nitrogen dioxide. The information on NO oxidation kinetics provided will prove useful in efforts to model the behavior of NO and nitrogen dioxide in clouds of detonation products near blasting operations. (PDF, 158 KB, 2006-01)
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| Behavior of Simulated Longwall Gob Material This report presents results of a U.S. Bureau of Mines study of longwall gob material. The objective of this work was to determine material stiffness properties of the gob for use in numerical models or rock mass response to longwall mining. (PDF, 5208 KB, 1993)
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| Behavioral and Organizational Dimensions of Underground Mine Fires A scientific study of human behavior during an escape from a fire in an effort to understand and derive benefits for design, engineering and safety efforts. (PDF, 1291 KB, 2000-05)
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| Bending Fatigue Tests 2 and 3 on 2-Inch 6x25 Fiber Core Wire Rope The U.S. Bureau of Mines established a wire rope research laboratory to examine the factors that affect the life of wire rope. The tests indicated that once a wire rope nears the end of its service life, both deterioration and the consequent loss of rope strength begin to increase at an accelerated rate. (PDF, 2451 KB, 1992)
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| Best Practices and Bolting Machine Innovations for Roof Screening Injury data are presented that show a dramatic reduction in roof skin injuries when screening is used. Five case studies in which roof screen was used are presented along with the associated costs of materials, impact on bolting advance rates, and potential ergonomic risks. The effects of roof screening on skin control and safety are also included. Finally, this paper provides information about best practices and features of roof bolting machines that affect production and safety. (PDF, 141 KB, 2003)
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| Best Practices for Underground Diesel Emissions Based on their findings, the task group offered several best practice recommendations that a mine may want to follow to implement a successful ceramic DPM filter program. The best practices identified are believed to be key elements for implementation of a successful effort using ceramic filters. (PDF, 1235 KB, 2007)
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| Best Practices to Mitigate Injuries and Fatalities from Rock Falls This paper presents an overview of the most significant ground control hazards facing today's mineworkers, as well as best practices to reduce these risks. (PDF, 1971 KB, 2000)
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| Biomechanical Modeling of Asymmetric Lifting Tasks in Constrained Lifting Postures Twelve subjects participated in an investigation of the biomechanical stresses of asymmetric lifting in stooped and kneeling postures. Three factors were manipulated in this study: posture (stooped or kneeling), height of lift (35 or 70 cm), and weight of lift (15, 20 or 25 kg). (PDF, 258 KB, 1997)
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| Biomechanical Modeling of Spinal Loading Due to Jarring and Jolting for Heavy Equipment Operators This paper describes the development of a multi-body biomechanical model that can be used to assess the risk of low back disorders due to occupational exposure to jarring and jolting from operation of heavy mobile equipment (e.g., trucks, haulers, graders, tractors, etc.) (PDF, 246 KB, 2003-08)
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| Blast Wave Propagation in Underground Mines This project investigates the behavior of blast waves from the detonation of high explosives in an underground mine. (PDF, 747 KB, 1995) |
| Blasting Injuries in Surface Mining with Emphasis on Flyrock and Blast Area Security This paper describes several fatal injury case studies, analyzes causative factors, and emphasizes preventive measures. (PDF, 380 KB, 2004-01) |
| Blasting Safety - Revisiting Site Security This paper examines the factors related to injuries due to inadequate blasting shelters and blast area security, and identifies mitigation techniques. (PDF, 120 KB, 2005)
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| Blasting-Related Carbon Monoxide Migration Incident in Bristow, Virginia A detailed description of blasting-related carbon monoxide migration from a construction site into nearby residential homes. (PDF, 1780 KB, 2004) |
| Bleeder System in Virgin Area in a Pittsburgh Coalbed Mine Air quantity-pressure and methane concentration surveys were conducted in accessible portions of an area being pillared in a Pittsburgh coalbed mine in West Virginia. These included two mined-out and three active butt headings and a bleeder system. The particular mine workings were started in virgin coal directly from a set of main headings; the main reason for the study was the difficulty usually encountered in adequately bleeding the gobs under such conditions. (PDF, 597 KB, 1973)
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| Bleederless Ventilation Systems as a Spontaneous Combustion Control Measure in U.S. Coal Mines The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a worldwide literature review of bleederless ventilation practices to evaluate their use as a spontaneous combustion control measure in U.S. coal mines. This report describes the types of ventilation systems used throughout the world and the spontaneous combustion risks associated with these systems. (PDF, 3168 KB, 1994)
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| Bolt Load Changes During Initial Face Advance and Cross-Cut Breakthrough The San Juan Mine and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study to measure how development mining affected bolt loads. (PDF, 600 KB, 2004)
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| Bone Mineral Content and Fatigue Failure of Lumbar Motion Segments in Simulated Flexed Lifting: Does Specimen Age Influence the Relationship? This paper compares the fatigue failure responses of older versus younger lumbar spine cadaver motion segment specimens. (PDF, 75 KB, 2005) |
| Borehole Location System Concept Demonstration Tests This report describes the feasibility test of an electromagnetic method for locating boreholes, with or without casing, that have been drilled in conjunction with mining operations but without precisely known locations with respect to the tunnel. The demonstration tests were done at ranges on the order of 100 to 200 feet, but the method is capable of working at much greater distances. (PDF, 4827 KB, 1978)
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| The Brookwood Disaster and Electrical Requirements for Hazardous (Classified) Locations Researchers with NIOSH studied the electrical equipment ignition sources for the Brookwood and other disasters to develop recommendations for preventing similar disasters. (PDF, 373 KB, 2007)
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| Cableless Electronic Surveying Systems for Horizontal Holes The purpose of this project was to enhance the Bureau of Mine's Cableless Electronic Survey System use to aid in the drilling of long boreholes in coal as part of the methane drainage program. The system that was ultimately developed was field tested and demonstrated in actual in-mine drilling activities. The significance of the system, compared with previous drill survey systems, is that it surveys without having to be inserted and removed for each survey point. The system is so designed that it can withstand the shock and vibration experienced by the drill string during drilling. Thus increased productivity is possible and drill operators can determine drill bit positioning in a near real-time environment. (PDF, 6464 KB, 1981)
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| The Calculated Risk of Experiencing a Lightning Caused Unplanned Detonation This paper presents data and theorem to calculate the risk of experiencing undesirable lightning related events while blasting or while engaged in other lightning sensitive activities. The paper provides an overview of lightning hazards in blasting operations and a brief history of lightning related blasting accidents. (PDF, 1001 KB, 1998)
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| Calculation of Vertical Stress Exerted by Topographic Features The Bureau of Mines developed a computerized method to calculate vertical stress exerted on surfaces at depth that includes the effect or topography. The limitation of the method is that stresses cannot be accurately determined near an outcrop. (PDF, 4167 KB, 1992)
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| Canopy and Base Load Distribution on a Longwall Shield Roof and floor contact pressure provided by the interaction of a shield with the surrounding strata are examined. Controlled forces were applied to an 800-ton two-leg shield using a mine roof simulator. (PDF, 4632 KB, 1992)
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| Case History of the Response of a Longwall Entry Subjected to Concentrated Horizontal Stress NIOSH, RAG Pennsylvania and Strata Control Technologies of Australia collaborated in an intensive study of ground behavior, reinforcement performance, and stress redistribution at the Emerald Mine in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The study site was a longwall tailgate subjected to a severe horizontal stress concentration. A computer simulation of the field site was conducted using FLAC-2D. Comparison between actual field measurements and the simulation showed that the model was able to capture the most significant aspects of the roof and support system behavior. The model also showed that supplementing the normal roof bolt support pattern with cable bolts would allow the entry to survive a further 20-25% increase in the applied horizontal stress. (PDF, 1254 KB, 2007)
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| Case Studies of Cable Bolts Using Instrumented King Wires Instrumented cable bolts were used in conjunction with existing ground control to monitor rock mass loads at various field sites. Axial and shear loads were determined by strain gauges as these loads were transferred to instrumented cable bolts. Cable bolt performance, quality of grout, and installation techniques were also assessed. By monitoring load on and discplacement of the rock mass, more effective ground support can be selected and installed, which will lead to safer working conditions for miners. (PDF, 3413 KB, 2001-07)
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| A Case Study of Bolt Performance in a Two-entry Gate Road This paper presents the results of a case study conducted in a two-entry gateroad in a coal mine where excessive roof deformation and bolt loading resulted in failure of many roof supports. (PDF, 803 KB, 1998)
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| A Case Study of Roof Bolting Tasks to Identify Cumulative Trauma Exposure An analysis of roof bolting tasks was conducted at a mine to identify early warning signs of cumulative trauma. Health and safety risk factors were identified and recommendations to reduce cumulative trauma exposure were provided. (PDF, 426 KB, 2001)
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| A Catastrophe-Theory Model for Simulating Behavioral Accidents Based on a comprehensive data base of mining accidents, a computerized catastrophe model has been developed by the Bureau of Mines which systematically links individual psychological, group behavioral, and mine environmental variables with other accident causing factors. It answers several longstanding questions about why some normally safe behaving persons may spontaneously engage in unsafe acts that have high risks of serious injury. (PDF, 1969 KB, 1988)
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| Cause of Floor Self-Heatings in an Underground Coal Mine This report presents a Bureau of Mines study to identify the causes of self-heating events beneath the floor of a deep underground coal mine. The combined results led to the conclusion that pyrite oxidation was the prime cause of the heatings. (PDF, 4994 KB, 1992)
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| CFD Analysis of Mine Fire Smoke Spread and Reverse Flow Conditions A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program was used to model buoyancy induced Product-Of-Combustion (POC) spread from experimental fires in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL), safety research coal mine. (PDF, 384 KB, 1999)
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| CFD Modeling of Fire Spread Along Combustibles in a Mine Entry A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was applied to fire spread along combustibles in a ventilated mine entry. The rate of flame spread was evaluated for the ribs and roof of a coal mine entry, timber sets, and a conveyor belt. The CFD program predicted a flame spread rate of 0.0145 m/sec for an actual coal mine fire in which the estimated flame spread rate was 0.0086 m/sec. This overestimated flame spread rate was a possible consequence of the presence of inert materials in the mine entrys roof and ribs. (PDF, 178 KB, 2006)
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| CFD Modeling of Smoke Reversal In the present study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program is used as a design tool to model floor-level fires in a ventilated tunnel. (PDF, 397 KB, 2001)
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| The Challenge of Enforcing Safety Rules in Remote Hazardous Work Areas This paper presents some findings obtained from interviews with coal miners about why supervisors sometimes fail to enforce an important mine safety rule. It also contains a few suggestions addressing what could be done to help supervisors perform this job function more effectively. (PDF, 107 KB, 1999)
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| The Changing Organization of Work and the Safety and Health of Working People: Knowledge Gaps and Research Directions Organizational practices have changed dramatically in recent years. To compete more effectively, many companies have restructured themselves and downsized their workforces, increased their reliance on nontraditional employment practices that depend on temporary workers and contractor-supplied labor, and adopted more flexible and lean production technologies. These revolutionary changes in the organization of work have far outpaced our understanding of their implications for work life quality and safety and health on the job. (PDF, 487 KB, 2002)
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| Characteristics of Mining-Induced Seismicity Associated with Roof Falls and Roof Caving Events This study used microseismic emissions to help identify three local rock failure processes. It was also shown that analysis of microseismic emissions can aid in assessing the degree of instability associated with these local rock failure processes. (PDF, 312 KB, 2005)
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| Characteristics of Ultrasonic Ranging Sensors in an Underground Environment Ultrasonic ranging sensors are inexpensive, have no moving parts, have no lenses to clean, are normally small and unobtrusive, and can measure distances through moderate amounts of dust, smoke, and humidity, so they are well suited to underground mines. In the work reported here, conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, researchers tesed ultrasonic ranging sensors for their ability to define rib line features for computer-aided navigation of underground mine mobile equipment. (PDF, 3008 KB, 1993)
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| Characterization of Gas Flow in Longwall Gobs: Pittsburgh Coalbed, PA Investigation of the geologic and mining factors influencing the migration of longwall gob gas with a goal to optimize methane drainage strategies to reduce the volume of gob gas that reaches the underground workplace. (PDF, 175 KB, 1999)
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| Characterization of Jolting and Jarring on Operators of Surface Mine Haulage Trucks A system that ties acceleration data with Global Positioning System (GPS) data was developed, assembled and tested to track the frequency and causes of jolting and jarring of heavy equipment operators. Such information could provide feedback to truck operators about how their driving affects jolting and jarring and identify the location of haulage road problems. (PDF, 568 KB, 1999)
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| Characterization of Nanometer and Ultrafine Diesel Aerosols in the Underground Mining Environment The objective of this paper is to identify and characterize nanometer and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel engines in the underground environment and evaluate the effects of selected contemporary control technologies on physical properties, chemical composition, and in-vitro toxicology of diesel aerosols. (PDF, 342 KB, 2007)
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| A Checklist for Evaluating Cab Design of Construction Equipment This article introduces a one-page checklist for evaluating cab design of construction equipment. The cab design evaluation checklist was developed, pilot-tested, and used to measure several characteristics of cab design. A case study is presented in which overall cab design scores were calculated for each type of equipment. (PDF, 45 KB, 2003)
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| Chemical and Physical Factors that Influence N0x Production During Blasting: Exploratory Study Report on a NIOSH study to identify factors that may contribute to nitrogen oxides (NOx) production associated with non-ideal detonation of blasting agents. (PDF, 1147 KB, 2002-02)
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| Clay Veins: Their Occurrence, Characteristics, and Support The Bureau of Mines investigated the physical characteristics of and roof instability problems associated with clay veins. This was accomplished by observing and mapping clay veins in surface and underground mines. The occurrence and origins of clay veins were also investigated to determine predictive capabilities. (PDF, 3464 KB, 1987)
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| Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Mouthpiece Assemblies Used in Hands-On Training This report addresses issues involved in using a limited number of training apparatus to give hands-on self- contained self-rescuer (SCSR) training to a succession of miners, and provides guidance regarding methods for minimizing the spread of infectious diseases. (PDF, 928 KB, 1989)
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| Cleat in Bituminous Coalbeds The natural vertical fracture system in bituminous coalbeds is called cleat. Cleat orientation commonly controls the direction of mining with major development paralleling the face cleat. Previous researchers have categorized the origin of cleat as endogenetic, relating the origin of cleat to compaction and coalification, and exogenetic, relating the origin of cleat to tectonic forces. In the coalbeds studied for this report it was found that tectonic forces were the controlling factor of cleat formation. Cleat orientation in other bituminous coalbeds in Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma, and central Pennsylvania showed a relationship to local structure. Directional permeability of coal is directly related to cleat. Holes drilled perpendicular to the face cleat yield from 2.5 to 10 times the amount of gas released as compared with holes drilled perpendicular to the butt cleat. (PDF, 1031 KB, 1974)
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| Clothes Cleaning Process: Instructional Materials Dirty worker clothing has been identified as a source of exposure to respirable dust. If this respirable dust contains silica it may cause the inhaler to develop Silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. NIOSH and Unimin Corporation, the largest manufacturer of silica sand in the United States, have developed a new method for cleaning dusty work clothes.
(PDF, 804 KB, 2004)
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| CO Dispersion from a Coal Fire in a Mine Entry Five mine fire experiments were conducted in a 2.08-m-high, 2.90-m-wide ventilated mine entry in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine to determine the effect of the dispersion of carbon monoxide (CO) on mine fire detection. The criterion that the mine fire alarms occur within 15 min of the onset of flaming combustion could not be consistently met with the 10-ppm CO alarm. This suggests the use of lower CO alarm values or reduced CO sensor spacings for mine fire protection. It is demonstrated how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to model the CO dispersion downwind from the fire in support of a plan to optimize sensor spacings. (PDF, 338 KB, 2006-06)
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| CO Migration from Trench Blasting in Amherst, New York A general overview of the blasting and CO monitoring of a highway construction project is presented and discussed. The use and effectiveness of residential type CO monitors and multi-gas monitors are discussed. (PDF, 1480 KB, 2004)
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| Coaching Skills for On-the-Job Trainers The document contains the printed material that is part of the training package Coaching Skills for On-The-Job Trainers. It describes how to develop or manage an on-the-job training program so that information is passed on from trainer/coach to trainee efficiently and effectively. (PDF, 1702 KB, 2005)
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| Coal Contractor Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 179 KB, 2003-06)
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| Coal Contractor Mining Facts - 2002 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines. (PDF, 187 KB, 2004-01)
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| Coal Contractor Mining Facts - 2003 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines. (PDF, 195 KB, 2005-02)
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| Coal Contractor Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to contract workers at surface and underground coal mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 75 KB, 2007-09)
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| Coal Dust Explosibility This paper reports US Bureau of Mines (USBM) research on the explosibility of coal dusts. The purpose of this work is to improve safety in mining and other industries that process or use coal. (PDF, 861 KB, 1996-01)
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| Coal Dust Explosibility Meter The accumulation of coal dust in underground coal mines can be rendered nonexplosible by adding efficient quantities of inert rock dust, such as limestone dust. NIOSH has devised a prototype handheld instrument that can provide a direct assessment of the potential explosibility of a coal and rock dust mixture. (PDF, 1759 KB, 1997-10)
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| Coal Dust Particle Size Survey of U.S. Mines NIOSH and MSHA conducted a joint survey to determine the range of coal particle sizes found in dust samples collected from intake airways of U.S. coal mines. (PDF, 56 KB, 2006-08)
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| Coal Dust Particle Size Survey of US Mines NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted a joint survey to determine the range of coal particle sizes found in dust samples collected from intake airways of US coal mines. The results indicate that particle sizes of mine coal dust in intake airways are finer than those measured in the 1920s. This finer size coal dust in intake airways would require more incombustible matter to be effectively inerted than the 65% incombustible specified in current regulations. (PDF, 742 KB, 2007-07)
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| Coal Mine Bumps: Five Case Studies in the Eastern United States Information was collected on the geologic conditions, mining techniques, and engineering parameters at five bump-prone mines. Two geologic conditions have been found to cause the occurrence of bumps in the eastern United States: (1) relatively thick overburden and (2) extremely rigid strata occurring immediately above and below the mine coalbed. Additionally, the probability of bump occurrence is increased by certain mining practices that concentrate stresses during retreat mining in areas where geologic conditions are conducive to bumps. Mining plans that permit the development of pillar line points or long roof spans that project over gob areas should be avoided because these features may contribute to the occurrence of bumps. (PDF, 3464 KB, 1987)
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| Coal Mine Communications The tragic events at the Darby, Alma, Sago, and Brookwood No. 5 coal mines have highlighted the need for reliable communications between miners working inside a mine and those outside. (PDF, 351 KB, 2006)
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| Coal Mine Geology in the U.S. Coal Fields: a State-of-the-art Describes the procedures and thought processes used by coal mine geologists when determining various mineability and reserve extraction feasibility issues. The paper also address underground geologic hazard mapping and prediction techniques. (PDF, 152 KB, 2006)
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| Coal Mine Inertisation By Remote Application The focus of this paper is the use of a GAG 3A jet engine system to either combat large out-of-control fires or render an entire mine inert when access to problem areas is difficult or impossible. (PDF, 941 KB, 2005-06)
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| Coal Mine Safety Achievements in the USA and the Contribution of NIOSH Research Discusses past NIOSH research that has helped to reduce hazards, accidents, and health issues in mining, as well as current NIOSH research priorities and the impact of the MINER Act of 2006. (PDF, 515 KB, 2006)
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| Coal Mine Seismicity and Bumps: Historical Case Studies and Current Field Activity Research on techniques that will reduce the hazards in the mining workplace associated with coal bumps. (PDF, 301 KB, 2000) |
| Coal Mine Subsidence Prediction Using a Boundary-Element Program This paper presents several case studies in which a mechanics-based boundary-element program is used to back-calculate the surface subsidence associated with various panels at several northern Appalachian coal mines. (PDF, 448 KB, 1999)
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| Coal Miner Responses to the Personal Dust Monitor This paper describes the findings of a project that was developed to systematically document how workers react to wearing the PDM and evaluate how it is used on the job. (PDF, 188 KB, 2008-04)
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| Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 183 KB, 2003-04)
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| Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, a total of 2,065 coal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Coal mines comprised 14.2% of all mining operations. Bituminous mines comprised 92.5% (n = 1,910) and anthracite mines 7.5% (n = 155) of coal mining operations. More than 70% of all coal mines were located in three states: Kentucky (28.7%), West Virginia (21.7%), and Pennsylvania (20.1%). (PDF, 190 KB, 2004-01)
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| Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2003 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 193 KB, 2005-02)
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| Coal Operator Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground coal mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 76 KB, 2007-09)
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| Comfort Evaluation for Mine Shuttle Car Seat Designs Proper seat design is an important consideration in reducing the adverse effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure to vehicle operators. This study compared NIOSH and existing seat designs on low- and mid-coal seam shuttle cars. This paper focuses on seat designs for the mid-coal seam shuttle car and compares subjective comfort data collected from five vehicle operators with ISO 2631 - based reduced comfort boundary (RCB) analysis of recorded vibration levels. (PDF, 7595 KB, 2006)
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| Commercial-Quality Gas From a Multipurpose Borehole Located in the Pittsburgh Coalbed This report describes a multipurpose borehole used for both degasification and the production of commercial-quality gas. The multipurpose borehole was drilled into a barrier pillar, and seven horizontal degasification holes and one pressure point hole were drilled radially out from its perimeter. This study indicates that horizontal boreholes drilled into a coalbed from the bottom of any shaft will effectively remove gas from the Pittsburgh coalbed. (PDF, 1005 KB, 1975)
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| Communicating the Same Message with Different Media: An Example from Hearing Loss Prevention Multiple versions of an educational message can reach a diverse population more effectively than a single version. For instance, some workers are trained in formal classrooms while others are self-taught. This paper will describe additional advantages and disadvantages of different delivery systems and will show what considerations are helpful in designing content that can be readily adapted to alternate presentations. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| A Communication and Monitoring System for an Underground Coal Mine, Iron Ore Mine, and Deep Underground Silver Mine Advanced communication and monitoring systems were developed and demonstrated in three underground mines representing different mining techniques, geographical areas, and material mined. (PDF, 20021 KB, 1981-11)
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| Communication Systems Research At Bruceton Safety Research Mine An environment monitoring and communication system has been installed in the Bruceton Mine, and research is under way to improve mine safety. Standard day-to-day mine communications are available, along with additional systems installed to permit experimentation with wireless radio, through-the-earth phones, along-the-roof paging, and mine face machinery communications. Research is continuing and the essential concepts for a dependable whole mine communication system, providing simple environment monitoring, improved day-to-day communications and post-disaster communications, will be demonstrated in a larger mine with about 900 feet of overburden. (PDF, 541 KB, 1972)
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| The Communication Triangle: Elements of an Effective Warning Message The lack of good communication is a very real problem in mine emergencies. Sometimes critical information is not communicated to those who need it to make decisions. At other times, those on the receiving end of a warning do not think to ask the right questions. The authors interviewed 48 workers who escaped three serious fires in western Pennsylvania. In each case the location of the fire was known but did not get communicated to many of those who had to evacuate. (PDF, 562 KB, 2007-01)
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| A Company-Perspective Cost Analysis of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) This paper presents the results of a hypothetical cost comparison analysis of the PDM with the current MSHA-required coal mine dust personal sampling unit (CMDPSU). (PDF, 340 KB, 2008-07)
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| A Comparative Evaluation of the Differential-Pressure-Based Respirable Dust Dosimeter with the Personal Gravimetric Respirable Dust Sampler in Underground Coal Mines This paper presents the results of a side-by-side comparison of the respirable dust dosimeter and gravimetric respirable dust sampler in a controlled experimental environent in the laboratory and in underground coal mines under normal operating conditions. (PDF, 272 KB, 2001-01)
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| Comparative In-Mine Evaluation of Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors An evaluation of the comparative responses of five types of commercially available smoke detectors and a diffusion-mode CO detector under normal and reduced airflow conditions. (PDF, 1000 KB, 1996)
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| A Comparison Between SSB and FM Modulation Processes in a Near Field Medium Frequency Wireless Communication System This document describes the decision factors that bear on the selection of the modulation process for the wireless underground medium frequency (MF) comunication system. (PDF, 924 KB, 1978-10)
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| A Comparison of Fatigue Failure Responses of Old Versus Middle-Aged Lumbar Motion Segments in Simulated Flexed Lifting Survival analysis techniques were used to compare the fatigue failure responses of elderly motion segments to a middle-aged sample. It was concluded that younger motion segments survive considerably longer when exposed to similar spine loading conditions that simulate repetitive lifting in neutral and flexed torso postures, primarily associated with the increased bone mineral content possessed by younger motion segments. (PDF, 239 KB, 2007-08)
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| Comparison of Ground Conditions and Ground Control Practices in the United States and Australia Ground conditions at 10 Australian longwall mines and two room-and-pillar mines are compared with an extensive data base from U.S. mines. The comparisons include the Coal Mine Roof Rating, roof support installed, pillar design, and an in-depth discussion of ground control conditions. (PDF, 507 KB, 1998-08)
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| Comparison of Jolting and Jarring in a Newer and Older Dozer at a Highway Construction Site This field study evaluated a newer and older dozer at a construction site. Jolting and jarring measurements were taken at the seat/operator interface and at the floor of the cab. The result of this field study indicates that the newer dozer was better than the older dozer. (PDF, 202 KB, 2003)
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| A Comparison of Longwall & Continuous Mining Safety in U.S. Coal Mines 1988-1997 This paper contains the results of an examination of accident, injury, employment, and production information reported to the U.S. Department of Labor's Mines Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and provides information on some of the measures longwall mine operators are using to prevent accidents. (PDF, 724 KB, 1998)
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| Comparison of Methane Concentrations at a Simulated Coal Mine Face During Bolting An evaluation of strategies for monitoring methane levels during roof bolting in an extended cut entry. (PDF, 145 KB, 1999-04) |
| A Comparison of Mine Fire Sensors A report on research to determine the alarm times of smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and a point type heat sensor to slowly developing coal-conveyor belt fires. (PDF, 505 KB, 1995)
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| Comparison of Ore Pass Computer Simulations for Designs Against Dynamic Load Rock hang-ups are a problem in ore pass operations. Rock flows through an ore pass by gravity but hang-ups can occur due to bridging of larger rock particles. Hang-ups also occur if cohesive fine rock particles are present. The result is a production stoppage, where secondary blasting or other relief is required where human safety is at risk. Existing ore pass design criteria rules-of-thumb using current particle flow equations are reviewed and a comparison of two computer modeling programs, Working Model (WM 2-D) and PFC2d, to simulate rock flow are investigated. (PDF, 718 KB, 2003-02)
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| Comparison of Passive Seat Suspension with Different Configuration of Seat Pads and Active Seat Suspension The purposes of this paper are to analyze the performance and dynamic response of driver/operator when subjected to different levels of vibration due to rough road conditions depicted in a mine field, and to quantify the energy transmission in the presence of seat padding with special characteristics and active suspension. (PDF, 98 KB, 2008)
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| Comparison of Rotary and In-Hole Motor Techniques for Drilling Horizontal Boreholes in Coal This Bureau of Mines report describes and compares the procedures, capital investments, and operating costs of rotary and in-hole motor drilling techniques used to drain methane gas from the Pittsburgh coalbed in an underground mine located in southwestern Pennsylvania. (PDF, 2404 KB, 1985)
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| Comparison of Seat Designs For Underground Mine Haulage Vehicles Using the Absorbed Power and Iso 2631-1(1985)-Based ACGIH Threshold Limit Methods NIOSH researchers evaluated four seat designs on mine haulage vehicles with regard to roadway-induced jarring/jolting and operator comfort. In this paper, the performances of the seat designs are compared relative to the operator's exposure to vehicle vibration (mainly jarring/jolting). (PDF, 1580 KB, 2005-07)
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| Comparison of Seismic Tomography, Strain Relief, and Ultrasonic Velocity Measurements to Evaluate Stress in an Underground Pillar An investigation of an underground pillar at a mine in Lead, SD. Using the results, researchers hypothesize that pillar rocks have the ability to withstand stress an order of magnitude greater than they currently sustain. (PDF, 524 KB, 1999)
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| Comparisons Between Cross-Measure Boreholes and Surface Gob Holes The Bureau of Mines conducted studies to compare the effectiveness of the cross-measure borehole system with that of surface gob holes on two successively mined retreating longwalls in the Lower Kittanning coalbed. Only the cross-measure system was in operation on panel A; on panel B, both systems were in operation. In addition, the cross-measure boreholes on panel B were drilled parallel to the face, whereas those on panel A were drilled at a 45 degrees angle with respect to the longwall axis. (PDF, 1157 KB, 1986)
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| A Compendium of NIOSH Mining Research 2000 This compendium details the current research program of the Office for Mine Safety and Health Research. (PDF, 7223 KB, 2000-02) |
| A Compendium of NIOSH Mining Research 2001 This compendium details the current research program of the Office for Mine Safety and Health Research. (PDF, 3105 KB, 2001-01) |
| A Compendium of NIOSH Mining Research 2002 This compendium details the current research program of the Office for Mine Safety and Health Research. (PDF, 13690 KB, 2001-12) |
| A Complexity Assessment Methodology for Programmable Electronic Mining Systems Mining is now utilizing surprisingly complex programmable electronic (PE) systems. The functional safety of PE-based mining systems is an international issue and concern. NIOSH is conducting research to develop a quantitative complexity assessment methodology based on Normal Accident Theory (NAT). This methodology will help realize simpler, safer systems that will be easier to validate and verify. (PDF, 278 KB, 2002-08)
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| The Composition of Coalbed Gas Samples of gas were obtained directly from the coalbed during drilling of horizontal and vertical boreholes in six different formations. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. (PDF, 352 KB, 1973)
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| Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the spontaneous heating of coals in longwall gob areas with different apparent activation energies and reaction surface areas. The results are reported in this paper. (PDF, 599 KB, 2007)
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| Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on the Ventilation Flow Paths In Longwall Gobs This paper focuses on the flow patterns within the gob under three different ventilation systems: one-entry and two-entry bleederless systems, as well as a three-entry bleeder system. (PDF, 599 KB, 2006)
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| Computer Design and Evaluation Tool for Illuminating Underground Coal-Mining Equipment The US Bureau of Mines has developed an alternate method for facilitating lighting system mock-ups. (PDF, 862 KB, 1996) |
| Computer Modeling of Catch Benches to Mitigate Rockfall Hazards in Open Pit Mines A computer analysis of bench stability was developed to account for multiple occurrences of potential slope-failure modes in discontinuous rock masses. Bench-scale plane shears and tetrahedral wedges are simulated and stochastically analyzed to estimate the probability of retaining specified catch-bench widths. (PDF, 625 KB, 2000)
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| Computer Simulation of Ground Behaviour and Rock Bolt Interaction at Emerald Mine A collaborative project was conducted to investigate ground behavior, reinforcement performance, and stress redistribution in a coal mine entry subjected to a severe horizontal stress concentration. This paper focuses on the computer simulation that was undertaken to provide more insight into the roof behavior and rock bolt interaction during mining. (PDF, 1100 KB, 2004)
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| Computer Simulations Help Determine Safe Vertical Boom Speeds for Roof Bolting in Underground Coal Mines NIOSH researchers successfully developed a computer model that generates contact data by means of simulation while exercising the model with several variables associated with the machine and its operator. The resulting simulation database contains 5,250 observations. The use of such information can be helpful in making recommendations to machine design and task procedures to reduce the likelihood that roof bolter operators will experience injury due to contact with a moving roof bolting machine's boom arm. (PDF, 6952 KB, 2005-10)
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| A Computer Software Program that Estimates Air Quantity Requirements in Large Opening Stone Mines Describes a computer program developed by NIOSH for estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter in underground large opening mines. (PDF, 202 KB, 2004)
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| Computerized Accident Reconstruction and Training for Metal/Non-Metal Mines NIOSH is developing computer programs that will be used to educate mine workers on the hazards of mining, as well as train miners in evacuation routes and evacuation procedures. (PDF, 191 KB, 1999-12)
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| The Concept of Degraded Images Applied to Hazard Recognition Training in Mining for Reduction of Lost-Time Injuries This paper discusses the application of a training intervention that uses degraded images for improving the hazard recognition skills of miners. (PDF, 427 KB, 2003)
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| Concluding Evaluation of a Continuous Haulage Guidance Sensor The mining industry has the highest average annual fatality rate among major U.S. industries. To address this, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL), is conducting major research programs to reduce the hazard exposure of miners. One of the recently concluded programs at PRL developed the enabling technology for remote-controlled mining. (PDF, 420 KB, 1998-10)
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| Condition-Based Maintenance of Electrical Machines This paper addresses the assessment of turn-to-turn insulation deterioration that can be resolved using an on-line monitoring technique to predict incipient failure prediction in electric power system components. (PDF, 712 KB, 1999)
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| The Consequences of 'Leaky' Enclosures Discusses design criteria for making a proper acoustical enclosure where a machine operator can safely and effectively work. (PDF, 1893 KB, 2002-01) |
| Considerations for Using Roof Monitors in Underground Limestone Mines in the USA Roof Monitoring Safety Systems (RMSSs) were installed in 13 underground limestone mines in six states. This paper analyzes the data obtained at three of the mines and also provides an overview of the system, data, analysis and applications relevant to the RMSS. (PDF, 1000 KB, 2003-08)
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| Considerations in Training On-the-Job Trainers On-the-job training (OJT) is a very common method of teaching job skills. Health, safety, and operational skills can be connected through training. Haul truck operator training is used to illustrate some of the concepts discussed in this paper. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Contemporary Technology for Hearing Conservation Audiometric Monitoring The purpose of this article is to help identify some criteria of features currently available in audiometric equipment and audiometric database management software. (PDF, 83 KB, 2007-09)
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| Continuous Respirable Mine Dust Monitor Development In response to an MSHA task group recommendation, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Center, initiated the development of a fixed-site machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor. (PDF, 418 KB, 1996)
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| Continuous Respirable Mine Dust Monitor Development NIOSH initiated the development of a fixed-site machine-mounted continous respirable dust monitor. The technology chosen for monitor development is the Rupprecht and Patashnick Co., Inc. tapered element oscillating microbalance. Laboratory and in-mine tests have indicated that, with modification, this sensor can meet the humidity and vibration requirements for underground coal mine use. (PDF, 1560 KB, 1997)
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| Continuous Wave Laser Ignition Thresholds of Coal Dust Clouds Laser-based instruments are used in areas where coal dust ignition presents a safety hazard. NIOSH is conducting a study to help determine when an optical beam may be considered a potential ignition source in underground coal mines or coal storage facilities. (PDF, 94 KB, 2003-08)
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| Control and Monitoring of Gas in Blind Auger Headings Deeper surface mining and deeper highwall penetration depths have lead to more frequent encounters with methane gas. While this coal is remotely mined from the surface, underground ignitions of methane have propagated to the surface and injured miners. Methods described in this paper show how this hazard can be correctly monitored and controlled for auger type highwall mining machines. (PDF, 953 KB, 1997)
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| Control and Monitoring Via Medium Frequency Techniques and Existing Mine Conductors Medium frequency (MF) techniques have been successfully applied to the problem of radio voice communications in both coal and metal and nonmetal mines. MF techniques can also be applied to the areas of in-mine control and monitoring. Preliminary work in this area is described. (PDF, 678 KB, 1985-07)
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| Control of Longwall Gob Gas With Cross-Measure Boreholes (Upper Kittanning Coalbed) The cross-measure borehole technique is being studied as an alternative to the use of surface gob boreholes as a means of controlling methane in gobs during longwall mining. Small-diameter holes are drilled from underground locations into strata overlying the mined coalbed. When the roof strata are fractured by the mining operation, a partial vacuum applied to the boreholes draws the methane out of the fractured strata and prevents it from entering the mine ventilation system. Tests in the Upper Kittanning coalbed showed that 50 pct of the methane produced by the longwall mining operation was captured by the cross-measure boreholes. Borehole inclination and penetration into the gob are two important borehole parameters that affect the performance of the cross-measure borehole system. (PDF, 2398 KB, 1983)
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| Control of Respirable Dust A study of dust control technology and practices to reduce the occurence of lung diseases in miners. (PDF, 1689 KB, 2001) |
| Controlling a Thin-Seam Miner 500 Feet from the Face This report summarizes work sponsored by the Bureau of Mines in the development of a remote operating system (ROS) for controlling a thin-seam continuous miner (TSCM) 500 feet or more distant from the extraction face. Details are provided on ros subsystems including the continuous miner, video equipment, controls and displays, the electronic control system, and the operator station. (PDF, 442 KB, 1986)
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| Controlling Roof Beam Failures From High Horizontal Stresses in Underground Stone Mines A design technique is presented which provides stone miners with a method for making stability assessments. The consequences of widening rooms, changing geology and horizontal stresses, and different rock bolts on roof beam failure are discussed. (PDF, 836 KB, 1998-08)
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| Copper Exchange Capacity of Clays and Their Potential Effect on In Situ Copper Leaching The Bureau of Mines conducted Cu exchange tests for six common clays under simulated in situ leaching conditions. Regression equations were obtained from the data expressing the Cu exchange capacity as a function of Cu concentration, pH, and temperature. (PDF, 1404 KB, 1992)
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| A Correlation Between Seismic Tomography, Seismic Events and Support Pressure To study bump mechanisms, conditions in the vicinity of a deep longwall mining face in bump-prone strata were monitored using three discrete systems. Results from the three systems are correlated in an effort to increase understanding of mining-induced stress redistribution and bump potential. (PDF, 1090 KB, 2001)
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| The Cost Relationship Between Performance Engineering and Human Behavior This field trial of the Work Crew Performance Model affirms the congruency between production and operator training by providing a unique cost linkage between performance engineering and human behavior. (PDF, 640 KB, 1996)
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| Creep Along Weak Planes in Roof and How It Affects Stability A NIOSH study of the time-dependent response of rock stressed along weakness planes with the objective to improve mine safety by reducing the number of roof falls that cause injuries and fatalities to miners. (PDF, 119 KB, 2000)
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| Crewstation Analysis Programs - An Easy to Use Personal Computer-based Lighting and Visibility Analysis Software Package for Underground Mining Equipment The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed an easy to use personal computer-based software package to aid in the analysis of the visibility and illumination aspects of mining equipment design. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Cripple Creek Deep Cut: An Exercise for Remote Control Miner Operators and Face Crews This document contains most of the materials needed to conduct a training exercise for remote control miner operators and face crews. (PDF, 3025 KB, 1999-10)
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| The Critical Ventilation Velocity in Tunnel Fires - A Computer Simulation Discusses a study that used a CFD program (fire dynamics simulator) based on large eddy simulations (LES) to model floor-level fires in a ventilated tunnel. The CFD results are compared with two simple theories of critical ventilation. (PDF, 528 KB, 2005-04)
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| Cross-Sectional Survey of Noise Exposure in the Mining Industry Includes general information on the hearing loss problem in mining, a review of hearing protection used and noise regulations in mining, and other background materials. (PDF, 1236 KB, 2000-08)
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| Crystalline Silica Analysis: A Comparison of Calibration Materials and Recent Coal Mine Dust Size Distributions Since 1982, standard calibration materials recommended for respirable crystalline silica analysis by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) P7 Infrared Method and the NIOSH X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Analytical Method 7500 have undergone minor changes in size distribution. However, a critical assumption has been made that the crystalline silica in ambient mine atmosphere respirable dust samples has also remained essentially unchanged in particle size distribution. The objective of this work is to compare recent particle size distributions of underground coal mine dust and the silica component of these dusts with estimated aerodynamic particle size distributions of calibration standard materials MIN-U-SIL 5, Berkeley 5, and SRM 1878 used by two crystalline silica analysis techniques. (PDF, 68 KB, 2006-01)
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| Current Dust Control Practices on U.S. Longwalls Results from underground dust surveys to identify current operating practices and the types of controls being used at longwall operations are presented as an update on longwall dust control technology and operating practices. (PDF, 337 KB, 2007)
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| Current NIOSH Dust Control Research for Noncoal Surface Mines This report focuses on two areas of research to lower miners' exposure to respirable dust at surface operations. These areas deal with enclosed cabs methods to lower dust levels at surface drills. (PDF, 2569 KB, 2001)
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| Current Research on Slope Movement in Mines: Use of Hyperspectral Imagery The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is investigating various remote sensing technologies as possible tools to detect, monitor, and mitigate hazardous situations in surface mines that could lead to catastrophic slope failure. Promising technologies include a field-portable spectro-polarimetric imager and a stationary interferometric radar device. (PDF, 2162 KB, 2000)
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| Current State of Insert-Type Hearing Protector Fit-Testing: Follow-On Measurements in the Steel Industry and Fit-Testing in a Mobile Environment A description of the current state of hearing protector fit testing and the software used for mobile field tests. (PDF, 2047 KB, 2002) |
| Damage Delineation in Structures Using Laser Vibrometry and Remote Excitation As part of a research program to reduce injuries and fatalities in the U.S. mining workforce, NIOSH is investigating the potential use of noncontact vibration measurements to identify hazardous ground fall conditions. (PDF, 447 KB, 2004)
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| Dangers of Toxic Fumes from Blasting This paper reviews the potential hazards posed by the toxic fumes produced by detonating explosives in surface mining and construction operations. Techniques to protect workers and the public from the potential hazards of explosive-related toxic fumes are discussed. (PDF, 83 KB, 2007)
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| Data Security for In-Mine Transmission: Final Report - Part I A survey of electromagnetic noise reports was performed and a summary of the results are given. (PDF, 3170 KB, 1981-02) |
| Decision Making During a Simulated Mine Fire Escape Forty-eight workers who had escaped large underground coal-mine fires were interviewed using an open-ended protocol. This information, and the actual experiences of one eight-person mine-section crew who escaped from a fire, were used to construct an 18-frame (page) table-top simulation exercise, which was then field tested with 134 miners. (PDF, 911 KB, 1998)
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| Deep Cover Pillar Extraction in the U.S. Coalfields A study is described with the objective of evaluating the various methods and strategies by which panels, production pillars and barrier pillars are developed and extracted under deep cover, and to develop appropriate design guidelines. (PDF, 655 KB, 2002)
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| DEEP Project on Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filters at Inco's Stobie Mine The objective of the Diesel Emissions Evaluation Program (DEEP)-sponsored project at Inco Ltd.'s Stobie Mine was to conduct a long-term field evaluation of diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems available to the underground mining industry. Some of the major issues studied were criteria for selecting the filter media, means of DPF regeneration, efficiency of DPF systems and the occurrence of unwanted secondary emissions, and reliability and durability of DPF systems. (PDF, 576 KB, 2006)
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| Degasification and Production of Natural Gas From an Air Shaft in the Pittsburgh Coalbed The Bureau of Mines conducted research to determine the effectiveness of long holes drilled in solid virgin coal in degasifying an area of the Pittsburgh coalbed showing that horizontal holes drilled into a virgin coalbed from the bottom of any shaft will effectively remove methane gas in commercial quantities from the Pittsburgh coalbed. The gas drained to date is six times the gas estimated to be in the area subtended by the holes. Methane emissions at the working face of 1 west mains, Federal No. 2 Mine has been reduced by 50 pct, proving the value of methane drainage by horizontal degasification holes drilled from shaft bottoms ahead of mining. (PDF, 1298 KB, 1976)
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| Degasification of the Mary Lee Coalbed Near Oak Grove, Jefferson County, Alabama, by Vertical Borehole in Advance of Mining A 5-hole pattern was drilled from the surface at a site near Oak Grove, Jefferson County, Alabama, to degasify the gassy Mary Lee coalbed in advance of mining. Gas and water production was monitored for 1 year, 4 months to allow gas flow to stabilize fully. A thickened water stimulation treatment was designed and applied in one hole of the pattern to evaluate this degasification technique for the Mary Lee coalbed. Results indicated that the use of vertical boreholes coupled with hydraulic fracturing in advance of mining the Mary Lee coalbed would provide for more rapid degasification and could provide a possible source of natural gas. (PDF, 767 KB, 1974)
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| Degasification of the Mary Lee Coalbed, Brookwood, Ala The Bureau of Mines has developed several techniques for draining methane from coalbeds in advance of mining. Drilling long horizontal holes from an underground location is one such technique, which was successfully demonstrated in the Pittsburgh and Sunnyside coalbeds. The same technique has now been applied in the Mary Lee coalbed at Jim Walter Resources, Inc. (PDF, 820 KB, 1982)
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| Degasification of Virgin Pittsburgh Coalbed through a Large Borehole The Bureau of Mines is in the process of degasifying a virgin area in northern West Virginia from the base of an 839-foot-deep vertical borehole. After 180 days of degasification, 91 million cubic feet of gas had been removed from the affected virgin area. This represents 60 to 70 percent of the gas calculated to be contained in the area of coal affected by the holes. (PDF, 2033 KB, 1973)
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| Degasification Study From an Air Shaft in the Beckley Coalbed The Bureau of Mines conducted research to degasify a virgin block of coal in the Beckley coalbed using long horizontal holes drilled in an array from the bottom of a ventilation air shaft. Eight horizontal holes and an in situ pressure hole were drilled in a radial pattern. The investigation showed the shaft was in a basin saturated with water, which resulted in low gas flows from holes. Methane face emissions, which were measured as a section advanced toward the shaft, were reduced about 77 pct. All holes were grouted before the area around the shaft was mined. (PDF, 1139 KB, 1982)
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| Delineation of Fractures in Igneous Rock Masses Using Common Offset Radar Reflection As part of an investigation aimed at improving the health and safety and competitiveness of the mining industry, the U.S. Bureau of Mines evaluated the application of common offset radar profiling, using a 250-MHz ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system, for the detection of fractures in igneous rock (PDF, 16185 KB, 1992)
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| Demonstration of Remote Mine Seal Construction Covers development of novel technology for remote mine seal construction, evaluation of the materials used, construction practice, and follow-up testing. (PDF, 1800 KB, 2004)
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| Demonstration of Remote Mine Seal Construction Mine seals can be remotely constructed in underground coal mines through vertical boreholes when direct access to a fire is impossible or considered to be too dangerous. Full-scale remote mine seal construction research is being conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Lake Lynn Laboratory (LLL). Under this effort, Howard Concrete Pumping Company and GAI Consultants Inc. have joined forces to evaluate a potentially significant improvement to the current state of the art. This paper covers the development of novel technology for remote mine seal construction, the evaluation of the materials used, the construction practice and the follow-up testing. (PDF, 1963 KB, 2006-01)
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| Demonstration of Safety Plugging of Oil Wells Penetrating Appalachian Coal Mines An oil well penetrating the Pittsburgh bituminous coalbed in northern West Virginia was plugged and safely mined through 3 months later. Effectiveness of the plugging in preventing reservoir gas from entering the mine through the well hole was verified by continuous monitoring of the mine air for indications of sulfur hexafluoride. Three other wells were also plugged using various techniques. (PDF, 1473 KB, 1972)
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| The Deserado Mine Monitoring and Control System The Deserado mine monitoring and control system is a complex system designed to monitor environmental parameters and electrical power, and to operate all types of equipment used in mines, including the entire haulage system. This paper discusses the evaluation of the Deserado monitoring system from the initial design through system installation and operation. It also examines the costs, benefits, and performace of the system. (PDF, 400 KB, 1986)
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| Design Analysis of Underground Mine Ore Passes: Current Research Approaches The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has identified ore pass hazards as s significant safety problem in underground metal mines in the United States. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are investigating these hazards and developing methods to improve safety during transport of ore and waste. (PDF, 677 KB, 1998)
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| Design and Development of Up-Link Environmental Monitor This report describes an operational communications system which provides remote intra-terrestrial wireless transmission of environmental information. (PDF, 866 KB, 1976-09)
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| Design and Instrumentation of a Large Reverberation Chamber Documents the refurbishing and instrumentation of the PRL reverberation chamber to bring it up to compliance with the ISO 3743-2 standard for engineering grade measurements for broadband noise. (PDF, 563 KB, 2003-06)
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| Design and Testing of a Nondestructive Friction Bolt Tester The Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Thiessen Team USA, Spokane, WA, have developed a pull claw that can be attached to any accessible friction bolt ring to test the performance (i.e., load-carrying capacity) of bolts without the use of a pull collar. This would allow true random testing of friction bolts, which need to be evaluated to determine if they are still providing an adequate level of support months or years after installation. Such support is critical to maintaining safe working conditions for underground miners. (PDF, 553 KB, 2004-03)
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| Design Considerations for the Next Generation of Longwall Shields The purpose of this paper is to set goals for the future generations of longwall shields. (PDF, 877 KB, 2001) |
| Design Criteria and Guidelines for Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) This study addresses several engineering and economic facets of possible roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protection structure (FOPS) requirements in the metal-nonmetal mining industry. (PDF, 13355 KB, 1976-02)
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| Design in Weak Rock Masses: Nevada Underground Mining Operations One focus of ground control research at NIOSH is to incorporate data on weak rock masses into existing design relationships, with an emphasis on updating the span design curve for manned entries and the overbreak curve for longhole entries. Both curves were originally developed at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. The original database has been augmented by information from mines throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. The common factor in all of these mines is the presence of a weak back and/or walls. In most cases, the ore zone is the weakest rock unit and must be stabilized so that the mineral-bearing rock can be extracted safety. The current NIOSH research attempts to provide rock mechanics tools to assist a mine operator in making economic decisions that will also ensure a safe working environment. This paper documents the Nevada database with a special emphasis on Nevada underground gold mines. (PDF, 396 KB, 2005)
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| Design Methodology for Standing Secondary Roof Support in Longwall Tailgates This paper discusses a design methodology for standing secondary tailgate supports. The methodology uses the performance characteristics generated in the NIOSH Mine Roof Simulator (MRS) to match the stiffness and load characteristics of various supports to the measured ground reaction behavior. (PDF, 666 KB, 1999)
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| Design Methods to Control Violent Pillar Failures in Room-and-Pillar Mines Methods are described to limit "cascading pillar failure", which occurs when one pillar in a mine layout fails, transferring its load to neighboring pillars, which causes them to fail, and so forth. Design approaches are illustrated with practical examples for coal mining at shallow depth. (PDF, 624 KB, 1997)
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| Design of Primary Roof Support Systems in U.S. Coal Mines Based on the Analysis of Roof Fall Rates A study is described where information was collected at 37 coal mine on roof falls, and other geotechnical, mining, geologic and roof bolting factors. A statistical analysis was conducted on the data with the roof fall rate being the outcome variable. (PDF, 588 KB, 2001-06)
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| Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads - a Manual A Bureau of Mines manual for the design of surface mine haulage roads. Covers such aspects as road alignment, construction materials, cross slope, drainage provisions and more. (PDF, 703 KB, 1977)
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| Design Parameters of Roof Support Systems for Pre-Driven Longwall Recovery Rooms A calibrated three-dimensional finite element model, developed in conjunction with an underground test area, provided the critical components and design principals for a comprehensive parametric study. (PDF, 329 KB, 2004-02)
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| Design Spans: Underhand Cut-and-Fill Mining The underhand method under consolidated fill ensures a high recovery under an engineered back that is comprised of cemented rock fill and/or cemented paste fill. This method of mining is generally necessary either due to a weak rock mass comprising the immediate back and/or high induced back stresses. A major concern in the design of sill mats is the loading and strengths associated with the overlying sill mat. This paper reviews past practice coupled with present observations and measurements from over ten mines throughout North America related to mining under consolidated fills. (PDF, 386 KB, 2005)
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| Designs for Rapid in Situ Sealing NIOSH, in collaboration with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the mining industry, and seal manufacturers, conducted a series of full- scale experiments to evaluate the explosion-resistant characteristics of several new seal designs for rapid deployment during mine emergencies. These seals can be deployed in less than 12 hours and can withstand explosion overpressures in excess of 140 kPa (20 psi). These novel seal designs use available mine materials, do no require conventional rib hitching and, more importantly, can substantially reduce exposure time for coal miners during sealing and mine recovery operations. (PDF, 955 KB, 2004)
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| Designs for Rapid In-Situ Sealing Reports on NIOSH full-scale experiments to evaluate the explosion-resistant characteristics of several new seal designs for rapid deployment during mine emergencies. (PDF, 2280 KB, 2003)
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| Detecting Problems With Mine Slope Stability Slope stability accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities at U.S. surface mining
operations. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting research to reduce the fatalities associated with slope failures. This paper discusses some of this research and presents potential new technologies for slope monitoring and design. (PDF, 329 KB, 2002-08)
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| Detection and Control of Spontaneous Heating in Coal Mine Pillars-A Case Study This U.S. Bureau of Mines study examined spontaneous heating episodes in coal mine pillars in an active underground coal mine. The objective of this study was to discover if the location of future events of pillar spontaneous heating could be inferred from the available information. (PDF, 332 KB, 1995)
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| Detection of A-C Machine Winding Deterioration Using Electrically Excited Vibrations Presented in this paper is a theoretical review of the relationships that should exist between electrical winding parameters and the mechanical vibration of a-c machine elements under normal and faulted operating conditions. (PDF, 496 KB, 1999-10)
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| Detection of Downed Trolley Lines Using Arc Signature Analysis The article discusses the applicability of computerized signal analysis techniques to identify fault currents existing on coal mine direct-current trolley systems (PDF, 2300 KB, 1997-05)
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| Detection of Trapped Miner Electromagnetic Signals Above Coal Mines This report assesses the expected detectability, on the surface above mines, of electromagnetic signals produced in the 630- to 3,030-hz frequency band by a rescue transmitter activated by miners trapped underground. The implications of the results and associated recommendations are presented regarding the detectability of trapped miners, sensitivity analyses and confirmatory tests, and operational utilization considerations for the trapped miners and the search and rescue teams on the surface. (PDF, 8965 KB, 1980)
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| Determination of In Situ Deformation Modulus for Cemented Rockfill As part of safety and stability studies at three underground mines in the United States, researchers installed earth pressure cells and embedment strain gauges in cemented rockfill to measure stress and strain changes as mining progressed and the rockfill was loaded. Data from these instruments were used to calculate the in situ modulus of the rockfill for two of the mines. A three-dimensional numerical model of a cemented rockfill cap was validated with data from extensometers anchored in the mine roof and sill; this model was then used to estimate deformation modulus at the third mine because the earth pressure cells and embedment strain gauges recorded negligible changes. (PDF, 757 KB, 2003-09)
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| Determination of Physical Properties of Cable Bolts in Cement Grout Pull Tests Using Instrumented King Wires Researchers are investigating the physical properties of cable bolts by replacing the conventional king wire with a modified king wire on which strain gauges have been installed. (PDF, 621 KB, 2000-04)
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| Determining Cleat Orientation of Deeper Coalbeds From Overlying Coals Examination of several coalbeds in Walker County, Alabama, Cambria, Greene, and Fayette Counties, Pennsylvania, and Caleigh and Wyoming Counties, West Virginia, indicates that cleat orientations are similar throughout a vertical sequence of strata. Studies of cleat orientation were carried out in underground mines that are operating in separate coalbeds vertically above one another. The largest variation of cleat directions between adjacent coalbeds occurs where a large horizontal distance separates two sample locations. Cleat orientations for deeper coalbeds are most reliable where the data are taken from directly above. (PDF, 867 KB, 1976)
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| Determining the Root Causes of Flame Cutting and Welding Fires in Underground U.S. Coal Mines Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Reports of Investigation, MSHA Mine Accident Reports, and the MSHA Mining Industry Accident, Injuries, Employment, and Production Database were analyzed, and interviews and observations with mine workers and welders were conducted to determine the root causes of coal mine fires and explosions caused by flame cutting and welding operations. This paper discusses the root causes and potential means to reduce the number of fires and resulting fatalities and injuries caused by or due to flame cutting and welding. (PDF, 246 KB, 2006-06)
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| Determining the Source of Longwall Gob Gas: Lower Kittanning Coalbed, Cambria County, PA Four coreholes were drilled (two before and two after mining) at a longwall mine in the Lower Kitanning coalbed to obtain coal and rock samples from overlying strata to determine their gas content at various times in the mining cycle. Test results indicate that 91 pct of the gas removed from the overlying strata came from coalbeds. Further analysis indicated that only 40 pct of the total gas produced from the panel actually came from the strata directly overlying the panel. The remaining volume of gas production probably migrated to the longwall gob from overlying, and perhaps underlying, strata immediately adjacent to the panel and perhaps from greater distances downdip because of the establishment of a long-term pressure gradient. (PDF, 1166 KB, 1992)
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| Determining the Spatial Variability of Personal Sampler Inlet Locations This article examines the spatial variability of dust concentrations within a coal miner´s breathing zone and the impact of sampling location at the cap lamp, nose, and lapel. (PDF, 172 KB, 2007-08)
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| Determining Underground Roof Bolting Machine Operators Noise Exposure Using Laboratory Results This paper provides a method for predicting sound pressure levels at the operator´s position of a roof bolting machine in an underground coal mine using sound power levels determined in the laboratory. (PDF, 115 KB, 2007)
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| Detonation Wave Propagation in Underground Mine Entries This paper reports on a series of explosive detonation experiments conducted in NIOSH's Bruceton and Lake Lynn Experimental Mines to evaluate low-level (<6 psig) detonation wave propagation behavior in single- and multiple-entry configurations. (PDF, 116 KB, 2005)
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| Detrimental Effects of Capacitance on High-Resistance-Grounded Mine Distribution Systems Modern underground coal mines can be very large, having a total connected load in excess of 15,000 hp. These, mines generally have many miles of high-power conveyor belts and 15 or more miles of high-voltage power cables at distribution voltages of 12.47, 13.2, 13.8, or 14.4 kV.This paper addresses the potential detrimental effects of capacitance charging currents during line-to-ground faults in mine power distribution systems. A representative mine power system is modeled, and simulations with faults at various locations are conducted to evaluate the effects of this capacitance on the level of fault current and relay selectivity. This paper also includes results of capacitance measurements made on mine power feeder cables used to validate the simulation model. (PDF, 3313 KB, 2006-09)
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| Developing and Maintaining Safety Programs for Improved Worker Performance: Don't Forget the Basics This paper reviews the basics of developing safety interventions aimed at improving worker performance and describes approaches for maintaining program effectiveness. Emphasis is given to identifying performance discrepancies (hazardous behaviors) by observations (safety sampling), accident data analysis, and input from workers and supervisors. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Developing Random Virtual Human Motions and Risky Work Behaviors for Studying Anthropotechnical Systems This report documents the code development of special features for a computer model, random virtual human motions and behaviors, which made it possible for researchers to study hazardous interactions, such as contacts between the operator and machine. (PDF, 1323 KB, 2004-03)
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| Developing Toolbox Training Materials for Mining Toolbox training is often described as short, informal training conducted at a worksite by technically competent persons for the benefit of a work team. The key feature of toolbox training is the focus on a work team and what is important to that group in its workplace. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Development and Application of Reservoir Models and Artificial Neural Networks for Optimizing Ventilation Air Requirements in Development Mining of Coal Seams This study presents an approach using coalbed methane reservoir modeling and an artificial neural network (ANN) design for prediction and optimization of methane inflows and ventilation air requirements to maintain methane concentrations below statutory limits. (PDF, 1131 KB, 2007-11)
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| Development and Application of Reservoir Models for the Evaluation and Optimization of Longwall Methane Control Systems This paper describes the development of reservoir models for the longwall mining environment and their application for investigating the influence of various completion design parameters on the methane drainage effectiveness of gob gas ventholes. (PDF, 264 KB, 2006)
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| Development and Evaluation of a Training Exercise for Construction, Maintenance and Repair Work Activities Recent studies have shown that miners performing construction, maintenance, and repair (CMR) work activities in the conduct of their jobs incur from 39 to 65 percent of all reported injuries in the mining industry. To address this issue, an interactive, 3-D slides training exercise, Hazard Recognition Training Program for Construction, Maintenance and Repair Activities, was developed. (PDF, 483 KB, 2000-08)
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| Development and Evaluation of a Urethane Jacketed Tail Roller for Continuous Mining Machines This paper details the Laboratory noise testing results of a continuous mining machine conveyor system which uses a coating for the tail roller component designed to help bring the continuous mining machine into compliance with federal noise regulations. (PDF, 549 KB, 2007)
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| Development and Testing of a Computer-Assisted Remote-Control System for the Compact Loader-Trammer A prototype muching machine designed to operate in narrow-vein stopes was developed by Foster-Miller, Inc., Waltham, MA, under contract with the U.S. Bureau of Mines. To correct deficiencies of the tether-remote-control system, a computer-based, radio-remote-control system was retrofitted to the minimucker. (PDF, 1813 KB, 1992)
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| Development of a Call Alert System for Paging Mine Personnel This report presents system objectives and design criteria for an in-mine ultralow frequency radio paging system. (PDF, 2958 KB, 1978) |
| Development of a Closed Circuit TV Borehole Probe This report describes a 4-in diameter borehole probe which contains a low light level television camera, magnetic compass, light illumination source, bottom-water detector sensor, and a point angle sensor. The camera viewing angle is at a right angle to the probe's body. All data from the sensor are multiplexed into the closed-circuit camera video for transmission on a single 50-ohm coaxial cable to a surface control unit. Likewise, control of the probe's power, zoom lens, focus, panning, and aperture is accomplished via a downlink multiplexed on the same cable. (PDF, 919 KB, 1984)
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| Development of a Field Method for Measuring Manganese in Welding Fume This paper describes a study in which a field colorimetric method for extracting and measuring manganese in welding fume was developed. (PDF, 111 KB, 2007-11)
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| Development of a Lower-Pressure Water-Powered Spot Scrubber for Mining Applications NIOSH recently investigated the performance of a lower-pressure, water-powered in-line series spray scrubber for removing localized airborne dust emitted at the source. Results showed noticeable improvements in airborne dust capture efficiency through the operation of multiple in-line series hollow cone spray nozzles within a round duct of pipe at the same water pressure as a single spray. (PDF, 1015 KB, 2006-01)
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| Development of a Phase Difference of Arrival Technique for Location of Trapped Miners Current technologies for locating trapped miners from the surface are either simple direction finders or time difference pulse systems that have accuracy limitations. Developing technologies using full-vector field measurements at several receiving points are currently being studied. The necessity of measuring field strength with great accuracy can be a drawback in these systems. However, a system that operates with continuous-wave radio signals, with phase differences that can be measured accurately even in weak signal conditions, would greatly improve the location accuracy. Comparison of this system with existing technology indicates a favorable accuracy-complexity ratio for the phase difference of arrival technique. (PDF, 2149 KB, 1983)
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| Development of a Statistical-Analytical Approach for Assessing Coal Bump Potential Researchers from private industry and NIOSH have studied mechanisms of violent failure and have identified individual factors that contribute to coal bumps. In an attempt to develop tools for assessing coal bump potential, the authors initiated a comprehensive study using information from 25 case studies undertaken in U.S. mines. (PDF, 331 KB, 1997)
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| Development of a Supervisory and Management Training Program for the Underground Coal Mining Industry This report describes a project in which Development of a Supervisory and Management Training Program for the Underground Coal mining Industry was developed and evaluated. (PDF, 1609 KB, 1983-05)
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| Development of a Through-the-Earth Monitor System The objective of this program was to design and build a self-contained system for remote monitoring of the atmosphere in mines. The system developed uses the mine pager phone line as the primary communication channel and also has the capability of using 208 Hz in the ELF band for wireless transmission through the earth. (PDF, 1091 KB, 1980-12)
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| Development of a Visual Display and Control System The object of this program was to extend the capabilities of visual paging systems both in size and functions in mines. The system developed uses the mine pager phone line for communication, monitoring, and remote control. The system was designed to be intrinsically safe and should operate for 3 months on a 12-volt lantern battery. (PDF, 1376 KB, 1980-10)
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| Development of an Automated PC-Network-Based Seismic Monitoring System An automated PC-network-based seismic data acquisition and processing system has been developed by NIOSH for use in mine safety studies. Several systems have been constructed and deployed in the field for testing and application. These systems are now being applied in studies designed to reduce hazards associated with roof falls, rock bursts, coal bumps, and mine collapse. (PDF, 264 KB, 2001-12)
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| Development of Coal Mine Face Ventilation Systems During the 20th Century This article focuses on U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) and NIOSH research to examine factors that had a significant influence on mine face ventilation design during the past century. (PDF, 2404 KB, 2007-08)
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| Development of Ground Response Curves for Longwall Tailgate Support Design This paper presents the results of a study into the ground response around tailgate entries using numerical models. The ground response is shown to be significantly affected by the strength of the immediate roof as well as the main roof. The importance of yield capacity of standing support is demonstrated. Gob height and compaction are found to affect the amount of convergence in the tailgate. The potential exists to develop site-specific tailgate design curves by combining model results with field observations. (PDF, 587 KB, 2006-06)
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| Development of New Protocols to Evaluate the Transverse Loading of Mine Ventilation Stoppings A new protocol based on rigid arch loading of the structure is proposed to determine the true transverse load capacity of block stoppings. The rigid arch tests have shown that the load capability is dependent on the physical properties of the block and geometric properties of the wall, not the sealant. (PDF, 338 KB, 2006-06)
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| Development of NIOSH Hard-Rock Safety Training Materials A description of the development process and results of safety training projects. (PDF, 188 KB, 2001-02) |
| Development of Numerical Models to Investigate Permeability Changes and Gas Emission around Longwall Mining Panel This paper describes the application of a finite difference program to develop a geomechanical model that predicts permeability changes within the rock mass. (PDF, 393 KB, 2005)
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| Development of Stress Measurements and Instrument Placement Techniques for Longwall Coal A system was developed to monitor rock and coal stresses during mining of an entire longwall panel. The system was designed to generate data in near real time to evaluate rock behavior in roof strata and the onset of hazardous conditions as overburden stress was redistributed over working entries during gob formation. Computer simulations and in-mine evaluations were used to optimize instrument placement. A prototype packer assembly was designed and tested for installing sensitive instruments in a mine roof. This paper provides background information on the stress monitoring concept and focuses on the development of instrument placement techniques and the prototype packer assembly. (PDF, 654 KB, 2001-07)
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| Developments in Sealant Support Systems for Ground Control During the past few years, NIOSH has been evaluating developments in sealant support systems from a ground control perspective. This paper briefly reviews the current state-of-the-art technology in shotcrete and membrane developments, evaluates the preliminary findings of a long-term underground study of various types of sealant materials, and examines installation practices that are critical for an effective sealant material. (PDF, 462 KB, 2002-08)
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| Dial Down Dust and Noise Exposure Although structure type and building material were not viewed as significant factors affecting the health of employees in mineral processing facilities when they were built, NIOSH has found that building type can impact respirable dust and noise levels. NIOSH performed a study in which it evaluated three building types: masonry, an open-structure design, and a steel-sided design. (PDF, 1541 KB, 2007-07)
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| Diesel Exhaust Aerosol, Review of Measurement Technology The U.S. Bureau of Mines and others have conducted a number of occupational exposure surveys since the publication of the International Agency for Research on Cancer report of 1989, which labeled diesel exhaust as a probable human carcinogen. This report reviews available diesel exhaust aerosol and gas measurement techniques. (PDF, 523 KB, 1996-11)
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| Differential Pressure as a Measure of Particulate Matter Emissions from Diesel Engines A diesel particulate matter analyzer capable of direct, real-time measurement of engine exhaust particulate is necessary to effectively institute source control technology currently being used on diesel equipment and to ensure that the control measures are working. To investigate the
potential of a differential pressure monitor to measure diesel particulate matter in undiluted exhaust, samples were collected from three different diesel enginessKubota, Isuzu, and Deutzsrunning under 12 different RPM and load scenarios. (PDF, 330 KB, 2005-04)
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| Differential Pressure Response of 25-mm-Diameter Glass Fiber Filters Challenged with Coal and Limestone Dust Mixtures This article summarized results of research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at its Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. The objective of this work was to determine the correlation between the mass (M) of respirable coal and limestone dusts collected on 25-mm-diameter glass fiber filters mounted in cassettes and the increase in differential pressure that develops across the filters when drawing at constant air flow. (ASP, KB, 2002-02)
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| Differential Wall Rock Movements Associated with Rock Bursts, Lucky Friday Mine, Coeur d'Alene Mining District, Idaho, USA Various methods of monitoring slip movements on bedding planes, as well as examination of rock burst damage in stopes, suggests that rock bursts in the Lucky Friday Miner are closely associated with these movements. (PDF, 929 KB, 1999-06)
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| Direct Method Determination of the Gas Content of Coal: Procedures and Results Describes a simple, inexpensive test to measure the methane content of coal samples obtained from exploration cores. The results of tests are summarized in tabular form. These results include data on the gas content of 125 coalbeds in 15 states. (PDF, 1830 KB, 1981)
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| The Direct Method of Determining Methane Content of Coalbeds for Ventilation Design The applicability of the "direct method" for determining the methane content of virgin coalbeds was tested. Preliminary results indicate that the direct method, when applied to exploration cores, can be successfully used to estimate coalbed gas content and also approximately predict the total gas emission from a prospective mine located in the coalbed at the exploration site. (PDF, 612 KB, 1973)
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| Directional Drilling For Coalbed Degasification: Program Goals and Progress in 1978 The Bureau of Mines is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Energy in a directional degasification project at the Emerald Mine near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. This project is designed to combine the highly successful underground horizontal degasification technology with surface drilling methods. The objective of this program is to demonstrate that directional drilling can be used as a technique for degasifying coalbeds ahead of mining to reduce the hazards of methane-air explosions in coal mines. (PDF, 734 KB, 1979)
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| Directionally Controlled Drilling To Horizontally Intercept Selected Strata, Upper Freeport Coalbed, Greene County, Pa. A 3-inch pilot hole was directionally drilled to intercept the freeport coalbed horizon horizontally at Mather, Pennsylvania, as part of a Bureau of Mines degasification project. The original concept was to continue the horizontal drilling into the coalbed, after the initial intercept, with a total of three horizontal holes eventually being completed. (PDF, 1013 KB, 1977)
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| Discharge Water Handling and Treatment: Problems and Solutions at a Large Pittsburgh Seam Coal Mine A large Pittsburgh seam longwall mine had begun to develop in a different direction from its original portal area to access additional reserves. A large area of the mine would be abandoned and sealed, but continued use of the original mine portal area required that the water accumulating in the abandoned mine would eventually need to be pumped to the surface. Several pumping and sump options were investigated to handle the quantity and quality of the anticipated discharge water. (PDF, 764 KB, 2001)
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| Disease and Illness in U.S. Mining, 1983-2001 Describes inconsistencies in disease and illness reporting in U.S. mining, identifies under-reporting of disease and illness in U.S. mining, and summarizes selected disease and illness in U.S. mining from 1983 through 2001. (PDF, 740 KB, 2004)
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| Distinguishing Motor Starts from Short Circuits through Phase-Angle Measurements NIOSH investigated how the starting of induction motors may cause nuisance tripping of short-circuit protection on coal mine power systems.
(PDF, 156 KB, 2002)
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| Distributed Measurement of Conductor Temperatures in Mine Trailing Cables Using Fiber-Optic Technology Mine trailing cables operated above safe thermal limits can cause premature insulation failure, increasing electrocution and fire hazards. This paper describes a unique approach to measuring temperatures within reeled cable under dynamic test conditions. (PDF, 63 KB, 1998-03)
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| Drainage of Methane From the Overlying Pocahontas No. 4 Coalbed From Workings in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed The Bureau of Mines conducted an experimental degasification project in Island Creek Coal Company Virginia Pocahontas No. 5 Mine. Methane from the overlying Pocahontas No. 4 Coalbed was entering mine workings in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed through fractures in the roof rock. Small-diameter (1-5/8-inch) holes were drilled into the overlying coalbed to reduce the gas pressure and intercept methane flows, which were piped to the surface through an underground 6-inch- diam steel pipeline. Methane flows into the mine were reduced by 47 pct. (PDF, 968 KB, 1979)
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| Drill Monitor With Strata Strength Classification in Near-Real Time The process of drilling and bolting the roof is currently one of the most dangerous jobs in underground mining, resulting in about 1,000 accidents with injuries each year in the United States. Researchers from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are studying the use of a drill monitoring system to estimate the strength of successive layers of rock and assess the integrity of a mine roof so that roof drill operators can be warned when a weak layer is being drilled. (PDF, 2025 KB, 2002-07)
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| Drill Rig Incident This Instructor's Copy contains most of the materials trainers will need in order to use the Drill Rig Incident exercise. (PDF, 2129 KB, 2005-02) |
| Drilling a Horizontal Coalbed Methane Drainage System from a Directional Surface Borehole Three long horizontal holes were drilled from a directionally drilled surface hole at the Emerald Mine near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. The purpose was to adapt the technique of directional drilling for use in draining methane from coalbeds. (PDF, 6348 KB, 1982)
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| A Dual Sprocket Chain as a Noise Control for a Continuous Mining Machine This paper describes a noise control for reducing the noise overexposures of continuous mining machine operators. (PDF, 371 KB, 2007) |
| Dust Considerations When Using Belt Entry Air to Ventilate Work Areas Dust surveys were conducted to determine factors affecting belt entry dust levels and how using belt air to ventilate work areas affected dust exposures. (PDF, 4300 KB, 1992)
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| Dust Control Handbook for Minerals Processing This report presents information on dust control engineering techniques for metal and nonmetal mineral processing. Dust prevention, formation, and control are examined, and wet and dry control systems, personal protection, testing methods, and costing methodologies are discussed. Prospective users of this handbook include maintenance foremen, plant engineers, mill supervisors, and safety directors. (HTML, KB, 1987-02)
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| Dust Control on Longwalls: Assessment of the State of the Art This paper presents an update on longwall dust control technology and practices in the U.S. It summarizes the results of NIOSH dust surveys conducted at longwalls throughout the country to document the types of controls that are being used and to quantify the relative effectiveness of these controls. It also presents longwall dust parameters provided by mine operators to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to assess the status of dust control technology being used throughout the industry. (PDF, 2158 KB, 2006)
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| Dust Control Practices for Underground Coal Mining This paper summarizes existing dust control technologies routinely being used in underground coal mine operations, and provides a review of new controls that are being pursued. (PDF, 368 KB, 2007)
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| Dust Reduction Capabilities of Five Commercially Available Bag Valves The dust-reduction capabilities of five commercially available bag valves were evaluated by the Bureau of Mines for use in mineral processing plants. The five valves were made of (1) standard paper, (2) polyethylene, (3) extended polyethylene, (4) double trap (paper), and (5) foam. The valves were evaluated at a mineral processing plant during the bag loading, conveying, and pallet loading process. For the overall process, the extended polyethylene valve was the most effective at reducing product blowback, and resulted in lower dust concentrations for bag-generated dust. (HTML, KB, 1986)
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| Dust Underfoot: Enclosed Cab Floor Heaters Can Significantly Increase Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure Many types of heavy equipment used in the mining and construction industries use enclosed cabs to protect equipment operators from dust and noise exposure. A cooperative research study with a mining company and a cab filtration company was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting an older surface drill with two controls to lower the drill operator's respirable dust exposure. (PDF, 4166 KB, 2001-04)
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| Dynamic Temperature Measurement of Overheated Shuttle Car Trailing Cables in Underground Coal Mines A method is described to measure the conductor temperature of mine trailing cables during normal operation. The temperature is measured using an optical fiber located in the center of the metallic conductors. (PDF, 220 KB, 1999)
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| Early Detection of Insulation Failure in Electric Motors This article describes the development of adaptive learning networks (polynomial networks) to detect and quantify winding insulation leakage on electrical motor windings. This is part of a project to detect impending component failure in mine electrical power systems. (PDF, 1500 KB, 1993)
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| Economic Consequences of Mining Injuries This paper presents a systems approach that incorporates engineering, economics, psychology, and sociology in order to evaluate the total value of investments in safety. By studying the interrelated system comprised of the injured worker, their family and coworkers, as well as the organizational structure that was the setting for the incident, a methodology can be developed that will more accurately capture the true costs of mine injuries. (PDF, 73 KB, 2004-02)
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| Economics of Safety at Surface Mine Spoil Piles It has been theorized that accidents associated with dumping operations might be reduced by short-dumping rather than edge-dumping, but many operators have been reluctant to use short-dumping because they believe it is less cost effective. To evaluate this perception, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reviewed the costs of various dumping methods at waste and spoil piles. (PDF, 1833 KB, 2000-07)
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| Effect of a Surface Borehole on Longwall Gob Degasification (Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed) The use of a partially slotted 6.5-Inch-inside-diameter vertical pipe to remove methane from a longwall gob area at a depth of 2,260 feet in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed was investigated. The value of gas removed by such a pipe under free-flow conditions was found to equal the cost of the installation in this case. Approximately 25 percent of the available methane passed through the pipe without the use of an exhauster; an additional 10 percent was removed when an exhauster was employed. The diversion of methane through a vertical slotted pipe to the surface permitted the use of increased mining rates and decreased the ventilation air requirements. (PDF, 2499 KB, 1972)
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| Effect of Coal Type and Oxyfuel Combustion Parameters on Pulverised Fuel Ignition This paper describes ignition tests on pulverised coal suspensions using a suite of coals of different rank and from different countries of origin and over a range of oxygen and coal concentrations of interest for oxyfuel combustion. (PDF, 112 KB, 2007)
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| Effect of Operator Position on the Incidence of Continuous Mining Machine/Worker Collisions The purpose of this investigation was to analyze factors influencing struck-by accidents during tramming of a continuous mining machine using digital human model simulations driven by actual human motion analysis with a variety of subjects, postures, facing orientations, environmental constraints, and machine characteristics. (PDF, 1045 KB, 2007)
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| Effect of Pressure on Leakage of Automatic Sprinklers The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a study to determine if commercially available automatic sprinklers could withstand the high static pressures in deep underground coal mines without leaking and if exposure to the mine environment affected their leak pressures. (PDF, 2218 KB, 1993)
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| Effect of Scrubber Operation on Airflow and Methane Patterns at the Mining Face Tests were conducted in a full-scale ventilation gallery with a model mining machine that simulated airflow created by a dust scrubber. The results showed that operation of machine-mounted scrubbers improved face ventilation when blowing ventilation is used by increasing both the intake flow and the quantity of air reaching the face. (PDF, 441 KB, 2006-06)
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| The Effect of Standing Support Stiffness on Primary and Secondary Bolting Systems Standing crib supports have been applied in underground mining programs to resist large roof movements and sustain high-loads. The parameter that has not been examined and is not well understood is the effect that a crib or other types of standing support has on the primary and secondary bolting systems. Utilizing a combination of field measurements and 3-dimensional finite element modeling techniques, the relationship between system stiffness and the subsequent performance of the installed bolting system is evaluated. (PDF, 248 KB, 2003-08)
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| Effect of the Dip and Excavation Orientation on Roof Stability in Moderately Dipping Stone Mine Workings Underground limestone mines typically use the room-and-pillar method of mining in the generally flat-lying limestone formations. In some cases the dip may exceed 5° which can result in unique roof instability problems. Stability may be further exacerbated by the presence of horizontal tectonic stresses. Field studies and numerical model analyses are combined to assess the effect of the dip in various stress conditions. (PDF, 1007 KB, 2005)
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| Effect of Three-Winding Transformer Models on the Analysis and Protection of Mine Power Systems This paper analyzes the impact of more accurate transformer models on voltages and fault currents which are realized from loadflow and fault studies of mine power systems. (PDF, 525 KB, 1999)
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| Effect of Water Sprays on Airflow Movement and Methane Dilution at the Working Face Tests were conducted in a full-scale ventilation gallery to determine the influence of mining machine-mounted water sprays on airflows and methane concentrations at the face when blowing ventilation systems are used. Test results using different spray arrangements and water pressures showed that operation of the machine-mounted sprayers can improve face ventilation effectiveness by increasing the velocity of airflow moving toward and away from the face. The improved ventilation resulted in reduced methane levels near the face. (PDF, 380 KB, 2006-06)
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| Effective Hazard Recognition Training using a Latent-Image, Three-Dimensional Slide Simulation Exercise The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducted experiments to determine if training using a latent- image, three-dimensional (3-D) slide simulation exercise improved miners' abiity to recognize roof and rib hazards. The effectiveness of this innovative type of classroom training was investigated by measuring workers' performance on a hazard recognition task. The study was unique in that hazard recognition skills were assessed in the workplace using actual coal mine roof and rib hazards. Results showed that training with a latent-image, 3- D slide simulation exercise significantly improved each subject's performance on the in-inine hazard recognition task. Further, the USBM researchers concluded that transfer of learning from the classroom to the workplace occurred. (PDF, 11171 KB, 1995)
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| Effective Prevention of Hearing Loss in Miners Explains the overall NIOSH approach to reducing noise-induced hearing loss. (PDF, 1500 KB, 1999-01) |
| Effectiveness of Dust Dispersion in the 20-L Siwek Chamber This research evaluated the quality of dust dispersion in the Siwek 20-L chamber using Pittsburgh coal, Gilsonite, and purple K dusts. (PDF, 2264 KB, 2006)
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| Effectiveness of Iron-Based Fuel Additives for Diesel Soot Control This report is mainly about a ferrocene-based additive that reduced DPM between 4 and 45 pct, depending on engine operating conditions. (PDF, 1756 KB, 1992)
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| Effectiveness of Selected Diesel Particulate Matter Control Technologies for Underground Mining Applications: Isolated Zone Study, 2003 A study was conducted in an underground metal mine to assess the effects of selected diesel emissions control technologies on concentrations of diesel particulate matter and gases in underground mine air. The control technologies included diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems, filtration system with disposable filter elements, diesel oxidation catalytic converter, and biodiesel blends. (PDF, 1752 KB, 2006-05)
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| Effectiveness of Selected Diesel Particulate Matter Control Technologies for Underground Mining Applications: Isolated Zone Study, 2004 This study evaluated the effectiveness of the state-of-the-art technologies for controlling DPM and gaseous emissions from underground diesel-powered mining equipment using the isolated zone approach. (PDF, 4653 KB, 2006-08)
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| The Effectiveness of Selected Technologies in Controlling Diesel Emissions in an Underground Mine: Isolated Zone Study at Stillwater Mining Company's Nye Mine The objective of this study was to determine the in-situ effectiveness of the selected technologies available to the underground mining industry for reducing particulate matter and gaseous emissions from diesel-powered equipment. The protocol was established to determine the effectiveness of those technologies in an underground environment under operating conditions that closely resemble actual production scenarios. (PDF, 1773 KB, 2004)
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| Effectiveness of Various Concentrations of an Inert Gas Mixture for Preventing and Suppressing Mining Equipment Cab Fires: Development of a Dual-Cab Fire Inerting System NIOSH conducted a series of large-scale experiments to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various concentrations of an inert gas mixture for preventing and suppressing cab fires. This has led to the choice of an optimum gas mixture concentration, discharged in the cab through a muffled nozzle system, for the development of a dual cab fire inerting system. Safety training programs need to accompany this technology. It is important to provide the operator not only with an engine fire suppression system but also with a cab fire protection system, effective both in preventing the ignition of flammable vapors in the cab and suppressing cab material fires. (PDF, 558 KB, 2007)
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| Effects of Bolt Spacing, Bolt Length, and Roof Span on Bolt Loading in a Trona Mine NIOSH researchers installed 39 instrumented, fully grouted bolts at six test sites in a trona mine retreat panel to study mine roof stability for the improvement of workplace safety. (PDF, 318 KB, 2001)
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| The Effects of Disaster on Workers: A Study of Burnout in Investigators of Serious Accidents and Fatalities in the U.S. Mining Industry Based on the anecdotal data, the authors suggest that specific training in working with grieving families and greater organizational support would be appropriate. In addition, utilizing local community mental health and/or pastoral services are suggested. (PDF, 392 KB, 2000-05)
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| Effects of Far-Field Shearing Deformation on Fracturing Around an Underground Opening Researchers are investigating the causes and mechanisms of roof failure in underground mines. It is expected that a better understanding of these causes and mechanisms will lead to better layout and support designs that will help prevent accidents and fatalities associated with fall of ground. (PDF, 1531 KB, 2004)
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| Effects of Hydraulic Stimulation on Coalbeds and Associated Strata In studies conducted by the Bureau of Mines, two test areas were hydraulically stimulated and exposed by mining: one in the Pittsburgh coalbed at the Vesta No. 5 Mine, Washington County, Pennsylvania; and one in the Illinois No. 6 Coalbed at the Inland Mine, Jefferson County, Illinois. Induced fractures were contained totally within the coalbed with no adverse effect on the stability of associated rock strata. Induced fractures were vertical and were propagated normal to the direction of least residual tectonic stress. Gas production was increased fivefold to twentyfold by hydraulic stimulation. (PDF, 2704 KB, 1977)
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| Effects of Lifting in Four Restricted Postures The purpose of this study was to examine the lifting capacity of low-seam coal miners in four restricted postures (roof heights of 36", 40", 44", and 48"), investigate the associated metabolic costs, and to examine electromyographic (EMG) data from eight trunk muscles during the lifting procedure. (PDF, 263 KB, 1997)
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| The Effects of Low Quartz Mass Loading and Spatial Variability on the Quartz Analysis of Surface Coal Mine Dust Samples The objectives of this work are to 1) evaluate the performance of the P7 method on field samples of low quartz mass loadings, 2) evaluate the magnitude of dust mass spatial variability within an enclosed cab environment, and 3) estimate the subsequent propagation of error in calculating the percentage of quartz over a broad range of mass and quartz filter loadings at a surface coal mine. (PDF, 883 KB, 2001-09)
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| Effects of Mining Height on Injury Rates in U.S. Underground Nonlongwall Bituminous Coal Mines This report examines the effects of mining height on injury rates in U.S. underground nonlongwall bituminous coal mines, controlling for both the employment size of the mine and the mining methods. (PDF, 1914 KB, 1997-11)
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| Effects of Posture on Back Strength and Lifting Capacity The Bureau of Mines performed a pilot study examining the effects of posture on back strength and Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift on six healthy male subjects (M = 32 years + 4 SD). (PDF, 311 KB, 1997)
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| Effects of Posture on Dynamic Back Loading During a Cable Lifting Task This study evaluated spinal loads associated with lifting and hanging heavy mining cable in a variety of postures. (PDF, 702 KB, 2002) |
| The Effects of Restricted Workspace on Lumbar Spine Loading Coal miners often handle heavy electrical power cables, weighing up to 10 kg per meter. These cables are manually lifted and attached to the mine roof to prevent damage from mobile underground equipment. (PDF, 387 KB, 2001)
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| The Effects of Roof and Floor Interface Slip on Coal Pillar Behavior This U.S. Bureau of Mines paper discusses the importance of an interface slip mechanism between the coalbed and the surrounding strata in controlling the extent and pattern of stresses and deformations in a coal pillar. (PDF, 531 KB, 1990)
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| The Effects of Scaling Height and Scaling Bar Design on Applied Forces and Bilateral Muscle Activity of the Back and Shoulders Hand scaling is a physically demanding job and is responsible for numerous overexertion injuries in mining. This experiment studied rib scaling from an elevated bucket to examine force generation capabilities and electromyographic responses to a prying subtask. It was concluded that miners should scale points on the rock face that are below their knees, and reposition the bucket as often as necessary to do so. Additional research is needed to fully understand the impact of bar type on the physical demands of an entire scaling task. (PDF, 159 KB, 2006)
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| Effects of Stimulation Treatments on Coalbeds and Surrrounding Strata: Evidence from Underground Observations Stimulated vertical boreholes are an effective means of removing gas from coalbeds in advance of mining. This Bureau of Mines report examines the coal mine roof damage potential of stimulation treatments. Twenty-two government-sponsored stimulation treatments have been mined through to determine the effects on the coalbed and roof strata. (PDF, 3458 KB, 1987)
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| The Effects of Ventilation and Preburn Time on Water Mist Extinguishing of Diesel Fuel Pool Fires Reports on the evaluation of water mist for the suppression of underground mine fires, such as fires in diesel fuel storage areas. (PDF, 207 KB, 2004-09)
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| The Effects of Water Emulsified Fuel on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Underground Mines The ambient diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations (at the intakes and exhausts of the mine) was evaluated as an entire vehicle fleet of a stone mine switched from using 35% biodiesel to a water-emulsified fuel (PuriNOx). (PDF, 664 KB, 2006)
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| The Effects of Water Spray Placement for Controlling Respirable Dust and Face Methane Concentrations A series of laboratory evaluations examined the impact of water spray pressure, curtain setback distance, and external and underboom spray use for controlling respirable dust levels and sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas concentrations around a continuous mining machine. (PDF, 132 KB, 2006)
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| Effects of Water Sprays and Scrubber Exhaust on Face Methane Concentrations Research to determine how machine-mounted water sprays and a scrubber interact to reduce methane levels and what spray configurations provide the best face ventilation when used with a scrubber. (PDF, 320 KB, 2001)
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| Effects of Water Sprays Used With a Machine-Mounted Scrubber on Face Methane Concentrations Past studies with blowing face ventilation systems have shown that using a machine-mounted scrubber and water sprays can reduced methane levels at the face. The current research was conducted to determine how the sprays and scrubber interact to reduce methane levels, and what spray configurations provide the best face ventilation when used with a scrubber. (PDF, 311 KB, 2001)
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| Effects of Weak Bands on Pillar Stability in Stone Mines: Field Observations and Numerical Model Assessment Observations of pillar conditions in limestone mines showed that the presence of weak bands in the limestone can result in pillar damage at stresses that are lower than one would otherwise expect. The objective of this NIOSH study was to investigate the mechanism of failure caused by the presence of weak bands by using a series of numerical models based on realistic physical properties. (PDF, 1398 KB, 2007)
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| Electric Shock Prevention Electric shocks are a serious problem in the mining environment. Electrical accidents, resulting in personal injury, due to improper or complete lack of grounding of electrically operated mining machines, form a significant percentage of the overall electrical accident picture. The object of this paper is to describe methods of detection of unsafe electrical conditions with respect to the grounding of electrically operated mining equipment. (PDF, 1852 KB, 1978-10)
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| Electrical Accidents in the Mining Industry, 1990-1999 This NIOSH study was conducted to focus future research on the most significant electrical problems in the mining industry. Data from 1,926 mine electrical accidents (including 75 fatalities) that occurred between 1990 and 1999 were studied. (PDF, 81 KB, 2003)
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| Electrical Fault Detection on Downed DC Trolley Lines NIOSH has conducted research to improve electrical fault detection on coal mine direct current (dc) trolley systems. Tests were conducted at cooperating mines to assist in developing a neural-network-based detection algorithm for distinguishing between electrical faults and normal operation. (PDF, 334 KB, 1997)
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| Electromagnetic Detection of Trapped Miners The Bureau of Mines has conducted field studies in coal mines throughout the United States to determine the effectiveness of electromagnetic techniques in locating miners trapped underground following a mine accident. Data from these tests were used to generate models of expected signal and noise distributions as found above these mines. These distributions have aided in placing the expected performance of a through-the-earth electromagnetic communications technique into a probabilistic framework. (PDF, 2972 KB, 1984)
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| Electromagnetic Location Systems for Metal/Non Metal Mines Characteristics of metal-nonmetal mines were evaluated to determine the suitability of applying the Bureau of Mines electromagnetic (em) location system to locating trapped miners. Results indicate that the existing system is inadequate for most metal-nonmetal mines. Alternate approaches to trapped miner location in deep mines were identified, and subsequent field tests were conducted to evaluate their feasibility. The most promising approach uses the existing backpack transmitting system, modified slightly for a dual frequency output, in conjunction with a sophisticated signal processing receiver on the surface. (PDF, 5891 KB, 1979-01-15)
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| Electromagnetic Noise in Grace Mine Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in an operating hardrock mine, Grace Mine, located near Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Diesel-powered haulage equipment is used in this mine, and the electromagnetic noise environment it creates was measured to see how it differs from the environment created by electric-powered haulage equipment. The specific measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots. (PDF, 4884 KB, 1974)
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| Electromagnetic Noise in Itmann Mine Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in an operating coal mine, Itmann No. 3 Mine, located near Mullens, West Virginia. The electromagnetic environment created by 250-volt dc and 550- and 950-volt ac machinery in two longwall panels was measured and is reported. The specific, measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots. (PDF, 3882 KB, 1974)
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| Electromagnetic Noise in Lucky Friday Mine Measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise and attenuation along a hoist rope were made in an operating Hard-Rock Mine, Lucky Friday Mine, located near Wallace, Idaho. The specific measured results are given in a number of spectral plots, amplitude probability distribution plots, and amplitude curves as a function of depth. (PDF, 4197 KB, 1974)
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| Electromagnetic Noise in McElroy Mine Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in and above an operating coal mine, McElroy Mine, located near Moundsville, West Virginia. The electromagnetic environment created by 300-volt dc and 480-volt ac machinery was measured. The specific, measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots. (PDF, 5606 KB, 1974)
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| Electromagnetic Noise in Robena No. 4 Coal Mine Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in an operating coal mine, Robena No. 4, located near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. One technique measures noise over the entire electromagnetic spectrum of interest for brief time periods. The other technique records noise envelopes at several discrete frequencies for a sufficient amount of time to provide amplitude probability distributions. The specific measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots. (PDF, 5663 KB, 1974)
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| An Electromagnetic Noncontacting Sensor for Thickness Measurement in a Dispersive Media This paper describes a general purpose imaging technology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) that, when fully implemented, will solve the general problem of 'seeing into the earth.' (PDF, 141 KB, 1994)
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| Electromagnetic Propagation in Low Coal Mines at Medium Frequencies This report covers magnetic field strength measurements versus range and frequency in low to medium coal mines. Both quasi-conductor-free and conductor-proximity areas were investigated. The program covered five mines, four seams, six measurement sets, and three geographic areas. The results are summarized in terms of maximum communication range expected per seam and noise condition. Scatter gain is further explored as a simple measure of energy coupled to conductors. (PDF, 2533 KB, 1978)
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| An Electromagnetic Spatial/Spectral Sensor for Geological Measurements The U.S. Department of Energy Pittsburgh Research Center, has developed and field tested a spatial, spectral sensor for measuring the thickness of mineral deposits. (PDF, 30 KB, 1996)
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| Electromagnetic Surface Fields Due to a Magnetic Dipole Buried in a Three-Layered Earth The Bureau of Mines electromagnetic trapped miner location and communications system requires a thorough understanding of through- the-earth electromagnetic wave propagation. An earth model incorporating a magnetic dipole buried in a three-layered earth has been developed. The dipole source is located in the second subsurface layer. By application of proper limiting values, the three-layered model is reduced to two different two-layered models and eventually to the homogeneous half-space model. The solutions are in the form of infinite integrals. A numerical analysis was carried out and a computer program written to evaluate the surface magnetic fields. Numerical values for the magnetic field at the point above the source are presented in a variety of models. (PDF, 486 KB, 1982)
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| An Electromagnetic System for Detecting and Locating Trapped Miners The theory of electromagnetic fields indicates such fields could be used to detect and locate trapped miners. To be useful, the hardware of the system must meet a number of requirements, including small size, intrinsic safety, and rugged construction. Such hardware has been built, and the system has been tested by the Bureau of Mines and its contractors. These tests indicate that the electromagnetic method provides a practical means to locate miners in emergencies. (PDF, 652 KB, 1976)
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| Electromagnetic Technique for Locating Boreholes The Bureau of Mines has developed hardware for electromagnetic (EM) detection and location of miners trapped in underground coal mines. This report describes a technique for using the developed equipment for locating uncased boreholes underground. Results of several field and laboratory experiments are described. (PDF, 738 KB, 1978)
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| Electromagnetic Theory of Techniques for the Non-destructive Testing of Wire Ropes This report contains a summary of analytical research on electromagnetic methods of nondestructive testing of cylindrical conductors. The principal objective is to providc theoretical insight to the operation of electromagnetic sensing of the internal properties of wire ropes that are used extensively in mine hoists. An overall review of past work is also included. (PDF, 5283 KB, 1979)
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| EM Location System Prototype and Communication Station Modification A prototype electromagnetic (em) location system consisting of six miniature transmitters, six miniature receivers, and one multichannel receiver was developed by Westinghouse Georesearch Laboratory and is described in this report. The equipment was designed to operate in a deep coal mine of relatively high overburden conductivity. (PDF, 7355 KB, 1973-07)
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| EM Rescue (Location) System for Deep Mines: Phase II - Build and Test Breadboard Equipment The purpose of this program is to extend electromagnetic (EM) techniques for use in locating miners trapped in mines as deep as 1000 m. A previously developed EM system is considered adequate for use at mines less than 300 m deep where it has a probability of detection of 54%. A system for deep mines must keep underground equipment simple, and use extremely low frequencies (ELF), sensitive receivers, and noise cancellation. The proposed location method, developed by Develco for other applications, is based on vector field measurements from two or more static sensors and computation of source location by iterative techniques. During Phase II, very sensitive search coil sensors were built and used in a separate test to verify the feasibility of atmospheric noise cancellation. (PDF, 4447 KB, 1984)
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| The Emergency Communication Triangle This training material focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. Research has shown that when an emergency occurs, people often do not get the information they need for the purpose of taking appropriate action. (PDF, 256 KB, 1999-10)
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| Emergency Response Planning for Small Mines: Who Needs It? This paper discusses emergency response planning with a special emphasis on small minesites. It addresses the importance of an emergency response plan and offers some tips for developing a useful document. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Emergency Response Veterans Share the Lessons They've Learned Since 1991, researchers have recorded extensive interviews with 30 individuals who are recognized as experts in the area of mine emergency response. These veterans related stories and observations from events experienced during as many as 47 years of response activities. (PDF, 1024 KB, 1996)
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| Emerging Technologies and the Future of Geotechnical Instrumentation This paper discusses a) the results of a ground-based hyperspectral imaging tool used to map the geology of an open-pit mine highwall; and b) interferometric synthetic aperture radar and how it can be used in a variety of geotechnical situations. It is hopeful that these new developments will lead to better geotechnical monitoring and design in slope stability and other important areas of rock mechanics. (PDF, 468 KB, 2001)
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| Emerging Technologies Control Respirable Dust Exposures for Continuous Mining and Roof Bolting Personnel This paper discusses NIOSH studies evaluating the impacts of emerging technologies that may reduce dust exposures for continuous mining and roof bolting personnel. These technologies include use of a wet-head cutting drum on a continuous mining machine, a canopy air curtain for protecting roof bolting personnel, and mist drilling technology for controlling respirable dust exposures of bolting personnel. (PDF, 292 KB, 2006)
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| Emerging Technologies: Aiding Responders in Mine Emergences and During the Escape From Smoke-Filled Passageways This paper describes technology and realistic training simulations that have been identified for the general workforce and mine emergency responders. (PDF, 185 KB, 2001)
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| Empirical Approaches for Opening Design in Weak Rock Masses A major focus of ground control research presently being conducted by the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to incorporate weak rock masses (such as are associated with operations in the Carlin Trend in Nevada) into existing design relationships. The original database that led to most of the empirical design relationships presently employed in hard-rock mining was derived from fair-to-good-quality rock. In this study, the relationship between weak rock quality and opening design (non-entry/entry methods) is being investigated. The common factor in all mines is a weak back or wall. This work attempts to provide tools that will enable a mine operator to make economic decisions that will also ensure a safe working environment. (PDF, 334 KB, 2005)
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| Empirical Approaches for Weak Rock Mass A major focus of ground control research is to incorporate weak rock masses (such as are associated with operations in the Carlin Trend in Nevada) into existing design relationships. The original database that led to most of the empirical design relationships presently employed in hard-rock mining was derived from fair-to-good-quality rock. In this study, the relationship between weak rock quality and opening design (nonentry/entry methods) is being investigated. The common factor in all mines is a weak back or wall. This work attempts to provide tools that will enable a mine operator to make economic decisions that will also ensure a safe working environment. (PDF, 401 KB, 2003)
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| Encouraging Self-Protective Employee Behavior: What Do We Know? The intent of this article is to provide guidance to mine operators concerning the use of four techniques for influencing mine employees to work safely: (1) employee surveys, (2) incentives, (3) fear communications, and (4) disciplinary actions. (PDF, 52 KB, 1995)
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| Enhanced Surface Control for Roof and Rib Support The goal of this project was to design and evaluate devices that can be installed with traditional primary or secondary roof supports, and that are easy to handle/install under temporary or previously supported roof. (PDF, 5119 KB, 2001)
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| Environmental Impacts of Cemented Mine Waste Backfill Researchers at the U. S. Bureau of Mines conducted investigations to evaluate the potential for ground watercontamination by mine waste used as backfill. Samples of cemented waste backfill and water discharging fromdrillholes and seeps were collected to use in chemical analyses and laboratory tests to determine the physical andchemical factors that control release of heavy metals to ground water. (PDF, 351 KB, 1996)
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| An Environmentally Robust Proximity Warning System for Hazardous Areas NIOSH has developed a patented active proximity warning system called HASARD (Hazardous Area Signaling and Ranging Device) which employs lowfrequency, low-power magnetic fields which are quite impervious to severe environmental conditions. This paper details the HASARD system, describes the tests that have been done, and mentions other areas where it can benefit the safety of industrial workers. (PDF, 192 KB, 2001)
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| Equipment Noise and Worker Exposure in the Coal Mining Industry The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a cross-sectional survey of noise sources and worker noise exposures. The studies revealed that more than 40% of all workers monitored were subject to noise exposures above 90 dBA TWA8. A summary of these studies is presented, their application to administrative and engineering controls is discussed, and exposure reduction methods are reviewed. (PDF, 10065 KB, 2006-12)
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| Equivalency of a Personal Dust Monitor to the Current United States Coal Mine Respirable Dust Sampler The work presented in this paper focuses on the relationship between the PDM and respirable dust concentrations currently measured by a coal mine dust personal sampler unit utilizing a 10 mm Dorr Oliver nylon cyclone. (PDF, 197 KB, 2008-01)
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| Ergonomic and Existing Seat Designs Compared on Underground Mine Haulage Vehicles NIOSH researchers conducted a study to compare seat designs on underground coal mine haulage vehicles. The objective of the study was to support prior findings that NIOSH-designed seats, which incorporated ergonomics design features (e.g., viscoelastic foam padding and low-back support), are improved designs. The authors summarize the data collected and operator preferences for seat designs and different foam padding arrangements. (PDF, 1552 KB, 2003-10)
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| Ergonomic and Statistical Assessment of Safety in Deep-Cut Mines This paper examines occupational safety concerns associated with deep-cut mining. Mining deeper cuts may have some unknown effects on how miners position themselves for visibility, the types of accidents that can occur, and the new interactions between the equipment and the continuous miner operator. (MPV, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Ergonomic Assessment of Musculoskeletal Risk Factors at Four Mine Sites: Underground Coal, Surface Copper, Surface Phosphate, and Underground Limestone This study examined musculoskeletal injury risk at four mining sites: underground coal, underground limestone, surface copper, and surface phosphate. (PDF, 2334 KB, 2004-08)
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| An Ergonomic Evaluation of Excavating Operations: A Pilot Study The objective of this study was to systematically characterize the ergonomic hazards associated with excavating operations. (PDF, 842 KB, 2001) |
| Ergonomic Interventions at Badger Mining Corporation In 2005, NIOSH and Badger Mining Corporation entered a partnership to implement ergonomic interventions, including a systematic process, to address exposures to risk factors that may result in musculoskeletal disorders or other types of injuries/illnesses. This paper presents details of the process integration, and several examples of task-specific interventions that reduced exposures to risk factors. (PDF, 1236 KB, 2007-02)
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| Ergonomic Interventions at Unimin In 2004, management at Unimin's Gleason, TN operation began implementing ergonomic interventions specifically targeted to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSls). This paper discusses ergonomic interventions that were successfully implemented using a bottom-up approach to reducing the risk of injury. (PDF, 953 KB, 2007-02)
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| Ergonomic Interventions at Vulcan Materials Company Many mining companies apply ergonomic principles, but it is done either informally and/or reactively. This paper discusses how Vulcan Materials Company applied ergonomic principles and the interventions implemented to reduce risk factor exposures. (PDF, 430 KB, 2007-11)
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| Ergonomic Risk Factors: A Study of Heavy Earthmoving Machinery Operators This paper reports the results of a study performed to evaluate ergonomic exposures among operators of heavy construction equipment. It also provides recommendations for reducing ergonomic exposures such as vibration and postural stress. (PDF, 314 KB, 2002)
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| Ergonomic Seat With Viscoelastic Foam Reduces Shock on Underground Mobile Equipment This paper describes the underground mine trials and the testing done to evaluate properties of the viscoelastic foams. The paper also discusses the development of an analytical model using the data from underground trials and the foam testing. (PDF, 157 KB, 1997-06)
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| Ergonomic Seat With Viscoelastic Foam Reduces Shock on Underground Mobile Equipment This paper describes the underground mine trials and the testing done to evaluate properties of the use of viscoelastic foams to reduce shock for the equipment operator and improve seats on mine shuttle cars. The paper also discusses the development of an analytical model using the data from underground trials and the foam testing. (PDF, 1368 KB, 1998-04)
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| Ergonomics and Mining: Charting a Path to a Safer Workplace This document describes how Bridger Coal Company implemented an ergonomics process at its Jim Bridger Mine from 2001 through 2004. The process developed by the Ergonomics Committee, the promotion of the process to management and employees, and the impacts of the process on working conditions at the mine are reviewed. Barriers overcome and lessons learned are also described. (PDF, 6094 KB, 2006)
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| Ergonomics Considerations for Reducing Cumulative Trauma Exposure in Underground Mining The US Bureau of Mines conducted an evaluation of roof-bolting tasks performed at an underground coal mine concerned about early warning signs of cumulative trauma. (PDF, 620 KB, 2001)
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| Ergonomics: Beyond Compliance The health and financial costs of cumulative injuries are plaguing the mining industry. Many mines are realizing that the only way to tackle their most costly injuries, cumulative injuries, is to make the proactive choice to understand those injuries, their root causes and to make workplace changes to prevent them from occurring. The benefits of a formalized approach to reducing these injuries along with examples is presented. (PDF, 139 KB, 2007-02)
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| Estimate of Technically Feasible DPM Levels for Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines In response to the underground mining Industry's growing concern with the exposure of workers to the diesel particulate matter (DPM) component of diesel exhaust, a method was developed to estimate the average workplace concentration of DPM that could be expected from using the new lower DPM-emitting engines now being approved by the US mines Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) when these new engines are equipped with state-of-the-art exhaust-control technology for filtering and combusting DPM. (PDF, 665 KB, 2001-09)
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| Estimated Sound Power Radiated by Surfaces on a Continuous Miner Tail Section Using Vibration Measurements Identifies the most significant noise radiating surfaces on a continuous miner tail section and examines the effects of three engineering noise controls. (PDF, 1208 KB, 2003-06)
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| Estimating Methane Content of Bituminous Coalbeds From Adsorption Data The Bureau of Mines estimated the methane content of a coal, which depends primarily upon rank and pressure, from the adsorption equation V = kPn, where k and n are constants related to rank. By incorporating corrections for moisture, ash, and temperature, and estimating pressure and temperature as a function of depth, the methane content of coal in place can be estimated . Although estimated values were consistently high for several high-volatile bituminous coals from an area where the pressure is known to be less than hydrostatic, the estimated methane content for most coals shows reasonable agreement with values determined by the direct method. (PDF, 820 KB, 1977)
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| Estimation of Shear Strength Using Fractals as a Measure of Rock Fracture Roughness Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the use of close-range photogrammetry and subsequent stereo digitizing to obtain data from rock fracture roughness profiles. (PDF, 3830 KB, 1993)
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| Evaluating Factors Affecting the Performance of Three-Axis Ultrasonic Anemometers Provides guidelines for more effective use of the ultrasonic anemometer. (PDF, 215 KB, 2004-05) |
| Evaluating Longwall Dust Sources and Controls NIOSH is conducting full-scale laboratory studies to evaluate dust liberation and control for dust generated by shearer cutting. (PDF, 650 KB, 2001) |
| Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Machine-Mounted Methane Monitors by Measuring Response Time Examines a procedure for measuring the response time of machine-mounted methane monitors (PDF, 351 KB, 2002) |
| Evaluating Techniques for Monitoring Rock Falls and Slope Stability Several remote-sensing technologies are being evaluated as tools to monitor slopes for hazards and to assess slope stability. (PDF, 3017 KB, 2002) |
| Evaluating Ventilation Parameters of Three Coal Mine Gobs The Bureau of Mines used sulfur hexafluoride (sf6) tracer gas to evaluate the effectiveness of gob ventilation and/or sealing practices at three coal mines, each having different problems associated with their mined-out areas. The purpose of these ventilation studies was to better understand whether current techniques employed for ventilation or sealing are successful at minimizing the potential for gob fires and explosions. (PDF, 1208 KB, 1986)
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| Evaluation and Determination of Sensitivity and Electromagnetic Interactions of Commercial Blasting Caps Six different types of blasting caps, mainly of the type used in coal mines, were evaluated to determine both their radio frequency and direct current characteristics. Two of the caps were of foreign manufacture. A worst case analysis of blasting cap pickup of radio frequency power in coal mines was performed, and safe distance curves were generated. (PDF, 6557 KB, 1973)
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| Evaluation of a Sheathed Permissible Explosive Charge for Open Shooting in Flammable Atmospheres The Bureau of Mines has developed a prototype nonincendive explosive rock-breaker charge that can be fired unconfined in underground bituminous coal mines without the danger of igniting a flammable atmosphere that might be present. (PDF, 1087 KB, 1982-04)
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| Evaluation of a Signaling and Warning System for Underground Mines A report evaluating a wireless signaling and warning system for underground mines applicable to both coal and non-coal mines. A TeleMagnetic Signalling Systems wireless ultra-low-frequency electromagnetic signaling system was installed. A commercial smoke sensor was interfaced to a remote portable transmitter, and the alarm of the sensor was used to trigger the central evacuation and paging transmitter system during experimental mine fires. (PDF, 1087 KB, 1997-05)
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| Evaluation of Alternative Placement of Longwall Gob Gas Ventholes for Optimum Performance Production trends were analyzed for 82 gob gas ventholes on 7 longwall panels in the Lower Kittanning Coalbed, Pennsylvania. (PDF, 1029 KB, 1994) |
| Evaluation of Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters Used in an Underground Metal Mine Catalyzed diesel particulate filters (CDPF's) reduce the concentration of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and may reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in diesel exhaust. The Cannon Mine and the U.S. Bureau of Mines collaborated to evaluate the durability and performance of a CDPF. (PDF, 3408 KB, 1993)
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| Evaluation of Deep-Seated Crib Block Fire Tests This paper discusses wood crib fire tests, conducted by NIOSH and MSHA, provides insight into the products of combustion and describes observations made during the application of the fire suppression agents. (PDF, 675 KB, 2008)
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| Evaluation of Deep-Seated Crib Block Fires and Direct-Application Fire Suppression Agents NIOSH and MSHA are conducting research to test, evaluate, improve or modify coal mine fire-fighting strategies and methodologies through large-scale tests. Since wood is the second most abundant fuel available during a coal mine fire, it was decided that series of large-scale wood crib fire tests were needed to measure the products of combustion and to observe the capability of commonly available direct application fire suppression equipment, namely, fire extinguishers, water and gas-enhanced foam. This paper discusses the wood crib fire tests, provides insight into the products of combustion and describes observations made during the application of the fire suppression agents. (PDF, 838 KB, 2007-12)
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| Evaluation of Devices to Prevent Construction Equipment Backing Incidents Blind areas around construction equipment are a major contributing factor in incidents involving a piece of equipment striking a worker. This paper evaluates several systems for allowing equipment operators to monitor blind areas around equipment. (PDF, 652 KB, 2004-10)
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| Evaluation of Dust Exposure To Truck Drivers Following The Lead Haul Truck This analysis will indicate safe following distances for haul trucks and other heavy equipment to avoid overexposure to respirable dust from the lead haul truck. (PDF, 722 KB, 2005-02)
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| Evaluation of Engineering Noise Controls for a Continuous Miner Conveyer System An analysis of extensive noise and urethane durability testing on a Joy 14CM9 continuous miner's conveyor assembly, tail roller, and bottom plate and a discussion of the initial underground testing results for the urethane-coated conveyor flights and tail roller. (PDF, 327 KB, 2003-06)
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| Evaluation of Explosion-Resistant Seals, Stoppings, and Overcast for Ventilation Control in Underground Coal Mining Evaluation of the strength characteristics and air leakage resistance of numerous innovative seal designs and ventilation control structures for use in underground coal mines. (PDF, 6078 KB, 2002)
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| Evaluation of Gas-Enhanced Foam for Suppressing Coal Mine Fires Improvements in remote firefighting technology are needed to reduce miner exposure to the dangers of fires and possibly save the lives of those who may become trapped. NIOSH, in cooperation with U.S. Foam Technologies, Inc., conducted a series of experiments at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to study the stability, transport, control, and fire extinguishing effectiveness of nitrogen-enhanced foam technology. This paper describes the mine test configurations and experimental results. (PDF, 968 KB, 2005)
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| Evaluation of Instrumented Cable and Rebar Bolts as Ground Support at a Trona Mine Instrumented cable bolts developed at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were used in conjunction with existing ground control systems to monitor rock mass loads at Tg Soda Ash's trona mine in Granger, WY. (PDF, 664 KB, 2001)
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| Evaluation of Instrumented Cable Bolts in Cement Grout to Determine Physical and Numerical Modeling Properties Whereas many researchers and mine engineers have conducted tests on cable bolts using various grouts, water:cement ratios, and physical modifications of the cable to determine the load-carrying characteristics of a bolt, few studies have been conducted on cable bolts fitted with internal instruments. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Spokane, WA, are investigating the physical properties of cable bolts by replacing the conventional king wire with a modified king wire on which strain gauges have been installed. (PDF, 615 KB, 2004-04)
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| Evaluation of IYONI II Methanometers Report on a series of performance tests conducted on the IYONI II methanometer. Testing methods included use of a calibration fixture, an environmental test box and a full scale test gallery. (PDF, 411 KB, 2003)
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| An Evaluation of Leaky Feeder Communication in Underground Mines The objective of this project was to develop technical data and evaluate performance and utility of leaky feeder communications systems currently used in U.S. underground mines. (PDF, 6303 KB, 1980-06)
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| An Evaluation of Methods for Controlling Silica Dust Exposures on Roof Bolters This paper examines methods for limiting occupational silica exposures for roof bolting personnel in underground coal mining. It also evaluates a metal rake, a flexible insert, and a rigid insert for cleaning the roof bolter dust collector box. (PDF, 393 KB, 2002-02)
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| An Evaluation of Microseismic Activity Associated with Major Roof Falls in a Limestone Mine: a Case Study Roof falls are often preceded by a period of elevated microseismic activity, but not all periods of elevated activity result in a roof fall, nor do all roof falls occur after some amount of elevated activity. The objective of this study is to review periods of elevated microseismic activity and determine whether fracture activity rate can be used to anticipate the initiation of roof falls. The results show that limited success would have been achieved by the microseismic system as a roof fall alarm trigger. However, the trigger would have been successful at warning of the onset of elevated activity, allowing mine employees to respond appropriately. (PDF, 253 KB, 2007)
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| Evaluation of Mine Illumination Systems Using Numerical Modeling The analysis of a machine-luminaire configuration is a time consuming process requiring the construction of a machine mockup, installation of a designated lighting arrangement, and an extensive set of illumination measurements. This entire process, however, is well suited to computer analysis. By simulating the machine geometry and the characteristics of the desired luminaires, the incident light levels can be calculated at the required set of points. This Bureau of Mines paper presents a general description of the techniques involved in performing this simulation. (PDF, 4043 KB, 1978-10)
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| Evaluation of Mine Seals Using Ground Penetrating Radar The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health used ground penetrating radar technology to determine if each of three test mine seals were uniformly constructed. The results suggest that GPR could be used as a tool to evaluate mine seal characteristics and construction uniformity. (PDF, 1695 KB, 2005)
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| Evaluation of Mining Activities Using a Scenario Interview Approach NIOSH researchers assert that the use of a realistic scenario interview will result in frank and detailed responses from face crew members. This approach provides an effective means of acquiring worker perceptions of the types of hazards that exist, the relative magnitude of the hazards, and what could be done to reduce or eliminate hazards. (PDF, 770 KB, 1998-10)
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| Evaluation of Person-Wearable Methane Monitors This paper describes test procedures used to evaluate performance of methane monitors that could be used underground for continuous personal monitoring of methane. The information in this report provides data that allow the reader to make side-by side comparisons of these instruments. (PDF, 415 KB, 2005)
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| Evaluation of Pillar Recovery in Southern West Virginia Studies conducted have identified a number of "risk factors" that can be used to evaluate pillar extraction plans: cut sequence; final stump; timber or mobile roof supports; roof bolting; intersection span; depth of cover; roof quality; and age or workings. This paper discusses each of the risk factors in turn, presents the relevant accident statistics, and shows how the risk factors can be combined to estimate the overall hazard. (PDF, 636 KB, 2002-08)
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| Evaluation of Polymer Construction Material and Water Trap Designs for Underground Coal Mine Seals Strength characteristics and air leakage resistance of seals and designs of water traps used in underground coal mines were evaluated in a joint effort by the Pittsburgh Research Center and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The efficacies of various seals in limiting air leakage from a sealed area following an explosion were tested. (PDF, 1584 KB, 1996)
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| Evaluation of Polyurethane Injection for Beltway Roof Stabilization in a West Virginia Coal Mine Polyurethane injection is a proven method of rock stabilization in even the weakest, most broken ground. Optimization of the injection design by pre-injection video diagnostics can greatly contribute to the successful and efficient roof stabilization. (PDF, 373 KB, 2004)
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| Evaluation of Reinforced Cementitious Seals NIOSH cooperated with Tecrete Industries Pty. Ltd. and BHP Australia Coal to evaluate the strength characteristics and air leakage of four seal and two stopping designs for use in underground coal mines. (PDF, 4206 KB, 1999)
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| Evaluation of Remotely Installed Mine Seals for Mine Fire Control NIOSH is conducting full-scale underground experiments at its Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to identify and remedy existing shortcomings of remote sealing technology in order to develop novel technologies and to transfer the new or improved technologies to the mining industry. This paper discusses the remote mine seal testing program and provides the results of the in-mine experiments. (PDF, 1592 KB, 2006)
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| Evaluation of Safety Assessment Methods for the Mining Industry. Volume II: User's Manual of Safety Assessment Methods for Mine Safety Officials The objectives of this study were to examine a representative cross section of formal safety analysis techniques developed for the nuclear and aerospace industries, to recommend those methods that would be suitable for application to the mining industry, and to include those methods in a user's manual. (PDF, 5168 KB, 1983-05)
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| Evaluation of Safety Shutoff Valve System on Methane Gas Pipelines Under Mine Fire Conditions The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the integrity of the existing shutoff valves and actuators used under high-temperature conditions in the Bureau of Mines horizontal borehole methane drainage pipeline system and to determine the potential for improvement in the system. Based on the test results, it was concluded that the brass ball valve used in the Bureau methane drainage pipeline system can be retrofitted with an inexpensive fire bag to substantially increase its integrity under mine fire conditions. (PDF, 994 KB, 1986)
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| Evaluation of Seat Designs Relative to Transmitted Vehicle Vibration on Underground Mine Transport Vehicles This study focused on reducing injury risk by improving seating on transport vehicles such as scoops, mantrips, personnel carriers, and rail-mounted locomotives. Proposed seat design improvements included layering of various types of viscoelastic foam padding to isolate vehicle occupants and operators from adverse health effects of jarring/jolting exposure. (PDF, 277 KB, 2006)
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| Evaluation of Several Natural Gamma Radiation Systems - a Preliminary Study To help evaluate the usefulness of the natural gamma radiation (NGR) technique for the coal interface detection (CID) project, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) collected data from various mining companies conducting underground and surface operations in 15 major and 110 minor coal seams in the United States (1).2 This work was done in support of the USBM goal to improve the method of recovering coal from the nation's mines in a safe and economical manner. (PDF, 2527 KB, 1995)
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| Evaluation of Smoke Detectors for Mining Use Six smoke detectors were measured with respect to visually obscuring smoke characterized by a corresponding optical density for smoldering and flaming coal combustion in a smoke chamber. The responsive characteristics of the detectors evaluated with respect to known smoke conditions in the smoke chamber shows their potential for use as mine fire sensors or part of a mine atmospheric monitoring system to improve mine safety. (PDF, 235 KB, 1995)
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| Evaluation of Solid-Block and Cementitious Foam Seals The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted explosion tests on various full- scale cementitious bulkheads used in abandoned mine areas to evaluate the ability of the bulkheads to withstand gas explosion overpressures of 20 psig. Tests were performed on 120-ft2 solid- concrete-block seals of varying thicknesses and designs. Of the seven solid-concrete-block seals tested, only the standard-type seal, having a 16-in thickness, keyed at the floor and ribs, all joints mortared, wedged at the roof, and a center pilaster, maintained its integrity when subjected to a 20-psig pressure wave. (PDF, 1274 KB, 1991)
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| Evaluation of Support and Ground Response as Longwall Face Advances into and Widens Pre-Driven Recovery Room A cooperative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of (partially) pre-driven longwall recovery rooms supported with pumpable roof supports. This paper evaluates the load transfer mechanics associated with the advancement of the longwall face into the pre-driven recovery room and the widening of the room to recover the longwall shields. (PDF, 608 KB, 2007)
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| Evaluation of Systems to Monitor Blind Areas Behind Trucks Used in Road Construction and Maintenance: Phase 1 The majority of fatalities that occur in road construction work zones in the United States involve a workerbeing struck by a piece of construction equipment or other vehicle. The Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation, is evaluating methods to decrease these accidents. One such method uses devices that assist equipment operators in monitoring blind areas around the equipment to prevent collisions with workers on foot or other objects. (PDF, 5677 KB, 2003-02)
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| Evaluation of the Bagged Stone Dust Barrier Effectiveness in a Bord and Pillar Mine A project to evaluate the South African bagged stone dust explosion barrier was successfully completed at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Experimental Mine. (PDF, 658 KB, 2001)
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| Evaluation of the Black River Mine Telecommunication System An evaluation was made of one of several improved underground communication systems sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The system was installed in a typical metal-nonmetal, room-and-pillar mine and utilized ultrahigh frequency repeaters connected to a unique distributed antenna and passive reflector system which provided mine-wide communications. (PDF, 2997 KB, 1982-02)
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| Evaluation of the Effects of Length on Strength of Slender Pillars in Limestone Mines Using Numerical Modeling Numerical modeling is used to evaluate the degree the pillar strength is increased with a rectangular pillar over a square pillar. (PDF, 164 KB, 2007)
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| Evaluation of the Impact of Standing Support on Ground Behavior in Longwall Tailgates The conclusion drawn from this study was that standing supports do not have sufficient capacity to control main roof or floor loading or prevent the resulting convergence of the tailgate entry. (PDF, 255 KB, 2005)
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| Evaluation of the Seismic System for Locating Trapped Miners This report discusses the configuration and system deployment for the postdisaster surface seismic system for detecting and locating trapped miners. It analyzes the results of 15 field tests to define a signal model, background noise levels, and subarray performance. (PDF, 2514 KB, 1981-11)
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| Evaluation of the SKC, Inc. Dust Detective The SKC, Inc., Dust Detective (SKCDD) is an affordable, person-wearable, real-time dust monitor. The relationship of dust concentrations measured by personal gravimetric samplers to those measured by the SKCDD was determined in a laboratory aerosol chamber. Results demonstrated that the SKCDD is a viable alternative means for measuring dust. While it provides accurate measurements for specific coal types, it requires correction factors (which still need to be calculated) for other coal types. (PDF, 159 KB, 2006)
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| Evaluation of the SKC® DPM Cassette for Monitoring Diesel Particulate Matter in Coal Mines A commercial version of the BOM impactor, called the DPM Cassette, was recently introduced by SKC®. Tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the DPM Cassette for measuring diesel-source elemental carbon in the presence of coal dust. (PDF, 619 KB, 2004-12)
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| Evaluation of the Strength of Slender Pillars This paper investigates some of the issues affecting pillar strength at low width-to-height ratios in hard, brittle rock. The investigation includes an evaluation of empirical pillar strength data presented in the literature and observations of pillar performance in underground limestone mines in the Eastern United States, supplemented by numerical modeling in which failure processes and sensitivity of slender pillars to variations in rock mass properties are evaluated. The results showed that the strength of slender pillars is more variable than that of wider pillars. (PDF, 1206 KB, 2006-01)
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| An Evaluation of the Strength of Slender Pillars Investigates some of the issues affecting pillar strength at low width-to-height ratios in hard, brittle rock. The investigation includes an evaluation of empirical pillar strength data presented in the literature and observations of pillar performance in underground limestone mines in the Eastern United States, supplemented by numerical modeling in which failure processes and sensitivity of slender pillars to variations in rock mass properties are evaluated. (PDF, 677 KB, 2006)
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| Evaluation of the Transverse Load Capacity of Block Stoppings for Mine Ventilation Control A new protocol based on arching has been developed to determine the true transverse load capacity of stoppings. (PDF, 7182 KB, 2005) |
| Evaluation of Two-Phase Spray System for Airborne Dust Control in a Longwall Gallery The increased effectiveness of a two-phase spray system (TPSS) over a single-phase system (SPSS) for dust suppression is reported in several laboratory studies. (PDF, 723 KB, 2000-09)
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| The Evolution of Intelligent Coal Pillar Design: 1981-2006 This paper discusses progress in the science of coal pillar design over the past 25 years and some of the current research needs. (PDF, 664 KB, 2006) |
| The Evolving Mining Workforce: Training Issues A major concern in the mining industry today is how to train the present aging workforce plus the expected influx of new and less experienced miners and mine operators as the cohort of older workers retire. (PDF, 310 KB, 2001-08)
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| Examination of Design and Operation Practices for Longwall Shields This report examines shield design and operation practices and their consequences for the utilization of high-capacity shield support systems. An optimization goal is to minimize support loading by selecting an active shield setting force that is compatible with strata behavior and shield loading characteristics. (PDF, 1569 KB, 1992)
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| Examination of Diesel Aftertreatment Systems at NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory This paper describes a series of engine/dynamometer tests which were conducted to assess the effects of three types of uncatalyzed diesel particulate filters (DPFs), a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) and three types of high temperature disposable filter elements (HT DFEs) on the concentrations and size distribution of diesel aerosols and concentration of nitric oxides in underground mine air. (PDF, 417 KB, 2007)
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| An Examination of the Loyalhanna Limestone's Structural Features and their Impact on Mining and Ground Control Practices A close look at the Loyalhanna Limestone of southwestern Pennsylvania reveals a complex structural environment. Geologic and engineering analyses were performed using gas well and core logs, outcrop examinations, underground observations, and mine maps. Many of the structural conditions cause ground control problems at local quarries. (PDF, 2678 KB, 2002)
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| Expectations Versus Experience: Training Lessons Based Upon Miners' Difficulties when Using Emergency Breathing Apparatus A field test of the NIOSH-developed training product "I Can't Get Enough Air" was conducted to determine if it led to improvements in miner's scores on a true/false test of their SCSR's functional capabilities and proper usage. (PDF, 432 KB, 2004)
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| Experience with an Integrated, Computer-Controlled Communications and Monitoring System at the Robena Mine A whole mine, computer-controlled communication and monitoring system for both normal and emergency use is installed and operating in the U.S. Steel Robena Mine complex near Uniontown, Pa. Experience with the system is reviewed. (PDF, 851 KB, 1976)
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| Experimental and Modeling Investigation of the Effect of Ventilation on Smoke Rollback in a Mine Entry Results of diesel fuel fire experiments conducted to determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback. Experimental results compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire dynamics simulator. (PDF, 282 KB, 2005)
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| Experimental and Modeling Investigation of the Effect of Ventilation on Smoke Rollback in a Mine Entry Results of diesel fuel fire experiments conducted to determine the critical air velocity for preventing smoke rollback. Experimental results compared very well with model predictions based upon a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire dynamics simulator. (PNG, 440 KB, 2006)
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| Experimental Investigation of On-Line Methods for Incipient Fault Detection This paper presents an experimental investigation of an improved technique for on-line detection of induction motor stator winding degradation. This paper begins with a brief description of the detectors, followed by a detailed description of the experimental setup, the experiments conducted, and results. (PDF, 628 KB, 2000)
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| Experimental Mine and Laboratory Dust Explosion Research at NIOSH Explosion characteristics such as the minimum explosible concentration and the rock dust inerting requirements were measured for various combustible dusts. The explosion resistance characteristics of seals was also evaluated. (PDF, 590 KB, 2000-05)
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| Experimental Studies on the Origin and Accumulation of Coalbed Gas The Bureau of Mines investigated factors that influence the formation of methane and other hydrocarbon gases in coal, which is an integral part of the coalification process. (PDF, 737 KB, 1978)
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| Experimental Study of Flame Spread on Conveyor Belts in a Small-scale Tunnel This paper presents experimental results for conveyor belt flame spread from tests conducted in a small-scale tunnel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of belt type, ventilation velocity, belt surface-to-roof distance and ignition source power on the flame spread properties. (PDF, 377 KB, 2007)
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| Experimental Training to Reduce Variability in the Interpretation and Application of Machine Guarding Requirements Often the interpretations of rules pertaining to machine guarding lead to a variety of guarding applications at the worksite. This paper describes a training intervention that offers an opportunity to apply general guarding rules and regulations to a specific situation. This type of training may be useful in defining and seeking solutions to the apparent variability in the interpretation and application of guarding requirements. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Experiments on Personal Equipment for Low Seam Coal Miners: IV. Incorporating Coiled Cord Into Cap Lamp Battery Cords. This report describes a study designed to evaluate a proposed modification in the cap lamp battery cord intended to reduce the incidence of snagging and catching of the cord. (PDF, 1915 KB, 1980)
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| An Exploratory Study of Loading and Morphometric Factors Associated with Specific Failure Modes in Fatigue Testing of Lumbar Motion Segments Thirty-six human lumbar motion segments were fatigue tested using spinal compressive and shear loads that simulated lifting a 9 kg weight in three torso flexion angles. Results indicated that stellate endplate fractures were associated with increased posterior shear forces and less degenerated discs. The results suggest that prediction of failure modes (e.g., specific endplate fracture patterns) may be possible (at least for older specimens) given knowledge of the spinal loads along with certain characteristics of the lumbar spine. (PDF, 121 KB, 2006-03)
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| Explosion Evaluation of Mine Ventilation Stoppings NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted joint research to evaluate explosion blast effects on mine ventilation stoppings at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Experimental Mine. The LLEM data showed that a total pressure of 52 kPa (7.6 psi) destroyed the solid-concrete-block stopping, ~36 kPa (~5.2 psi) destroyed the hollow-core concrete-block stopping, and 9 kPa (1.3 psi) destroyed the steel panel stopping. (PDF, 233 KB, 2006-06)
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| Explosion Hazards From Methane Emissions Related to Geologic Features in Coal Mines This report presents a historical framework detailing the impact of geologic features on excess gas emissions and resultant mine explosions. It also provides operators with specific information on recognizing and alleviating potential hazards from methane emissions related to these geologic features. (PDF, 799 KB, 2008-04)
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| Explosion Hazards of Coal Dust in the Presence of Methane Although methane explosions are dangerous, those that involve coal dust are even more so. If exploding methane disperses and ignites the coal dust that has accumulated on the mine ribs and floor, the burning coal dust immeasurably increases the strength of the explosion. Such methane-dust explosions are prevented by inerting the coal dust in a way that prevents the exploding methane from igniting it. This chapter discusses the dust hazard and how it is prevented in U.S. coal mines. (PDF, 4851 KB, 2006)
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| Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines Seals are used in underground coal mines throughout the United States to isolate abandoned mining areas from the active workings. Prior to the Sago Mine disaster in 2006, mining regulations required seals to withstand a 140-kPa (20-psig) explosion pressure (30 CFR4 75.335(a)(2)). However, Program Information Bulletin No. P06-16 issued by MSHA on July 19, 2006, requires seals to withstand a 345-kPa (50-psig) explosion pressure. The recently enacted MINER Act requires MSHA to increase this design standard by the end of 2007. This report provides a sound scientific and engineering justification to recommend a three-tiered explosion pressure design criterion for new seals in coal mines in response to the MINER Act. The recommendations contained herein apply to new seal design and construction in U.S. coal mines. (PDF, 2768 KB, 2007-07)
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| Explosion Prevention in United States Coal Mines This paper outlines the legal standards and methods for protecting underground coal mines in the United States from explosions of methane gas and coal dust. New research will also be presented on the inertization of float coal dust in mines through the addition of inert stone dust and on the application of the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter, a handheld device developed by NIOSH to directly measure the explosibility of a coal dust - limestone dust mixture based on optical reflectivity. (PDF, 46 KB, 2007)
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| Explosion Temperatures and Pressures of Metals and Other Elemental Dust Clouds The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of NIOSH conducted a study of the explosibility of various metals and other elemental dusts, with a focus on the experimental explosion temperatures. The data are useful for understanding the basics of dust cloud combustion, as well as for evaluating explosion hazards in the minerals and metals processing industries. (PDF, 1281 KB, 2007-07)
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| Explosion Temperatures of Metals and Other Elemental Dust Clouds NIOSH conducted a study of the explosibility of various metals and other elemental dusts dispersed in air, with a focus on the experimental explosion temperatures. The data are useful for understanding the basics of dust cloud combustion, as well as for evaluating the explosion hazards in the minerals and metals processing industries. (PDF, 1476 KB, 2006)
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| Extreme Multiple Seam Mining in the Central Appalachian Coalfields NIOSH is conducting research aimed at helping mine planners prevent hazardous conditions due to multiple-seam interactions. More than 300 case histories have been collected from underground mines mainly in central Appalachia. This paper focuses on several of the more challenging situations that have been encountered, including: room-and-pillar development 20 ft beneath full-extraction workings at a depth of 1,000 ft of cover; pillar recovery 45 ft above full-extraction workings at 900 ft of cover; near-simultaneous room-and-pillar mining with pillar recovery with 40 ft of interburden and 1,500-2,000 ft of cover; and longwall mining directly beneath main entries in overlying seams. (PDF, 629 KB, 2006)
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| Face Ventilation Measurement with Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) The face ventilation measurement method developed by the Bureau of Mines involves releasing a small volume of tracer gas (SF6) on the off-curtain side of the working face at the start of the mining cycle. At the same time, gas bottle samples are taken in the immediate return airway. The gas samples are analyzed, and a curve is drawn of SF6 concentration versus time. From this curve, the percentage of gas removed per time is calculated. The method was shown to be a simple and effective way of evaluating face ventilation systems. (PDF, 457 KB, 1980)
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| Facilitating Task-based Noise Exposure Assessments Utilizing PDAs The difficulties in hand recording, editing, and coding observational data can limit both its utility and effectiveness as a tool in exposure assessments. Researchers conducted a feasibility study employing a method of collecting observational data using a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA). The use of PDAs to record workplace observations allows for greater ease, speed, and accuracy when capturing workplace behaviors and events as compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, PDAs provide greater detail during exposure analysis. Limitations of the process are also be discussed. (PDF, KB, 2005)
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| Facility for Melting Residues From Municipal Waste Combustion: Design Criteria and Description of Equipment The U.S. Bureau of Mines, under a Memorandum of Agreement with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), established design criteria for a facility to melt residues from municipal waste combustion. The facility, which is available to potential users on a cost-sharing basis, is also applicable to a variety of inorganic waste materials from smelting or melting operations. (PDF, 5709 KB, 1993)
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| Factors Affecting ANFO Fumes Production Study of toxic fumes produced by the detonation of various ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures and several cap-sensitive explosives. (PDF, 307 KB, 2000-02)
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| Factors Affecting Fumes Production of an Emulsion and ANFO/Emulsion Blends Study of toxic fumes produced by the detonation of ANFO/emulsion blends. An extension of previous ANFO fumes production research that includes an emulsion blasting agent. (PDF, 2452 KB, 2001)
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| Factors Affecting the Development of Mine Face Ventilation Systems in the 20th Century During the 20th century, the increased emphasis on worker health and safety and the advent of new mining equipment and methods led to many changes in mine face ventilation practices. This paper examines factors that had a significant influence on mine face ventilation design during the past century. (PDF, 843 KB, 2007-02)
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| Factors Affecting the Location of Methanometers on Mining Equipment Develops criteria for selecting the best machine locations for monitoring methane and gives recommendations for revising methane action levels for alternative sampling locations. (PDF, 268 KB, 2001-06)
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| Factors Influencing Intersection Stability in U.S. Coal Mines NIOSH is using the experience of U.S. coal mines to determine the factors which influence intersection instability and provide guidelines for the safe excavation and support of intersections. By using the roof fall rate as the outcome variable, correlations between roof geology, intersection span, and roof support have been established. (PDF, 523 KB, 1998-08)
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| A Fail-Safe Control System for a Mine Methane Pipeline The Bureau of Mines has designed and put into operation a fail-safe control system for use in underground coal mines equipped with methane drainage pipelines. This control system can detect certain unsafe conditions and respond by automatically shutting off the flow of methane from the degasification borehole to the drainage pipeline. MSHA has inspected and tested this system and permitted its use in two mines. (PDF, 1027 KB, 1980)
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| Failure Characteristics of Roof Falls at an Underground Stone Mine in Southwestern Pennsylvania The location and time of 2,007 microseismic emissions from a limestone mine in southwestern Pennsylvania were compared with the development of mine faces and the characteristics of the mine layout. Based on analyses of these results, the occurrence of roof failure zones appears to be associated with certain characteristics of the mine plan. (PDF, 617 KB, 2001)
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| Failure Mechanics of Multiple Seam Mining Interactions This research seeks to provide design guidelines that enable mine planning engineers to correctly assess the safety risk of an adverse multiple seam mining interaction based on mine geometry factors, mine layout factors and site specific geologic conditions. (PDF, 425 KB, 2005)
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| Fan Selection For Large-Opening Mines: Vane-Axial Or Propeller Fans - Which To Choose? The flow characteristics of both vane-axial and propeller fans were investigated and tested at four large-opening mines to assess the effects of fan location on recirculation and entrainment. Either fan type can be used for most auxiliary applications. However, this research has shown that the optimum placement and use criteria for propeller fans differ from those promulgated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for vane-axial fans. (PDF, 310 KB, 2006-06)
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| Fatal Accidents Due to Flyrock and Lack of Blast Area Security and Working Practices in Mining This paper briefly describes six representative fatalities due to flyrock and lack of blast area security in coal and nonmetal mines. Several mines were visited to collect information relative to working practices aimed at mitigating blasting hazards. Salient information obtained through these visits is presented (PDF, 344 KB, 2003)
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| The Fate of Metal (Fe) During Diesel Combustion: Morphology, Chemistry, and Formation Pathways of Nanoparticles This report describes an investigation in which NIOSH used iron-doped diesel fuel to generate metal-bearing diesel particles and a subsequent analysis of the particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). (PDF, 1531 KB, 2007-04)
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| Feasibility of Using Laser-Based Vibration Measurements to Detect Roof Fall Hazards in Underground Mines This paper looks at the feasibility of using noncontact laser-based vibration measurements to detect roof fall hazards with the ultimate vision of improving, expanding and automating procedures for mine roof inspection. (PDF, 369 KB, 2002)
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| A Feasibility Study for the Detection of Weak Electromagnetic Signal/ Bursts With Hard-Limited Arrays A prototype detector using electromagnetic signals for finding trapped miners has previously been built and tested. The signals are generated from transmitters carried on the miner's belt and powered by his head lamp battery and the receiver is a human listener. This system has been found to be very efficient for the detection and location of trapped miners in most existing mines. However, for very deep mines, it is not adequate. This study investigates the use of a noncoherent detector based on the polarity-coincidence statistic. Two channel, polarity-coincidence and polarity-difference, statistics were analyzed. By using two polarity-difference statistics in addition to the polarity-coincidence statistic, it is shown that the decrease in performance, as well as the cost of hard limiting due to correlated inputs, can be made small. (PDF, 1612 KB, 1981-11)
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| Feasibility Study to Reduce Injuries and Fatalities Caused by Contact of Cranes, Drill Rigs, and Haul Trucks with High-Tension Lines Overhead electric power lines present a serious electrocution hazard to personnel in a variety of industries. This paper describes a practical low-cost concept to detect actual contact of mobile equipment with a high-voltage line and provide a warning.
(PDF, 122 KB, 2001)
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| Feeding the Multitudes - How to Connect With Customers A discussion of existing minerals education activities and tips for developing successful programs. (PDF, 222 KB, 2001-02) |
| Field Assessment of Control Techniques and Long-Term Dust Variability for Surface Coal Mine Rock Drills and Bulldozers Airborne respirable dust surveys were conducted at six surface coal mines to investigate the effectiveness of dust control methods used on rotary rock drills and bulldozers. (PDF, 810 KB, 1999)
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| Field Assessment of Retrofitting Surface Coal Mine Equipment Cabs with Air Filtration Systems Operator cabs on a front-end loader and a rotary rock drill were retrofitted with ceiling mounted heating/AC units and air filtration systems. Subsequently, surface coal mine field studies were conducted to evaluate the respirable dust protection these retrofitted cab systems offer to the equipment operator. Results indicate that achieving positive interior cab pressurization with retrofitted cab filtration systems is a key element in their dust control effectiveness. (PDF, 930 KB, 2000-08)
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| Field Evaluation of Mobile Roof Support Technologies This study presents a historic overview of the role of mobile roof support (MRS) technologies in improving stability and worker safety and presents the results of recent field evaluations of the MRS load rate monitoring device and other remote deformation-monitoring techniques. (PDF, 847 KB, 2001-08)
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| Field Evaluation of Seat Designs for Underground Coal Mine Shuttle Cars NIOSH researchers conducted a study to evaluate seat designs on low- and mid-coal-seam shuttle cars. The purpose was to gather additional data to support earlier findings that NIOSH seats, with unique viscoelastic foam padding, are improved designs for coal mine shuttle cars. This study included a larger sample of shuttle car operators than a prior investigation. Eight operators evaluated seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Researchers then compared the operators perceptions with field-measured levels of vehicle jarring/jolting. (PDF, 868 KB, 2006-11)
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| Field Evaluation of the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) This paper describes the testing and reliability of results of a NIOSH developed Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM), a hand-held instrument that uses optical reflectance to measure the explosibility of a rock dust and coal dust mixture. (PDF, 240 KB, 2008)
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| Field Measurement of Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions This paper describes a quick and economic method which has been developed to estimate engine particulate emission levels. (PDF, 305 KB, 2008-03) |
| Field Method for the Determination of Insoluble or Total Hexavalent Chromium in Workplace Air National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method 7703 is a portable field procedure for the analysis of workplace air filter samples for hexavalent chromium (CrVI) content immediately after the samples are collected. The field method prescribes CrVI extraction from air filter samples with an ammonium sulfate/ammonium hydroxide extraction buffer using ultrasonic extraction (UE). Strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction (SAE-SPE) is then used to separate CrVI from trivalent chromium and other interferences. Portable spectrophotometric measurement of CrVI is then conducted using the 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) method. However, it has been found that the ammonium extraction buffer does not adequately bring insoluble CrVI compounds into solution during the UE process. Thus, it was deemed necessary to modify the field method so that it would provide acceptable recoveries for insoluble CrVI compounds. To this end, a more alkaline extraction solution - sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate buffer - was investigated. The modified procedure using the highly alkaline extraction solution was demonstrated to be compatible with SAE-SPE cartridges when determining insoluble CrVI in air filter samples. It was found that the carbonate/bicarbonate buffer was equally effective for complete dissolution of both insoluble and soluble forms of CrVI. Furthermore, the modified procedure met desired performance criteria established for air sampling and analytical methods. (PDF, 102 KB, 2004)
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| Field Observations and Numerical Studies of Horizontal Stress Effects on Roof Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines This paper describes a modeling approach that can be used as a tool to evaluate potential roof failure and optimize the stability of room and pillar layouts. (PDF, 974 KB, 2008)
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| Field Performance Testing of Fully Grouted Roof Bolts This paper reports on an extensive series of short-encapsulation pull tests that were conducted in the NIOSH Mine Safety Research Laboratory and operating mines in WV and PA. (PDF, 334 KB, 2003)
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| Field Studies of Carbon Monoxide Migration from Blasting Describes a small-scale field study to identify key factors that may contribute to the migration of CO through the ground. (PDF, 651 KB, 2005) |
| Field Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Continuous Passive Lumbar Motion System The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a continuous passive lumbar motion system (CPLMS) in reducing low back discomfort among operators of heavy earthmoving equipment. Results indicate that the use of a CPLMS can effectively reduce the low back discomfort experienced by operators of heavy construction equipment. (PDF, 612 KB, 2005)
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| Field Test of a Post-Disaster Communication System A new postdisaster communication and location system using through-the-earth electromagnetic wave propagation was tested at the Bureau of Mines Lake Lynn Experimental Mine. This describes the testing process and findings. (PDF, 2219 KB, 1983-12)
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| Field Test with Strain-Gauged Friction Bolts at the Gold Hunter Mine, Mullan, Idaho, USA To measure the loading behavior of friction bolts, NIOSH researchers installed strain gauges on the interior of friction bolts and developed a battery-powered miniature data acquisition system (MIDAS) that fits inside the hollow portion of the friction bolt. (PDF, 594 KB, 2003-08)
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| Field Tests of Cable Bolts Using Instrumented King Wires Instrumented cable bolts developed at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were used in conjunction with existing ground control to monitor rock mass loads at various field sites. (PDF, 960 KB, 2000)
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| Field Verification of Load Transfer Mechanics of Fully Grouted Roof Bolts The results of field tests conducted by the Bureau of Mines on elastic bolt behavior showed that the anchorage length of grouted bolts installed in shale was slightly longer than the anchorage length determined in laboratory tests conducted in concrete blocks. (PDF, 895 KB, 1991)
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| Field Verification of the Roof Fall Risk Index: a Method to Assess Strata Conditions The Roof Fall Risk Index helps the underground stone mine operator to assess defects the mine strata and rate the relative roof fall risk these defects pose. This paper examines how the defect information is collected using two field verification sites and proposes methods to analyze the RFRI data. (PDF, 665 KB, 2006)
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| Field-Scale Void Detection in Coal Piles Using Resistivity Imaging This paper summarizes the results obtained from a field-scale test and shows that mapping voids within a coal pile is possible. (PDF, 822 KB, 2002-07) |
| Final Report of the Technical Study Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining This final report was prepared by the Technical Study Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining. It provides a review and recommendations concerning the utilization of belt air and the composition and fire retardant properties of belt materials in underground coal mining. (PDF, 1427 KB, 2007-12)
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| Fire Detection for Conveyor Belt Entries This report details the results of a series of large-scale experiments where small coal fires were used to ignite the conveyor belt at air velocities ranging from 0.76 to 6.1 M/s. Temperature, CO, and smoke levels were continuously measured to determine alarm time and level as the fire intensity progressed through the stages of smoldering coal, flaming coal, and flaming coal plus flaming belt. Analysis of the data leads to certain conditions of air velocity and sensor alarm levels that are required for early detection of conveyor belt entry fires. (PDF, 1319 KB, 1991)
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| Fire Protection Provided by Detonator Containers The Code of Federal Regulations Title 30, Parts 56, 57, 75, and 77 require that detonators and explosives be separated by four inches of hardwood or equivalents when transported together in mines. The research reported here is an attempt to quantify the fire protection offered by four inches of red oak and other materials. (PDF, 1400 KB, 1997)
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| Fire Response Preparedness for Underground Mines This report deals with the preparedness of miners to respond to underground fires. It is intended to aid the mining industry in understanding the various roles of emergency responders and the training techniques used to increase their skill levels. The report also presents a technology overview to assist in effective response to mine fires. (PDF, 2438 KB, 2005)
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| Fire Response Preparedness for Underground Mines This report deals with the preparedness of miners to respond to underground mine fires. It is intended to aid the mining industry in understanding the various roles of emergency responders and the training techniques used to increase their skill levels. The report also presents a technology overview to assist in effective response to mine fires. (PDF, KB, 2006)
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| Fire-Generated Smoke Rollback Through Crosscut from Return to Intake - Experimental and CFD Study Two mine fire experiments were conducted in the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratorys Safety Research Coal Mine that demonstrated that smoke from diesel-fuel fires of 500- and 660-kW heat-release rates in a return airway can develop, without causing a complete airflow reversal, into a roof layer that can migrate upwind, forming a counterflow to the primary airflow in a crosscut. Subsequently, smoke can penetrate into an intake airway and create a hazardous atmosphere in the intake airway upwind from the fire. (PDF, 1589 KB, 2006-06)
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| FLAC Simulation of Split-Pipe Tests on an Instrumented Cable Bolt Researchers have conducted a large number of experiments on cable bolts to determine their load characteristics for different grout types, grout ratios, and cable configurations (Garford bulb, buttons, birdcage, nut cage, etc.) (PDF, 686 KB, 2002-04)
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| Flammability Limit Measurements for Dusts in 20-L and 1-m3 Vessels Two types of flammability limits have been measured for various dusts in the Fike 1-m3 (1000-L) chamber and in the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) 20-L chamber. (PDF, 898 KB, 2000-05)
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| Flammability of Gas Mixtures Containing Volatile Organic Compounds and Hydrogen An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of some current methods for predicting the flammability of gas mixtures containing hydrogen and flammable or nonflammable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air. (PDF, 314 KB, 2000-05)
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| Flammability of Methane, Propane, and Hydrogen Gases This paper reports the results of flammability studies for methane, propane, hydrogen, and deuterium gases in air conducted by the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. (PDF, 537 KB, 2000-05)
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| Flammability of Noise Abatement Materials Used in Cabs of Mobile Mining Equipment Describes the flammability tests conducted on 15 to 20 different noise abatement materials of various chemical compositions and thickness. (PDF, 207 KB, 2003)
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| Flyrock Issues in Blasting A compilation of the primary causes of flyrock in surface mining blasting operations and reasons a safe blast area was not secured. (PDF, 30 KB, 2001-02)
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| Foam Stimulation To Enhance Production From Degasification Wells in the Pittsburgh Coalbed Seven degasification wells have been completed in the Pittsburgh coalbed at the New Emerald Mine near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Mines performed stimulation treatments on five of the wells to show that this is a feasible and economical means of degasifying part of a coalbed. On the day following stimulation, gas production ranged from a few hundred cubic feet per day to more than 100,000 cu ft/day. (PDF, 478 KB, 1978)
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| Focus on Prevention: Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment The first step to emergency preparedness is defining and analyzing hazards. Although all hazards should be addressed, resource limitations usually do not allow this to happen all at once. (PDF, 755 KB, 1999-10)
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| Focus on Prevention: Conducting a Hazard Risk Assessment The first step to emergency preparedness and maintaining a safe workplace is defining and analyzing hazards. (PDF, 132 KB, 2003-07) |
| Forecasting Gas Emissions for Coal Mine Safety Applications This chapter provides guidelines for determining the gas content of coalbeds, estimating the gas-in-place, and predicting gas flow and emissions before and during coal mining operations. The techniques are discussed briefly in the following sections. However, detailed information on the techniques is provided in the cited references. (PDF, 4851 KB, 2006)
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| Forecasting Methane Hazards in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Because of the high number of accidental methane gas ignitions in metal and nonmetal mines, the Bureau of Mines searched for a simple guideline that would allow mine personnel to evaluate the methane hazard in a given mine. Air samples were collected by the Bureau in 53 metal and nonmetal mines and analyzed for trace evidence of methane gas. There was no consistent correlation between commodity mined and methane concentration, nor was there a correlation between mine depth and methane concentration. Neither of these factors can be considered a guideline for predicting methane hazards. (PDF, 442 KB, 1979)
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| Forecasting Roof Falls with Monitoring Technologies - A Look at the Moonee Colliery Experience Monitoring technology and techniques can provide a means to warn of hazardous roof fall conditions. Measuring roof deflection is the most common method of detecting roof instabilities. (PDF, 195 KB, 2005)
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| The Forgotten Denominator: Pillar Loading In the past few decades, a considerable amount of effort was directed at accurately determining the coal/pillar strength to use for safely designing coal mines. This paper addresses the deficit of pillar loading research by exploring the accuracy of the empirical abutment load calculations using insight provided by an elastic overburden model, a laminated overburden model and field obserbvations. (PDF, 588 KB, 2000)
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| Frictional Ignition of Natural Gas-Air Mixtures by Alternative Coal-Cutter Bit Shank Materials The Bureau of Mines tangentially impacted potential coal-cutter bit shank materials against sandstone to investigate the potential of the materials to ignite natural gas by a friction-generated hot streak. (PDF, 4056 KB, 1992)
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| Frictional Ignitions in Underground Bituminous Coal Operations, 1983-2005 This paper presents a statistical analysis of frictional ignitions in the U.S. from 1983 to 2005. Various factors were considered, including mining machine type, state, basin, coalbed, coalbed production, mining method, production, productivity, mine type, and total emissions. (PDF, 230 KB, 2007)
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| Fugitive Carbon-Based Gases: Blasting Related or Not This paper discusses elements of a stray gas investigation and the analyses necessary to identify the source of a stray gas. (PDF, 347 KB, 2004) |
| Full-Scale Testing of the Float Dust Deposition Meter Full-scale testing and results are described for an automated system that continuously monitors the accumulation of coal dust in mine entries. (PDF, 234 KB, 1998-05)
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| Gas Content Determinations of Salt Samples Using Acoustic Responses The Bureau of Mines has developed a practical methodology for determining occluded gas contents of domal rock salt samples. The method, which is portable and fieldworthy, provides results in 5 min or less. Results can be used to identify gas-enriched zones, and thus may aid mine operators in production planning or ventilation design. The test method is based on the relationship between gas content and the acoustic response of salt samples as they are dissolved in water. (PDF, 1250 KB, 1987)
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| Gas Migration Characteristics of Coalbeds The Bureau of Mines conducted drilling studies in the Pocahontas No. 3, the Pittsburgh, and a western coalbed to establish the gas migration characteristics for each. Caving in drill holes prevented pressure measurements in the western coalbed. The Pittsburgh coalbed contained intersecting clay veins which formed gas pressure cells. Although these geological features hamper mining, they can be used to control the flow of methane into a mine working. Methane control techniques are proposed for the Pittsburgh and Pocahontas No. 3 coalbeds. (PDF, 1000 KB, 1969)
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| Gases Desorbed From Five Coals of Low Gas Content Methane and other hydrocarbon gases, byproducts of coalification, are emitted from coal at widely varying rates and often present ventilation problems during mining. The air in some coal mines apparently contains no methane. To determine if coals from mines which had no history of detectable gas emission contained adsorbed methane, samples of coal at the shaft bottom and at an active face were obtained and placed in sealed metal cylinders. The atmosphere around the coal was sampled and analyzed by gas chromatography. Methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and butane were found to have been desorbed from these coals. Hydrogen and helium were also detected. An estimate of the amount of residual gas per ton of coal indicated that coal samples from the active face generally contained more adsorbed gas than coal samples obtained from the shaft bottom. (PDF, 504 KB, 1973)
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| Gas-Sampling Capability of Vacutainers Vacutainers are employed by the Bureau of Mines and the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration for sampling mine air and other atmospheres containing fixed gases, low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, and products of combustion. Tests were conducted to study shelf life of evacuated samplers prior to sampling and also to check the stability of sampled gases prior to analysis. An unexplained phenomenon, slow accumulation of carbon monoxide in evacuated samplers, occurred after a few weeks of storage; levels were low but increased with time and could pose a problem for critical applications. Storage at low temperature was found to be effective in halting CO release. (PDF, 343 KB, 1978)
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| Gel Sealants for the Mitigation of Spontaneous Heatings in Coal Mines Reports on a USBM study of three gel sealant systems used to minimize air ingress to areas in the mine that can undergo self-heatings and specifically mines that sustain both floor heave and self-heatings. (PDF, 2950 KB, 1995)
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| A General Design and Implementation Procedure for Sensor-Based Electrical Diagnostic Systems for Mining Machinery Component failure in the electrical control circuits of mining machines account for a large percentage of the total downtime of the machine. This report details U.S. Bureau of Mines development of a generic procedure for synthesizing diagnostic systems for electrical-control-circuit failures in mining machinery. (PDF, 3385 KB, 1993)
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| A General Framework for Prioritizing Research To Reduce Injuries and Diseases in Mining The main premise of this paper is that often the best opportunities to reduce these rates are not revealed by retrospective analysis of injury and illness data. Instead, a proactive approach is needed that accounts for risks to specific hazards that can be abated by engineering or behavioral interventions. (PDF, 26 KB, 1998)
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| Geologic Factors Causing Roof Instability and Methane Emission Problems: The Lower Kittanning Coalbed, Cambria County, Pa A geologic study of Mines 32 and 33 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, was conducted as part of a methane control research program. The study shows that methane emission in these mines is more closely related to roof falls and emission from strata above the Lower Kittanning coalbed than to any other single factor. (PDF, 1919 KB, 1973)
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| Geologic Factors Influencing the Gas Content of Coalbeds in Southwestern Pennsylvania A Bureau of Mines geologic study of Pennsylvanian and Permian coalbeds in southwestern Pennsylania was undertaken to determine the effects of coalbed geology and petrology on in situ coalbed gas contents. A total of 88 samples from 24 coalbeds were collected for direct-method testing to determine gas content. The samples were also analyzed for petrographic composition, chemical composition, and vitrinite reflectance values. Corehole information was used to generate isopach maps and geologic cross sections useful in data interpretation. (PDF, 1423 KB, 1988)
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| Geologic Hazards and Roof Stability in Coal Mines This report describes the geologic origin, association, and potential danger from the most common hazards. Discussions of weak rock include drawrock, rider coals, head coal, stackrock, and stream valley effects. (PDF, 3940 KB, 2003-10)
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| Geologic Investigations of Underground Coal Mining Problems A series of geological surveys were completed in six coal mines. The aim of these surveys was to study the overall geology of the coalbed, and to use the resulting data to evaluate the influence of the geological characteristcs of the coalbed on safe and efficient coal extraction. This report explains the advantages of geologic maps and fence diagrams in coal mining and how the knowledge gained from such geologic investigations of mines can help control many underground problems. (PDF, 1159 KB, 1975)
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| Geological Factors Affecting Methane in the Beckley Coalbed This Bureau of Mines study reviews the geological factors that affect methane in the Beckley coalbed in southern West Virginia, including overburden, coalbed structure, type and changes in lithology above and below the Beckley coalbed, and presence of fractures in the coal and rock adjacent to the Beckley. (PDF, 2292 KB, 1976)
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| Geology and Gas Content of Coalbeds in Vicinity of Bureau of Mines, Bruceton, Pa. Two degasification test boreholes were drilled to depths of 1,238 and 1,212 feet on Bureau of Mines property at Bruceton, Pennsylvania, as part of the Bureau of Mines long-range coal degasification program. The holes provided detailed geologic information and geologic sections, which were correlated with regional stratigraphic cross sections prepared by the Pennsylvania geological survey. (PDF, 1023 KB, 1977)
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| Geology and Methane Content of the Upper Freeport Coalbed in Fayette County, Pa. The Upper Freeport coalbed was studied in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This coalbed lies about 650 feet below the Pittsburgh coalbed and contains the largest remaining reserves of any coalbed in the county. Coal and overburden isopachs, structure and joint pattern maps, and a fence diagram were prepared using data from gas and oil exploration logs and coal outcrops. These maps will aid in determining the need and/or feasibility of degasifying the Upper Freeport coalbed in the study area. Much of the coalbed in this area is under 600 to 1,400 feet of overburden, where the gas content is estimated to be between 140 and 300 cu ft/ton of coal, for a total of 190 to 400 billion cubic feet of methane in this coalbed in Fayette County. (PDF, 1337 KB, 1977)
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| Geology of the Lower Kittanning Coalbed and Related Mining and Methane Emission Problems in Cambria County, Pa. The Bureau of Mines established geologic factors affecting the mining of the Lower Kittanning coalbed to aid in coalbed minability studies and examined the occurrence of "wants" (places where coal is missing) and types of unstable roof rock strata. Trends established from mapping, including prediction of areas of high methane emissions, were extrapolated to unmined areas. (PDF, 1759 KB, 1979)
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| Geology of the Mary Lee Group of Coalbeds, Black Warrior Coal Basin, Alabama A geologic study of the Mary Lee Group of coalbeds in the Black Earrior Coal Basin was undertaken to examine coal stratigraphy and determine regional trends and extent of the coalbeds. The area investigated encompasses 835 square miles in Jefferson, Walker, and Tuscaloosa Counties, Alabama. More than 700 core logs were used to construct a structure map, coal, interval, and overburden isopachs, and cross sections. (PDF, 2192 KB, 1976)
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| Geology Roof Control and Mine Design Geology is an integral part of roof control, mine design, and production operations. Yet, the importance of geology, coal/rock as an engineering construction material and its properties and behavior within the planned mine areas, in overall mine production operations has not been fully appreciated. Understanding the nature of roof geology could explain why roof control plans sometimes fail. (PDF, 708 KB, 2001-12)
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| Geology, Ground Control, and Mine Planning at Bowie Resources, Paonia, CO Bowie Resources maintains one of the most pro-active ground control programs in the U.S. mining industry today. Its guiding philosophy is that everyone in the organization, from the miners at the face all the way through the top management, are involved in ground control. This paper will describe the program in detail, discussing the involvement of roof bolters, section foremen, surveyors, technical staff, and production managers. It will also show how the program has contributed to the mine planning process. (PDF, 457 KB, 2006)
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| Geology, Mining, and Methane Content of the Freeport and Kittanning Coalbeds in Indiana and Surrounding Counties, Pa. This study covers 25 underground mines that were active in the Upper and Lower Freeport and Lower Kittanning coalbeds in 1976. The coal ranges from low to medium volatile in rank. Seven mines emit more than 100,000 cfd of methane gas; those mines are the deepest and largest producers. The methane gas content of three core samples of the Lower Kittanning coalbed was estimated by the direct method. Results suggest that methane control problems will be encountered in the future as deeper coal is mined. (PDF, 3334 KB, 1979)
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| Geomechanics of Large Stone Structures: A Case History From the Washington National Cathedral When the Washington National Cathedral showed signs of continuing differential settlement in the early 1990's, the US Bureau of Mines was asked for assistance in monitoring the movements of the massive towers and walls. The paper discusses the major findings of the study, implications for the future of the Cathedral, and conclusions regarding the use of geotechnical monitoring at major national monuments. (PDF, 286 KB, 2001-07)
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| Geomechanics of Reinforced Cemented Backfill in an Underhand Stope at the Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, Idaho Because backfill has occasionally collapsed into an active working area, posing a hazard to miners, engineers installed instruments in a cemented, backfilled, stope-ramp intersection at Hecla's Lucky Friday Mine to measure stress and strain changes in the backfill and reinforcing members during undercut mining. Based on this study, use of trusses was discontinued, and an alternative support system of wood beams and posts was installed. The purpose was to measure stress and strain changes in the backfill and reinforcing members during undercut mining. (PDF, 5486 KB, 2001-07)
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| Geophysical Methods to Detect Stress in Underground Mines Highly stressed rock in stopes continues to be a primary safety risk for miners in underground mines because this condition can result in failures of ground that lead to both injuries and death. Personnel from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studied two methods for identifying stress in rock. (PDF, 5799 KB, 2004-03)
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| Geotechnical Factors Influencing Violent Failure in U.S. Mines Sudden, violent failures of rock around mine openings influence access, ventilation, and safety in both hard-rock and coal mines. To develop predictive tools for assessing the potential for violent failure, the authors initiated a comprehensive study using multiple linear regression and numerical modeling analyses of geological and mining conditions at 25 sites. (PDF, 848 KB, 1997)
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| Getting Through to Greenhorns: Do Old Training Styles Work with New Miners? This paper discusses the training needs of the younger generation of inexperienced workers who have just entered or are soon to enter the mines. Currently, many trainers are of the so-called Baby Boom generation. Can these different age groups learn to communicate across the generation gap? (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Getting to Zero ... The Human Side of Mining This material was presented at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) open-industry briefing held during the 2004 Northwest Mining Association conference in Spokane, WA. It discusses results of recently completed and on-going mine safety- and health-related research conducted at NIOSH's Spokane and Pittsburgh Research Laboratories on the human side of mining - the miner. It discusses the zero-injury concept and how that goal can be achieved. (PDF, 3158 KB, 2006)
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| A GPS Based System for Minimizing Jolts to Heavy Equipment Operators Describes a method for assessing equipment jolting using a combination of "black boxes" called Shox Boxes and an onboard GPS system. The Shox Box system reviews data in real time, onboard the vehicles, 24 hrs a day, and sends pertinent information via radio to a central database. (PDF, 127 KB, 2004)
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| Ground Control Design for Highwall Mining Highwall stability remains a major concern during highwall mining. Geologic structure (hillseams) and pillar stability are the two major factors affecting highwall stability. (PDF, 199 KB, 2005)
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| Ground Control for Highwall Mining This paper discusses the two most significant highwall ground control hazards; rock falls from the highwall and equipment entrapment underground. (PDF, 508 KB, 2007-09)
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| Ground Control Issues for Safety Professionals Falls of ground continue to be one of the most serious causes of injury to U.S. miners. This goal of this chapter is to provide guidance to safety professionals tasked with preventing ground fall injuries. This chapter combines an analysis of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) accident and injury data with a survey of industry "best practices" to safeguard miners from ground falls.
(PDF, 1641 KB, 2001)
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| Ground Penetrating Radar for Highwall Guidance Describes evaluation of a new method using ground penetrating radar (GPR) mounted on a mining machine to measure coal rib thickness during highwall mining. (PDF, 1855 KB, 1998-10)
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| A Guidance Sensor for Continuous Mine Haulage Reports on the application of near infrared sensor technology for the automatic guidance of a continuous haulage system (PDF, 982 KB, 1996) |
| Guidelines for the Development of a New Miner Training Curriculum This report is intended to help mine safety trainers better prepare to teach the influx of new underground coal miners who are entering the industry by identifying two different approaches to instruction and discussing the ways they may affect how well prepared new hires are to deal with a dynamic and hazardous workplace. (PDF, 291 KB, 2008-01)
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| Guidelines for the Prediction and Control of Methane Emissions on Longwalls In this report, several practical guidelines are recommended for controlling longwall coalbed methane. All predictions are based on determinations made for the Pittsburgh Coalbed in southwestern Pennsylvania. (PDF, 3861 KB, 2008-03)
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| Handbook for Dust Control in Mining This handbook describes effective methods for the control of mineral dusts in mines and tunnels. It assumes the reader is familiar with mining. The first chapter deals solely with dust control methods, regardless of the application. It is a brief tutorial on mining dust control and will be of help to the reader whose dust control problem does not conveniently fit any of the mining equipment niches described in later chapters. (PDF, 4167 KB, 2003-06)
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| Handbook for Methane Control in Mining This handbook describes effective methods for the control of methane gas in mines and tunnels. It assumes the reader is familiar with mining. The first chapter covers facts about methane important to mine safety, such as the explosibility of gas mixtures. The second chapter covers methane sampling, which is crucial because many methane explosions have been attributed to sampling deficiencies. Subsequent chapters describe methane control methods for different kinds of mines and mining equipment, primarily for U.S. coal mines. (PDF, 4495 KB, 2006-06)
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| Haul Road Dust Control: Fugitive Dust Characteristics from Surface Mine Haul Roads and Methods of Control This truck haulage dust study showed that primarily wind, distance, and road treatment conditions notably affected the dust concentrations at locations next to, 50 ft from, and 100 ft away from the unpaved haulage road. (PDF, 549 KB, 2007-10)
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| Haulage Truck Dump Site Safety: An Examination of Reported Injuries Dump site injuries occur in all major mineral industries. Working in elevated areas near an edge is a common hazard for operators of off-highway mobile mining equipment. In this Information Circular (IC), serious injuries involving haulage trucks working at dump sites are examined for the period 1988 to 1997. (PDF, 381 KB, 2001-03)
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| Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report, HETA-98-0020, Carbon Monoxide Intoxication and Death in a Newly Constructed Sewer Manhole This is a Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report on a poisoning incident where CO migrated from nearby blasting activities into a new sewer system being constructed. (PDF, 132 KB, 1997-10)
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| Hazard Recognition Training Program for Construction, Maintenance and Repair Activities Many miners are involved in tasks at the mine site that are similar to those subtasks performed in general construction, maintenance and repair (CMR) type work activities. The degraded image concept is used, it was originally developed by the military and used for target detection training, describes scenes where the target is partially hidden by cloud cover, dust, rain, natural barriers, buildings, or other obstructions that can camouflage or confuse the target. (PDF, 652 KB, 1999-10)
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| Hearing Loss Among Miners and Measures to Protect Hearing A health and safety bulletin about the danger of hearing loss in the mining industry and measures that can be taken to protect against it. (PDF, 1855 KB, 1998-10)
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| Hearing Loss in the Mining Industry: Overview of the NIOSH Hearing Loss Prevention Program at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory Thsi paper provides an overview of the NIOSH hearing loss prevention program being conducted at NIOSH PRL. (PDF, 138 KB, 2005) |
| Heavy Construction Equipment Noise Study Using Dosimetry and Time-Motion Studies The focus of this research was to determine the noise exposures of heavy construction equipment operators while documenting the workers' tasks, (i.e. hauling, moving, and/or pushing construction material). The types of construction equipment studied included asphalt pavers, backhoes, bulldozers, compaction equipment, excavators, haul trucks, telehandlers, and wheeled loaders. (PDF, 1552 KB, 2007-07)
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| Heavy Construction Equipment Noise Study Using Dosimetry and Time-Motion Studies The focus of this research was to determine the noise exposures of heavy construction equipment operators while documenting the workers´ tasks, (i.e. hauling, moving, and/or pushing construction material). (PDF, 65 KB, 2005)
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| Heavy Equipment Near Overhead Power Lines? New Safety Research May Save Your Life: New Safety Research May Save Your Life Researchers at the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory are developing an overhead electric power line-contact alarm for mobile equipment. This work will determine whether an alarm based on current measurement can be reliable, simple to retrofit, relatively inexpensive, and, if feasible, promote its use in the workplace. (PDF, 82 KB, 2002-04)
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| High Stress Mining Under Shallow Overburden in Underground U.S. Stone Mines This study of the Chestnut Ridge Anticline found that high levels of horizontal stress are to be expected in this very stiff rock formation and that local geologic and topographic structures are capable of altering the magnitude and possibly the orientation of the horizontal stress field. (PDF, 358 KB, 2002-11)
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| Historical Perspective of Personal Dust Sampling in Coal Mines Proper measurement of dust particle concentration is a critical step toward the elimination of dust-related occupational disease. This paper examines the development of dust sampling methods in U.S. coal mines, with emphasis on the benefits of personal sampling and on recent developments that permit real- time assessment of dust exposure. (PDF, 460 KB, 2002)
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| Historical Summary of Coal Mine Explosions in the United States, 1959-81 This Bureau of Mines publication presents investigators' reports of all major coal mine explosion disasters that occurred in the United States from 1959 through November 1981, along with a brief analysis of common factors in these disasters. The report reviews the federal mine health and safety acts of 1969 and 1977, and discusses how implementation of these acts has reduced the number of both fatalities and disasters. Current Bureau health and safety research is summarized, and an appendix lists most of the ignitions and explosions in the period of record. (PDF, 4171 KB, 1983)
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| Horizontal Stress and Longwall Headgate Ground Control Horizontal stresses are caused by global plate-tectonic forces. During 1995 alone they were largely responsible for the closing of two longwall mines in the U.S. This paper presents six case histories of mines that encountered roof falls or difficult ground conditions at the headgate caused by horizontal-stress concentrations. (PDF, 1365 KB, 1998-01)
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| Horizontal Trajectories of Rotary-Drilled Holes This Bureau of Mines report investigates the horizontal trajectory of boreholes drilled in coalbeds using the rotary drilling technique. Test holes drilled in coalbeds showed that the path of a borehole in the horizontal plane depends on drilling assembly configuration, drill bit rotation, and coalbed geologic features. (PDF, 555 KB, 1988)
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| How Smoke Hinders Escape from Coal Mine Fires This study predicts the level of smoke that miners might meet while trying to escape a coal minefire and describes how smoke would impede their safe escape. (PDF, 337 KB, 1992)
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| A Human Component to Consider in Your Emergency Management Plans: The Critical Incident Stress Factor This paper presents a rationale for considering human stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies It discusses the concept of stress, Critical Incident Stress in
emergency responders, and introduces the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process. It offers some ideas to the mining industry in general, mine rescue trainers. and more universally, to those responsible for developing emergency management plans.
(PDF, 1356 KB, 1998)
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| A Human Component to Consider in Your Emergency Management Plans: The Critical Incident Stress Factor In recent years the issue of human stress response in emergency workers has begun to receive attention. This paper presents a rationale for considering human stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies. It discusses the concept of stress, Critical Incident Stress in emergency responders, and introduces the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process. It is suggested that, in a disaster, the CISD process can improve the effectiveness of response teams on site, their turnaround time on site, and post disaster time off the job. This paper offers some ideas to the mining industry in general, mine rescue trainers, and more universally, to those responsible for developing emergency management plans. (PDF, 3333 KB, 1995)
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| Hybrid Fiber-Optic Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Monitor The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed an intrinsically safe carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring system for mines by coupling a fiber-optic data telemetry system with a prototype electrochemical CO monitor. (PDF, 1474 KB, 1992)
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| A Hybrid Statistical-Analytical Method for assessing Violent Failure in U.S. Coal Mines This work identified the most important variables contributing to coal bumps. These are (1) mechanical properties of strata, including local yield characteristics of a mine roof and floor, (2) gate pillar factors of safety, (3) roof beam thickness, joint spacing, and stiffness characteristics, which influence released energy, (4) stress gradients associated with the approach of mining to areas of higher stress concentrations, and (5) the mining method. By combining the strength of both analytical and statistical methods, new capabilities were developed for predicting coal bump potential and for building confidence intervals on expected damage. (PDF, 68 KB, 1999)
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| Hydraulic Prestressing Units: An Innovation in Roof Support Technology A new generation of hydraulic mine support prestressing devices has been developed. This paper examines the performance capabilities of these inflatable prestressing units and the impact they have on the performance of various support systems, including an evaluation of the overall stiffness of the support system and the load control during yielding of the prestressing unit. (PDF, 730 KB, 2004)
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| Hydraulic Stimulation Increases Degasification Rate of Coalbeds Coal degasification boreholes drilled from the surface have been successfully hydraulically stimulated to increase the flow of gas from the coal. This Bureau of Mines report describes the hydraulic stimulation procedure for a coalbed, the equipment required, and design criteria for the treatment. Three examples of stimulation treatment show from fivefold to twentyfold increases in gas production. Two sites where the coal was hydraulically stimulated and exposed by subsequent mining show no adverse effect on mining operations through the treated zones. (PDF, 802 KB, 1975)
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| Hydraulic Stimulation of a Surface Borehole for Gob Degasification The Bureau of Mines evaluated the hydraulic stimulation of a gob- degasification borehole to determine if this procedure would aid in degasifying a longwall panel. The stimulated borehole did not degasify the longwall panel as expected either before or after mining of the panel started. It reduced the underground methane emission only 11 pct, considerably less than the reductions effected by two unstimulated boreholes in the same panel. (PDF, 951 KB, 1977)
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| I Can't Get Enough Air! Proper Self-contained Self-rescuer Usage This is the Instructor's Copy of the document. This document contains most of the materials needed to use the exercises on proper self-contained self-rescuer usage. (PDF, 3660 KB, 1999-10)
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| Identification of Noise Sources on Longwall Panels Using Multiple Time-Synchronized Dosimeters This paper describes research designed to develop guidelines and test procedures for identifying all noise sources that are major contributors to the underground noise exposure of longwall coal mining system workers. (PDF, 501 KB, 2007)
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| Identifying Moisture Sensitive Roof Rocks in Coal Mines NIOSH conducted wet/dry immersion cycling of clay-rich rocks. The wet/dry immersion cycling test used provides an accurate, quick and inexpensive method for estimating the moisture sensitivity of mudrocks. With this information mine operators can begin to anticipate hazardous ground and prepare appropriate roof support. (PDF, 850 KB, 2006)
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| Ignition Hazard From Internally-generated H2 in Sealed Mining Equipment A number of ignition incidents involving mining and farm equipment have illustrated the surprising danger of drilling, cutting, or otherwise penetrating sealed compartments or frames that are filled with metal scrap for ballast. (PDF, 110 KB, 2001-07)
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| Ignition of Hydraulic Fluid Sprays by Open Flames and Hot Surfaces A study of the ignition of non-fire-resistant hydraulic fluid sprays was conducted by NIOSH. Both an open flame and a hot steel surface were used as the external heat sources. (PDF, 188 KB, 2006)
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| Ignition of Methane-Air Mixtures by Laser Heated Small Particles Optical technologies have progressed rapidly in the past 15 years. NIOSH is conducting a study to help provide a scientific basis for developing appropriate safety guidelines for optical equipment in underground coal mines. (PDF, 790 KB, 2000)
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| Ignition Tests With a Fiber-Optic Powered Instrument New types of industrial instruments use fiber-coupled laser energy to power remote sensors. The U.S. Bureau of Mines began an investigation of laser-powered fiber-optic instruments in explosive atmospheres in support of the standard-making process. (PDF, 388 KB, 1996)
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| Impact of Background Sources on Dust Exposure of Bag Machine Operator The Bureau of Mines has recorded a number of different background dust sources that significantly contaminate the air breathed by bag machine operators. To keep bag operator exposure within acceptable dust levels established by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, the significance of these background sources must be realized, and the sources must be identified and controlled. (HTML, KB, 1986)
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| Impact of Control Parameters on Shearer-Generated Dust Levels Previous research on continuous mining operations has shown that significant interactions exist between dust-control parameter application and the resulting respirable dust levels. However, simply increasing the level of the controls does not guarantee a reduction in respirable dust levels. Full-scale laboratory tests are being conducted to provide information to longwall operators that would assist them in selecting control parameters to reduce dust levels for mine-specific conditions. (PDF, 752 KB, 2002-02)
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| Impact of Fan Type for Reducing Respirable Dust at an Underground Limestone Crushing Facility NIOSH researchers have demonstrated that mine-wide ventilation in large-opening stone mines can be improved by using low-pressure, high-volume propeller fans and constructing stoppings in key locations to direct and control airflow. In light of these findings, a comparative study was conducted to determine if a portable diesel-powered propeller fan could perform more efficiently for dust dilution and transport than an axial vane fan for localized ventilation. Results showed an improvement with the propeller fan to dilute both the respirable dust and the respirable silica dust around the dump/crusher facility. (PDF, 752 KB, 2006-06)
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| Impact of Maintainability Design on Injury Rates and Maintenance Costs for Underground Mining Equipment 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. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Impact of Unbalanced Intake and Scrubber Flows on Face Methane Concentrations Research was conducted to investigate how ventilation of a mining face is affected when scrubber flow is greater or less than intake flow. Tests were conducted in a full-scale surface test gallery built to simulate a mining entry with a continuous mining machine at the face. Increasing scrubber flow resulted in lower methane levels even when scrubber flow was much greater than intake flow. (PDF, 846 KB, 1997)
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| Impact, Thermal, and Shock Sensitivity of Molten TNT and of Asphalt-Contaminated Molten TNT Research evaluating the autoclave meltout process to recover TNT from MK-9 depth bombs. (PDF, 236 KB, 1996) |
| Implementation of an Ergonomics Process at a US Surface Coal Mine Since 1990 and the publication of the Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for Meatpacking Plants by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, numerous reports of companies implementing ergonomics program have been published. In 2000, NIOSH initiated a long-term project to demonstrate the implementation of an ergonomics process designed to identify and reduce exposures to ergonomic risk factors found in mining. This paper discusses how a large, surface coal mine implemented an ergonomics program and the lessons learned while doing so. (PDF, 1848 KB, 2007-02)
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| Implementation of Diesel Particulate Filter Technology in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines Achieving substantial reductions in the exposure of underground miners to diesel particulate matter in a number of metal and nonmetal mines in the United States depends on the ability of the industry to widely implement advanced diesel emissions control technologies, primarily diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems. However, a number of relatively unique technical and operational challenges are limiting industry-wide implementation of this technology. This paper provides detailed analysis of some of those challenges and short overviews of several projects launched by the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory in an attempt to provide the underground mining industry with more adequate DPF systems. (PDF, 835 KB, 2006)
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| The Implementation of UHF Radio Communications and CCTV Monitoring Systems in a Room and Pillar Metal/Non-metal Mine This report describes the design and implementation of UHF radio and closed-circuit television systems in the Black River room and pillar limestone mine near Butler, Pendleton County, Kentucky. (PDF, 5437 KB, 1981)
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| Implementing a New Personal Dust Monitor as an Engineering Tool A unique method to collect and measure respirable coal mine dust using the tapered element oscillating microbalance has demonstrated potential use as an effective engineering tool to help dust control. (PDF, 166 KB, 2004-12)
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| Implementing Infrared Determination of Quartz Particulates on Novel Filters for a Prototype Dust Monitor This article describes the results from analysis of open-face samples which suggest that the new formulations for PDM filters have fully addressed the analytical obstacles that existed with the original filter design. (PDF, 340 KB, 2008-05)
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| Implications of Recent NIOSH Tracer Gas Studies on Bleeder and Gob Gas Ventilation Design Describes research at a Pittsburgh Coalbed longwall mine to evaluate and optimize bleeder ventilation and gob gas venthole longwall methane control systems. (PDF, 427 KB, 2000)
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| Improved Dust Control for Bag Handlers A recent report evaluating silica exposure levels in the metal/nonmetal mining industry noted that bag packaging and loading are some of the occupations at the greatest risk. In addition to dust problems, the bag-stacking process is labor intensive, making lost-time injuries common due to back fatigue and strains. (PDF, 414 KB, 2000-04)
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| Improved Methods for Monitoring Production From Vertical Degasification Wells In this Bureau of Mines investigation, production was monitored for 1 year at over 30 coalbed gas-drainage boreholes located in Alabama, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Results indicate that the quality of data gathered from such wells can be improved greatly if potential problems are anticipated and prevented in the early stages of well production. (PDF, 639 KB, 1978)
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| Improved Rail Haulage Communications Communications with moving tracked vehicles in a rail haulage mine pose a difficult problem. These communications take place from dispatcher to vehicles or from vehicle to vehicle via the trolley line, which is a very poor communications line. As a result, deadspots and high-signal areas can occur anywhere along the line, or signal can decrease simply as a function of distance. An analysis is made of the trolley line as a communications line, and methods of improving its characteristics are discussed. Data from in-mine experiments are presented, showing actual improvements in communications. Recent Bureau developments in new hardware are also discussed. (PDF, 2019 KB, 1978-10)
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| Improved Seat Reduces Jarring/Jolting for Operators of Low-Coal Shuttle Cars Nearly one-third of the equipment operators in underground coal mines experience adverse levels of exposure to whole-body vibration, (WBV). With input from underground shuttle-car operators, this study addressed a component of WBV that is germane to underground mining - high-energy impacts or shocks. (PDF, 693 KB, 1999-12)
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| Improving Safety at Small Underground Mines: Proceedings: Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminar This U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies the types of serious accidents that occur most frequently at small underground coal mines and describes the strategies that could help prevent them. These strategies include improvements in the design of equipment, work procedures, work schedules, safety programs, and emergency response plans, and techniques for diagnosing potential hazards associated with new technologies and work procedures. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Improving Silica Dust Control Through Targeted Research NIOSH conducted a strategic planning effort to identify those areas in mining with the greatest research needs. In response, the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) has implemented a multi-faceted research program to improve silica dust control for these problematic commodities and occupations. A review of silica compliance trends, PRL silica research programs, and recent control technology developments are provided here. (PDF, 1703 KB, 2002-02)
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| Improving Silica Dust Controls for Metal/Nonmetal Mining Operations in the United States During the last few years, PRL researchers have conducted research related to the following goals: improving protection provided by enclosed cabs on mobile surface mining equipment, reducing dust generation from surface drills, reducing dust levels in iron ore operations, and developing a new method to clean dust from workers' soiled clothes. A description of each of these controls and subsequent dust reductions quantified through site surveys is provided. (PDF, 924 KB, 2007)
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| Improving the Capability for Real Time Assessment of Roof Conditions Through Intelligent Roof Bolt Drilling Operations This paper describes an intelligent drilling system that can complement scoping and core analysis to provide a more complete picture of roof strata and is capable of seeing features or conditions that are not always obvious in more traditional methods. (PDF, 714 KB, 2007)
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| Improving Ventilation in Underground Stone Mines The new MSHA diesel rules have stone mine operators looking hard at possible upgrades to their ventilation systems. NIOSH has several stone mine ventilation projects underway, but in the meantime a good information resource is the work done by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the 70's and 80's on ventilation for oil shale mines. (HTML, KB, 2002-04)
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| In Focus - Cable Bolts: A 'New Support' Cable bolts are gaining increased popularity in U.S. coal mines. Factors involved with this are discussed including the switch to resin anchorage. (PDF, 1794 KB, 1998-03)
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| In Mine Evaluation of Discriminating Mine Fire Sensors An evaluation of multiple mine fire sensor types for nuisance alarm discrimination. The response of multiple fire sensor types to three small coal fires and three small conveyor belt fires in the presence of diesel emissions was evaluated. (PDF, 322 KB, 2002)
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| In Situ Stress at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Four Parts): 2. Analysis of Overcore Measurement From 5300 Level The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted an overcore stress measurement on the 5300 level of the Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, ID, to investigate the stress regime around an experimental stope in a rock-burst-prone mine. The result indicated a stress field with unexpected magnitude and orientation. (PDF, 302 KB, 1995)
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| In Situ Stress at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Four Parts): 3. Reanalysis of Overcore Measurements from the Star Mine U.S. Bureau of Mines researchers reviewed an in situ stress estimate developed from measurements of overcore strain taken at test sites on the 7300 and 7500 levels of the Star Mine near Mullan, ID. Although the field measurements of overcoring strain were found to be useful, significant deficiencies were found in the stress estimation procedure. (PDF, 355 KB, 1995)
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| In Situ Stress at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Four Parts): 4. Characterization of Mine In Situ Stress Field Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines collected and analyzed overcore measurements and other indicators of in situ stress characteristics at the Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, ID. An analysis of these data revealed that significant local variations in in situ stress are present in this mine and that these variations existed prior to mining. High stresses were found to be associated with the most competent strata and a locked section of a fault. (PDF, 1594 KB, 1995)
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| In Situ Stress Measurements at the Stillwater Mine, Nye, Montana Using hollow inclusion stress cells, researchers obtained two in situ stress measurements from the face of two footwall lateral drifts at the Stillwater Mine near Nye, MT. (PDF, 457 KB, 2003)
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| In Situ Stress Measurements Near the Ross Shaft Pillar, Homestake Mine, South Dakota In situ stresses are important input data for the design of safe, stable stope layouts and extraction sequences. In situ stresses were measured at the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD, using overcoring on hollow inclusion cells and borehole deformation gauges. (PDF, 2480 KB, 1993)
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| In the Field - Cribs Versus Cables A full-scale test of a cable bolted cribless tailgate was conducted on an eastern United States longwall. Cable bolts proved more than adequate to provide a stable cribless tailgate. (PDF, 1794 KB, 1998-03)
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| Inaccuracy of Area Sampling for Measuring the Dust Exposure of Mining Machine Operators in Coal Mines This study examines the accuracy of area sampling for measuring the dust exposure of mining machine operators at coal mine working faces. The work was prompted by the development of a prospective new type of dust sampling instrument called the machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor (MMC-RDM). (PDF, 799 KB, 2002-02)
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| In-Cab Noise Reduction on an Air-Rotary Drill Rig The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has investigated engineering noise controls to reduce sound levels in cabs on air-rotary drill rigs. A recent investigation revealed that some drillers are exposed to A-weighted sound levels exceeding 85 dB even though a cab is used. NIOSH studied the in-cab sound levels of one such rig. Next, field tests were performed in a production environment to evaluate noise controls to reduce in-cab sound levels. (PDF, 3828 KB, 2007-05)
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| Independent Contractor Accident Trends in the Coal Mining Industry A detailed report on independent contractor accidents in the coal mining industry covering 1985 through 1994. (PDF, 393 KB, 1996-08) |
| Independent Contractor Employment and Accident Trends in Metal/NonMetal Mining An assessment of independent contractor accidents at metal/nonmetal mines in the U.S. from 1985 through 1994. (PDF, 437 KB, 1996-07) |
| Independent Contractor Trends in the United States Mining Industry Employment and accident trends of independent contractors working at coal and noncoal mines in the United States are reported. (PDF, 254 KB, 1996) |
| In-depth Survey Report: Control Technology for Environmental Enclosures - The Effect of Wind Speed Upon Aerosol Penetration Into an Enclosure at Clean Air Filter, Defiance, IA The effect of wind speed upon aerosol penetration into an idealized enclosure was studied. (PDF, 474 KB, 1999-02) |
| An Inexpensive Dual-Chamber Particle Monitor: Laboratory Characterization Recent advances in technology have enabled the development of a small, portable, data-logging particle monitor modified from commercial smoke alarm technology that can meet the needs of surveys in the developing world at reasonable cost. There is significant potential for this monitor to facilitate the evaluation of interventions (improved fuels, stoves, and ventilation) on indoor air pollution levels. (PDF, 1986 KB, 2006)
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| Inexpensive, Easy to Construct Materials-handling Devices for Underground Mines The U.S. Bureau of Mines developed and tested designs for six materials-handling devices for use in underground mines to reduce materials-handling injuries. Particular attention was focused on making the designs practical, low cost, and easily fabricated. The devices include scoop-mounted lift boom, swing-arm boom, heavy component lift-transport, mine mud cart, container-work station cart, and timber car. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Inflatable Partitions for High-Expansion Foam Generators The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed an inflatable feed-tube seal (IFTS) for high-expansion foam generators. The IFTS is a lightweight, portable, rectangular inflatable bag that can be used by firefighters to rapidly seal large openings, such as those in underground mines, and to simultaneously provide a feed-tube for a high-expansion foam generator. Thus allows fire-fighting foam to freely flow to the fire site and control or extinguish the fire. Studies indicated that a high-expansion foam plug will travel 183 m (600 ft) down an entry with a 4.5% rise in elevation, before leakage of foam from around the inflatable partition. (PDF, 954 KB, 1995-06)
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| Influence of Electrode Material on Spark Ignition Probability The Bureau of Mines completed an investigation of the influence of material on the ignition probability using the breakflash apparatus. This report presents results of an investigation into the influence of disk electrode material on the probability of ignition. (PDF, 2674 KB, 1992)
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| Influence of Overlying Strata on Methane Emissions in a Northern West Virginia Coal Mine Since 1970, abnormally high methane emissions have been observed in eastern sections of the Federal No. 2 Mine operating in the Pittsburgh coalbed in northern West Virginia. The nature and volume of these emissions indicate a source other than the coalbed. An investigation was undertaken to delineate probable methane sources. (PDF, 954 KB, 1984)
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| The Influence of Seam Height on Lost-Time Injury and Fatality Rates at Small Underground Bituminous Coal Mines Due to variations in the thickness of U.S. coal seams, there is great variability in the height of the roof where underground miners work. Using the employment and injury data reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) from 1990 to 1996, small underground bituminous coal mines with less than 50 employees were stratified by average coal seam height according to several categories. (PDF, 590 KB, 2001-11)
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| Initial Stability Study of Large Openings for the National Underground Science Laboratory at the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD The investigation reported here is an initial study of the stability of the first of the proposed chambers at the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD. (PDF, 206 KB, 2002-07)
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| Initial Study of Buried Communication Cable for Underground Mines The objective of this project was to perform a preliminary study to determine the desirability/practicality of burying the communication cables in underground mines in order to protect then from the effects of fires and explosions. We found the overall desirability/practicality of cable burial must be regarded at this time as highly questionable,. (PDF, 2399 KB, 1982-02)
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| Injuries Associated with Continuous Miners, Shuttle Cars, Load-haul-dump, and Personnel Transport in New South Wales Underground Coal Mines Australian compensation statistics suggest that 22% of all lost time claims in the mining industry are associated with mobile plant and transport. A previous analysis of injury data obtained over 10 years from six mines suggested that the equipment most commonly involved in these injuries were continuous miners, shuttle cars, load-haul-dump vehicles and personnel transport. This paper reports an analysis of the narrative text fields accompanying all reports of injuries associated with these equipment types in New South Wales underground coal mines in the three years to June 2005. (PDF, 265 KB, 2006)
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| Injuries, Illnesses, and Hazardous Exposures in the Mining Industry, 1986-1995: A Surveillance Report This surveillance report summarizes data on work-related fatal and nonfatal injuries, illnesses, and hazardous exposures in the mining industry for the 10-year period 1986-1995. (PDF, 2089 KB, 2000-05)
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| Injury Analysis of Pennsylvania Small Surface Coal Mines This paper is a descriptive analysis of injuries and fatalities at small surface bituminous coal mining companies in Pennsylvania. (PDF, 1422 KB, 1998)
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| In-Mine Evaluation of Smart Mine Fire Sensor This paper describes the in-mine evaluation of a smart mine fire sensor system and discusses recommendations for improving the system. (PDF, 433 KB, 2008)
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| In-Mine Evaluation of Smoke Detectors An report on the evaluation of smoke detectors placed in conveyor belt entries of underground coal mines. Recommendations for performance standards, sensitivity tests, detector classification and maintenance are also presented. (PDF, 1553 KB, 1992)
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| In-Mine Evaluation of Underground Fire and Smoke Detectors The current state of the art of fire and smoke detection technology is reviewed from the standpoint of suitability for use in underground metal and nonmetal mines. Detection modes, fire signatures, and environmental considerations are included. Preliminary results of long-term, in-mine tests are presented. (PDF, 3024 KB, 1978-10)
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| In-Mine Test of the Bureau of Mines Preproduction Wireless Survey System The Bureau of Mines preproduction wireless survey system (WSS) and its performance during an in-mine test are discussed in this report. The WSS was developed to reduce downhole surveying time in order to increase the efficiency of drilling long horizontal methane drainage boreholes in coal. Borehole survey data are electromagnetically transmitted from the downhole guidance probe of the WSS, via the drill rod, to the uphole subsystem in less than 1 min per survey transmission, regardless of borehole depth. (PDF, 2550 KB, 1990)
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| Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Classroom Health and Safety Training After thoroughly covering the health and safety training subjects required under Title 30, Part 48, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mine operators often find themselves with little or no time left in the class schedule for other important topics. This paper discusses a technique developed in partnership with RAG Twentymile Coal Co., Oak Creek, CO, for incorporating employee participation at all levels in fire prevention and safe equipment operation training outside of traditional classrooms. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Innovative Strategies for Mine Fire Preparedness During the past 15 years the number of reportable mine fires has declined. A decline in the number of reportable fires is a gross indicator that allows experts to say something about the underground coal industry generally: There has been some improvement in overall mine fire preparedness. However, such an indicator is less reliable as a predictor of readiness at any particular operation. (PDF, 152 KB, 1998)
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| Inquiring Ears Want to Know: A Fact Sheet about Your Hearing Test This sheet explains your audiogram (hearing test) and gives some basic information about protecting your hearing. (PDF, 287 KB, 2007-11) |
| Insights on Technology Transfer from the Bureau of Mines The U.S. Bureau of Mines was established in 1910 to reduce the high accident rate in the nation's coal mines. This essay identifies and discusses five "transfer factors" that can explain the success (or failure) of many Bureau of Mines projects. (PDF, 287 KB, 2000-03)
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| An In-Situ Diffusion Parameter for the Pittsburgh and Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbeds In this report the importance of diffusion in controlling the emission of methane in mines is examined. An in situ diffusion parameter is defined and calculated for a hypothetical unfractured lump of coal in the Pittsburgh and Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbeds. The values obtained are similar to those obtained with lump coal in laboratory experiments. (PDF, 447 KB, 1972)
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| Installation of a Digital, Wireless, Strong-Motion Network for Monitoring Seismic Activity in a Western Colorado Coal Mining Region This paper describes a seismic monitoring network that has recently been installed in the North Fork Valley coal mining region of western Colorado as part of a NIOSH mine safety technology transfer project with two longwall coal mine operators. (PDF, 619 KB, 2007)
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| Instrumentation for Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions Research The results of a series of tests in an underground mine were used to evaluate several measurement methods that are currently used to characterize particulate matter emitted by diesel-powered equipment. This paper presents an overview of these techniques and examples of the results, along with a discussion of the advantages and information gained by each technique. The measurement methods include particle size measurements using a scanning mobility particle sizer, total particulate matter measurements using a tapered elemental oscillating microbalance, a size-selective sampling method for workplace and personal exposure assessment, and a size-selective high-volume sampling method for carbon analysis. (PDF, 572 KB, 2006)
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| An Integrated Approach for Managing Diesel Emission Controls for Underground Metal Mines Recent NIOSH experience suggests that more attention may be needed in managing the issues associated with diesel emissions and their control. The author argues that a holistic approach is needed that involves several key mine operations, departments, or disciplines by positing that workplace air can be considered as the product of a complex manufacturing process and examining how that process could be managed. (PDF, 57 KB, 2006)
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| Interaction of Radio Transmissions on Mine Monitoring and Control Systems This report describes the creation of an efficient method to determine if command, control, communication, and monitoring (3cm) equipment in coal, metal, and nonmetal mines is susceptible to radio frequency interference (RFI) from the medium-frequency (MF) radio communications system. A qualitative and quantitative RFI test plan was developed for in-mine and laboratory evaluation of the equipment. Detailed information on the test plan and the transverse electromagnetic wave chamber is included. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing was done on three levels: component (circuit or box), subsystems, and system. Tables show the results of testing various equipment for RFI. (PDF, 2036 KB, 1986)
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| International Experience with Longwall Mining into Pre-Driven Rooms Unusual circumstances may require that a longwall retreat into or through a previously driven room; there have been a number of spectacular failures which exposed miners to serious roof fall hazards. To help determine what factors contribute to such failures, NIOSH compiled a comprehensive international database of 130 case histories. (PDF, 663 KB, 1998)
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| The Introduction of Roof Bolting to U.S. Underground Coal Mines (1948-1960): A Cautionary Tale Perhaps the most significant development in coal mine ground control during the last century was the introduction of roof bolting during the late 1940's and 1950's. From an engineering standpoint, roof bolts are inherently more effective than the wood timbers they replaced. The story of how roof bolting was implemented by the mining industry, but took so long to live up to its promise, is a fascinating example of the interaction between economics, technology, regulation, and science. It still has important lessons for today. (PDF, 3504 KB, 2002)
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| Investigation of a Rock-Burst Site, Sunshine Mine, Kellogg, Idaho Rock masses in deep-level mines are subject to high stresses, which can result in unexpected failure of rock into mined-out openings. Personnel from two research centers of the former U.S. Bureau of Mines, Spokane and Twin Cities, investigated a rock burst that occurred in May of 1994 in a rock mass between the 4400 and 4600 levels of the Sunshine Mine, Kellogg, ID. (PDF, 336 KB, 1997)
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| Investigation of a Slip/Fall Accident Instructor's guide and materials to provide training on investigation of slip/fall accidents. (PDF, 11703 KB, 1999-10) |
| Investigation of Ampacity Derating Factors for Shuttle Cars Using Fiber Optics Technology A method is described to determine dynamically the conductor temperature of reeled shuttle car cables using fiber optics technology. (PDF, 256 KB, 1997-10)
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| Investigation of Coal Properties and Airborne Respirable Dust Generation Laboratory testing and results are presented where five bituminous coals were prepared and processed through a double roll crusher located in a low-velocity wind tunnel. The results indicate that a combination of several factors are associated with airborne respirable dust generation. (PDF, 266 KB, 1998-10)
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| Investigation of Electromagnetic Emissions in a Deep Underground Mine Field studies were conducted to record electromagnetic (EM) emissions at the Galena Mine, Wallace, Idaho. The goal of the research was to determine if EM emissions were valid precursors to imminent ground failure. (PDF, 275 KB, 2004-08)
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| Investigation of Fully Grouted Roof Bolts Installed Under In Situ Conditions This paper describes the results of three studies: 1) A series of 24 pull tests of bolts installed fully grouted and overcored to leave 12 inches of grouted bolt. The tests compared the pull-out performance of offset-head roof bolts with that of standard 5/8-inch bolts; 2) A second series of 24 tests that compared the pull-out loads obtained by bolts installed with 1 ft of resin (a Short Encapsulation Pull Test or SEPT) to that of fully grouted bolts overcored to leave only 12 inches of grouted bolt, and; 3) An investigation into the pressures generated during the installation of fully grouted resin bolts. (PDF, 364 KB, 2005)
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| Investigation of Longwall Face Ventilation Air-Splitting Methods for Improved Dust Control Two types of airflow splitting methods for improving longwall dust control were investigated by NIOSH's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. These methods included a transducer mesh barrier and a staged spray barrier system to confine the shearer-generated dust to the coal extraction side of the longwall face while maintaining a cleaner split of airflow on the opposing worker walkway side of the longwall face. (PDF, 1293 KB, 1999)
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| Investigation of Methane Emissions From an Advancing Face in the Belle Isle Domal Salt Mine, Louisiana The Bureau of Mines measured methane emission rates from an advancing salt face ranging from 15 to 56 ft3/ton (0.5 to 1.8 M3/t). Small room size, use of a continuous miner, and a well-defined ventilation system made possible air velocity and methane concentration measurements. These measurements, representing data from 18 production days, were conducted in an area of abnormally low- grade salt. Methane emissions occurred primarily during the advance of the salt face by continuous miner. (PDF, 2100 KB, 1982)
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| Investigation of Methane Occurrence and Outbursts in the Cote Blanche Domal Salt Mine, Louisiana The Bureau of Mines conducted an investigation into the occurrence of outbursts of salt known to be responsible for explosions, fatalities, and damage in domal salt mines. The purpose of the investigation was to develop a basis for predicting these outbursts based on geologic and associated physical properties of salt. The investigation was conducted at the Cote Blanche salt mine in southern Louisiana. (PDF, 1709 KB, 1988)
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| Investigation of Pillar-Roof Contact Failure in Northern Appalachian Stone Mine Workings The roof in underground limestone mines in Northern Appalachia can be subject to high horizontal stresses in spite of the shallow depth of the workings. A case study is presented in which failure at the pillar-roof contact was observed where the dip of the workings was 7 deg. in a high horizontal stress field. The high horizontal stresses at this site are an important contributing factor to the observed failures. (PDF, 366 KB, 2004-08)
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| Investigation of Similarities Between Methane Drainage Potential of Utah's Sunnyside Coalbed and Eastern U.S. Coalbeds An investigation of the effectiveness of methane drainage in the lower Sunnyside coalbed at Kaiser Steel Corp. Sunnyside No. 1 Mine in Utah. Most previous attempts to drain methane gas using long horizontal holes were conducted in the eastern coal province. Four degasification holes were drilled from the outside entries of an advancing section. The four holes reduced face emissions by 78 pct. (PDF, 525 KB, 1986)
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| Investigation of the Jacking Force Capability of Tunnel Liners Steel liner plates, which are bolted together to form a shell, are commonly used to provide temporary protective linings in the tunneling industry to ensure the stability of the tunnel and safety of the workers until more permanent ground reinforcement can be installed. This report summarizes the full-scale test results, examines design parameters that impact the jacking force capability, and develops new mathematical models to improve the prediction of design loads. (PDF, 2262 KB, 2002)
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| Issues for Training an Evolving Emergency Management Workforce: A View from the U.S. Mining Community This paper reviews research from the U.S. mining community to define issues relevant to an evolving national and international workforce and relate them to the emergency response population. (PDF, 740 KB, 2002-05)
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| Jet Fan Ventilation in Very Deep Cuts - A Preliminary Analysis This report investigates that application of jet fans to ventilate cuts that extend beyond 40 feet. The results of tests involving a jet fan in a 90 foot entry, its benefits and potential problems are discussed. (PDF, 1756 KB, 1992)
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| Job Design: An Effective Strategy for Reducing Back Injuries This paper discusses methods for reducing musculoskeletal injuries in mines. It covers the implementation of ergonomics committees, identifying hazards, formulating and implementing solutions, and followup analysis to ensure the effectiveness of changes and to guard against the introduction of new ergonomic or safety hazards. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Job Training Analysis: A Process for Quickly Developing a Roadmap for Teaching and Evaluating Job Skills This report describes a process called job training analysis (JTA) for quickly developing information that is useful for skills training. Its main use is to structure skills training at the jobsite by identifying job duties, tasks, and steps and the reasons why those job components are important. The outcome of the process is a worksheet - a training outline based on the knowledge and expertise of experienced workers. Time invested in developing a JTA will save significantly more time when it is used appropriately by skilled trainers. (PDF, 927 KB, 2006-08)
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| Judgment and Decision-Making Under Stress: An Overview for Emergency Managers This paper discusses human judgment and decision making under stress. The authors assert that stress is one of the factors that decision makers must contend with in most life-or-death situations. (PDF, 711 KB, 2003)
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| Knowledge Management and Transfer for Mine Emergency Response US coal mining organizations are losing the knowledge they need in order to be able to respond to emergencies. Knowledge management provides a useful perspective from which to view the problem, but the debate about what constitutes knowledge should be broadened to include a debate about what constitutes management.
(PDF, 173 KB, 2006)
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| Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators This paper describes laboratory and field tests designed to evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation and operator exposure from a roof bolter´s dust collection system. (PDF, 3399 KB, 2008)
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| Laboratory and Field Performance of a Continuously Measuring Personal Respirable Dust Monitor This report includes the theory of operation, description, and the performance of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) compared to gravimetric-based reference dust sampling methods and laboratory verification of the instruments accuracy. There is also a detailed underground evaluation that includes measurement of the instruments precision, durability under mine use conditions, and the functionality of the instrument when used by miners. (PDF, 1735 KB, 2006-09)
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| Laboratory Evaluation of a Canopy Air Curtain for Controlling Occupational Exposures of Roof Bolters Testing at NIOSH assessed the effectiveness of a canopy air curtain for controlling occupational exposures to respirable silica and coal dusts. (PDF, 303 KB, 2001)
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| Laboratory Evaluation of Pressure Differential-based Respirable Dust Detector Tube Assessment of exposure to occupational dusts is a first step in reducing exposures to harmful dust concentrations. A new type of respirable dust sampler was developed and compared side-by-side to personal gravimetric samplers in the laboratory. (ASP, KB, 2000-01)
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| Laboratory Evaluation of Shield Dust Entrainment in High-Velocity Airstreams Laboratory test to simulate dust liberation during shield movement were conducted. (PDF, 707 KB, 2001) |
| Laboratory Investigation of Enclosed Cab Filtration System Performance Factors NIOSH experimental investigation results indicate that the intake filter efficiency and recirculation filter were the two most influential factors on cab protection performance. (PDF, 150 KB, 2008)
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| Laboratory Investigation of Seat Suspension Design Performance during Vibration Testing Researchers performed laboratory studies on four passive and two semi-active seat suspension designs. These six seat suspension systems were tested and analyzed, for vertical vibration only, using the ISO 5007 Standard. (PDF, 502 KB, 2006)
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| Laboratory Testing To Quantify Dust Entrainment During Shield Advance A series of controlled laboratory tests were conducted in a test stand simulating shield dust entrainment to evaluate changes in airborne respirable dust levels at different air velocities. (PDF, 223 KB, 2001)
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| Large-Scale Strata Response to Longwall Mining: A Case Study This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes a study of large-scale strata response to longwall mining at a western U.S. coal mine. This study utilized surface and subsurface measurements, geologic mapping, in situ stress measurements, and pressure cell readings to characterize strata behavior. (PDF, 1429 KB, 1992)
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| Laser Ignition of Flammable Gas Emerging laser technologies are quickly gaining acceptance in the industrial workplace. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting research to help provide a scientific basis for developing appropriate safety guidelines for optical equipment in the presence of flammable methane gas and/or coal dust. (PDF, 512 KB, 1999)
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| Leadership Characteristics in Escape from Three Underground Mine Fires The characteristics of leaders under the duress of an emergency are important in the development of emergency planning, training, and in the management of an actual emergency. The U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed the leadership behavior in three underground mine fire escapes. This paper discusses the profile of six individual leadership characteristics which emerged from the data. (PDF, 753 KB, 1996)
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| Lifting in Stooped and Kneeling Postures: Effects on Lifting Capacity, Metabolic Cost, and Electromyography of Eight Trunk Muscles Results of this Bureau of Mines study indicate that it may be advisable to reduce the weight of materials that are handled repetitively in the kneeling posture. (PDF, 495 KB, 1988)
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| Lightning Propagation Through the Earth and its Potential for Methane Ignitions in Abandoned Areas of Underground Coal Mines This paper addresses the question, 'Can lightning cause potential differences capable of igniting methane-and-air mixtures at overburden depths at which underground coal mining occurs?' (PDF, 614 KB, 2002)
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| Limestone Mining - Is It Noisy or Not? Presents the results of noise research conducted in both underground and surface limestone mines, detailing the equipment likely to cause worker overexposures and the occupations experiencing overexposures. Implications for worker noise exposure reduction are also reported. (PDF, 385 KB, 2006)
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| Limestone Mining: Is it Noisy or Not? This article presents the results of the noise research conducted in both underground and surface limestone mines, detailing the equipment likely to cause worker overexposures, and the occupations experiencing overexposures. Implications for worker noise exposure reduction are also reported. (PDF, 1903 KB, 2006)
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| Load and Deflection Response of Ventilation Stoppings to Longwall Abutment Loading: A Case Study Few studies have specifically measured and documented the large-scale loading behavior and durability of ventilation stoppings to mining induced movements, particularly from longwalls. This paper presents the investigations of underground measurements that have been conducted to determine the loading response of stoppings constructed from lightweight aggregate concrete masonry units.
(PDF, 707 KB, 2001)
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| Load Capacity and Stiffness Characteristics of Screen Materials Used for Surface Control in Underground Coal Mines NIOSH conducted an evaluation of screen materials commonly used in U.S. coal mines to determine their support characteristics and identify the parameters that could affect their performance with respect to controlling the fall of rock from the roof surface. (PDF, 805 KB, 2006)
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| The Long-term Performance of Surface Support Liners for Ground Control in an Underground Limestone Mine The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the preliminary findings of a long-term underground study of various types of surface support liners, and to examine installation practices that are critical for an effective liner material application. (PDF, 566 KB, 2003-08)
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| Longwall Gob Degasification With Surface Ventilation Boreholes Above the Lower Kittanning Coalbed Methane emission from two surface gob-degasification boreholes was measured by the Bureau of Mines. The investigation took place during mining of a 3,200-foot longwall panel in the Lower Kittanning coalbed in central Pennsylvania. The first hole was 500 feet from the start of mining, and the second hole was 2,200 feet. The first hole went on natural draft as soon as the longwall face passed it. This caused the methane flow in the return entries to drop 75 pct. In the 6 months required to complete the panel, the two holes emitted 69 MMcf of methane in varying percentages of concentration in air. In 3 years, the holes emitted a total of 150 MMcf of methane. (PDF, 649 KB, 1976)
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| Longwall Retreat of Gate Road Pillars This report describes an investigation into the removal of gate road chain pillars in conjunction with longwall retreat mining. The objective was to determine, through evaluation of the loads imposed on the gate road pillars and supplemental support elements in the entries, how the pillars, supplemental support, and entries were affected by the longwall abutment pressure. The findings are the result of information collected from instrumentation and observation at the mine. (PDF, 1244 KB, 1993-01)
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| Longwall Shield and Standing Gateroad Support Designs - Is Bigger Better? Roof support systems, longwall shields in particular, have persistently grown in size and capacity for the past 25 years. Why is this? Is it a good thing or is it unnecessary? What are the consequences of this bigger-the-better design philosophy? Does high capacity ensure failures will not occur? There are fundamental aspects of support design and ground control that we still do not understand or recognize when designing a support system. This paper provides an interesting evaluation of these issues and proposes a different approach to support design that attempts to match the support performance characteristics to the ground behavior. (PDF, 705 KB, 2007)
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| Longwall Shield Recovery Using Mobile Roof Supports This paper addresses both the safety and the operational issues associated with mobile roof support (MRS) usage during shield recovery. It also discusses new developments, including the use of the inherently safer battery powered MRS's, which have been recently certified by MSHA. (PDF, 1217 KB, 2007)
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| Longwall Tailgates: The Technology for Roof Support Has Improved, but Optimization is Still Not There The primary objective of the paper will be to discuss strata mechanics and ways in which the support and strata interaction can be evaluated to provide an optimized secondary support design, particularly standing support systems, for longwall tailgates. (PDF, 566 KB, 2003)
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| Look Up, Look Down, Look Out A brochure about power line safety. (PDF, KB, 2004) |
| Lower Respirable Dust and Noise Exposure with an Open Structure Design NIOSH performed an evaluation to determine to what extent building types could impact respirable dust and noise levels. This report discusses the evaluation of three different types of product sizing silica sand structures: a masonry design, a steel-sided design, and an open structure design. The data obtained in this study indicate that the open structure design (no walls) was superior from both a dust and noise (health) standpoint compared to the other two structures. (PDF, 988 KB, 2006-11)
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| Lowering Respirable Dust at an Iron Ore Concentrator Plant Through Improved Ventilation Practices A cooperative research effort was established to lower respirable dust levels in an iron ore grinding and concentrator plant. The most significant improvement was realized by changing the ventilation profile throughout the entire facility. Another successful modification was to improve the sealing of a reclaim tunnel to the outside and to barricade the access point from the reclaim tunnel to the concentrator plant. These two modifications illustrate the impact that improvements in ventilation can have on lowering respirable dust concentrations in iron ore processing facilities. (PDF, 294 KB, 2006)
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| Low-Temperature Evolution of Hydrocarbon Gases From Coal Although it is generally believed that coal formation occurred at temperatures below 200 deg c, most experimental work on gas formation from coal has been performed at temperatures between 200 deg and 1,000 deg C. The objective of this Bureau of Mines experiment was to determine if observable changes in the gases from coal could be produced at temperatures below 200 deg c in relatively short periods of time. (PDF, 1056 KB, 1974)
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| Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor (MMCRDM) based on the tapered-element oscillating microbalance (TEOM®) sensing technology. The sensor can be mounted on mobile mining equipment and can continuously and accurately measure respirable coal mine dust mass concentrations despite the rigors of the underground mine environment. The display shows dust levels averaged over various intervals and a graph of the shift average as a function of time. The monitor also incorporates several automatic diagnostic functions to detect system failure or tampering. (PDF, 1759 KB, 1997-10)
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| Magnetic Field Strength Mapping of the Helvetia Coal Co. Lucerne No. 5 Mine at Medium Frequency This report describes magnetic field measurements in the Helvetia Coal Co. Lucene No. 8 Mine for purposes of deriving a mapping of the magnetic field strength covering the major haulageways which contain conductors. The results of the testing at medium frequency show that coverage of the entire mine area containing conductors can be achieved employing wireless radio techniques whereby radio signals are coupled into and are carrled by these conductors. This report presents all the raw data and the reduced data in the form of magnetic field strength contour maps. Sufficient information is provided to enable independent reduction of the data. A summary of observations which can be made directly from the contour maps is given. (PDF, 568 KB, 1977)
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| Maintainability Design Checklist 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. (PDF, 50 KB, 1996)
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| Make it Safer with Roof Screen - Instructional Materials The document is instructional material for a 7-minute video that shows how well roof screen keeps loose rock from falling in difficult roof conditions. (PDF, 1575 KB, 2005-03)
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| Managing Excess Gas Emissions Associated with Coal Mine Geologic Features This chapter summarizes how certain geologic features may be associated with unexpected
increases in gas emissions during coal mining. These unexpected emissions have the potential to create explosive conditions in the underground workplace. Also discussed are the generally used practices to alleviate potential hazards caused by gas emissions associated with these geologic features. (PDF, 4851 KB, 2006)
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| Mapping Hazards with Microseismic Technology to Anticipate Roof Falls - A Case Study More that 700 microseismic emissions were collected from two underground limestone mine roof fall areas in southwestern Pennsylvania. Microseismic events were located and magnitudes determined using the moment magnitude technique. The amount of new fracture surface length was calculated based on the stored strain energy within the rock prior to fracture. A significant amount of microseismic activity was observed as much as two days before the first signs of failure in the roof fall areas. Additionally, results from this analysis reveal much about the behavior of strata prone to failure and allows for the construction of hazard maps based on microseismic emissions. (PDF, 855 KB, 2004-08)
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| Material Properties Affecting the Stability of a 50-Year-Old Rock Dump in an Active Mine Material properties affecting slope stability were measured in a large 50-year-old, partially consolidated rock dump located in an active open-pit mine. Field tests included single-ring infiltration and density. (PDF, 3455 KB, 1999-12)
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| Materials Handling Accident Reduction in Underground Mines Handling materials in underground mines continues to be a major safety problem. To reduce single-event lift injuries, equipment having mechanical automatic weight sensing and balancing control was investigated. The Coleman manipulator was selected for testing. Modifications were made to make it more suitable for underground mine use. The authors also discuss other innovative ways to improve materials handling. (PDF, 5347 KB, 2001-09)
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| Maximizing the Ventilation of Large-Opening Mines NIOSH research suggest that by incorporating ventilation planning into the mine planning process, using propeller fans, developing new stopping materials and construction methods, and using long pillars to eliminate crosscuts where possible, the ventilation of large-opening mines can be significantly improved. (PDF, 229 KB, 2006-06)
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| Measurement Method for Determining Absorption Coefficients for Underground Mines Mine workers are exposed to additional noise levels underground due to the reflection of machine generated noise that would otherwise dissipate in an above ground setting. This paper presents a method using a ray-tracing technique to determine absorption coefficients, for octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz, for underground mines. (PDF, 230 KB, 2007-11)
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| A Measurement Method for Determining Absorption Coefficients for Underground Mines This paper will present a method using a ray-tracing technique to determine absorption coefficients for underground mines. Absorption coefficients are determined and presented for octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz. The absorption coefficients will be essential for determining and predicting potential noise overexposure to machine operators in different mine environments. (PDF, 162 KB, 2006)
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| Measurement of Airflow in a Simulated Underground Mine Environment Using an Ultrasonic Anemometer Reports on a test system and computer program developed for using a three-axis ultrasonic anemometer to measure airflow in a simulated mine entry. (PDF, 461 KB, 2004)
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| Measuring Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines Using Submicron Elemental Carbon as a Surrogate Elemental carbon (EC) is used as a surrogate for regulating the exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) of underground metal/nonmetal miners. Currently, EC represents DPM well in underground mines. Some control technologies have been shown to possibly alter the relationship between DPM and EC and characteristics of DPM. Therefore, future work will investigate the relationship between DPM and EC as new control technologies are implemented. (PDF, 212 KB, 2006)
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| Measuring Formation Pressures and the Degree of Gas Drainage in a Large Coalbed Gas Drainage Field The Bureau of Mines and United States Steel Corp. are conducting a joint project to monitor formation pressures at a large (23-well) coalbed gas drainage field near Oak Grove, Alabama. Three monitor holes were drilled in late 1981, and pressure monitoring began in December 1981. The Bureau of Mines direct method was used to obtain gas content data from cores taken in the monitor holes. Comparison of the 1981 gas content data from the monitor holes with initial gas content values obtained from the production wells in 1977 indicates a 50-pct reduction in adsorbed gas content inside the pattern and a 29-pct reduction at one point 500 ft outside the pattern. (PDF, 1492 KB, 1985)
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| Measuring Mining Safety with Injury Statistics: Lost workdays as Indicators of Risk This paper describes an alternative measure of risk in mining using a beta distribution to model the losses and to compare underground coal mining to underground metal/nonmetal mining from 2000 to 2004. (PDF, 1529 KB, 2007-12)
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| Measuring the Gas Content of Coal: A Review Coalbed gas content measurements are commonly used in mine safety as well as coalbed methane resource assessment and recovery applications. Gas content determination techniques generally fall into two categories: (1) direct methods which actually measure the volume of gas released from a coal sample sealed into a desorption canister and (2) indirect methods based on empirical correlations, or laboratory derived sorption isotherm gas storage capacity data. Direct gas content determination techniques may be further,subdivided into quick-crushing and extended desorption methods. Direct method techniques for gas content measurement are the focus of this paper. (PDF, 1581 KB, 1998-02)
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| Measuring the Methane Content of Bituminous Coalbeds The methane content of virgin bituminous coalbed can now be measured accurately in the field with exploration core samples from vertical boreholes. The gas content of the coal per unit weight can be used either to design a mine ventilation system or to determine if degasification of the coalbed will be necessary before mining, and to determine the gas resources in the coalbed. The equipment necessary to conduct the test costs less than $50. The gas content of the coal in place in the ground is determined by summing the gas lost from coring, gas measured during desorption, and the residual gas in the coal. Friable coals emit nearly 96 pct of the total gas during desorption whereas a blocky coal emits only 60 pct of its total gas. Coalbeds that are ill defined as to their blocky or friable nature must be tested in the laboratory for unambiguous analysis. (PDF, 845 KB, 1975)
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| Mechanics of a Large, Strain-Type Rock Burst and Design for Prevention A case study of a rock burst was conducted as part of a project to reduce rock burst hazards being undertaken by the Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (PDF, 278 KB, 2002-07)
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| Medium Frequency Vehicular Control and Communications Systems for Underground Mines Theoretical and experimental research sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Mines shows that medium frequency (MF) electromagnetic (EM) signals propagate great distances in an underground environment such as a tunnel or mine. This propagation is enhanced by different mechanisms associated with the geology, and with the existence of metallic conductors in the entryways. (PDF, 507 KB, 1984)
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| A Medium Frequency Wireless Communication System For Underground Mines An underground medium frequency radio communications system has been developed and demonstrated in both coal and metal/non metal mines. The principal advantage of the system are its low cost, ease of installation and the ability to provide radio communications to any vehicle or roving miner in the underground mine. The system provides high quality radio coverage in work areas and along manways with existing "wireplant" conductors. The conductors include AC power cable, telephone cable, metal water and high pressure air pipes, etc. The measured communications range from the base station to mobile transceiver exceeded 12,500 ft without the use of repeaters. (PDF, 12385 KB, 1983-01)
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| A Medium Frequency Wireless Communication System for Underground Mines This report deals with information regarding a new Medium Frequency (MF) Wireless Communication System for underground mines. This new telecommunication system works on low loss electromagnetic wave propagation modes which allow it to provide quality radio communications almost anywhere in a mine. This paper covers the following: 1) MF design plan, 2) Overview of mine radio communications systems, 3) Preparations needed for designing an MF system, 4) MF equipment, 5) MF installation, 6) MF design considerations, 7) MF design specifications, and 8) Recommendations dealing with MF system. Experiments in four mines are illustrated to demonstrate the success and viability of the MF system. (PDF, 6897 KB, 1984-09)
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| Medium-Frequency Propagation in Coal Mines Medium-frequency (MF) waves can propagate in a coal seam, bounded above and below by conducting rock, in an approximate transverse electro-magnetic (TEM) transmission-line mode with the electric field vertical and the magnetic field horizontal. The theory of this coal seam mode is applied to recent MF data for a number of mines in order to classify the propagation characteristic of the mines in a simple way. The use of MF for mine communications is discussed. (PDF, 403 KB, 1978)
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| Metal Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 187 KB, 2003-07)
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| Metal Operator Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, a total of 256 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining sector,1 comprising 1.8% of all mining operations. Gold mines comprised 44.1% (n = 113) of all metal mining operations. Other types of metal mines were copper ore (n = 31; 12.1%), iron ore (n = 25; 9.8%), and lead and/or zinc ore (n = 21; 8.2%). Nevada is the state with the largest number of metal mines (n = 53; 20.7%). (PDF, 191 KB, 2004-01)
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| Metal Operator Mining Facts - 2003 In 2003, a total of 258 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining sector, comprising 1.8% of all mining operations. Gold mines comprised 44.2% (n = 114) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were iron ore (n = 29; 11.2%), copper ore (n = 28; 10.9%), and lead and/or zinc ore (n = 21; 8.1%). Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n = 48; 18.6%) followed by Alaska (n = 29; 11.2%). (PDF, 195 KB, 2005-02)
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| Metal Operator Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground metal mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 75 KB, 2007-09)
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| Methane Absorption in Oil Shale and Its Potential Mine Hazard The Bureau of Mines made laboratory absorption measurements on oil shale samples, which showed that the amount of methane absorbed is prorportional to pressure and oil yield, and can be much larger than would be predicted based solely on porosity. Oil shale cores collected in the field were also measured for their gas content using the Bureau of Mines direct method. Cores taken from deep locations and far from outcrops yielded more gas than cores from shallower locations or at outcrops, when taking into account variations in oil yield, and all data indicate that oil shale mines that are both deep and far from an outcrop will emit low levels of methane gas. (PDF, 628 KB, 1977)
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| Methane Accumulations in Coal Mine Roof Cavities The Bureau of Mines investigated the presence and extent of methane accumulations in mine roof cavities using a full-scale mine model. Methane was released at a constant rate into the roof of a cavity built onto a 700-ft wind tunnel. Two box-shaped roof cavities were used in the study: one had a volume of 114.7 cu ft; and the other had a volume of 57.3 cu ft. Methane concentration was measured at 28 sampling points in the cavities using 21 different combinations of gas emission rates and air velocities. Brattice hung in the cavity helped reduce methane concentrations without auxiliary ventilation. It was also found that the effective ventilation rate increased by a factor of 40 in the large cavity and by a factor of 20 in the small cavity when air velocity was increased from 100 to 600 ft/min. (PDF, 622 KB, 1978)
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| Methane and Dust Control by Water Infusion: Pittsburgh Coalbed (Fairview, W. Va.) The effect of water infusion on the flow of methane and on the production of dust was investigated at an active face in the Pittsburgh coalbed. The average total flow of methane at the face decreased by approximately 79 percent, whereas the flow from the ribs increased about 24 percent after infusion. On the day after infusion, dust concentrations appear to have been reduced; however, the presence of large quantities of rock dust obscured the results on the following days. (PDF, 863 KB, 1972)
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| Methane and Dust Controls for Longwalls: Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed, Grundy, Va. The periphery of longwall panels in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed is characterized by a zone of reduced permeability that inhibits the natural drainage of methane. However, natural drainage holes drilled during development have been found to reduce the gas content of the coal in this coalbed by over 90 percent. The effect of water infusion on dust during plowing operations was investigated using existing methane drainage holes. Both total and respirable dust levels were reduced by 40 to 79 percent. Water infusion of the panel proved more effective than did the use of a plow-mounted spray system. (PDF, 1130 KB, 1974)
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| Methane Content and Geology of the Hartshorne Coalbed in Haskell and Le Flore Counties, Okla. The Bureau of Mines developed data on the methane content of the Hartshorne coalbed, Haskell and Le Flore Counties, Oklahoma. The methane content is calculated to be between 1.1 and 1.5 trillion cubic feet. Methane increases with depth, but the rate of increase decreases with greater depths. Degasification in advance of mining is recommended for all mines operating at depths greater than 500 feet to reduce hazards and methane explosions, decrease mine ventilation costs, and conserve the natural gas that would be otherwise wasted. (PDF, 1104 KB, 1979)
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| Methane Contents of Oil Shale From the Piceance Basin, CO The Bureau of Mines determined the gas contents of 135 oil shale samples obtained from approximately 630 ft of core drilling. Drilling was done within a projected mining zone of the Cathedral Bluffs Mine, located in the Piceance basin of western Colorado. Methane contents were determined by the modified direct method, which can measure the volumes of several gases released from or reacted with mine rock without destructive sample treatment. (PDF, 2039 KB, 1987)
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| Methane Control at Continuous Miner Sections This chapter gives guidelines for preventing methane gas explosions at continuous miner sections
in coal mines, both at continuous miners and at roof bolters. The need to control peak
methane emissions is particularly stressed. Emphasis is also placed on ventilation principles,
monitoring for gas, and reducing frictional ignitions. (PDF, 4851 KB, 2006)
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| Methane Control by Isolation of a Major Coal Panel - Pittsburgh Coalbed As one of its projects for degasification of major panels of coal prior to mining within them, the Bureau of Mines conducted methane emission studies during development of a set of three headings 1,800 feet in a major coal panel (2,700 by 3,500 feet) which had been completely isolated by sets of main headings for 12 months in the Federal No. 2 Mine (Pittsburgh coalbed) in northern West Virginia. Similar emission studies were conducted in the development of two sets of main headings in virgin coal areas nearby. Comparing the two sets of data indicated that the isolated coal panel had been degasified by approximately 70 percent. (PDF, 497 KB, 1973)
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| Methane Control for Underground Coal Mines Ventilation has long been the primary means of controlling methane emissions in underground coal mines. However, as mining has progressed into gassier areas of U.S. coal basins, supplemental means of methane control have become of interest, if not a necessity, for continued safe and productive mining operations. This paper describes the history and technology of methane drainage in the United States and other countries. The methane drainage technology developed in European countries is a valuable resource since their longer history of mining has already forced mine operators to deal with methane emission problems only now being experienced in the United States. (PDF, 3232 KB, 1994)
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| Methane Control in Eastern U.S. Coal Mines : Proceedings of the Symposium of the Bureau of Mines/Industry Technology Transfer Seminar, Morgantown, W. Va., May 30-31, 1973 Research workers from the Bureau of Mines and industry met with other government and industry representatives at the Mont Chateau Lodge, Morgantown, West Virginia, on May 30-31, 1973, to discuss the current status of methane control in eastern U.S. coal mines. The opening remarks, the eight technical presentations, and the discussions of the members of a government-industry panel are published here for the benefit of those concerned with the control of methane in coal mines. (PDF, 8521 KB, 1973)
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| Methane Control in United States Coal Mines - 1972 Presents a brief summary of the explosion trends in United States coal mines for the past 160 years. These trends show that in spite of the overall improvements in mine safety, the number of fatalities from ignitions of methane has actually increased in recent years. Suggestions are made of procedures that can be utilized to reverse this trend. (PDF, 1249 KB, 1973)
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| Methane Control on Longwalls with Cross-Measure Boreholes (Lower Kittanning Coalbed) The cross-measure borehole technique is an effective method of controlling methane liberated by fracturing the roof strata in longwall gobs where overburden is less than 750 ft (229 m). About 71 pct of the methane produced by longwall mining in the Lower Kittaning coalbed was captured by the cross-measure boreholes. Borehole spacing is an important factor affecting the performance of the technique. (PDF, 1188 KB, 1985)
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| Methane Diffusion Parameters for Sized Coal Particles: A Measuring Apparatus and Some Preliminary Results A sorption apparatus for measuring the equilibrium sorption isotherm and the rate of diffusion of methane from fine-sized coal was designed and constructed. Preliminary work that used Pittsburgh and Pocahontas No. 3 Coal shows that the diffusion coefficient varies with pressure and that the fracture spacing in these two coals is substantially different. (PDF, 618 KB, 1972)
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| Methane Drainage Study in the Sunnyside Coalbed, Utah Discusses research to determine the effectiveness of long holes in degasifying an area of the upper split of the lower Sunnyside coalbed at Kaiser SteelCompany Sunnyside No. 1 mine. These holes were drilled from the two outside entries of a section that was closed to mining because of excessive methane emissions. Two holes drilled to 430 and 450 feet eventually reduced face emissions by about 40 pct. (PDF, 851 KB, 1978)
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| Methane Drainage Study Using an Underground Pipeline, Marianna Mine 58 The Bureau of Mines has completed an underground degasification project in which an underground piping system was used to transport methane from the coalbed to the surface. In a 10-month period four horizontal holes were drilled to an average depth of 1,450 feet. The underground piping system proved to be a safe and effective means of transporting methane from the coalbed to the surface. (PDF, 3837 KB, 1981)
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| Methane Drainage: Experience With Hydraulic Stimulation Through Slotted Casing The Bureau of Mines examined the wellbore of a vertical gas drainage well in the Mary Lee coalbed to determine the results of specific completion procedures in coal. A jet-slotting tool was used to cut four vertical slots through the casing about 1 ft below the coalbed. Even though stimulation treatment pressure was excessive, hydraulically induced channels were contained entirely within the target coal zone. Sand-filled, induced channels were horizontal, inclined, and vertical, and were propagated in directions similar to bedding planes, rock joint, and coal cleat directions measured in the mine. Variable gas flow rates, recorded during the productive life of the well, were attributed to chronic downhole pump malfunction and the slotted casing below the production zone. (PDF, 858 KB, 1978)
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| Methane Emission from U.S. Coal Mines in 1973, A Survey: A Supplement to IC 8558 This Bureau of Mines survey of methane emissions indicates that total daily emissions have declined from 227 mm ft3 in 1971 to 214.7 mm ft3 in 1973. The highest average daily emissions in million cubic feet per day are detailed by state. (PDF, 1562 KB, 1974)
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| Methane Emission from U.S. Coal Mines in 1975, A Survey : A Supplement to Information Circulars 8558 and 8659 This Bureau of Mines report tabulates methane emissions from U.S. Bituminous coal mines with daily emission rates of at least 100,000 cfd according to states, counties, and coalbeds. Most of the methane emitted is from mines in the Appalachian States. Thirty counties in nine states had daily methane emissions of 1 MMCFD or more. These emitted 93 percent of the total methane. The report lists 196 mines, of which 60 had daily methane emissions of 1 MMCFD or more. Included in this compilation are the identification and thickness of the coalbed, methane emission, coal production and ventilation rates, number of drifts, shafts, and slopes used for ventilation purposes, shaft depth, age of mine, and gas-to-coal ratio. (PDF, 1915 KB, 1977)
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| Methane Emission from U.S. Coal Mines, A Survey This survey was conducted to determine the magnitude of the methane emission and control problem in U.S. bituminous coal mines. The resultant data indicate that the emission rate for any given coalbed depends primarily on the coal production rate and on mine depth, as well as on the nature of the coalbed and the surrounding strata. An excellent correlation was found between (1) the methane emission rate and (2) the product of coal production rate and mine depth for area mines. (PDF, 3003 KB, 1972)
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| Methane Emission in Coal Mines: Effects of Oil and Gas Wells The method of moving averages was found useful in assessing the nature of methane emission in coal mines. Emission rates were influenced markedly by the presence of abandoned oil and gas wells in the vicinity of the mine. Such wells appeared to increase the flow rate of methane into the mine by a factor of 2 to 30 in an active mine in the Pittsburgh coal seam. (PDF, 2665 KB, 1972)
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| Methane Emission Rate Studies in a Central Pennsylvania Mine The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of methane emissions during coal extraction by a longwall mining system. The study was conducted over 22 consecutive shifts. The average methane emission rate from the Lower Kittanning coalbed during mining at the face and developing the headings at the tail end of the face was 34 cfm. Caving of the gassy overlying strata as the result of mining at the face increased the methane emission to rates ranging from 702 to 1,049 cfm. (PDF, 656 KB, 1971)
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| Methane Emission Rate Studies in a Northern West Virginia Mine Methane emission rates were studied in a Pittsburgh coalbed mine in northern West Virginia. Air volumes and methane percentages were recorded, and time studies of the miner were made during five consecutive operating days, during which a complete cycle of mining the headings and one line of related breakthroughs was accomplished. (PDF, 780 KB, 1970)
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| Methane Emission Rate Study in a Deep Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed Mine in Conjunction With Drilling Degasification Holes in the Coalbed A degasification experiment was conducted in a Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed mine in Virginia. It involved (1) drilling holes in the coalbed in the outside headings of a set of five being developed in virgin area and (2) conducting a methane emission rate study as mining progressed and additional holes were drilled. Degasification from all drill holes except the longest in each of the outside headings and the first three drilled (excluding the in situ pressure hole) was erratic and inconsequential in methane emission rates. The two longest holes liberated 66 and 79 cfm of methane, which is significant for the coalbed, but such quantity lasted a relatively short time; the first three were uniform but low in methane emission. (PDF, 688 KB, 1972)
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| Methane Emissions from an Advancing Coal Mine Section in the Pittsburgh Coalbed The methane emissions from an advancing coal mine section were continuously monitored for 120 days. During this time, the section advanced 2,000 feet into virgin Pittsburgh coalbed producing 54,565 tons of coal with a total methane emission of 91 million ft3. Analysis of the data gathered showed that daily methane emissions did not correlate with overburden thickness and daily coal production. A good correlation was found between the daily methane emission and the average length of rib exposed to virgin coal. (PDF, 444 KB, 1976)
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| Methane Emissions from Four Working Places in the Beckley Mine, Raleigh County, W. Va. The Beckley Mine is one of five new mines in a heretofore unmined portion of the Beckley coalbed. The remoteness of these new mines from prior mining and their greater overburden preclude applying methane emission experience obtained in the old mines. Four sections of the Beckley Mine were monitored. The data gathered show that variations in methane emission cannot be explained by variations in coal production. Although overburdens varied by as much as 30 pct, no correlation with methane emissions could be determined. The rib emissions increase with increased length of rib from a section advancing into virgin coal and do not decline over a prolonged idle period (32 days) whereas some decline has been measured for a section not mining into virgin coal. The indication is that degasification prior to mining will reduce the hazard of methane emissions in this area of the Beckley coalbed. (PDF, 526 KB, 1977)
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| Methane Emissions from Gassy Coals in Storage Silos The methane gas emitted from coal samples collected from the conveyor belts dumping into silos was measured. Approximately 50 pct of the total gas desorbed into a sealed can within 1 week was released during the first 24 hours. No simple correlation between the gassiness of the coal stored and the methane concentration in the silo open space above the coal was found. This was probably because the gassier coals were stored in open-top silos, which were better ventilated. Although the methane concentration in the open space above the coal pile was less than 1 pct for all 34 silos investigated, a methane measurement in the coal pile showed that high methane concentrations can exist. The methane released in the pile appears to accumulate and not liberate freely into the open space above the coal pile. Probably this gas is released during reclaiming operations, but further research is required to substantiate this claim. (PDF, 583 KB, 1978)
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| Methane Emissions from U.S. Coal Mines in 1980 A tabulation of methane emissions during 1980 for all United States coal mines with emissions greater than 0.1 MMcfd. The report also compares records of 1975 and 1980 and describes relationships between emissions in 1980 and the Bureau's coalbed gas content data on 11 mines. (PDF, 1325 KB, 1984)
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| Methane Gas Content of the Mary Lee Group of Coalbeds, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker Counties, Ala. It is estimated that more than 1 trillion cubic feet of methane is contained within the coals of the Mary Lee Group in Jefferson, eastern Tuscaloosa, and southern Walker Counties, Alabama. It is calculated that approximately 90 pct of the methane is at depths greater than 1,000 feet, and over half is contained under more than 1,500 feet of overburden. Degasification in advance of mining will increase mine safety, reduce ventilation expenditures, increase productivity, provide an additional energy source, and make it possible to mine parts of deep coalbeds that probably could not otherwise be mined. (PDF, 465 KB, 1976)
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| The Methane Migration and Storage Characteristics of the Pittsburgh, Pocahontas No. 3, and Oklahoma Hartshorne Coalbeds Methane flows and pressures were measured in mines in the Pittsburgh, Hartshorne, and Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbeds. From the data, the permeability of each of these coalbeds was computed. (PDF, 756 KB, 1972)
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| Methane Migration Characteristics of the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed Methane-flow and pressure data taken from a mine in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed are compared with flow rates from lump coal obtained in laboratory experiments. From this, it is concluded that the main source of gas is the intact coalbed rather than a "crushed zone" near the working face. The permeability and sorption capacity of the intact coalbed are calculated and gas emission rates are theoretically accounted for. (PDF, 714 KB, 1972)
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| Methane-Air Mixtures Ignited by CW Laser-Heated Targets on Optical Fiber Tips: Comparison of Targets, Optical Fibers, and Ignition Delays Researchers conducted experiments to estimate the mean and standard deviation of laser powers needed to ignite 6% methane-air atmospheres using single mode optical fiber tips covered by two types of iron oxide (Fe3O4 and (FeMn)(2)O-3) mixed with a ceramic adhesive. (PDF, 2042 KB, 2006-09)
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| Method Factors for Anemometer Measurement at Pipe Outlets Gob holes are routinely used by the mining industry to vent methane from gobs and to prevent it from entering the mine ventilation system. In some cases, flows from gob holes are measured by centering an anemometer on the end of a discharge pipe. These measurements are erroneous and tend to be high by as much as 30 pct. The Bureau of Mines determined method factors (correction factors) for anemometer measurements taken in this manner. (PDF, 1040 KB, 1987)
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| A Method for Evaluating System Interactions in a Dynamic Work Environment Discusses a methodology to evaluate the causes of mishaps to develop recommendations to enhance safety. A specific case involves implementation of remotely controlled equipment in extended cut mining. (PDF, 214 KB, 1997)
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| A Method for Modeling Variation of In Situ Stress Related to Lithology Assuring ground control safety in many mining and tunneling projects depends, at least in part, on an understanding of in situ stress conditions that will be encountered. (PDF, 194 KB, 2001-07)
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| A Method for the Selection of Rock Support Based on Bolt Loading Measurements A method to assist in the evaluation and selection of roof bolts using in situ measurements of roof bolt loading has been developed by researchers of the Spokane Research Center, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (PDF, 452 KB, 1997)
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| A Method To Eliminate Explosion Hazards in Auger Highwall Mining The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated a method of using inert gas to prevent the formation of explosive gas mixtures in auger highwall mining of coal. A combination of gasoline and diesel engine exhaust gases was introduced into the auger drill hole using a short section of pipe located at the collar. (PDF, 3723 KB, 1993)
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| A Methodology for Determining Gob Permeability Distributions and its Application to Reservoir Modeling of Coal Mine Longwalls Methane can be a significant hazard in coal mine longwalling operations and extensive methane mitigation techniques are employed by coal mine operators. Reservoir modeling techniques are used to better understand the liberation and migration of methane from the surrounding rocks towards the mine ventilation system. The caved rock behind the advancing longwall face, known as the gob, can contain high void ratios, providing high permeability flow paths to the methane. The gob is progressively compacted by the weight of the overburden, resulting in a reduction in the void ratio and associated permeability. Estimating the permeability distribution within the gob poses challenges due to its complexity. The authors have developed a new methodology to determine both horizontal and vertical variations in the permeability of the gob. The resulting three-dimensional permeability distribution in the gob is then transferred to a reservoir model. The paper demonstrates the application of the method and shows that reasonable results are obtained when compared to empirical experience and measurements. (PDF, 1146 KB, 2007)
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| Methodology for Determining Occluded Gas Contents in Domal Rock Salt The Bureau of Mines has developed two experimental designs for determining the volumes and relative proportions of the various gas species, particularly methane (CH4), occluded in rock salt. The two methods are ball- mill crushing and dissolution. Of the two, the dissolution method appears to be more versatile because it can be performed in situ. The relevance and applicability of data on the occluded gas contents of rock salt are dependent on sample size, sample collection method, geologic context of the sample, and the correlation with gas emissions that occur as a result of mining-induced fractures and pressure differentials. (PDF, 651 KB, 1982)
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| Methods for Controlling Explosion Risk at Coal Mine Working Faces At coal mine working faces, simultaneous application of three basic elements reduces the methane explosion hazard: (1) adequate ventilation, (2) regular monitoring of gas concentrations, and (3) the elimination of ignition sources. This paper reviews the application of these elements in a manner relevant to Chinese coal mines. (PDF, 242 KB, 2007)
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| Methods for Determining Roof Fall Risk in Underground Mines This paper discusses a method to determine the roof fall risk using a qualitative risk analysis technique. (PDF, 322 KB, 2007-11) |
| Methods for Evaluating Explosion Resistant Ventilation Structures Large-scale explosion tests conducted within the multiple-entry section of NIOSH's Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM) are currently the only accepted test method for deeming a seal design suitable for use in U.S. mines. These explosion tests are labor-intensive, expensive, and can interfere with other critical underground safety and health research programs. NIOSH has developed an alternative seal evaluation method, based on a hydrostatic pressure-loading concept, that can facilitate the in situ testing of seals in an operating mine. This approach also allows for the determination of the seal's ultimate design strength. (PDF, 1046 KB, 2005)
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| Methods of Determining the Orientations of Bedrock Fracture Systems in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia This Bureau of Mines report describes photo-lineaments obtained from stereoscopic examination of vertical aerial photographs and by the ronchi grating study of aerial photoindex sheets. The photo- lineaments are compared with the trends of oriented fracture systems procured by measuring the compass direction of joints in bedrock. The relative reliability of the methods is shown, and the results are presented in graphical, tabular, and written form. The three methods give similar findings and verify the work of previous authors. The ronchi grid method is a useful guide, but it cannot be substituted for the two more painstaking methods. (PDF, 4240 KB, 1977)
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| Methods to Determine The Status of Mine Atmospheres - An Overview This paper serves as an overview to remind and/or instruct readers about gas-sampling methodologies and gas analyses to assist in determining the status of underground atmospheres. (PDF, 158 KB, 2006)
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| Methods to Determine the Status of Mine Atmospheres - an Overview This paper serves as an overview to remind and/or instruct readers about gas-sampling methodologies and gas analyses to assist in determining the status of underground atmospheres. (PDF, 173 KB, 2006)
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| Methods to Lower the Dust Exposure of Bag Machine Operators and Bag Stackers This article reviews various dust control technologies developed over the years at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to provide various options and alternatives to lower bag machine operators' and bag stackers' dust exposures. (ASP, KB, 2000-10)
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| Methods To Minimize Injuries in Materials-Handling and Processes in Underground Mines Data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration for the years 1989-1999 were studied to find out if there were any trends in materials-handling accidents and if so, to determine what tasks were involved and the sources of injuries. Several underground coal and metal mines were visited to document innovative materials-handling technologies. Considerations for safety training and mechanization needs for continued reduction in materials-handling injuries are described. (PDF, 4902 KB, 2002-02)
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| MFIRE Users Manual Version 2.20 MFIRE is a computer simulation program that performs normal ventilation network planning calculations, and dynamic transient state simulation of ventilation networks under a variety of conditions. This user manual describes the development of MFIRE, the input format and requirements, the output, common errors, fire parameters, and examples MFIRE application. (PDF, 968 KB, 1995-08)
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| A Microcomputer Network for Mining Machine Control This paper details the computer hardware and software integrated to provide computer-assisted control and monitoring of four different coal mining machines. The backbone of each system is a U.S. Bureau of Mines integrated distributed microcomputer control network called BOM/NET. The network provides connections for intelligent sensors and systems that provide for navigation, diagnostics, and computer control. (PDF, 482 KB, 1990)
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| Microseismic Activity Associated With a Deep Longwall Coal Mine A deep longwall coal mine was instrumented with a three-dimensional microseismic system in order to help determine the exact strata mechanics associated with the rock failure, redistribution of stress and the associated gob formation from the longwall. Analysis showed a close correlation between the seismic activity and advance rate, and that the majority of the recorded seismic activity occurs in the immediate area of the advancing longwall face. (PDF, 4797 KB, 2002)
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| Mine Aerosol Measurement A summary of aerosol measurement technology currently used in the U.S. mining industry as it relates to regulation, research and personal exposure monitoring. (PDF, 694 KB, 2001-09)
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| Mine Communications: Proceedings: Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminar, Bruceton, Pa, March 21-22, 1973 The Technology Transfer Seminar on Mine Communications held on March 21-22, 1973, at the Pittsburgh Mining and Safety Research Center, Bruceton, Pennsylvania, presented information about recently developed equipment, instruments, and techniques for use in mine communications systems. (PDF, 7051 KB, 1974)
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| Mine Communications: An Overview of the Bureau of Mines Communications Research Since 1969, the Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines, has carried out communications research. Research has been directed toward developing emergency and nonemergency mine communications. This paper gives an overview of the progress made in the last two years. (PDF, 256 KB, 1974)
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| Mine Emergency Response Command Center Training Using Computer Simulation This paper discusses the Mine Emergency Response Interactive Training Simulation (MERITS), a computerized simulation for providing mine emergency command center training. (PDF, 1237 KB, 2002)
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| Mine Face Ventilation: A Comparison of CFD Results Against Benchmark Experiments for the CFD Code Validation To transfer CFD expertise to analyze and design a face-ventilation system, a comprehensive validation study of current CFD tools against mining-related benchmark experiments is required. This study was dedicated to the methane behavior in an empty (containing no equipment) face area with a blowing curtain and a 10.7-m (35-ft) setback. The authors present and discuss computer-simulation data and compare them with data collected during laboratory studies of current CFD tools against mining-related benchmark experiments at the NIOSH lab. (PDF, 707 KB, 2007-10)
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| Mine Fire Detection in the Presence of Diesel Emissions A report on a series of four coal combustion experiments conducted at the NIOSH (PRL) Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) to evaluate the response of fire sensors to a small 0.61 m square smoldering coal fire which transitions to flaming combustion in the presence of diesel emissions. (PDF, 582 KB, 1999)
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| Mine Fire Detection in the Presence of Diesel Emissions A series of four coal combustion experiments was conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory in the Safety Research Coal Mine to evaluate the response of optical and ionization smoke and CO sensors to a small 0.61 m square smoldering coal fire which transitions to flaming combustion in the presence of diesel emissions. (PDF, 163 KB, 1999)
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| Mine Fire Detection Under Zero Airflow Conditions Report on a series of diesel fuel fire experiments were conducted in the Pittsburgh Research Center's Safety Research Coal mine (SRCM) to determine products-of-combustion (POC) spread rates along a single entry under zero imposed airflow conditions. (PDF, 413 KB, 1997-02)
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| Mine Fire Diagnostics Applied to the Carbondale, PA Mine Fire Site The U.S. Bureau of Mines applied its mine fire diagnostic method to an abandoned anthracite mine fire site in Carbondale, Lackawanna County, PA. (PDF, 3307 KB, 1992)
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| Mine Fire Source Discrimination Using Fire Sensors and Neural Network Analysis Report on the application of a neural-network program using mine sensor data to classify the type of fire. (PDF, 201 KB, 2000) |
| Mine Fires - Measuring the Efficacy of Gas-Enhanced Foam NIOSH conducted research with US Foam Technologies, Inc., and On Site Gas Systems, Inc., on the remote application of extinguishing agents with the intent of improving deployment strategies to limit miner exposure and to help ensure the best possible outcome during a mine fire. (PDF, 336 KB, 2006)
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| Mine Power Systems This U.S. Bureau of Mines publication presents a comprehensive review of mine electrical power-system theory and practice. It discusses fundamental theory and the vital aspects to be considered in planning and designing mine electrical power systems. (PDF, 28024 KB, 1990)
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| Mine Rescue and Response This paper describes technology and training that has been identified for underground emergency responders. (PDF, 1018 KB, 2000-09) |
| Mine Rescue Training Simulations and Technology Reports on a series of mine rescue training exercises developed, conducted and evaluated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety. (PDF, 509 KB, 1998-05)
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| Mine Safety Education and Training Seminar: Proceedings: Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminar This proceedings volume presents several new developments that are helping to improve the quality and efficiency of health, safety, and occupational skills training in the mining community. Several papers address the issue of how to teach and assess miner abilities to deal with underground mine emergencies. Other papers examine practical procedures for defining and cost-justifying the integration of structured training and other performance improvement strategies to enhance the proficiency of the work system. (PDF, 7399 KB, 1988)
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| Mine Shaft Conveyance Monitoring A report on technology to enhance safety during mine hoisting developed by NIOSH researchers. (PDF, 606 KB, 2000) |
| Miner Training Simulator: Users Guide and Scripting Language Documentation The Miner Training Simulator (MTS) is a computer based tool that allows a trainee to enter a simulated mine and interact with his/her surroundings in order to learn basic mining concepts, safety procedures, mine layouts, and escape routes. (PDF, 454 KB, 2001-06)
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| Miners' Views about Personal Dust Monitors This NIOSH paper documents coal miners´ reactions to the new Personal Dust Monitor (PDM), and how they make use of the information th PDM provides. (PDF, 2423 KB, 2007)
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| Miners' Views About Personal Dust Monitors This report summarizes a field study by NIOSH that documented the reactions of 30 miners at 4 underground coal mines concerning the use of personal dust monitors (PDMs) and how they make use of the information it provides. (PDF, 285 KB, 2008-02)
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| A Miniature Data Acquisition System with LED Warning Lights Researchers have developed a miniature data acquisition system (MIDAS) that can measure resistance changes and temperature, store data for later retrieval, and illuminate LED lights. This instrument can be used with strain-gaged bolts, cable bolts, CSIRO stress-measuring gages, string pots, and any other instrument that uses single-ended, resistance-type gages. A software program can set operation parameters, graph data, and store information to a spreadsheet. LED lights can warn miners of possible rock instabilities. The MIDAS has received MSHA experimental permissibility approval and is currently being tested at several mines. (PDF, 362 KB, 2003-09)
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| Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 181 KB, 2003-06)
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| Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, 14,520 mining operations reported employment statistics to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Almost half (49%) were sand and gravel mines, followed by stone mines (30%), coal mines (14%), nonmetal mines (5%), and metal mines (2%). (PDF, 186 KB, 2004-01)
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| Mining Facts - 2003 In 2003, 14,391 mining operations reported employment statistics to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Almost half (49%) were sand and gravel mines, followed by stone mines (30%), coal mines (14%), nonmetal mines (5%), and metal mines (2%). (PDF, 192 KB, 2005-02)
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| Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 77 KB, 2007-09)
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| Mining Facts for 2000 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 4660 KB, 2002-05)
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| Mining Haul Truck Cab Noise: An Evaluation of Three Acoustical Environments This study examines the contribution of cab acoustics, operator performance, and maintenance to noise reduction for each of three cab styles. (PDF, 234 KB, 2008)
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| Mining Publications List: 1995 - 1999 A listing of the mining-related publications produced by NIOSH from 1995 - 1999. (PDF, 519 KB, 1999-10) |
| Mining Publications List: 1995 - 2000 A listing of the mining-related publications produced by NIOSH from 1995 - 2000. (PDF, 304 KB, 2001-01) |
| Mining Roof Bolting Machine Safety: A Study of the Drill Boom Vertical Velocity This report examines the boom arm vertical speed for roof bolting machines to study a moving boom arm appendage at different speeds during different work scenarios. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of the appendage speed on the likelihood of the operator's hand, arm, head, or leg making contact, such as touching the moving appendage. The overall research goal is to reduce workers' risks to injury from exposure to underground mining machinery. (PDF, 2586 KB, 2005)
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| A Missing Component in Your Emergency Management Plans: The Critical Incident Stress Factor In emergency management, the effects of stress on the performance of emergency personnel, typically have been ignored or regarded as too enigmatic to quantify. This paper discusses the concept of Critical Incident Stress in responders to emergencies. It presents the rationale for considering stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies. (PDF, 1569 KB, 1994)
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| Mistakes, Misconceptions, and Key Points Regarding Secondary Roof Support Systems This paper discusses misconceptions about how roof supports perform and factors that impact their performance. The paper is limited to a discussion of secondary roof support systems and powered roof supports such as longwall shields. (PDF, 3983 KB, 2001)
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| Mobile Roof Support Load Rate Monitoring System A Mine Safety and Health Administration-permissible load rate monitoring system was developed. (PDF, 852 KB, 1999) |
| Model for the Structure of Round-Strand Wire Ropes The behavior of wire ropes used in hoisting is not well understood. In an effort to improve this
understanding, the structure of round-strand wire ropes was analyzed. This report provides a generalized mathematical model that completely describes the geometry of the wires. It consists of two sets of vector equations and is valid for any round-strand wire rope. (PDF, 334 KB, 1998-09)
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| A Model for the Structure of Round-Strand Wire Ropes This report provides a generalized mathematical model that completely describes the geometry of the wires in round-strand wire ropes. (PDF, 1020 KB, 2001-06)
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| Modeling and Data Analysis of 50 to 5000 kHz Radio Wave Propagation in Coal Mines This supplement to the final report is a collection of interim and monthly reports and working memoranda prepared during the course of this program to document the progress, methods and results of the work. (PDF, 9904 KB, 1990-02)
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| Modeling and Prediction of Ventilation Methane Emissions of U.S. Longwall Mines Using Supervised Artificial Neural Networks This study proposes a principle component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN)-based approach to predict the ventilation methane emission rates of U.S. longwall mines. (PDF, 844 KB, 2008-02)
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| Modeling the Effects of Longwall Mining on the Ground Water System A hydrologic-subsidence investigation was performed to evaluate the effects of longwall mining on the local ground water regime through field monitoring and numerical modeling. A combined finite element model of the deformation of overlying strata, and it's influence on ground water flow was used to define the change in local and regional water budgets. (PDF, 308 KB, 1995)
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| The Modern Evolution of Hearing Conservation Regulations This report compares the major components of hearing conservation regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, and Federal Railroad Administration, as well as the 1998 NIOSH "best practices" criteria. (PDF, 1091 KB, 2007)
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| The Modified Direct Method: A Solution for Obtaining Accurate Coal Desorption Measurements This paper covers the development of NIOSH's modified direct method to measure the gas content of coal samples. (PDF, 166 KB, 2001) |
| Monitoring Blind Spots: A Major Concern for Haul Trucks Discusses off-the-shelf technologies for monitoring areas that an equipment operator cannot see from the cab, including radar, video cameras, and radio signal detection systems, and their effectiveness in detecting objects near an off-highway dump truck. Also, guidance is presented for mine safety personnel who are planning to evaluate collision warning systems or cameras on their haulage equipment. (PDF, 4355 KB, 2001)
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| Motion Editing and Reuse Techniques and Their Role in Studying Events Between a Machine and its Operator The first part of this paper is a review of several new techniques developed to facilitate the manipulation, noise reduction, storage and reuse of captured data, which have a potential to reduce the overall cost of motion simulation and improve its realism. The second part considers the real life problem of reducing a worker's risk from being hit by underground mining machinery in a confined space. (PDF, 63 KB, 2002-04)
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| Motor Monitoring System for a Continuous Miner A U.S. Bureau of Mines investigation of the early detection of insulation failure in squirrel cage induction motors using a sophisticated empirical data-modeling technique based on values calculated from a motor's voltage and current phasors. (PDF, 2369 KB, 1992)
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| MULSIM/NL Application and Practitioner's Manual MULSIM/NL is a U.S. Bureau of Mines boundary-element-method program for calculating stresses and displacements in coal mines or thin, tabular metalliferous veins. This manual gives detailed operating instructions for MULSIM/NL and illustrates its use with several practical examples. (PDF, 4395 KB, 1992)
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| MULSIM/NL Theoretical and Programmer's Manual The program described in this U.S. Bureau of Mines report is part of the MULSIM/NL package, which features the actual BEM program described herein, as well as a preprocessor program called MULPRE/NL and a plotting postprocessor program called MULPLT/NL. (PDF, 3556 KB, 1992)
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| Multiple Seam Longwall Mining in the U.S. - Lessons for Ground Control Relatively few longwall mines in the U.S. operate under multiple seam conditions where the two seams are less than 200 ft apart. This paper describes the experience of six that do. These operations are located in PA, WV and UT, and include examples of both undermining and overmining. Some operate above or beneath their own workings, others are in historic mining districts and must contend with abandoned mines that are decades old. (PDF, 658 KB, 2007)
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| Multiple Seam Mining Interactions: Case Histories from the Harris No. 1 Mine The most significant findings of this investigation was that the size of the remnant upper seam structure can influence the extent of the multiple seam interaction. More specifically, this study suggests that smaller critically loaded upper seam pillars are more likely to cause lower seam ground control problems than are wider pillars. The LaModel program was used to examine this supposition and the results verified this premise. (PDF, 3415 KB, 2005)
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| Multiple Type Discriminating Mine Fire Sensors Researchers determined that a selection of different types of fire sensors could be used to discriminate mine fires from nuisance emissions produced by diesel equipment. A neural network (NN) was developed for application to coal, wood, and conveyor belt fires in the presence of diesel emissions and was evaluated with the successful prediction of 22 out of 23 mine fires based on a fire probability determination. The optimum sensor selection for the NN was composed of a carbon monoxide sensor, two types of metal oxide semiconductor sensors, and an optical-path smoke sensor. (PDF, 333 KB, 2003-12)
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| Multiple-Seam Mining The Clean Air Act of 1992 required lower sulfur dioxide emissions, increasing demand for low-sulfur coal. Some of the the low-sulfur coalbeds in the Appalachian Coal Region occur at depths ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet. Historically, coal in this region has been mined without consideration for the influence on other adjacent coalbeds. As a consequence of this practice, environmentally acceptable compliance coal may be more difficult to mine because of ground control problems associated with multiple-seam mining. Developing design technology
or models to safely mine coal above or below an existing mine provides an economic and employment opportunity and a domestic source for U.S. energy requirements. (PDF, 1502 KB, 1998-09)
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| Multiple-Seam Mining in the United States: Background In some U.S. coalfields, particularly in central Appalachia and the West, the majority of today's mines are operating above and/or beneath previously mined seams. The effects of multiple-seam interactions can include roof falls, rib spalling, and floor heave, which can seriously disrupt mining operations and threaten the safety of miners. Accurate prediction of which interactions are likely to be higher-risk allows mine planners to prepare for them or avoid them. For the past several years, NIOSH has been conducting research to develop better techniques for predicting the location and severity of multiple-seam interactions. This paper presents the background to that study. (PDF, 8193 KB, 2007-05)
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| Multiple-Seam Mining in the United States: Design Based on Case Histories Multiple-seam interactions are a major ground control hazard in many U.S. underground coal mines. The two most common types are: Undermining and Overmining. The goal of the study described in this paper is to help identify the location and likely severity of these interactions. Mine planners can use this information to adjust the ground support, pillar design, or mine layout to minimize the hazard. NIOSH relied mainly on an empirical approach. Empirical methods in ground control start with the concept that real-world mining experience, in the form of case histories, can provide valuable insight into the performance of very complex rock mechanics systems. (PDF, 9281 KB, 2007-05)
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| Multiple-Seam Mining Interactions: Case Histories from the Harris No. 1 Mine The Harris No. 1 Mine in Boone County, WV, has been longwalling the Eagle Coalbed for over 30 years. Harris has experienced numerous interactions associated with the extensive room-and-pillar and longwall mining operations that have been conducted in the overlying No. 2 Gas Coalbed. The problems have included roof falls, excessive rib sloughage, and gate road and bleeder entry closure. A detailed evaluation of the multiple-seam experiences at Harris No. 1 Mine was done as part of NIOSH's nationwide multiple-seam mining case history database. (PDF, 9281 KB, 2007-05)
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| A Multiplexed Phone System for Small Mines A new phone system was developed that provides eight full duplex communications channels over a single twisted shielded phone line, with no cerntral switching station or line amplifiers. This system greatly sirnplifies installation and maintenance over that required with conventional switching systems. The system is based on microprocessor technology and digital frequency synthesis. (PDF, 610 KB, 1982)
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| Musculoskeletal Stress on Miners Performing Roof Screening Operations Roof screen is often bolted to the mine ceiling to help control hazardous rock falls in coal mines. While the screen prevents rock fall injuries, its installation may expose the miner to musculoskeletal stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods of handling roof screen. Overall, this study showed that musculoskeletal stressors during screen installation were reduced by the proposed intervention. (PDF, 107 KB, 2006)
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| Nature and Cost of Low Back Pain This review paper describes the current state of knowledge regarding low back pain (LBP) - the causes, risk factors for LBP, effectiveness of treatments, recovery from back pain, and methods that can be used to help control the problem. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Neural Network Application to Mine-Fire Diesel-Exhaust Discrimination Results of experiments to train a neural network to detect coal and styrene-butadiene-rubber conveyor belting fires. Six of the seven experiments were conducted in the presence of diesel exhaust. (PDF, 291 KB, 2002-10)
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| Neural Network Technology for Strata Strength Characterization The process of drilling and bolting the roof is currently one of the most dangerous jobs in underground mining, resulting in about 1,000 accidents with injuries each year in the United States. To increase the safety of underground miners, researchers from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are applying neural network technology to the classification of mine roof strata in terms of relative strength. (PDF, 319 KB, 1999)
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| New Approach Controls Dust at the Collector Dump Point: NIOSH Finds a Simple, Cost-Effective Solution for Reducing Dust for Blasthole Drills Discusses a simple, quick fix to reduce dust from blasthole drills by installing a dust collector shroud. This can reduce respirable dust conventrations at the dust collector dump point by more than 63%. (PDF, 310 KB, 2004-06)
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| New Bag Nozzle to Reduce Dust from Fluidized Air Bag Machines A new prototype bag nozzle system has been designed under a Bureau of Mines contract to reduce dust generated during the bagging operation on fluidized air baggers. A field analysis of the new system has shown that the bag operator's dust exposure was reduced 83 pct. The amount of blowback was reduced 89 pct, which corresponds to a significant product savings. (HTML, KB, 1984)
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| A New Concept for Leak Testing Environmental Enclosure Filtration Systems A method (patent pending) has been developed to determine the quality of environmental cab filtration systems. It utilizes specially configured filter cartridges to remove carbon dioxide from the ambient air with the environmental cab's air filtration system. This report examines the elements of this patent pending method. (PDF, 201 KB, 2006)
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| New Developments with the Coal Mine Roof Rating The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) has been incorporated into many aspects of mine planning, including longwall pillar design, roof support selection, feasibility studies, and extended cut evaluation. This paper presents recent improvements and application of the CMRR. (PDF, 1358 KB, 2002)
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| New from NIOSH: Inquiring Ears Want to Know: A Fact Sheet About Your Hearing Test As NIOSH researchers, we´ve conducted thousands of hearing tests with miners. We noticed that the same questions keep coming up, so we compiled this fact sheet. (PDF, KB, 2008)
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| A New Method to Clean Dust from Soiled Work Clothes Dust from worker's clothes has been shown to be a problematic source of personal dust exposure. A recently completed effort between NIOSH and Unimin Corp. has resulted in a quick and effective way to clean worker clothing. Field testing indicated that the manifold cleaned the clothes 10 times faster and removed 50% more dust than cleaning methods used by workers today. (PDF, 1019 KB, 2006)
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| New Support Concepts for Hard Rock Mining Applications This paper presents an overview of recent innovations in support technology for hard rock mining. (PDF, 987 KB, 2007) |
| New Tools for Roof Support Evaluation and Design This paper describes the capabilities of two instruments developed by NIOSH for identifying and monitoring ground control hazards. The miniature data acquisition system (MIDAS) has the potential to make the use of geotechnical instruments in underground mines more feasible. The "rock strain strip" (ROSS), in conjunction with MIDAS, can measure rock movement more accurately. (PDF, 530 KB, 2003-08)
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| New Tools To Monitor Personal Exposure To Respirable Coal Mine Dust The compliance sampling method for coal mine dust in the United States has not changed appreciably in the last 30 years. A call for more frequent sampling with immediately available results is leading to new instruments that may supplement or replace the existing sampler. (PDF, 321 KB, 2001)
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| New Tricks for an Old Elephant: Revising Concepts of Coeur d'Alene Geology The Coeur d'Alene Mining District of northern Idaho is remarkable for its number of large ore bodies and for the amount of its historical production of lead, zinc and silver. Since veins were first discovered in 1884, more than 127 Mt (140 million st) of ore have been produced from narrow, high-grade veins. Mining continues at the Lucky Friday, Galena and Sunshine mines. (PDF, 12576 KB, 1998-01)
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| NIOSH Computer Programs for Bench Crest Failure Analysis in Fractured Rock A package of bench design programs is being publicly released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These programs are designed to provide a probabilistic estimate of the likelihood that various widths of catch bench will be retained. The capabilities and application of this software are demonstrated through a case example. (PDF, 179 KB, 2005)
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| NIOSH Docket Number 125: Refuge Alternative Research NIOSH prepared a report to summarize the findings of its research into refuge alternatives in underground coal mines, as mandated in Section 13 of The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act). This docket contains the supporting information and key reference materials concerning the utility, practicality, survivability and cost of various refuge alternatives. (HTML, 10 KB, 2008-02)
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| NIOSH Hazard Controls 27 - New Shroud Design Controls Silica Dust from Surface Mine and Construction Blast Hole Drills Exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis, a debilitating lung disease. On surface coal mining and construction sites, blast hole drills are notorious sources of airborne respirable dust that may contain significant amounts of silica. (PDF, 7376 KB, 1998-11)
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| NIOSH Hazard Controls 31: Dust Protection for Bag Stackers Bag stackers who use semi-automated palletizing machines and air slides may be exposed to high concentrations of dust. To reduce dust exposure, use an exhaust ventilation system in conjunction with an envelope of clean air over the bagstacker provided by an overhead air supply. (PDF, 515 KB, 2001-07)
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| NIOSH Hazard ID 1 - Exposure to Silica Dust on Continuous Mining Operations Using Flooded-Bed Scrubbers A study was conducted examining the risk of silica dust exposure in mine workers exposed to continuous miners equipped with flooded bed scrubbers. (HTML, 8 KB, 1997-08)
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| NIOSH Hazard ID 3 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death After the Use of Explosives in a Sewer Construction Project In a recent incident, three cases of CO poisoning in a confined space, including one fatality, were caused by CO migrating through soil after nearby use of explosives during a municipal sewer project. This incident illustrates that CO from subsurface detonations of explosives can migrate underground and accumulate in confined spaces. This report is apparently the first occupational fatality from this type of CO exposure, though nonfatal CO poisonings have been reported in residential basements following nearby use of subsurface explosives. (HTML, KB, 1998)
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| NIOSH Hazard ID 4 - Ignition Hazard from Drilling into Sealed Frames of Agricultural Equipment Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), through its Community Partners for Healthy Farming program in New York, received two separate reports of farm workers who were injured while attempting to drill holes into sealed plow frames in order to mount a hitch or a "slow-moving vehicle" sign. These workers received serious skin burns and other injuries when the drill bits penetrated the frames releasing and igniting flammable gases. (HTML, KB, 1998)
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| NIOSH Hearing Loss Simulator Instruction and Training Guide This manual explains the major objectives that can be addressed with the simulator and training scenarios that can be applied to real-life, real worker scenarios. The majority of this guide explains the simulator's functions in detail. Simulator users are encouraged to read this manual while learning how to run the software. (PDF, 608 KB, 2008-03)
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| NIOSH Mining Update - New Publications 1995-96 In September 1995, the U.S. Congress directed the closure of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM). This listing summarizes mining health and safety publications and articles published by the Pittsburgh and Spokane Research Centers during 1995-96 and how to order copies of them. (PDF, 453 KB, 1997)
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| NIOSH Research for Controlling Respirable Dust and Methane Gas on Continuous Miner Faces The importance of controlling respirable dust and methane gas levels in underground coal mining cannot be underestimated. This paper reviews practical applications of water sprays and dust scrubbers to control respirable dust and methane gas on continuous miner faces. (PDF, 337 KB, 2000)
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| NIOSH Research in Coal Dust and Explosions (PDF, 597 KB, 2004)
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| The NIOSH Shield Hydraulics Inspection and Evaluation of Leg Data (Shield) Computer Program Longwall shields provide essential ground control in longwall mining, yet a high percentage of shields are operating at less than peak capacity and many at well below the rated support capacity due to defective hydraulic cylinders or malfunctions in other hydraulic components. NIOSH developed a computer program that is designed to analyze leg pressure data and identify shields that are not performing to rated specifications. (PDF, 224 KB, 2002)
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| NIOSH Takes on Coal and Rock Dust This article describes the first comprehensive survey since the 1920s to determine the range of coal particle sizes found in dust samples collected from intake airways of US coal mines. (PDF, 215 KB, 2008-05)
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| NIOSH Ventilation Research Addressing Diesel Emissions and Other Air Quality Issues in Nonmetal Mines Discusses current NIOSH research to improve mine ventilation and mine air quality, particularly for large opening mines. (PDF, 2760 KB, 2002) |
| Nitrogen Dioxide Calibration Standards for Portable Monitors The purpose of this study was to compare calibration gas cylinders having balance gases of nitrogen or air that are commonly used to calibrate portable NO2 gas monitors. Because even low concentrations of NO2 can have an extremely adverse effect on individuals working in areas where NO2 emissions exist, it is imperative that portable NO2 monitors be accurately calibrated. (PDF, 113 KB, 2005-12)
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| Noise Abatement of Pneumatic Rock Drill The principal emphasis of this Bureau of Mines report is on pneumatic drill noise control. Methods are suggested to reduce the noise level by complementing existing machines. (PDF, 5837 KB, 1974)
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| Noise and Hearing Protection: Development of Two Training Exercises for Drillers This article reviews the development and evaluation of two training exercises developed to inform drillers about noise, hearing loss and proper use of hearing protection, and discusses their use and availability. (PDF, 402 KB, 2007-11)
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| Noise and Vibration Reduction of a Vibrating Screen Presents detailed results of a cooperative study of vibrating screen noise conducted at a coal preparation plant. Rubber isolators reduced sound levels by 1 dB. Urethane screen panels did not reduce sound levels in this case. Drive noise was determined to be the dominant noise source on the screen. Damped side plates reduced vibration levels on the screen sides by 1 to 7 dB(A). (PDF, 1016 KB, 2005)
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| Noise Assessment of Stone/Aggregate Mines: Six Case Studies NIOSH is conducting a cross-sectional survey of equipment sound levels and worker noise exposures in the stone/aggregate mining industry. Six stone/aggregate mines (three surface and three underground) were recently surveyed. The findings identify the equipment and machinery that are likely to cause worker overexposures and the workers found to be experiencing overexposures. In addition, the benefit of cabs in reducing mobile equipmeent operator noise exposure is discussed. (PDF, 1694 KB, 2007-08)
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| Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation in US. Coal Mines - A Surveillance Report This study examines the patterns and trends in noise exposure documented in data collected by Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors at U.S. coal mines from 1987 through 2004. (PDF, 1021 KB, 2007)
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| Noise Exposure and Overhead Power Line (OPL) Safety Hazards at Surface Drilling Sites This is a series of 5 separate double sided sheets designed to educate workers about noise exposure and overhead power line safety at surface drilling sites. (PDF, 2968 KB, 2005-11)
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| Noise Reduction of a Pneumatic Rock Drill Data are presented on the individual and combined effects of Bureau of Mines modifications on standard pneumatic rock drills in reducing noise. (PDF, 4884 KB, 1975)
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| Noncoal Contractor Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 192 KB, 2003-07)
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| Noncoal Contractor Mining Facts - 2002 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines. (PDF, 187 KB, 2004-01)
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| Noncoal Contractor Mining Facts - 2003 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines. (PDF, 195 KB, 2005-02)
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| Noncoal Contractor Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground noncoal mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 77 KB, 2007-09)
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| Nonmetal Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 187 KB, 2003-07)
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| Nonmetal Operator Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, a total of 763 nonmetal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Examples of nonmetal mining operations include the mining of clay, trona, barite, phosphate rock, gypsum, talc, gemstones, and pumice. Nonmetal mines comprised 5.3% of all mining operations. Nonmetal mining operations are located in all but nine states or territories (Alaska, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands). Mines producing common clay comprised 29.2% (n = 223) of all nonmetal mining operations. (PDF, 190 KB, 2004-01)
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| Nonmetal Operator Mining Facts - 2003 In 2003, a total of 734 nonmetal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Examples of nonmetal mining operations include, but are not limited to, the mining of clay, shale, barite, potash, trona, phosphate rock, rock salt, gypsum, talc, gemstones, mica, perlite, and pumice. Nonmetal mines comprised 5.1% of all mining operations. Nonmetal mining operations are located in all states and territories except Alaska, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Mines producing common clay comprised 28.6% (n = 210) of all nonmetal mining operations (PDF, 196 KB, 2005-02)
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| Nonmetal Operator Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground nonmining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 171 KB, 2007-09)
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| Noranda Inc. - Brunswick Mine Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Field Study A summary of the investigation and findings of nearly three years of field and laboratory work looking at diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems. (PDF, 4000 KB, 2004-10)
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| A Normal Accident Theory-Based Complexity Assessment Methodology for Safety-Related Embedded Computer Systems Computer-related accidents have caused injuries and fatalities in numerous applications. Normal accident theory (NAT) explains that these accidents are inevitable because of system complexity. NAT has been advanced by defining and quantifying complexity measures and showing their inverse relationship to system predictability, observability, and usability. (PDF, 2685 KB, 2003)
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| Novel Stopping Designs for Large-Opening Metal/Nonmetal Mines The Super Stopping is designed as a long-term permanent stopping for use in the main entries of the mine, while the EZ-Up Curtain Stopping, although very durable, is designed more for portability and ease of installation. This paper describes the design, materials, and construction methods used for these stoppings, as well as their performance and durability when subjected to tests simulating actual production face blast pressures. (PDF, 202 KB, 2006-06)
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| Numerical Analysis of the Impact of Longwall Panel Width on Methane Emissions and Performance of Gob Gas Ventholes NIOSH has initiated a reservoir modeling effort to better understand the interaction of the various geotechnical factors influencing gas flow within and to the underground longwall mining environment. A focus of this modeling effort has been (1) the prediction of the incremental amount of methane emissions to be expected due to increasing longwall panel widths and (2) optimizing gob gas venthole completion practices to capture more of the gas in the subsided strata above longwall panels before it can enter the ventilation system of the underground workplace. (PDF, 353 KB, 2005)
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| Numerical Analysis of the Influence of In-Seam Horizontal Methane Drainage Boreholes on Longwall Face Emission Rates This study investigates different horizontal methane drainage borehole patterns, borehole lengths, and degasification times prior to and during panel extraction to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing methane emissions using a dynamic 3D reservoir modeling of a 381-m wide longwall panel operating in the Pittsburgh coalbed. (PDF, 1223 KB, 2007-09)
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| Numerical Modeling for Increased Understanding of the Behavior and Performance of Coal Mine Stoppings In underground coal mines, concrete block stoppings are widely used to control mine ventilation. A combination of numerical simulations and large scale physical tests were employed to develop a scientific understanding of stopping performance. The product of this study is a numerical model that can be used to evaluate the performance of stopping materials and different wall geometries in a controlled environment. (PDF, 204 KB, 2004)
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| Numerical Modeling of the U1A Complex at the Nevada Test Site: Model Development and Comparison of Different Drift Mining Options A three-step method is presented to determine nonlinear stress-strain curves for boundary-element programs used in many mining applications. The method requires a suite of laboratory-scale strength tests at various confining pressures. (PDF, 810 KB, 2003-08)
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| Numerical Modeling Procedures for Practical Coal Mine Design A method is presented for creating realistic numerical models for practical coal mine ground control. The method includes procedures to collect the necessary mechanical input parameters from a geologic core log, to set up a model, and to interpret calculation results. This procedure enables realistic comparison of the effectiveness of alternative rock support systems. (PDF, 457 KB, 2006-06)
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| Observations and Evaluation of Floor Benching Effects on Pillar Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines A survey of roof and pillar conditions in underground limestone mines in the United States has revealed that bench mining of the floor between pillars can cause instability in the pillars at the perimeter of the benched area. The paper describes a study that was carried out using numerical models to assess the effects of bench mining on pillar load and stability. (PDF, 204 KB, 2007)
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| Occupational Electrical Injuries in the United States, 1992-1998, and Recommendations for Safety Research Data show that 2,287 U.S. workers died and 32,807 workers sustained days away from work due to electrical shock or electrical burn injuries between 1992 and 1998. The narrative, work activity, job title, source of injury, location, and industry were examined and a primary causal factor was identified for each fatality. (PDF, 214 KB, 2003-08)
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| Occurrence and Remediation of Coal Mine Bumps: A Historical Review One of the most difficult, longstanding engineering problems associated with coal mining is the catastrophic failure of cog mine structures known as bumps. For more than 70 years, researchers and practitioners have assembled a wealth of technical information on coal bumps in an attempt to understand and control them. However, many technical issues raised long ago are still being debated today. This paper examines past experiences and recognizes achievements in the realm of coal bumps. U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) researchers collected and analyzed 172 coal bump incident reports and compiled the pertinent statistics into a database.
(PDF, 2946 KB, 1995)
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| One-Way Fire Warning Alarm System for Underground Mines An ideal fire warning alarm system for underground mines would be low cost, convenient, fast, reiable, and able to warn all underground workers. The U.S. Bureau of Mine devised a one way communication system employs a large loop antenna and transmitter to create a 630 hertz (Hz) electromagnetic field to send information through-the-earth to cap lamp battery mounted micro-receivers worn by underground miners. Field tests of prototype equipment in 1986 resulted in through-the-rock signal transmission of over 762 m (2500 ft). Subsequent hardware upgrades for more recent tests resulted in transmissions of over one mile. (PDF, 325 KB, 1990)
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| Optically Powered Remote Gas Monitor Many mines rely on toxic gas sensors to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This report describes a prototype monitoring system developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) that uses light to power and communicate with several remote toxic gas sensors. (PDF, 1565 KB, 1995)
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| Optimizing Secondary Roof Support with the NIOSH Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP) The decade of the 90's brought an unprecedented increase in the development of innovative technologies to provide more effective and easier to install roof support in underground mines. To facilitate the application of these technologies to improve mine safety, NIOSH developed the Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP). (PDF, 395 KB, 2000-08)
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| Optimum Mine Designs to Minimize Coal Bumps: A Review of Past and Present U.S. Practices This presents a review of past and present Unites States mining practices for optimum design to minimize coal bumps. (PDF, 813 KB, 1992) |
| An Oral History Analysis of Mine Emergency Response A compilation of accounts by 30 veteran mine emergency response experts. In their own words, the experts discuss the circumstances of specific explosions, fires, rock falls, and other mine emergencies from their personal experience, the procedures they and their colleagues used in responding to the emergencies, and lessons learned from those experiences. (PDF, 697 KB, 2004-04)
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| Organization Profile: TIEMS The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) was founded in 1993 as a non-profit organization with the mission of bringing together users, planners, researchers, managers, technicians, response personnel, and other parties interested in emergency management, to exchange knowledge, experience, and ideas about innovative methods and technologies to improve our ability to manage emergencies worldwide. (PDF, 65 KB, 2000-04)
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| Origin of Mining-Induced Fractures Through Macroscale Distortion NIOSH researchers have identified a pattern of fracture zone development that suggests an explanation for fracture formation around rectangular openings in underground mines. Two computer modeling codes were used to model different aspects of this pattern. (PDF, 905 KB, 2004)
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| An Ounce of Prevention: Training Workers to Prevent a Crisis This paper introduces a technique for incorporating employee participation into the prevention component of a contingency plan. (PDF, 29 KB, 1999-04) |
| Overlap Probability for Short-Period-Delay Detonators Used in Underground Coal Mining Investigation of coal-mine-type short-delay electric detonators to determine the delay accuracy and the probability of overlap between adjacent delay periods. (PDF, 2594 KB, 1985)
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| Overtime and Extended Work Shifts: Recent Findings on Illnesses, Injuries and Health Behaviors This document presents an integrative review of the methods and findings from 52 studies that were published between 1995 and 2002 and examined the relationship between long work hours and selected health outcomes. The review indicates that the influence of long working hours on health and safety involves a complex interaction of a number of factors. The authors recommend issues and priorities to consider in future research. (PDF, 2300 KB, 2004-04)
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| An Overview of Bureau of Mines Communications Research This paper presents a general overview of the Bureau of Mines programs in the areas of operational and post-disaster communications. Topics discussed include a new visual paging system compatible with existing pager phone lines, a means of modifying commercially available pager phones to permit selective paging and message leaving, a multiplexed telephone system that uses twisted shielded pair and requires no central control, medium frequency hardware developments, and a manual for mine communications. (PDF, 595 KB, 1980)
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| Overview of Coal Mine Ground Control Issues in the Illinois Basin NIOSH has been actively gathering ground control information in the Illinois Basin in an effort to understand and control difficult mining conditions and has documented best practices for screen installation which has resulted in safe, efficient operations. (PDF, 615 KB, 2008)
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| Overview of Dust Explosibility Characteristics Provides information on the explosibility and ignitability properties of dust clouds that can be used to improve safety in industries that generate, process, use, or transport combustible dusts. (PDF, 583 KB, 2000-05)
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| An Overview of Geomechanics Safety Research on Mobile Roof Supports A study on the mechanics of strata behavior determined through extensive field measurements. Practical techniques for assessing roof behavior were developed along with a prototype remote controlled roof support system. (PDF, 1330 KB, 1999)
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| Overview of Ground Control Research for Underground Coal Mines in the United States NIOSH has developed an entire toolbox of computer programs that have been effectively transferred to the mining community. (PDF, 1067 KB, 2001) |
| Overview of Mine Fire Detection Several experimental programs were conducted at the Pittsburgh Research Center to investigate the level of mine fire detection and alarm capability possible using state-of-the-art technology. (PDF, 874 KB, 1998)
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| An Overview of Research on Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Training This paper presents an overview of a series of studies related to self-contained self-rescuer donning proficiency. (PDF, 5325 KB, 1993) |
| An Overview of Standing Roof Support Practices and Developments in the United States This paper provides an overview of the support design and application philosophy in the United States. (PDF, 1210 KB, 2005) |
| An Overview of Technology and Training Simulations for Mine Rescue Teams A series of mine rescue training exercises was developed, conducted, and evaluated by NIOSH in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety and several mining companies. (PDF, 288 KB, 1999)
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| An Overview of the Evaluation Process for Mine Trainers Interest in training evaluation in the mining industry was piqued with the promulgation of Title 30, Part 46, of the Code of Federal Regulations. Under Part 46.3, a training plan is considered to be approved if it contains certain information, including "the evaluation procedures used to determine the effectiveness of training." The training evaluation worksheet at the end of this paper can be used to guide evaluation planning. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Overview of U.S. Research on Three Approaches to Ensuring That Coal Miners Work Safely: Management, Workplace Design and Training This paper summarized the past 20 years of U/S. research to ensure that underground coal miners work safely. (PDF, 1045 KB, 1997) |
| Pallet Loading Dust Control System The Bureau of Mines has developed a pallet loading dust control system designed to lower the dust exposure of workers during the bag stacking process at mineral processing facilities. The system makes bag stacking much easier because the pallet height remains constant throughout the entire bag stacking cycle through the use of a hydraulic lift table. The system uses a push-pull ventilation technique to capture the dust generated during bag stacking. (HTML, KB, 1988)
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| Particulate Penetration of Porous Foam Used as a Low Flow Rate Respirable Dust Size Classifier Because of the need to provide short-term or real-time estimates of worker respirable dust exposure, porous foam may be a viable classification media for a low flow rate, disposable respirable dust sampler for use in the coal mining industry. (ASP, KB, 2000-07)
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| A Passive Means to Detect Hot Trolley Insulators NIOSH has devised a passive means to detect overheating insulators on direct current systems. (PDF, 1826 KB, 2000-01) |
| A PC-Based Monitoring System for Mine Hoisting The objective of the research is to prevent injuries and fatalities related to hoist and elevator operations. Monitoring and controlling mine hoisting operations will allow hoist operators, inspectors, and maintenance personnel to increase their awareness of potentially dangerous situations and provide controls for safer operations. (PDF, 454 KB, 1995)
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| Peak Methane Concentrations During Coal Mining: An Analysis Methane concentration peaks were measured at coal mine working faces during entry development. The statistical distribution of peaks was found to be normal or log normal depending on how well the methane was being mixed into the ventilation airstream. A normal distribution indicated good mixing, whereas a log-normal distribution indicated that mixing was poor. The "highest" peaks over selected intervals were found to fit a type I extreme-value distribution, a result similar to that obtained while mining longwall faces. (PDF, 604 KB, 1974)
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| Pennsylvania Incorporates Innovative Programs into Mine Rescue Training The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is expanding the knowledge and expertise of its mine rescue teams through innovative training technologies. Full-scale mine rescue simulations, including working in theatrical smoke, have become routine for Pennsylvania mine rescue team members. Now Pennsylvania is transforming its mine rescue training by incorporating computer simulation. These new training programs help to produce mine rescue teams that understand effective emergency response at the mine rescue level and the command center level. (PDF, 695 KB, 2002-02)
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| Performance and Safety Considerations of Hydraulic Support Systems This paper examines the basic operating principles of state-of-the-art hydraulic cylinders and discusses relative issues pertaining to: setting loads; support stiffness; yielding behavior; errors in assessing support loading; and hydraulic failure mechanisms and how to detect them. (PDF, 1421 KB, 1998-08)
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| A Performance Approach to Training Research Studies summarized in this paper include: (a) the development and assessment of training techniques that strengthen miners' ability to act competently in emergencies; (b) investigations of classroom simulations that enhance the perceptual, judgment and decision making skills of workers confronted with mine hazards; and (c) field studies of the linkages between financial investments in occupational skills training and measurable outcomes. (PDF, 656 KB, 2000)
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| Performance Comparison of Rescue Breathing Apparatus A performance comparison of 14 rescue breathing apparatus was undertaken as an assessment of past and present worldwide technology. Rescue breathing apparatus are self-contained, closed-circuit breathing apparatus used for entry into areas having atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health. (PDF, 3686 KB, 1999-10)
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| Performance Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filter Technology in the Underground Environment As part of the Diesel Emissions Evaluation Program (DEEP) consortium, Noranda Inc. has undertaken a field project to evaluate the overall performance of the latest diesel particulate filter technology (DPF) at its Brunswick Mine in Bathurst, New Brunswick. (PDF, 623 KB, 2002-10)
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| Performance Evaluation of Electromagnetic Techniques for the Location of Trapped Miners The Bureau of Mines has conducted field studies in coal mines throughout the United States to determine the effectiveness of electromagnetic techniques in locating miners trapped underground following a mine accident. Data from these tests have been used to generate models of expected signal and noise distributions as found above mines throughout the coalfields. These distributions have aided in placing the expected performance of a through-the-earth electromagnetic communications technique into a probabilistic framework. (PDF, 1712 KB, 1982)
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| Performance of a Light Scattering Dust Monitor at Various Air Velocities: Results of Sampling in the Active Versus the Passive Mode The Thermo personal DataRam (pDR) is an instantaneous sampler that uses light-scattering technology to provide relative measures of airborne respirable dust. The pDR can be used in active and passive modes to measure respirable dust levels. Tests were conducted to evaluate the sampling performance of active and passive pDR operation relative to each other and against a gravimetric sampler (the accepted standard for respirable dust measurement). The purpose of the test was to determine if the pDR can be used effectively in the passive mode in higher velocity airflows. (PDF, 2476 KB, 2007)
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| Performance of a Light-scattering Dust Monitor in Underground Mines The Thermo-MIE personal DataRAM dust monitor (pDR) is a light-scattering instrument approved for use in gassy underground mines by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). However, the use of light-scattering monitors has been inhibited by concerns about inaccurate readings resulting from changes in dust size distribution and composition, as well as concerns about the impact of moisture in the mine air. Because of this concern, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated the pDR using available data from laboratory tests and mine surveys. (PDF, 165 KB, 2006)
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| Performance of a New Personal Respirable Dust Monitor for Mine Use A personal dust monitor (PDM) was developed to measure respirable coal mine dust mass to provide accurate exposure data at the end of a work shift. In tests, the PDM demonstrated that it was convenient to wear, robust, provided accurate data, provided timely data that could be used to prevent overexposure, and was easy to use. (PDF, 408 KB, 2004-06)
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| Performance of a Prototype Personal Dust Monitor for Coal Mine Use The personal dust monitor (PDM) is a sampling device developed for measuring the personal exposure to coal mine dust of mine workers. (PDF, 494 KB, 2002-10)
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| Performance of RETIMET Metal Foam Vents on Explosion-Proof Enclosures The performance of RETIMET metal foam as a flame arrester on explosion-proof enclosures was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines both in laboratory tests and at the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA's) Approval and Certification Center, Triadelphia, WV. The objective of this research was to develop a permissible pressure vent for use on lightweight, vented, explosionproof enclosures. (PDF, 6718 KB, 1992)
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| Performance of Roof Support Under High Stress in a U.S. Coal Mine The primary goal of this project was to obtain detailed data on the interaction between the mine roof and the support elements for use in modeling studies. The study site was a longwall tailgate subjected to high horizontal stress. (PDF, 267 KB, 2004-02)
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| Physical Limitations and Musculoskeletal Complaints Associated With Work in Unusual or Restricted Postures: A Literature Review The vast majority of ergonomics research has addressed the demands of work in standing or sitting postures. However, many workers are often required to adopt postures such as kneeling, stooping, squatting, or lying down for significant periods of the workday. (ASP, KB, 2005-01)
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| Physical Strength Assessment in Ergonomics This publication concerns human physical strength testing. Its purpose is not to recommend any particular type of testing, but rather to describe the types of testing available and their uses. (PDF, 459 KB, 1998)
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| Physiological Responses and Subjective Discomfort of Simulated Whole-Body Vibration From a Mobile Underground Mining Machine Eight men participated in a pilot study to evaluate the effects of shock and whole-body vibration (WBV) on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and subjective discomfort. Results indicated the vibration significantly increased the HR, systolic BP, mean BP, the number of times subjects reported discomfort, and overall subjective discomfort rating. When seated in the steel seat, the overall discomfort rating and the number of times discomfort was reported increased significantly. Seatback angle had no significant effect on any of the dependent measures. (PDF, 2333 KB, 1988)
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| Pillar Design and Strategies for Retreat Mining The U.S. Bureau of Mines is field testing and refining a "user friendly" computer program called Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) to estimate abutment pressures developed during pillaring. The goal is to provide miner safety and an efficient recovery of reserves through design of sufficiently sized production pillars that will prevent pillar squeezes, excessive pillar spalling, severe floor heave, roof falls, and pillar bumps. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Pillar Design Issues for Underground Stone Mines This paper examines current design practices for stone mines and discusses issues for safe mine layouts so that a rational first approach towards balancing the demands for increased production can be weighed against increased risk to worker safety from rib instabilities and pillar failures. (PDF, 859 KB, 1999-01)
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| Pillar Mechanics of Coal Mine Bursts: A Control Strategy In this study, data available for a range of U.S. bursts were considered in an effort to evaluate both common and distinctive features of coal mine bursts. (PDF, 1195 KB, 1995)
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| Pillar Stability Issues Based on a Survey of Pillar Performance in Underground Limestone Mines A survey of pillar conditions was carried out at 21 operating limestone mines that use the room-and-pillar method. Nine cases of pillar instability were recorded. It is concluded that pillar instability is most likely to be caused by unfavorable geological structures in pillars with width to height ratios of less than 1.5. Stress related instability such as rib spalling becomes more prevalent when the average pillar stress approaches approximately 20 MPa. (PDF, 1137 KB, 2006)
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| Pneumatic Active Suspension Design for Heavy Vehicle Seats and Operator Ride Comfort Handling of heavy vehicles such as tractors, trucks and buses require a large roll stiffness which causes large high accelerations at the seat level during impacts. To provide comfort and minimize the energy transfer from the chassis and the seat a pneumatic active seat suspension is proposed. (PDF, 2595 KB, 2006)
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| A Portable Spectro-Polarimetric Imager: Potential Mine Safety and Geologic Applications A significant risk factor in assessing and modeling potential catastrophic slope movement in open-pit mines is the presence of argillic alteration in host rocks. High-resolution hyperspectral imagery operating in the visible to shortwave infrared can be a useful tool for identifying and mapping potentially dangerous argillic zones. (PDF, 267 KB, 1999-03)
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| Possible Mechanism for Surface Vibrations Near Maxwell Hill, West Virginia This presents details of a research program initiated in Maxwell Hill, WV to determine whether subsurface ground movements associated with the abandoned mines could be responsible for the seismic activity experienced at the surface. (PDF, 264 KB, 1990-08)
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| Post-Explosion Observation of Experimental Mine and Laboratory Coal Dust Explosions The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted joint research on dust explosions by studying post-explosion dust samples. All these data will be useful in future forensic investigations of accidental dust explosions in coal mines, or elsewhere. (PDF, 760 KB, 2007-07)
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| Post-Explosion Observations of Experimental Mine and Laboratory Coal Dust Explosions NIOSH and MSHA conducted joint research on dust explosions by studying post-explosion dust samples. The samples were collected after full-scale explosions at the PRL Lake Lynn Experimental Mine and after laboratory explosions in the PRL 20-L chamber and the Fike 1 -m3 chamber. The dusts studied included both high and low volatile bituminous coals. (PDF, 1164 KB, 2006)
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| Practical Application of a Partial Cab to Reduce the A-Weighted Sound Level at the Operator's Station on Surface Drill Rigs This paper discusses the preliminary cab design, the testing of materials for construction of the prototype, and the field test method and results of a collaboration with a local drilling company to design and install a partial cab between the operator and the drill steel in an effort to reduce the sound level at the operator station of a surface drill rig. (PDF, 1191 KB, 2007-12)
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| Practical Techniques to Improve the Air Quality in Underground Stone Mines Overview of a variety of techniques and methods that can be used to improve the air quality in underground stone mines. (PDF, 1680 KB, 2002-10) |
| Predicting Materials' Ease of Combustion: Development of a Simple Test Method The Bureau of Mines conducted experiments for predicting materials' ease of combustion (smoldering onset, smoldering, flaming, and decomposition rates) by means of sub micrometer smoke particle characteristics of the development of a simple test method. (PDF, 1455 KB, 1992)
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| Predicting Methane Emissions from Longer Longwall Faces by Analysis of Emission Contributors NIOSH conducted a longwall methane emission and mining time study at a mine in the Pittsburgh Coalbed to access the methane emission consequences of mining a longer face. Based on the results, site-specific mathematical formulas and constants were developed to characterize four longwall emission contributors. The formulas were then applied to longer longwall face mining scenarios to predict methane emissions from these faces. (PDF, 186 KB, 2006-06)
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| Predicting System Interactions in the Design Process Almost every process has a predecessor, and studying the predecessor helps to define needs and shortcomings to be addressed in the design. This paper illustrates how such an approach was used to assess remote machine operation in underground coal mines. (PDF, 52 KB, 1999-09)
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| Prediction of Longwall Methane Emissions: An Evaluation of the Influence of Mining Practices on Gas Emissions and Methane Control Systems An analysis of the consequences of increasing longwall panel dimensions, particularly face width, in gassy coalbeds. Continuous longwall face emission monitoring studies were conducted at two adjacent mines operating in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed, where longwall faces were to be extended from 229 to 305 m (750 to 1,000 ft). (PDF, 1840 KB, 1999)
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| Prediction of Longwall Methane Emissions and the Associated Consequences of Increasing Longwall Face Lengths: A Case Study in the Pittsburgh Coalbed NIOSH conducted a study to characterize and quantify the methane emissions resulting from increasing face lengths in the Pittsburgh Coalbed. The goal was to provide the mine operator with a method to predict the increase in methane emissions from the longer faces for incorporation of additional methane control capacity into the mine planning process, if necessary. (PDF, 176 KB, 2006-06)
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| Preliminary Performance Predictions For Electromagnetic Through-The-Earth Mine Communications: A Collection of Working Memoranda This report comprises three working memoranda that present preliminary performance estimates for baseband voice and narrowband through-the-earth electromagnetic communications systems of principal interest to the Bureau of Mines for operational/emergency mine communications. (PDF, 870 KB, 1972-03)
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| Pressure Monitoring and Observed Effects of Mining at the Oak Grove, AL, Coalbed Degasification Pattern The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the United States Steel Corporation evaluated the progress of methane drainage at the Oak Grove, Alabama, degasification pattern. Coalbed pressures were monitored between December 1981 and November 1985. The effect of the advance of a section of the Oak Grove Mine on changes in gas and water production rates in the pattern was evaluated. (PDF, 1570 KB, 1989)
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| Prevalence and Cost of Cumulative Injuries Over Two Decades of Technological Advances: A Look at Underground Coal Mining in the U.S. This paper describes a study to evaluate the prevalence of cumulative injuries before and after the implementation of technological advances in underground coal mining and to make a general cost estimate for these injuries. (PDF, 139 KB, 2008-01)
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| Preventing Collisions Involving Surface Mining Equipment: A GPS-based Approach An average of three workers a year are killed in surface mining operations when a piece of haulage equipment collides with another smaller vehicle or a worker on foot. Another three workers are killed each year when haulage equipment backs over the edge of a dump point or stockpile. Devices to monitor the blind areas of mining equipment are needed to provide a warning to operators when a vehicle, person, or change in terrain is near the equipment. Our tests have shown that it is feasible to add proximity warning to existing systems as a safety feature. (PDF, 833 KB, 2003-04)
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| Preventing Equipment Related Injuries in Underground U.S. Coal Mines The five top priority hazards associated with underground coal mining equipment have been identified and information about potential contributing factors and controls collated. (PDF, 1393 KB, 2007-10)
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| Preventing Falls of Ground in Coal Mines With Exceptionally Low-Strength Roof: Two Case Studies Mines with exceptionally low-strength roof are much more likely to struggle with roof falls that other mines. This paper focuses on two mines, one operating in the Upper Freeport seam and the other in the Herrin No. 6 seam. Detailed statistical analysis was conducted to determine which support combinations have proven to be most effective. (PDF, 184 KB, 2004)
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| Preventing Hearing Loss Among Miners This article discusses research at the Hearing Loss Prevention Branch at NIOSH's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory to provide noise control techniques and equipment modifictions that could reduce noise levels to miners. (PDF, 3157 KB, 1999)
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| Preventing High Insurance Premiums and On-the-Job Injuries: What are Poor Health and Safety Habits Costing You? Injury data, obtained from various sources, suggest that many water well drillers are experiencing unnecessarily high insurance premiums and very avoidable citations or violations from the direct result of accidents, injuries, and fatalities occurring throughout the water well drilling industry. (PDF, 119 KB, 2001-08)
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| Preventing Injuries Caused by Unrecognized Stone Mine Roof Beam Failures With a Pro-Active Roof Control Plan To help mitigate the potential for falls of ground injuries to underground stone miners, NIOSH developed the Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) to aid in monitoring dangerous levels of roof beam deflection. If enough site-specific information is collected and placed on highly visible maps, individual mining operations could establish general guidelines for responding to specific roof beam deflection occurrences. This would help in implementing a pro-active, comprehensive roof control plan for reducing falls of ground injuries. (PDF, 2506 KB, 1999)
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| Preventing Injuries: Analysis of Injuries Highlights High-Priority Hazards Associated with Underground Coal Mining Equipment An analysis of MSHA injury reports for 2004 suggests the following hazards as the highest priority for elimination or control: rock falling from unsupported roof; inadvertent or incorrect operation of bolting controls; handling continous miner cable; collisions while driving LHD/Scoop, shuttle cars, and personnel transport; and rough road while driving or traveling in LHD/Scoop, shuttle cars, and personnel transport. (PDF, 2064 KB, 2006)
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| Preventing Injuries: Brand New Research has Offered up Potential Control Measures for High-priority Hazards Associated with Underground Coal Mining Equipment An analysis of [Australian] Coal Services injury reports for a three-year period to June, 2005 suggests the following hazards as the highest priority for elimination or control: handling continous miner cable; strain while bolting; slipping off continous miner platform; inadvertent or incorrect operation of bolting controls, and operation of controls while a person is in a position of danger; hitting potholes or other roadway abnormality; and collisions while driving underground vehicles. (PDF, 2402 KB, 2006)
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| Principles of Adult Learning: Application for Mine Trainers Discusses the principals of adult learning based on research in education and psychology, and stresses the importance of taking a systems approach to training. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Probability of Encountering Coalbed Discontinuities During Vertical and Horizontal Borehole Drilling Probabilities of encountering coalbed discontinuities during vertical or horizontal drilling in a specific coalbed can be estimated based on analysis of mined-out areas of the coalbed where the size, shape, orientation, and distribution of discontinuities are known. The resultant probability estimates can be applied to cost-risk evaluations of drilling programs proposed for exploratory, developmental, or methane drainage purposes in undeveloped areas of that coalbed. (PDF, 1160 KB, 1982)
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| Problems Facing Coal Mining and Gas Production in the Hartshorne Coalbeds of the Western Arkoma Basin, OK Major problems facing the development of coal and gas resources of the Hartshorne Coalbeds include the complex distribution of minable and unminable coal, high methane content and bed pressure, faulting, variations in degree of dip, presence of natural gas fields in assocated sandstones, and legal problems, caused by local geologic characteristics, in identifying gas origin. This study provides pertinent geologic information for long-range planning of subsurface coal and gas production from the Hartshorne Coalbeds. (PDF, 1898 KB, 1983)
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| Proceedings of the International Workshop on Rock Mass Classification in Underground Mining Rock mass classification is widely used throughout the underground mining industry-in both coal and hard-rock mines. It is used in all stages of the mining process, from site characterization to production operations. The goal of the International Workshop on Rock Mass Classification in Underground Mining was to provide a forum for leading practitioners of rock mass classification to come together and share their methods and experiences with the technique. The proceedings of the workshop contain 16 invited papers from 9 countries, reflecting the international depth and breadth of current practice. Applications in both hard-rock and coal mining are well represented. (PDF, 10425 KB, 2007-05)
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| Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Coal Pillar Mechanics and Design A collection of 15 papers from leading ground control specialists in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of South Africa. The papers address the entire range of issues associated with coal pillars and have a decidedly practical flavor. Topics include numerical modeling, empirical design formulas based on case histories, field measurements, and postfailure mechanics. (PDF, 3559 KB, 1998-06)
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| Proceedings of Thru-The-Earth Electromagnetics Workshop A need arose to assemble individuals who have been active in current research on the topic of electromagnetic communications systems so that the problem of how information may be conveyed by electromagnetic waves propagating through rock media without the benefit of lines and cables may be better understood. Furthermore, some of the limitations and scope a of such schemes needed to be identified. Thus a "Thru-the-Earth Electromagnetics Workshop" was sponsored by the United States Bureau of Mines. These papers are representative of the topics discussed at that workshop. (PDF, 9236 KB, 1973)
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| Proceedings: Mechanics and Mitigation of Violent Failure in Coal and Hard-Rock Mines Papers presented at a U.S. Bureau of Mines technology transfer seminar describe the causes of violent material failure in U.S. mines, measurement techniques for monitoring events that result in violent failure, and mitigation techniques for controlling failure. Among the topics included are specific factors contributing to violent failure, new monitoring and analysis techniques, geotomographic methods that provide new capabilities for the study of material failure and stress changes over large areas, and seismic methods for determining source locations, calculating energy release, and determining source mechanisms. (PDF, 24298 KB, 1995-05)
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| Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support The papers in these proceedings were presented at open industry briefings conducted by NIOSH on New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support. The proceedings provide information on several important new technologies, including: guidelines for selection roof bolt length, pattern, and capacity that were derived from statistical analysis of the roof fall experience at 37 underground mines; a new design method for longwall tailgates supports; and a technique for measuring loads developed within cable bolts. (PDF, 18284 KB, 2000-10)
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| Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support: Errata Sheet Errata sheet for the publication Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support (Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-151, Information Circular 9453, 2000 Oct; :1-280) (PDF, 52 KB, 2000-10)
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| Proceedings: New Technology for Ground Control in Multiple-seam Mining Multiple-seam interactions are a major ground control hazard in many U.S. underground coal mines. In some U.S. coalfields, particularly in central Appalachia and the West, the majority of today's mines are operating above and/or beneath previously mined seams. For the past several years, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has been conducting research to develop better techniques for predicting the location and severity of multiple-seam interactions. These Proceedings also contain previously published papers that cover facets of multiple-seam mining research as well as three papers that describe the extensive multiple-seam experience of the Harris Mine, examples of extreme multiple-seam mining from the central Appalachian coalfields, and longwall mine experiences in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Utah. The final paper reports on a numerical modeling study that provided some insight into the mechanics of multiple-seam mining. (PDF, 9281 KB, 2007-05)
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| Proceedings: New Technology for Ground Control in Retreat Mining This proceedings volume contains papers presented at technology transfer seminars sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on New Technology for Ground Control in Retreat Mining. (PDF, 5087 KB, 1997-03)
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| A Profile of Workers' Experiences and Preparedness in Responding to Underground Mine Fires The purpose of this study was to determine mine workers' state of fire-fighting preparedness and the technology being used to detect and respond to underground coal mine fires. To investigate this problem, 214 underground coal miners were interviewed. Frequency distributions of workers' responses are presented, along with segments of narrative accounts, to profile miners' fire-fighting capabilities. The data indicated that much variability exists from mine to mine and that there are several important changes operators may undertake in order to make miners better prepared to deal with fire underground. (PDF, 5633 KB, 1996)
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| Program of Research - A Summary of Research in Progress during Fiscal Years 98 The program of research for NIOSH in fiscal year 1998. (PDF, 4349 KB, 1998) |
| Programmable Electronic and Hardwired Emergency Shutdown Systems: A Quantified Safety Analysis This paper describes an analytical study to quantify the safety integrity of a Programmable Logic Controller based Emergency Shutdown System and a hardwired Emergency Shutdown System. (PDF, 200 KB, 2007)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 1: 1.0 Introduction This report (An Introduction to Safety) is the first in a nine part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk-based system safety process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment for the equipment's life cycle. (PDF, 503 KB, 2001-04)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 2: 2.1 System Safety This report (System Safety 2.1) is the second in a nine-part
series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of
processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk based system safety
process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment
for the equipment's life cycle. (PDF, 496 KB, 2001-04)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 3: 2.2 Software Safety This report is the third in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 1515 KB, 2001-09)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 4: 3.0 Safety File This report is the fourth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 426 KB, 2002-05)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 5: 4.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment This report is the fifth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 527 KB, 2003-05)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 6: 5.1 System Safety Guidance This report is the sixth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 1181 KB, 2005-08)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 8: 6.0 Safety File Guidance This report is the eighth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 1202 KB, 2006-04)
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| Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 9: 7.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment Guidance This report is the ninth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. (PDF, 812 KB, 2006-04)
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| Progress Toward a Reduced Exposure Mining System In 1986 the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) embarked on a major research effort to develop technology that can substantially reduce worker exposure to face hazards simply by relocating the equipment operators to an area of relative safety. This paper reports progress of the research that is developing and will demonstrate the technologies required for the computer-assisted tele-remote operation of continuous mining machines, haulage systems, and roof bolting machines. (PDF, 44 KB, 1997-02)
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| Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Metal/Non-Metal Mines This report describes the results of a measurement and analysis program to characterize wireless radio transmission in metal-nonmetal mines over a wide frequency range from 0.2 to 1,000 mhz and over a variety of mine environments including oil shale, uranium, potash, lead-zinc, copper, and silver. The results show that transmission at medium frequencies are optimum for wireless mine communications, agree with extensive testing previously performed in coal mines, and that minewide wireless systems are feasible with a minimum requirement for new dedicated wiring. (PDF, 6757 KB, 1981)
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| Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Metal/Non-Metal Mines: Magma Copper Company - San Manuel Mine This report presents test results, data evaluations, and typical system performance expectations based on wireless electromagnetic propagation measurements performed in the MAGMA Copper Company San Manuel mine near Tuscon, Arizona during March 30 through April 2 1981. (PDF, 1277 KB, 1981-04)
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| Propagation of EM Signals in Underground Mines This report is a comprehensive summary of the results of the propagation measurements program conducted for the Bureau of Mines. Data were gathered in the medium frequency (MF) range from a cross sample of six mines representative of the industry having typical wireless requirements. From the data, a logical method of data reduction is presented that culminates in a set of average attenuation characteristics for all mines visited. These characteristics define a typical MF wireless system when the communication range requirements are known. Direct through-the-earth propagation and the range enhancement mechanism due to coupling on-and-off conductors are evaluated and related to the planning of a typical wireless MF communications system. (PDF, 3157 KB, 1977)
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| Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Limestone Room and Pillar Mines This report presents a mathematical model for the propagation of UHF radio waves in the large cross section tunnels of a room-and-pillar limestone mine and describes the analysis of a small amount of propagation data obtained. The model and analysis is based on the waveguide mode theory, developed earlier for the transmission of UHF waves in coal mine tunnels, with allowance for propagation losses due to refraction into the tunnel walls. Propagation around corners and through pillars is also examined based on a ray theory approach together with the beneficial effects of placing reflectors at intersections to significantly reduce corner losses. The theory is found to be in fair agreement with the data; however, additional in-mine measurements are needed to provide a more conclusive test of the model. (PDF, 1066 KB, 1979)
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| Proposal for Certification Tests and Standards for Closed-Circuit Breathing Apparatus In this report, recommendations are made to (1) replace the present regulations for certification of closedcircuit breathing apparatus with quantitative tests specifying metabolic work rate rather than activity, (2) continuously monitor relevant physiological stressors, (3) continue testing until exhaustion of the oxygen source, and (4) classify closed-circuit breathing apparatus by quantity of usable oxygen, i.e., capacity, rather than by duration. Physiology-based stressor levels are suggested as well. (PDF, 1662 KB, 1999-08)
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| Protecting Miners from Electrical Arcing Injury This paper describes how NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace can be applied to mining workplaces after an analysis of the mine power system electrical arcing hazards has been completed (and Hazard/Risk Categories determined) using the tables from NFPA 70E or the calculation method as described in IEEE 1584. Appropriate lockout and tagout procedures for use in the mining industry, suggestions for better selection of electrically-rated hand tools, and recommendations for electrical meter selection and use are also discussed. (PDF, 499 KB, 2007)
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| Protecting Workers From Toxic Fumes Generated by Explosives An article outlining the hazards of carbon monoxide (CO) generated from blasting operations. (PDF, 110 KB, 1999-12) |
| Protection Against Lightning At Surface And Underground Mining Plants The necessity for protection against the hazards of lightning manifests itself from time to time in the mining industry by reason of loss of life, damage to electrical equipment, fires in surface structures at mines, and accidents in the handling and use of explosives. This paper is intended to assemble, correlate, and present some of the salient points embodied in the available literature on the subject and at the same time give some factual data concerning instances of such loss of life and damage to property, with special application to the mining industry. (PDF, 1289 KB, 1948-04)
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| Protective Structures for Low-Coal Shuttle Car Operator This report discusses Bureau of Mines efforts to develop partial protective structures for operators of low-coal shuttle cars. Three possible limited-coverage design scenarios (roll bars, sliding canopies, and flip-top canopies) were designed, fabricated, and evaluated for low-coal shuttle cars. All three designs were determined to be feasible and desirable for low-coal shuttle car application. (PDF, 2121 KB, 1987)
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| Prototype Borehole Miner Selectively Extracts Gold from Permafrost Placer deposits in permafrost often contain up to 15 percent cobbles and boulders. Because of erratic loading on the bit caused by elasticity and heterogeneity of the ice-and-gravel matrix, these deposits are extremely difficult to excavate. The approach taken in this research project was to mine only the ore-bearing portion of the deposit using a high-pressure water jet to thaw the gravel and a downhole hydraulic-lift-type pump to bring the ore to the surface as slurry. Full-scale jetting tests in frozen gravel were completed, and the data were used to design a jet excavator. (PDF, 1417 KB, 1998)
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| Pumpable Roof Supports: Developing Design Criteria by Measurement of the Ground Reaction Curve Pumpable roof supports provide an alternative longwall tailgate roof support and have grown in usage during the past few years. Despite the success of these supports, questions remain regarding critical design issues for optimizing the use of this support technology. (PDF, 710 KB, 2003)
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| Pumpable Roof Supports: An Evolution in Longwall Roof Support Technology This report examines the development of modern pumpable roof support technology and provides a full description of the performance capabilities of each of the support products now on the market. (PDF, 1284 KB, 2008)
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| A Radar-based Highwall Rib-Thickness Monitoring System In addition to developing various types of cool-interface detection systems, the US Bureau of Mines is actively involved in developing a coal rib-thickness monitoring system for highwall mining applications. One particular system to detect the coal-air boundaries of coal ribs. (PDF, 468 KB, 1995-01)
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| Raising the Bar of Ventilation for Large-Opening Stone Mines Describes the results of a case study where NIOSH demonstrates that significant increases in total mine airflow can be achieved and the ventilation improved in a large-opening stone mine by replacing an axial-vane mine fan with two 12-ft diameter propeller fans and adding a line of stoppings. (PDF, 420 KB, 2004)
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| Random Motion Capture Model for Studying Events Between a Machine and its Operator This paper presents a technique for representing and analyzing random motions and hazardous events in a computer simulated three-dimensional workplace, providing machine designers and safety analysts with a new technique to evaluate ways to reduce operator-machine interaction hazards. (PDF, 1001 KB, 2001)
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| Ranking Factors Impacting Survival During Coal Mine Fires This study ranks the factors impacting survival during a coal mine fire. These authors found that a combination of actions was most effective. This combination was: installing lifelines; moderately decreasing air leakage; and decreasing the fire growth rate. (PDF, 675 KB, 1993)
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| Rapid (Grab) Sampling During Full-scale Explosions - Microscopic and Analytical Evaluation The Bureau of Mines has developed a system using a high-speed electropneumatic mechanism for the rapid (grab) sampling of dusts and gases during an explosion. The sampling system consists of an aluminum housing that incorporates two 30-cm3 preevacuated glass vials with rubber septums. Upon actuation, the sampling probe needle is driven through the septum with a pressurized air pulse, filling the tube with gas and dust from the mine explosion. (PDF, 3254 KB, 1988)
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| Rapid Detection and Suppression of Mining Equipment Cab Fires This paper discusses a series of large-scale experiments conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the effectiveness of optical flame detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, and combined ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors for rapidly detecting mining equipment cab fires. (PDF, 557 KB, 2007-08)
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| Rapid Sampling of Products During Coal Mine Explosions This paper describes a U.S. Bureau of Mines investigation of large-scale coal dust explosions in an experimental mine using a high speed electropneumatic mechanism for the rapid grab-sampling of gases and dusts. This technique enables the monitoring of pyrolysis and charring in fuel dust particles, and the collection of gaseous combustion products, in both large and small-scale explosions. (PDF, 1576 KB, 1991-02)
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| Rapporteur's Report: Mining Sector The general consensus from members of the mining sector established the need for several key endeavors including more and stronger mining collaborations and partnerships and a need to educate mining stakeholders and students about the benefits of the Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative. (PDF, 61 KB, 2008)
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| Real-Time Estimation of Elemental Carbon Emitted from a Diesel Engine This paper describes a simple, inexpensive, dependable, and field portable method for estimating the mass concentration of elemental carbon exiting the tailpipe of a diesel engine using a direct reading photometer in underground mines. (PDF, 317 KB, 2007-08)
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| Real-time Neural Network Application to Mine Fire - Nuisance Emissions Discrimination Discusses implementation of a real-time neural network which can discriminate mine fires from nuisance diesel emissions as part of an atmospheric mine monitoring system in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine. (PDF, 170 KB, 2004-05)
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| Recent Developments in Coal Mining Safety in the United States This paper briefly describes the progress in mine safety in the United States, with emphasis on recent events that have followed since the explosion at the Sago Mine in January 2006. Legislation following the mine accidents in 2006 and areas of work carried out by NIOSH related to the accidents are discussed. (PDF, 3543 KB, 2007)
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| Recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Research Using Ground Penetrating Radar for Detection of Mine Voids This study tested whether ground penetrating radar (GPR) could be used to resolve adjacent mine workings. Results indicate that it may be possible to utilize GPR for initial underground mine studies followed by directional drilling to accurately delineate the extent and position of adjacent abandoned mine workings. (PDF, 1691 KB, 2003)
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| Recommendations for Evaluating & Implementing Proximity Warning Systems on Surface Mining Equipment Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane Research Laboratory, studied technology and methods that could reduce accidents involving surface mining equipment that collides with other vehicles or workers, or drives over an unseen road edge. These proximity warning systems included radar, sonar, GPS, radio transceiver tags, and combinations of radar and cameras. A summary of test results is presented in this report, along with guidance on effective proximity warning technology, installation and maintenance considerations, and recommendations for effective implementation. (PDF, 10429 KB, 2007-06)
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| Recommendations for Testing Radar-Based Collision Warning Systems on Heavy Equipment Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are investigating technologies that could be used to detect objects, small vehicles, and pedestrian workers that may be in the blind areas of haulage equipment used in mining and construction. This
report discusses several different test procedures and test targets and recommends methods to determine how effective a radar system will be in detecting a person near heavy equipment. (PDF, 3118 KB, 2002-05)
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| Reducing Dust Exposure of Workers During Bag Stacking in Enclosed Vehicles The Bureau of Mines has evaluated a number of ventilation systems for potential application in lowering the dust exposure of workers who stack bags of mineral product material in enclosed vehicles. Laboratory- scale testing was performed in a railcar to compare the effectiveness of a number of different ventilation systems in reducing the bag stacker's dust exposure. The most effective system was taken into the field to optimize its performance. With this system, dust reductions in and around the bag stacker ranged between 65 and 95 pct when loading both 50- and 100-lb bags of product into railcars and trailer trucks. (HTML, KB, 1987)
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| Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure at Surface Coal Operation With a Retrofitted Filtration and Pressurization System This report discusses a cooperative research study performed on a surface drill
retrofitted with a new pressurization and filtration system. Respirable dust concentrations were substantially reduced from 0.64 mg/m3 during pre-testing to 0.05 mg/m3 during post-testing with the new system, representing a 92% reduction in dust levels in the drill cab. (PDF, 224 KB, 2002-02)
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| Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure with Effective Filtration and Pressurization Techniques Discusses a cooperative research effort to lower respirable dust levels in an enclosed cab on an older surface drill at a silica sand operation. A number of modifications were incorporated into the drill's filtration and pressurization system, as well as in other areas, to improve its design and performance. The goal was to identify cost-effective improvements that could be implemented on all types of enclosed cabs to lower respirable dust concentrations. (PDF, 1999 KB, 2005)
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| Reducing Hazards in Underground Coal Mines Through the Recognition and Delineation of Coalbed Discontinuities Caused by Ancient Channel Processes Criteria were documented for the recognition and prediction of discontinuities in advance of mining. (PDF, 2448 KB, 1985) |
| Reducing Materials-Handling Injuries in Underground Mines This paper examines Mine Safety and Health Administration accident data to determine correlations between materials-handling tasks and the number of back injuries. It also discusses technologies used in U.S. underground mines to reduce the risk of injury. A Coleman manipulator was tested, and modifications were made to make it more suitable for underground mine use. (PDF, 3453 KB, 2001)
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| Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries in Rail Operations This article describes some of the solutions developed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in rail yards based on 1) reducing the force (or muscular effort) needed to perform tasks; 2) improving the posture of the body; and 3) reducing the duration and/or repetition of physical exertions. (PDF, 1177 KB, 2008-01)
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| Reducing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Longwall Coal Mine Workers: NIOSH's Approach This paper presents an overview of ongoing studies, a progress report of results, and the implications for reducing worker noise exposures and preventing noise-induced hearing loss in longwall mining workers. (PDF, 483 KB, 2007)
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| Reducing Non-Contact Electric Arc Injuries: An Investigation of Behavioral and Organizational Issues NIOSH investigated behavioral components associated with arc flash incidents in the mining industry and recommended interventions based on the findings. (PDF, 259 KB, 2007-11)
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| Reducing Respirable Dust Concentrations at Mineral Processing Facilities Using Total Mill Ventilation Systems The design and evaluation of two total mill ventilation systems are described. Both systems proved to be very effective at reducing respirable dust levels in a cost-effective manner, were easy to install, and required minimal maintenance. (PDF, 876 KB, 1993)
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| Reducing Respirable Dust Exposure of Workers Using an Improved Clothes Cleaning Process A quick, safe, and effective method has been developed that allows workers to clean their dust laden work clothing periodically throughout the day. The newly designed clothes cleaning process has potential application to any industry where workers' clothing becomes contaminated with most any type of dust or product. (PDF, 8726 KB, 2007-04)
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| Reducing Respirable Dust Levels During Bag Conveying and Stacking Using Bag and Belt Cleaner Device The U.S. Bureau of Mines has designed and tested a system called the Bag and Belt Cleaner Device (B&BCD) to reduce dust levels in and around the bag conveying and stacking process. The device physically cleans either 22.7 kg (50 lb) or 45.4 kg (100 lb) paper bags by using a combination of bushes and air jets. Two field evaluations showed that the amount of product removed from the outside of the bags varied from 77 to 93 pct. (HTML, KB, 1995)
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| Reducing Roof Bolter Operator Cumulative Trauma Exposure Musculoskeletal injury is a term used to describe a wide range of soft tissue disorders which affect the nerves, tendons, and muscles. The terms repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders (CIDs) have been commonly used to work related activities. (PDF, 1382 KB, 1997-01)
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| Reducing Roof Fall Accidents on Retreat Mining Sections Since the end of 2000, there have been 28 ground fall fatalities in U.S. coal mines. Of these, 10 occurred during pillar recovery operations. Although pillar recovery has been associated with about one-third of recent ground fall fatalities, it accounts for only about 10% of U.S. underground coal production. Statistically, a coal miner engaged in pillar recovery is several times more likely to be killed in a ground fall than a miner on an advancing section of a longwall. This article describes the most significant risk factors associated with pillar recovery and prescribes control techniques that, taken together, can reduce the overall risk to miners. (PDF, 4007 KB, 2005-12)
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| Reducing the Risk of Ground Falls During Pillar Recovery Pillar recovery has been associated with nearly one third of roof fall fatalities in underground coal mines during the past decade. This paper discusses design methods and technologies that have been transferred to the mining community and implemented. (PDF, 1948 KB, 2003-12)
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| Reducing Worker Exposure To Dust Generated During Longwall Mining Longwall mining equipment has improved dramatically over the last 15 years. Although significant gains in longwall dust control have been made, they have been challenged by significant increases in coal extraction rates resulting in more dust being generated. (PDF, 365 KB, 2001)
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| Relationship Between Elemental Carbon, Total Carbon, and Diesel Particulate Matter in Several Underground Metal/nonmetal Mines Elemental carbon (EC) is currently used as a surrogate for diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground mines since it can be accurately measured at low concentrations and diesels are the only source of submicrometer EC in underground mines. A disadvantage of using EC as a surrogate for DPM is that the fraction of EC in DPM is a function of various engine parameters and fuel formulations, etc. In order to evaluate how EC predicts DPM in the underground mining atmosphere, measurements of total carbon (TC; representing over 80% of the DPM) and EC were taken away from potential interferences in four underground metal/non-metal mines during actual production. In a controlled atmosphere, DPM mass, TIC, and EC measurements were also collected while several different types of vehicles simulated production with and without different types of control technologies. (PDF, 526 KB, 2007)
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| Relationship of Coal Seam Parameters and Airborne Respirable Dust at Longwalls The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the relationship of bituminous coal seam parameters and the amount of respirable dust generated at longwalls. (PDF, 1699 KB, 1992)
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| The Relationship of Roof Movement and Strata-Induced Microseismic Emissions to Roof Falls For the first time in an underground stone mine, the relationship between roof movement and microseismic emissions was examined in conjunction with two distinct roof fall areas. As roof monitoring increases in acceptance and monitoring technology advances, the goal of providing reliable roof fall detection systems to enhance the safety of underground mine workers moves
closer to reality. (PDF, 397 KB, 2004)
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| Relationships Between Electrostatic Charging Characteristics, Moisture Content, and Airborne Dust Generation for Subbituminous and Bituminous Coals Small scale laboratory pulverizing experiments were performed on humidified coal material sieved to size 6.35 mm (0.250 in) and below to eliminate effects due to inherent planes of weakness (cleats or joints). Experimental factors studied include the coal seam proximate analysis constituents, the breakage-in duced electrostatic field of airborne dust, and the specific airborne dust generated. (ASP, KB, 2000-04)
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| Releasing the Energy of Workers to Create a Safer Workplace: The Value of Using Mentors to Enhance Safety Training The mentor/learner model is a time-honored approach to teaching, including within the mining industry. Building upon concepts in current theories of adult education, this paper highlights the unique advantages of using mentoring as a teaching method that can make the educational experience both interesting and effective. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Remote Controls on an Agricultural Tractor for Performing ASAE/SAE Field Upset Tests A standard Ford 4600 agricultural tractor was converted to remote control to perform ASAE/SAE field upset tests (rear rollover and side rollover). This paper discusses the engineering process to develop a remote-controlled tractor in determining the critical parameters of operation, to choosing appropriate actuators, designing the circuitry to control them, installing the actuators on the tractor, testing the system for functionality and then conducting numerous overturn tests. (PDF, 743 KB, 2000)
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| Remote Fiber-Optic Methane Monitor Reports on the U.S. Bureau of Mines development and testing of an instrinsically safe methane monitor based on differential absorption of infrared light. (PDF, 1160 KB, 1992)
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| Remote Gob Gas Venthole Monitoring and Cellular Telephone-Based Real-Time Data Transmission System Report on the development and field testing of a solar powered, remote gob gas venthole monitoring and cellular telephone-based real-time data transmission system. (PDF, 844 KB, 2002-10)
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| Remote Mine Fire Suppression Technology This paper presents a summary of remote mine firefighting technologies used in U.S. underground coal mines and the results of completed NIOSH research in that area. (PDF, 791 KB, 2007)
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| Remote Monitoring of Mine Seismicity and Earthquakes Using Radio Telemetry, Computers, and the Internet NIOSH and the Stillwater Mining Company worked cooperatively with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology to develop a system that would collect seismic data at the Stillwater and East Boulder mines. The purpose was to obtain baseline information on the magnitude and location of mining-induced seismicity to determine if the mines needed multi-channel in-mine monitoring systems. Rapid access to seismic data allows personnel at the Stillwater Mine, Spokane Research Laboratory, and Earthquake Studies Office to evaluate seismic events quickly and respond in ways that may improve the safety of mine personnel underground. Installation of the system also broadened earthquake coverage to south-central Montana, a region previously not covered by the seismograph network. (PDF, 551 KB, 2003-09)
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| Remote Vision System for Dozers on Coal Stockpiles NIOSH participated in an experiment to facilitate the remote control of dozers used on coal stockpiles. The experiment consisted of supplementing the normal sensory cues an operator requires to manipulate the dozer from a remote location. NIOSH provided and tested a vision system intended to give the operator the ability to operate the dozer safely and efficiently from a remote position. (PDF, 415 KB, 2007)
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| Remotely Installed Mine Seals for Mine Fire Control NIOSH is conducting full-scale tests at its Lake Lynn Experimental Mine to evaluate and improve remote mine seal construction technology. The main focus of this work is to develop reliable technology that will completely close the mine opening from floor to roof and from rib to rib. This paper presents the results of remote seal installations using grout-based materials. (PDF, 1094 KB, 2006-03)
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| Removing Booster Influences From Toxic Fumes Investigation of the viability of removing the booster influences when ranking the toxic fumes of non cap-sensitive mining explosives. (PDF, 7800 KB, 1999)
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| Removing Methane (Degasification) from the Pittsburgh Coalbed in Northern West Virginia A joint investigation by the Bureau of Mines and the Christopher Coal Co. at the Humphrey No. 7 mine, operating in the Pittsburgh coalbed in northern West Virginia, was undertaken to gain more insight concerning the hazardous emission of methane gas in mining. This report describes the equipment, procedure, and results. (PDF, 3221 KB, 1962)
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| Removing Methane (Degasification) from the Pocahontas No. 4 Coalbed in Southern West Virginia Tests were conducted in the Pocahontas No. 4 coalbed in southern West Virginia to determine if successful degasification techniques, developed during an earlier study in the Pittsburgh coalbed, would effectively remove methane from those usually more gaseous coals. Infusions were made with water at normal waterline pressures ranging from 200 to 220 psi or at pump pressures ranging from 400 to 650 psi, Methane emissions from free-flow bleeder holes were as much as 131 cfm. Infusions of some of the holes increased the methane emission from other holes and from the exposed coal surfaces near the working areas as much as 1,540 cfm. The methane content in the main return air currents after infusion was reduced more than 86 percent. (PDF, 2399 KB, 1963)
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| Repeatability of a Checklist for Evaluation Cab Design Characteristics of Heavy Mobile Equipment This paper describes a study that assessed the repeatability of a cab design checklist developed to evaluate various design characteristics that can influence exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. (PDF, 288 KB, 2007-12)
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| Research and Development Contract for Coal Mine Communication System: Volume 1 - Summary and Results of System Study Eight coal mines were visited to determine their communications usage and requirements. Volume 1 summarizes the entire report and includes both a dissertation on the strengths and weaknesses of various available communication techniques and a set of requirements for several grades of comprehensive mine communication systems. (PDF, 2206 KB, 1974)
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| Research and Development Contract for Coal Mine Communication System: Volume 2 - Mine Visits Eight coal mines were visited to determine their communications usage and requirements. Volume 2 details the eight mine visits, along with the conclusions reached following each visit and the final conclusions reached when the requirements of all mines visited were considered. (PDF, 10395 KB, 1974)
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| Research and Development Contract for Coal Mine Communication System: Volume 3 - Theoretical Data Base Eight coal mines were visited to determine their communications usage and requirements. Available equipment was surveyed and evaluated to determine its applicability to the needs of the mines. Volume 3 contains all information used in predicting the performance of low-frequency transmissions in through-the-earth systems, along with the predictions for typical situations. (PDF, 5176 KB, 1974-11)
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| Research and Development Contract for Coal Mine Communication System: Volume 4 - Environmental Measurements Eight coal mines were visited to determine their communications usage and requirements. Volume 4 describes the propagation measurements made in selected mines during the project, along with findings resulting from these measurements. (PDF, 3377 KB, 1974)
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| Research and Evaluation Methods For Measuring Nonroutine Mine Health and Safety Skills: Bibliography A comprehensive review of published research was carried out to identify methods for teaching and assessing critical but nonroutine skills for coping with emergency situations. (PDF, 4637 KB, 1988-06)
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| Research by NIOSH for Controlling Respirable Dust and Methane Gas on Continuous Miner Faces The importance of controlling respirable dust and methane gas levels in underground coal mining cannot be underestimated. While respirable dust can significantly affect the occupational health of underground coal miner, methane gas accumulations pose significant safety concerns for these same workers. (PDF, 263 KB, 2001)
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| Research on the Transmission of Electromagnetic Signals Between Mine Workings and the Surface Field studies of ambient electromagnetic noise and electrical transmission properties of coal mine overburdens in Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia were conducted. Field tests of the transmission of low-frequency (20 hz to 20,000 hz) signals by vertical axis loops and horizontal wire antenna were made and compared with theoretical predictions. Implications of the field tests for the design of an electromagnetic system to locate trapped miners are discussed. (PDF, 2751 KB, 1974-01-10)
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| Research Report on Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines Section 13 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (“MINER Act�), PL 109-236, required NIOSH to conduct "research, including field tests, concerning the utility, practicality, survivability, and cost of various refuge alternatives in an underground coal mine environment, including commercially available portable refuge chambers." This report summarizes the findings of such research, focusing on specific information that could inform the regulatory process on refuge alternatives. Further, gaps in knowledge and technology that should be addressed to help realize the full potential of refuge alternatives are also identified. (PDF, 125 KB, 2007-12)
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| Research Toward Direct Analysis of Quartz Dust on Filters Using FTIR Spectroscopy A U.S. Bureau of Mines investigation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for on-filter analysis of respirable dust. (PDF, 2125 KB, 1992) |
| Reservoir Modeling-Based Prediction and Optimization of Ventilation Requirements During Development Mining in Underground Coal Mines This NIOSH study presents an approach for prediction of methane inflow rates using coalbed methane reservoir modeling which can be used to limit the methane concentrations occurring as a result of the influences of various coalbed and operational parameters. (PDF, 146 KB, 2008)
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| Reservoir Simulation-Based Modeling for Characterizing Longwall Methane Emissions and Gob Gas Venthole Production This paper presents the development and results of a comprehensive, "dynamic," three-dimensional reservoir model of a typical multi-panel Pittsburgh coalbed longwall mine. Results presented in this paper include a simulation of gas flow patterns from the gas-bearing zones in the overlying strata to the mine environment, as well as the influence of completion practices on optimizing gas production from gob gas ventholes. (PDF, 2787 KB, 2007-07)
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| Respirable Dust Evaluation of Two Portland Cement Operations: Part 1 of 2 A recent study evaluated respirable dust at Portland cement operations to quantify areas of high dust levels and make recommendations for lowering levels in these areas. Part 1 of 2. (HTML, KB, 2000)
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| Respirable Dust Evaluation of Two Portland Cement Operations: Part 2 of 2 A recent study evaluated respirable dust at Portland cement operations to quantify areas of high dust levels and make recommendations for lowering levels in these areas. Part 2 of 2. (HTML, KB, 2000)
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| Responders to Underground Mine Fires Fire is a major concern for those who work in underground mines. This paper focuses on responders' preparedness for fire. (PDF, 834 KB, 2001) |
| Results of Direct-Method Determination of the Gas Content of U.S. Coalbeds This report presents a data base of gas content data. The data are presented in tabular form, by coalbed name and state. The components of the total gas content (lost, desorbed, and residual gas) are given. Location (state and county), sample depth, coalbed or formation name, and coal rank are included for geographic and geology identification. Combined with geologic and engineering studies, these data can be used as a basis for a preliminary estimate of mine ventilation requirements, and to determine whether methane drainage in advance of mining should be considered. (PDF, 4676 KB, 1986)
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| Results of Noise Measurements from Underground Testing of a Roof Bolting Machine Duty Cycle This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the duty cycle of a typical roof bolting machine operation at two coal mines. The evaluation entails a time motion study of an operators´ shift, logging each activity for time and the noise levels associated with each task. The results provide insight into which portion of the operators´ duty cycle is the most prominent contributor to noise exposure. (PDF, 353 KB, 2007)
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| Retreat Mining Pillar Stability Room-and-pillar retreat mining has been growing in popularity because of productive new technology, including remote control continuous miners, extended cuts, and mobile roof supports. Pillar retreat mines can achieve the same high recovery as longwalls, with lower capital costs and greater flexibility. Unfortunately, between 1990 and 1995, nearly 30 percent of all roof and rib fatalities occurred on retreat mining sections. Also, millions of tons of minable coal are left in place each year because of pillar squeezes, floor heave, pillar line roof falls, and pillar bumps. Traditional pillar design methods are of little help due to the complex mining geometrics and abutment pressures that are present during pillar extraction. This article describes the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) software program, which was developed to ensure that pillars are of adequate size for all anticipated loading conditions. (PDF, 1014 KB, 1998)
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| A Retrospective Assessment of Longwall Roof Support with a Focus on Challenging Accepted Roof Support Concepts and Design Premises This paper explores the history of longwall shield design over the past 25 years. It also addresses questions such as whether two-legged designs are better than four-legged shields and whether setting pressures should be set as high as possible. (PDF, 718 KB, 2006)
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| Reverse Performance Characteristics of Main Mine Fans Laboratory and field tests of vane axial main mine fans in the 7- to 9-ft diameter size range were conducted to establish forward and reverse performance characteristics under controlled conditions and at typical mine installations. (PDF, 1655 KB, 1983-08)
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| Review of Horizontal Drilling Technology for Methane Drainage From U. S. Coalbeds Reviews underground methane drainage programs being conducted in various coalbeds. Equipment used in drainage programs such as drills, underground pipelines, and methane monitoring systems is described. (PDF, 3091 KB, 1980)
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| A Review of Occupational Silica Exposures on Continuous Mining Operations A Review of Occupational Silica Exposures on Continuous Mining Operations. (PDF, 638 KB, 2000) |
| A Review of Recent Accidents Involving Explosives Transport This article is a review of recent accidents involvng explosives transport both in the United States and outside of the United States. (PDF, 644 KB, 2008)
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| Review of Technology Available to the Underground Mining Industry for Control of Diesel Emissions This report reviews the performance and applicability of technology for the control of emissions from diesel-powered equipment used in underground coal and metal/nonmetal mines. (PDF, 1870 KB, 2002-08)
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| A Review of the Mechanisms of Gas Outbursts in Coal Outbursts are sudden and violent releases of gas and coal that result from a complex function of geology, stress regime, and gas pressure and content. The Bureau of Mines has reviewed methods for prediction and mitigation of such outbursts in use worldwide as an aid in selecting the proper techniques for use in specific mine environments. (PDF, 681 KB, 1987)
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| Rib Stability: Practical Considerations to Optimize Rib Design Reviews the mechanics of rib failure and the relationship of coal mine geology and pillar constraint to rib instability. Strategies for choosing an effective method of rib support are considered and various rib support methods are discussed. (PDF, 3617 KB, 1992)
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| Ringelmann Smoke Chart A revision of a previous Bureau of Mines publication, this IC provides the history, method of preparation and details regarding the proper use of the Ringlemann Smoke Chart. (PDF, 1592 KB, 1967-05)
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| Risk Profile of Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Arm and Hand in the U.S. Mining Industry A U.S. Bureau of Mines review of all upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder injuries as reported by law and maintained on the MSHA accident data base from 1985 thru 1989. (PDF, 439 KB, 1992)
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| Rock Bursting and Seismicity During Ramp Development, Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, Idaho A comprehensive survey of mine seismicity a rock bursting during development of two sublevels at the Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, ID, was conducted to better define rock failure mechanisms and sources of ground control hazards. Survey data included rock burst damage reports, seismic event locations and magnitudes and, for the most energetic events, first- motion information. (PDF, 905 KB, 1998)
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| Rock Damage Characterisation from Microseismic Monitoring Outlines the concepts used to correlate rock failure with microseismic events and presents examples of microseismic monitoring together with associated computer modeling of the rock failure from several mine sites. (PDF, 9567 KB, 2001-07)
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| Rock Mass Behavior and Support Response in a Longwall Panel Pre-Driven Recovery Room Some surprising results were revealed in this study designed and implemented by NIOSH to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-driven longwall recovery rooms supported with pumpable concrete roof supports. (PDF, 903 KB, 2008)
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| Rock Mechanics Investigations at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Three Parts): 1. Instrumentation of an Experimental Underhand Longwall Stope Researchers monitored rock mass response to mining of an experimental underhand longwall stope in Hecla Mining Company's Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, Idaho. This is part 1 of 3. (PDF, 5188 KB, 1992-01)
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| Rock Mechanics Investigations at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Three Parts): 2. Evaluation of Underhand Backfill Practice for Rock Burst Control Researchers monitored rock mass response to mining of an experimental underhand longwall stope in Hecla Mining Company's Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, Idaho. This is part 2 of 3. (PDF, 859 KB, 1992-01)
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| Rock Mechanics Study of Lateral Destressing for the Advance-and-Relieve Mining Method The advance-and-relieve method benefits from lateral destressing associated with mining in laminated rocks and a high horizontal stress regime. This stress control method is based on measurements showing that occurrence of rock failure in the roof and floor of an entry results in redistribution of stresses in adjacent entries. Numerical modeling proved useful in studying the basic mechanics of lateral relief while investigating the sensitivity of results to different geologic and mining parameters using controlled experiments. (PDF, 1696 KB, 2003-08)
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| Rock Mechanics Study of Shaft Stability and Pillar Mining, Homestake Mine, Lead, SD (In Three Parts): 2. Mine Measurements and Confirmation of Premining Results A U.S. Bureau of Mines case study of pillar recovery in high-grade ore near the Ross shaft at the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD, has demonstrated the usefulness of the finite-element method for evaluating shaft pillar mining plans and shaft stability. This report focuses on mine measurements and calibration of the two-dimensional computer model and is the second in a series of three Reports of Investigations describing the Ross shaft study. (PDF, 694 KB, 1995)
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| Rock Mechanics Study of Shaft Stability and Pillar Mining, Homestake Mine, Lead, SD (In Three Parts): 3. Geomechanical Monitoring and Modeling Using UTAH3 A U.S. Bureau of Mines case study of pillar recovery in high-grade ore near the Ross shaft at the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD, has demonstrated the usefulness of the finite-element method for evaluating shaft pillar mining plans and shaft stability. In this study, borehole extensometers and other instruments were installed to provide data for model verification and to monitor shaft displacement. (PDF, 354 KB, 1996)
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| Role of Fault Slip on Mechanisms of Rock Burst Damage, Lucky Friday Mine, Idaho, USA Various methods of monitoring slip movements on bedding planes, as well as examination of rock burst damage in stopes, suggest that many rock bursts in the Lucky Friday Mine are closely associated with these movements. Slip displacements along bedding simultaneously reduce the physical dimensions of stopes and increase compressive stress along stope margins. Such changes, in turn, contribute directly to sudden failures of rock and cemented sandfill surrounding stopes (PDF, 674 KB, 1999)
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| Roof and Rib Hazard Assessment for Underground Stone Mines Roof and rib conditions were observed and assessed in 33 underground stone mines. Hazard assessment indicated that the ground failures that occurred under moderate to substantial overburden were caused by stress concentrations and geologic structures. Selection of the mining horizon and mine-layout decisions tremendously influence ground stability. (PDF, 410 KB, 1998)
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| Roof Bolt Response to Shear Stress: Laboratory Analysis Recent studies by researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicate that shear loading contributes significantly to failure of bolts used for rock reinforcement in coal mine roofs. Laboratory tests on 17 bolts were conducted to study the behavior of roof bolts subjected to shear loading over a range of axial bolt loads. (PDF, 699 KB, 1999)
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| Roof Bolting Machine Operators Skills Training for a Walk-Thru Roof Bolter: Trainer's Guide This trainer's guide is designed as a reference manual. The purpose is to offer information and examples to skills trainers to assist them in structuring training for new operators of Walk-Thru roof bolting machines. Trainers can use this manual as a resource for helping trainees learn, understand, and apply knowledge and skills. (PDF, 1271 KB, 2006-08)
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| Roof Monitoring Helps Prevent Injuries in Stone Mines The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) is described, compared to other roof-monitoring technology, and described in context with proactive ground control plans for stone mines. (PDF, 944 KB, 2000-11)
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| Roof Monitoring in Limestone - Experience with the Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) This paper outlines the evolution of the Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) and how it can be used in a comprehensive proactive ground control safety program. A case history is described where the RMSS was used in an evaluation of the effectiveness of a mechanical impact sealing machine at an operating limestone mine. (PDF, 5765 KB, 2000)
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| Roof Monitoring Safety System for Underground Stone Mines The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) provides a first step in roof behavior awareness. By understanding and measuring roof movement in an underground mine, the potential for injuries or fatalities to mine workers from fall of ground can be lessened. Also, officials at an underground mine with a history of data on roof movement are better prepared to make a decision on remedial actions if falls of ground become a problem. The RMSS provides a safer, simple, and inexpensive means for measuring roof movement. (PDF, 1014 KB, 1998-11)
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| Roof Screening for Underground Coal Mines: Recent Developments This paper describes some successful techniques and machine modifications that were evaluated for ergonomic considerations and are being used in productive mines to assist with roof screen installation. (PDF, 1421 KB, 2007)
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| Roof Screening: Best Practices and Roof Bolting Machines Roof screening has been found to be very effective in controlling the fall of small rocks from the immediate roof surface. Data is presented from two mines that show a dramatic reduction in roof skin injuries when screening is used. Much of this success is due to innovations in roof bolting machines. (PDF, 514 KB, 2002)
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| Roof Stability Issues in Underground Limestone Mines in the United States This paper presents the results of a study of roof conditions in 34 limestone mines in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. (PDF, 700 KB, 2007) |
| Root Causes of Groundfall Related Incidents in U.S. Mining Industry This paper utilized the rock fall related incident narratives from the MSHA database for a taxonomic analysis, which identifies the root causes of an event and can provide future direction for corrective measures to reduce the probability of occurrence of the event. (PDF, 620 KB, 2003-08)
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| Rotary Drilling Holes in Coalbeds for Degasification Coal is a soft and brittle material. Drilling rates in the Pittsburgh coalbed using a drag bit exceed 3 ft/min at 2,500-pound thrust. However, maintaining the bit on a horizontal trajectory or parallel to bedding planes to attain lengths of 1,000 feet is difficult. This Bureau of Mines report presents a drill string configuration that can be guided through the coalbed. (PDF, 1730 KB, 1975)
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| Rotary Drilling Techniques Used in the Beckley Coalbed The U.S. Bureau of Mines used a contact drilling strategy with short-collared assemblies in order to rotary drill long horizontal methane drainage holes in the Beckley coalbed near Glen Daniel, West Virginia. By decreasing the thrust and increasing the rotation of the drill bit when in contact with the roof and floor rock, assemblies were made to deflect and stay in the coalbed. Successful application of this procedure resulted in holes drilled full length in coal with the original assembly including bit. (PDF, 952 KB, 1989)
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| Safe Distances for Blasting Wiring from Commonly Encountered Underground Electromagnetic Energy Sources The use of electromagnetic field producing equipment in underground coal mining operations can only be expected to grow. The use of these equipment in underground mining operations is hampered by the possibility of their electromagnetic fields interacting with the electric blasting cap operations commonly carried out in the mines. Such interactions can have at least two results bearing directly on mine safety: premature initiation of the cap, either in its normal shot location or during hookup or transportation; and dudding of the cap so that normal firing operations do not cause irritation, thereby leaving unexploded high explosives after normal firing. The experimental work on this project was directed to determining the magnetic field field distribution around typical underground current carrying conductor configurations. (PDF, 2314 KB, 1983)
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| Safer Mine Hoisting With Conveyance Position and Load Monitoring A mine shaft is the lifeline to underground mines. Mine operators depend on safe, uninterrupted, and efficient movement of workers and materials. The shaft and hoisting system provides access to the network of openings used to recover the underground resource, provides vertical transport of miners and materials, and serves as an escapeway in case of an emergency. (PDF, 231 KB, 1999-09)
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| Safer Mine Layouts for Underground Stone Mines Subjected to Excessive Levels of Horizontal Stress At an underground stone mine in Pennsylvania, a modified stress-control mine layout is reducing the hazardous conditions associated with excessive horizontal stresses. Findings to date show that the stress control layout provides more stable conditions, resulting in a safer environment for the mine workers. (PDF, 3459 KB, 2003-04)
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| Safety Analysis of Surface Haulage Accidents Report on research analyzing single and multiple causes of surface haulage accidents. (PDF, 128 KB, 1996) |
| Safety Analysis of Surface Haulage Accidents - Part 1 An analysis of surface haulage accidents occurring in the United States mining industry was performed. The database of the Mine Safety and Health Administration was searched to identify all accidents involving haulage trucks, both off highway and underground, between 1986 and 1995. (PDF, 601 KB, 1997-05)
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| Safety Analysis of Surface Haulage Accidents - Part 2 Fatal haulage accidents most often involve loss of control or collisions caused by a variety of factors. Lost-time injuries most often involve sprains or strains to the back or multiple body areas, which can often be attributed to rough roads and the shocks of loading and unloading. Part 2 describes research to reduce these accidents, including improved warning systems, shock isolation for drivers, encouraging seatbelt usage, and general improvements to system and task design. (PDF, 1427 KB, 1997-07)
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| The Safety and Health of Emergency Workers A successful emengency management effort involves many components. The authors suggest areas in three environmental elements that deserve further inquiry. (PDF, 610 KB, 2001-09)
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| Safety and Health Training for an Evolving Workforce: An Overview From the Mining Industry Safety and health professionals recognize that training is a critical element of any effective safety and health program. Of present major concern in the mining industry is how to provide appropriate training for an aging workforce and concurrently develop training for the expected influx of new and less experienced miners as older workers retire. (PDF, 207 KB, 2004-07)
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| Safety Breakthrough -- Reduced Exposure Mining System (REMS) A U.S. Bureau of Mines research program developed a Reduced-Exposure Mining System (REMS) that relocates personnel operating the mining machinery at the face away from the hazards to a nearby haven of relative safety. (PDF, 1027 KB, 1994)
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| Safety Challenges at Thin Seam Mines Small underground coal mines have historically experienced higher fatality rates than larger mines. Although various ideas have been presented about what factors might be responsible for this difference, researchers have had a difficult time establishing the specific causes. (PDF, 2907 KB, 1999)
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| Safety Concerns Associated With the Use of Electrically Powered Haulage to Remove Workers from Mines During Main Fan Stoppages The roles of main mine fans in underground mines are to induce airflow and continuously remove hazardous gases and dust. While most larger mines use multiple fans to accomplish these tasks, many smaller mines employ only a single fan. This paper concentrates on those mines having only one fan to provide ventilation needs. (PDF, 372 KB, 2002)
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| Safety Considerations for Transport of Ore and Waste in Underground Ore Passes NIOSH researchers are investigating methods to improve safety during the transport of ore in ore passes. (PDF, 901 KB, 1999) |
| Safety Framework for Programmable Electronics in Mining Mining has one of the highest annual average fatality rates among major US industries. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Laboratory in Pittsburgh, PA is addressing the safety of this new technology. (PDF, 3385 KB, 1999-12)
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| Safety Issues and the Use of Software-Controlled Equipment in the Mining Industry This paper describes an effort initiated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to identify the safety issues related to the use of processor-controlled equipment in mining. (PDF, 501 KB, 1997)
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| Sampling Results of the Improved SKC® Diesel Particulate Matter Cassette Investigates the ability of the SKC DPM cassette to collect diesel particulate matter while segregating ore dust from the sample. (PDF, 4710 KB, 2005-01) |
| Sand & Gravel Operator Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, a total of 7,125 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The largest percentage of all mining sectors was sand and gravel mines (49.1%). Sand and gravel mines are found throughout all 50 states. (PDF, 188 KB, 2004-01)
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| Sand & Gravel Operator Mining Facts - 2003 In 2003, a total of 7,070 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The largest percentage of all mining sectors was sand and gravel mines (49.1%). Sand and gravel mines are found throughout all 50 states. (PDF, 191 KB, 2005-02)
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| Sand and Gravel Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 181 KB, 2003-07)
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| Sand and Gravel Operator Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to sand and gravel mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 74 KB, 2007-09)
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| Scaled Cloud Model for Released Toxic Fumes Recognizing the dynamic nature and possible range of toxic concentrations in the impending fume cloud prior to undertaking explosive blasting can reduce potential hazards and mitigate related incidents. The scaled cloud model was formulated to predict the relevant (major) toxic components in fume clouds released by nonideal mining explosives used for surface blasting. (PDF, 2777 KB, 2001)
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| A Scientific Look at Back Belts The U.S. Bureau of Mines reviewed literature relating to the effectiveness of back belts in the workplace. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994) |
| Secondary Explosion Hazards During Blasting in Oil Shale and Sulfide Ore Mines Laboratory and field testing results are presented for reducing dust and/or gas ignitions associated with blasting operations in oil shale and sulfide ore mining applications. (PDF, 2935 KB, 1995)
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| A Second-Generation Remote Optical Methanometer As the use of deep-cut mining increases, there is expected to be a greater demand for methane measurement devices capable of scanning working faces at depths in excess of 10 m to alert mine personnel of hazardous concentrations of methane and to satisfy regulatory requirements. A second-generation remote optical methanometer has been designed and is undergoing laboratory evaluation at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (PDF, 355 KB, 1997)
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| Securing the Blast Site to Prevent Blasting Related Injuries: Blasting Safety - Revisiting Site Security This article examines the factors related to injuries due to inadequate blasting shelters and blast area security, and identifies mitigation techniques. (PDF, 567 KB, 2005)
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| Seismic Detection of Trapped Miners Using In-Mine Geophones A seismic system which utilizes in-mine geophones to detect trapped miners has been developed. Tests at the Bureau of Mines safety research mine at Bruceton, Pennsylvania, and at two operating mines indicate such a system has a maximum detection range in excess of 1,000 feet. The system is fieldworthy and portable and requires less than 30 minutes to set up and check. Real-time detection is possible. (PDF, 549 KB, 1976-01)
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| Seismic Event Data Acquisition and Processing: Distribution and Coordination Across PC-Based Networks NIOSH has developed an automated PC-based seismic event (induced earthquake) monitoring system for use in mine ground control studies. This paper describes the system's design philosophy, hardware and software components, examples of installations, and a few observational results. (PDF, 1539 KB, 2002-02)
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| Seismicity and Stress Changes Subsequent to Destress Blasting at the Galena Mine and Implications for Stress Control Strategies The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted research at the Galena Mine, Wallace, ID, with the aim of mitigating the effects of rock bursting. A digital seismic array and an array of borehole pressure cells had been installed near the site of a stope undergoing mining and periodic distressing. (PDF, 1611 KB, 1993)
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| Selected Geologic Factors Affecting Mining of the Pittsburgh Coalbed As part of the Bureau of Mines methane control program, the Pittsburgh coalbed was studied in Washington and Greene Counties, Pennsylvania, and in Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia, where this coalbed is now being mined at its greatest depth. The results of these investigations provide a geologic framework for rational planning for underground mine development to use the best available technology to cope with methane emissions, coalbed discontinuities, and related ground support problems.
(PDF, 3764 KB, 1975)
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| Selected Health Issues in Mining This paper briefly discusses the current status of some miner health-related issues, including those involving coal dust, silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos, noise, lead, welding fumes, and skin disorders, as well as research and other activities aimed at protecting miners from occupational illnesses and disease. (PDF, 398 KB, 2003-02)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: Fifth-Phase Results A joint effort by the Pittsburgh Research Center (PRC) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 3 was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR's), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSR's in the fifth phase of testing from mid-1993 to early 1996. (PDF, 897 KB, 1996)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: First-Year Results of 5-Year Study A joint effort by the Bureau of Mines and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR's), deployed in accordance with Federal Regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested breathing apparatus from the first year of a 5-yr program as well as other related findings. (PDF, 4536 KB, 1986-01)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: Fourth-Phase Results A joint effort by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCRS's), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSR's in the fourth phase of testing from 1989 to 1993. The SCSR's were tested on human subjects and on a breathing and metabolic simulator (BMS). These results indicate that most of the apparatus, if they pass their inspection criteria, perform as expected except units with manufacturing defects. However, when the apparatus are carried in and out of the mine daily and stored at the working section, they may suffer abuse. (PDF, 5240 KB, 1994-01)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: Results From 1982-90 A joint effort by the Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers, deployed in accordance with Federal regulations survived the underground environment with regard to both impact damage and aging. (PDF, 1533 KB, 1992)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: Seventh-Phase Results The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, has undertaken a study to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), hold up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. (PDF, 2420 KB, 2002-03)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Field Evaluation: Sixth-Phase Results This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSRs in the sixth phase of testing from mid-1996 to early 1998. The SCSRs were tested on human subjects and on a breathing and metabolic simulator. (PDF, 2639 KB, 2000-07)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Long Term Field Evaluation Tenth Phase Results This report is the last of 10 report phases begun in 1982 and presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSRs in the tenth phase of testing, from July 2004 to March 2006. (PDF, 1683 KB, 2008-06)
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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Long Term Field Evaluation: Combined Eighth and Ninth Phase Results NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are conducting a Long Term Field Evaluation (LTFE) program to evaluate deployed self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs). The objective of the program is to evaluate how well SCSRs endure the underground coal mining environment with regard to both physical damage and aging when they are deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714). This report presents findings of the combined eighth and ninth phases of the LTFE. (PDF, 1624 KB, 2006-10)
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| Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Operators of Heavy Construction Equipment This study assessed the adequacy of cab design and determined the percentage of musculoskeletal symptoms among operators of heavy construction equipment. Workers through a questionnaire adminstered to 189 operators. The results indicate that these workers are at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders, the need to perform a larger survey to further substantiate the outcome, and the need to quantify risk factors (i.e., whole-body vibration and static sitting postures). (PDF, 118 KB, 2003-08)
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| Shear Mechanism for Mining-Induced Fractures Applied to Rock Mechanics of Coal Mines Two examples of an echelon mining-induced fractures seen in hard-rock mines provided a basis for inferring that fracture zones and bedding plane sap rations immediately surrounding mine openings are promoted by oblique shear into the openings. (PDF, 5625 KB, 2002)
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| Shear Origin of Tension in Excavation-Induced Fractures The authors hypothesize that excavation-induced extension fractures are caused by elastic shearing displacement that in turn causes tension oblique to a propagating shear zone. (PDF, 396 KB, 2003)
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| Shear Strength Evaluation of Clay-Rock Mixtures This study reviewed 31 technical papers which contain analysis of shear strengths for clay and sands with varying mixtures of rock particles. These technical papers, published over the last 40 years, are comprised of field case studies, laboratory investigations, and theoretical analysis. Evaluation of this body of knowledge has shown that the shear strength gradually increases with increasing percentages of floating particles in unsaturated clays. (PDF, 2209 KB, 2000)
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| Shiftwork: A Guide for Schedule Design Based upon the perturbed performance, increased or more serious accidents, lowered production, higher absenteeism, health problems, familial problems, low morale, and job dissatisfaction due to working nights and shiftwork, the U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed shiftwork schedule design at mining operations. This paper discusses what mining companies can do if they are considering changes in their shiftwork practices. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
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| Shock Reduction for Low-Coal Shuttle Car Operators Using Viscoelastic Seating Foam The prolonged exposure of equipment operators to shock and whole-body vibration (WBV) is linked to cumulative back, neck, and abdominal disorders. Researchers at NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, are responding to these issues by investigating viscoelastic foams. (PDF, 327 KB, 1998-03)
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| Short-Delay Blasting in Underground Coal Mines Research to determine whether the total elapsed delay time for blasting bituminous coal in underground coal mines could be safely expanded beyond the 500-ms limitation without igniting a methane or methane-coal dust atmosphere. Also reports on safety evaluation of 18" hole spacing for delay blasting in coal relative to misfires. (PDF, 2091 KB, 1986)
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| Short-Encapsulation Pull Tests for Roof Bolt Evaluation at an Operating Coal Mine This paper presents information that shows that short-encapsulation pull tests can provide the information necessary to improve ground control in variable roof conditions. (PDF, 175 KB, 2003-08)
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| A Short-Range Locator System for Detecting Trapped Miners A short-range locator system, capable of locating miners who have become trapped following a mine accident, has been devised. The system consists of a light-weight, low-power radio transmitter incorporated into a miners cap lamp battery and a directional receiver carried by rescuers. Prototype transmitters have been constructed, and the propagation of their signals has been investigated. The detectability of the signal in underground coal mines has also been investigated. This research indicates that a short-range location system would serve as an economical and practical means of locating miners from within the mine following an accident. (PDF, 2432 KB, 1984)
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| Significant Dust Dispersion Models for Mining Operations This report presents the various dust dispersion models that have been developed specifically for the mining industry. (PDF, 303 KB, 2005) |
| Silica Dust Sources in Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines - Two Case Studies The ultimate goal of this research is to develop control technologies to reduce worker exposure to respirable silica dust. Dust surveys were conducted in an underground limestone and gold mine to investigate silica dust sources, generation levels, and controls being used. A summary of the mining operations, sampling procedures, resulting data, and suggested methods to improve the dust control will be provided. (PDF, 885 KB, 2002)
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| Silicone Vapor Poisoning of Catalytic Methane Sensors Various silicone materials have been proposed for use in mining environments. The catalytic methane sensors now employed are poisoned by silicone vapors. Activated charcoal and carbon cloth adsorbents will increase the sensor lifetimes in an environment containing significant silicone vapor concentrations. The results of a study of catalytic methane sensor operation with adsorbent materials in hexamethyldisiloxane-air mixtures are reported. Sampling techniques developed for measuring silicone vapor content of mine atmospheres are described. (PDF, 2381 KB, 1978-10)
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| Simplified Hyperspectral Imaging for Improved Geologic Mapping of Mine Slopes A prototype portable hyperspectral imager was field tested at an open-pit mine as part of an investigation of remote sensing technologies for use in detecting and monitoring conditions in surface mines that could lead to catastrophic slope failure. (PDF, 1865 KB, 2001)
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| Simplified Pre- and Post-Processing Technique for Performing Finite-Element Analyses of Deep Underground Mines Two of the major ground control safety issues confronting underground mine operations today are shaft pillar stability and the failure of rock around active mine openings. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate one technique developed at the Spokane Research Center that allows the user to create a finite-element model of a two-dimensional section of an underground mine in a relatively straightforward manner. (PDF, 611 KB, 1997)
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| A Simulation Approach Analyzing Random Motion Events Between a Machine and its Operator This paper presents an approach for representing and analyzing random motions and hazardous events in a simulated three-dimensional workplace, providing designers and analysts with a new technique for evaluating operator-machine interaction hazards in virtual environments. (PDF, 896 KB, 2000)
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| Simulation of Methane Flows in Noncoal Mines The Bureau of Mines has successfully tested a method to simulate methane (CH4) flows from face areas through the returns of noncoal mines. This technique involves releasing a small quantity of tracer gas at a working area and sampling for that gas downstream in the return airways. By measuring the dilution of the tracer gas, the dilution of any volume of CH4 released at the face can be calculated. This information is useful in selecting locations for CH4 monitors and in deciding the necessity for permissible equipment in the returns. (PDF, 540 KB, 1984)
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| Simulation of Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Area with a Bleederless Ventilation System This paper presents the results of a NIOSH study to model the spontaneous heating in longwall gob areas with a bleederless ventilation system. (PDF, 136 KB, 2008)
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| Site-Specific and Regional Geologic Considerations for Coalbed Gas Drainage The objective of this paper is to provide information on specific geologic factors that should be considered prior to, during, and after the drilling of coalbed gas drainage boreholes. Many of the commonsense considerations that have been learned through many years of Bureau of Mines experience, but have generally not been reported formally, are included. (PDF, 1601 KB, 1982)
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| Size Distribution and Deposition in Human Respiratory Tract: Particle Mass and Number Objectives: To determine the regional deposition of particulate matter in human lungs for a variety of steady-state engine operating conditions, fuel formulations and combinations of after treatment devices, and to characterize the size, distribution and mass emission rates of particulate matter emissions from off-road and on-highway heavy-duty vehicles operating on conventional diesel, and ultra-low sulfur synthetic diesel fuels. (PDF, 1750 KB, 2001-01)
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| Sizing of Final Stumps for Safer Pillar Extraction The risk of major pillar falls can often be reduced by leaving final stumps that are large enough to protect the intersection, but small enough that they do not inhibit the caving of the gob. Analyses were conducted to assess the effect of seam height and depth of cover on the potential variation in the size of remnant stumps. (PDF, 127 KB, 2001-08)
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| Smoke Reversal Interaction with Diagonal Airway - its Elusive Character The reversal of smoke products-of-combustion from a mine fire was determined in a mine section
with the airway connectivity of an electrical Wheatstone bridge. Four diesel-fuel fire experiments with fire heat-release rates between 504 and 771 kW were conducted in NIOSH's Safety Research Coal Mine. Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the smoke movement agreed with the measurements. (PDF, 522 KB, 2006)
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| Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Production from the Pyrolysis of Conveyor Belting and Brattice Cloth An investigation of the combustion products of typical materials found in underground mines. The results are combined with previous analyses to estimate relative toxicities, product levels and detectability of smoldering mine combustibles. (PDF, 1070 KB, 1992-01)
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| Snapshot of Noise and Worker Exposures in Sand and Gravel Operations This paper presents research examining noise on dredges used in several surface mine sand and gravel operations and in the processing facilities. (PDF, 951 KB, 2008-03)
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| Solutions to Prevent Materials-Handling Injuries in Underground Coal Mines This paper describes three mechanical methods - the mobile manipulator, the in-mine hoist, and a cable-handling system - being developed and tested at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to help reduce materials-handling injuries. Two of the devices are specifically designed for loading, unloading, and moving supplies and materials, and the third device is for handling trailing cables in the confined spaces of coal mines. Also described are safety solutions developed for underground coal mines geared to showing miners safe and unsafe ways of performing various materials-handling tasks. (PDF, 511 KB, 2005)
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| Sorption Investigations of Methane on Coal The Bureau of Mines has conducted desorption work on fine coal particles at near atmospheric pressure. An apparatus has been developed that uses a capacitance manometer to measure desorption of methane from coal particles up to 2 inches in diameter and pressures up to 1,000 psi. This will make it possible to duplicate the desorption process as it occurs in its natural underground environment. (PDF, 985 KB, 1969)
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| Sound Power Level Study of a Roof Bolter NIOSH initiated a study of a roof bolter to reduce noise exposure to mine roof-bolter operators. An important segment of this research entails determining the affect of various drilling configurations on the performance (penetration rate) and sound power emissions when drilling into granite.This paper details the effects of each of these variables on the performance and sound power level emission. When drilling into granite, it was found that wet drilling generated lower sound power levels and performed better than vacuum drilling. (PDF, 1717 KB, 2006)
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| Spatial Trends in Rock Strength - Can They Be Determined From Coreholes? Rock mechanics testing is central to a geotechnical exploration program and typically, average uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is the measure used to quantify a particular roof unit at a given corehole. Issues are that the average UCS may differ between coreholes but not be statistically significant; and whether or not widely spaced coreholes can identify valid spatial trends in rock strength. The paper describes NIOSH's extensive investigation of these issues. (PDF, 290 KB, 2004)
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| A Spatial/Spectral Domain Microwave Coal Seam Imaging Sensor-Progress in Signal Processing The paper, presents the results of roof coal thickness measurements in underground mines and rib coal thickness measurements in highwall mines. The microwave sensor described uses a unique spatial modulation scheme created by antenna motion, along with frequency domain signal processing, to solve the problem of media, target, and antenna dispersion. This paper further describes the advantages of the unique frequency domain signal processing technology chosen by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in extending previously reported one dimensional thickness measurement technology to the generation of a full three-dimensional underground image of the underground environment. (PDF, 244 KB, 1994)
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| Specialized Fortran Computer Programming and Analysis Services to Upgrade Capability of MFIRE Program This report is a summary of the work accomplished during the performance of the project titled "Specialized Fortran Computer Programming and Analysis Services to Upgrade Capability of MFIRE Program". This project investigated and corrected algorithm convergence errors in MFIRE versions 1.29 (for dry case) and 2.01/2.0 (for both dry and wet cases), resulting in MFIRE software upgrades 1.30 and 2.10, respectively. (PDF, 19078 KB, 1994-12)
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| SPONCOM - A Computer Program for the Prediction of the Spontaneous Combustion Potential of an Underground Coal Mine The United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) developed sponcom to aid in the assessment of the spontaneous combustion risk of an underground mining operation. (PDF, 838 KB, 1996-01)
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| Stability Analysis of a Backfilled Room-and-Pillar Mine Displacement and stress changes in cemented backfill and ore pillars at the Buick Mine, near Boss, MO, were monitored by engineers from the U.S. Bureau of Mines and The Doe Run Co., St Louis, MO. Objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of backfill on mine stability, observe backfill conditions during pillar removal, and calibrate a numeric model to be used to design other areas of the mine. (PDF, 745 KB, 1995)
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| Stability of Backfilled Cross-Panel Entries During Longwall Mining In cooperation with Cyprus Twentymile Coal Co., researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spokane Research Laboratory, conducted a study at the Foidel Creek Mine, an underground coal mine near Oak Creek, CO, to evaluate the stability of underground working conditions as a longwall advanced through a series of backfilled cross-panel entries. (PDF, 919 KB, 1998-08)
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| Stability of Underground Openings Adjacent to the Sink Hole at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Research Laboratory This paper discusses roof monitoring, the roof movement, the large roof fall, propagation of the roof failures, and the recent support measures undertaken to stabilize the escapeway over a portion of the older limestone mine workings at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory, a mining health and safety research facility. (PDF, 243 KB, 2003)
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| Standing Support Alternatives in Western Longwalls Western mines have had limited choices for standing support. This paper compares the performance characteristics of various support systems. (PDF, 1007 KB, 2005)
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| Standing Support Alternatives in Western United States Longwalls This article compares the performance characteristics of various support systems, including wood cribs, can supports, cluster props and pumpable supports. (PDF, 1973 KB, 2006-02)
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| The State-of-the-Art in Coal Pillar Design Recently, powerful design methods have emerged from analysis of large data bases of real-world pillar successes and failures. In the process, our understanding of pillar mechanics has been greatly enriched. (PDF, 502 KB, 1999)
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| Static and Dynamic Loads in Ore and Waste Rock Passes in Underground Mines This paper describes research to improve safety during transport of ore and waste in underground mines. (PDF, 572 KB, 1999) |
| A Static Fatigue Constitutive Law for Joints in Weak Rock Researchers from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are developing numerical modeling tools to forecast time-dependent deformation around coal mine entries. (PDF, 481 KB, 1998)
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| Statistical Profile of Accidents at Small Underground Coal Mines This paper provides statistical information on accidents, production, and employment at small U.S. underground coal mines. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994) |
| Statistics-based Safety: Part 1: An Analysis of the Crushed Stone Injuries Occurring During a 10-year Span Provides Insight Into Improving Safety A data analysis of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the crushed and broken stone industry for the period 1994-2003. (PDF, 397 KB, 2006-10) |
| Statistics-based Safety: Part 2: An Analysis of the Sand and Gravel Operator Injuries Occurring During a 10-year Span Provides Insight Into Improving Safety A data analysis of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the sand and gravel industry for the period 1994-2003. (PDF, 874 KB, 2006) |
| Status of a Tapered Element, Oscillation Microbalance-Based Continuous Respirable Coal Mine Dust Monitor In response to the Mine Safety and Health Administration's request, the U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated several sensor technologies for continuously monitoring respirable coal mine dust. One of these technologies is the tapered element, oscillating microbalance. (PDF, 377 KB, 1996-01)
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| Status of Dust Control Technology on U.S. Longwalls NIOSH conducted dust surveys at 13 longwalls operating throughout the U.S. and collected information to: identify current operating practices on these longwalls, identify the types of dust controls in use, document the levels at which these controls are being applied, and measure the respirable dust levels present. This data was analyzed to quantify the dust levels generated by the major sources on the longwall section and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the control technologies in use. (PDF, 1805 KB, 1997)
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| Stone Mining Facts - 2001 Mining Facts are one-page mining fact sheets covering a variety of topics of general interest relating to mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 185 KB, 2003-07)
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| Stone Operator Mining Facts - 2002 In 2002, a total of 4,311 stone mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The major industrial classifications in stone mining are dimension stone (used for construction purposes), crushed and broken stone (aggregates), cement, and lime. Stone mines comprised 29.7% of all mining operations. Mines producing crushed and broken stone (n = 3,372) comprised 78.2% of all stone mining operations. (PDF, 190 KB, 2004-01)
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| Stone Operator Mining Facts - 2003 In 2003, a total of 4,357 stone mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The major industrial classifications in stone mining are dimension stone (used for construction purposes), crushed and broken stone (aggregates), cement, and lime. Stone mines comprised 30.3% of all mining operations. Mines producing crushed and broken stone (n = 3,412) comprised 78.3% of all stone mining operations. (PDF, 195 KB, 2005-02)
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| Stone Operator Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground stone mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 74 KB, 2007-09)
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| Strategies For Improving Miners' Training This NIOSH Information Circular presents basic principles for teaching adults and provides examples of how these principles can be used to develop and implement effective training for miners. (PDF, 492 KB, 2002-09)
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| Strength Characteristics and Air-Leakage Determinations for Alternative Mine Seal Designs During the normal course of underground coal mining, it sometimes becomes necessary to seal off abandoned areas to eliminate the need to ventilate them. Seals also are used to isolate fire zones or areas susceptible to spontaneous combustion. The objective of the research is to determine whether seals constructed from various materials and designs can withstand a 20-psig methane-air explosion without losing their structural integrity. (PDF, 2326 KB, 1993)
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| Strength Testing If we consider ergonomics to be an exercise in matching job demands to worker capabilities, one of the principal capabilities we must be concerned with is that of human strength. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the fundamental principles of strength assessment in ergonomics, so that these procedures can be better applied to control the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. (PDF, 449 KB, 2001)
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| Strengthening Existing 20-psi Mine Ventilation Seals With Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement This report discusses the testing and full-scale evaluations of a recently developed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement technique for upgrading existing mine ventilation seals to withstand an explosion pressure of 50 psi or greater which were conducted in the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory´s Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM) near Fairchance, PA. (PDF, 7610 KB, 2008-01)
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| Stress Measurement of a Jointed Rock Mass During Drift Development An experiment is described in which hollow inclusion cells were used to measure stress in a jointed rock mass during drift development at the Stillwater Mine, Nye, MT, USA. (PDF, 855 KB, 1999)
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| Stress Measurements for Safety Decisions in Longwall Coal The goal of the research described here is to develop a stress monitoring system that will provide immediate information to mine managers for making daily safety decisions as areas of poor ground are mined through. (PDF, 1943 KB, 2002)
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| A Study of Burnout in Accident Investigators in the US Mining Industry Reports on the results of administering the Maslach Burnout Inventory assessment to 154 MSHA accident investigators. (PDF, 796 KB, 2002-01) |
| A Study of Heat Stress Exposures and Interventions for Mine Rescue Workers This paper discusses a study of heat stress exposures among mine rescue workers in underground mines. The effectiveness of several engineering controls, such as cooling the air inhaled by rescuers through an apparatus, wearing cooling vests, and supplying water through the CCBA masks, were investigated. Administrative controls, such as limiting the duration of exposure and controlling the work rate through forced-rest regimens, were also evaluated. Results to date are discussed, and tools for evaluating team condition and estimating the length of time it would be safe for rescuers to work are proposed. (PDF, 798 KB, 2004-02)
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| Study of Mine Fires and Mine Ventilation: Part I, Computer Simulation of Ventilation Systems Under the Influence of Mine Fires An existing computer program for mine ventilation network is modified so that it can simulate ventilation conditions under the influence of mine fires. The resulting new program is designed for the practical ventilation engineer and should be applicable to all types of ventilation emergency plans, in particular mine fire plans. The organization of the program and its mathematical basis are described. (PDF, 21500 KB, 1977-09)
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| A Study of RF Hazards at Low and Medium Frequencies to Blasting in Underground Coal Mines This paper presents the preliminary safe distances for blasting wiring from typical electromagnetic sources. The distances are for underground coal mines and electromagnetic sources in the frequency range below 10 mhz. The distances are based on measurements performed at three locations in each of three coal mines. The measurement apparatus, measurement procedure, measurement results, and the rationale used in the calculation of the safe distances are all described. The safe distances presented are dependent on the measurement results and their interpretation. More measurements are clearly necessary to establish the validity of the suggested distances. (PDF, 7804 KB, 1985)
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| A Study of the Ground Control Effects of Mining Longwall Faces Into Open or Backfilled Entries This paper summarizes case studies where unusual circumstances required that a longwall retreat into or through previously driven rooms. Two types of roof failure are identified and discussed. (PDF, 1525 KB, 2001-01)
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| Submicrometer Elemental Carbon as a Selective Measure of Diesel Particulate Matter in Coal Mines A monitoring method for diesel particulate matter was published as Method 5040 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) proposed use of NIOSH 5040 for compliance determinations in metal and nonmetal mines. (PDF, 874 KB, 2004-10)
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| Subsidence Prediction Using a Laminated, Boundary-Element Program Historically, the surface subsidence over underground coal mines has been predicted using empirical profile or influence functions which have little or no connection to the actual mechanics of the subsidence. This paper presents a case study where a mechanics-based, boundary-element program is used to calculate the surface subsidence associated with several panels of a Northern Appalachian longwall coal mine. (PDF, 1285 KB, 1998)
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| Substantial Time Savings Achieved through Computer Dust Analysis This paper describes a computer analysis system used presently by the Bureau of Mines to analyze quickly and accurately large volumes of information obtained from real-time dust monitors during research studies. It substantially reduces the time necessary to perform various data analysis calculations and manipulations, including graphics. It also provides raw data files that can be transferred to other software packages for other required manipulations. (HTML, KB, 1988)
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| Suggestion of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship Among Coal Rank, Airborne Dust, and Incidence of Workers' Pneumoconiosis Health research studies have identified that the risk of developing and the severity of CWP are directly related to the amount of respirable dust exposure and the coal rank. The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory is pursuing more in-depth studies of coal charging characteristics and the use if water additives (surfactants) for water spray systems to improve dust suppression and reduce miner dust exposure. (PDF, 281 KB, 2000)
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| Sulfur Hexafluoride as a Mine Ventilation Research Tool - Recent Field Applications Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is an odorless, colorless, nontoxic gas that has found acceptance as a tracer gas in research on ventilation patterns, measurement of air leak rates, respirable dust reductions due to bagging hood modifications, and the study of airflows relating to gob boreholes. Following a short review of the SF6 sampling technique, this report describes recent Bureau of Mines projects in which SF6 was used successfully as a tracer gas, enabling researchers to acquire representative data quickly and inexpensively. (PDF, 1374 KB, 1982)
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| Summary of Combustion Products from Mine Materials: Their Relevance to Mine Fire Detection The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the product-of-combustion (POC) characteristics of combustible materials used in typical coal mining operations in a series of experiments conducted in an intermediate-scale fire tunnel. The materials examined include wood cribs, transformer fluid, coal, conveyor belting, brattice cloth, and ventilation ducting. POC levels will vary not only between materials but also between stages of combustion and the conditions in which they are burning. This report summarizes the POC characteristics of each material and evaluates their effectiveness for early warning mine fire detection. (PDF, 1052 KB, 1990)
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| A Summary of Fatal Accidents Due to Flyrock and Lack of Blast Area Security in Surface Mining, 1989 to 1999 This paper summarizes flyrock and blast area security fatalities from 1989 to 1999 and examines the causative factors. Accident data indicates that flyrock and lack of blast area security were the primary causes of blasting related injuries in surface mining. Fatal injuries due to lack of blast area security were attributed to: failure to clear blast area; failure to follow instructions; inadequate guarding; inadequate blasting shelter; and unsafe location. (PDF, 264 KB, 2002)
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| Summary of Longwall and Continuous Miner Section Noise Studies in Underground Coal Mines Noise surveys, consisting of full-shift worker noise exposure, time-motion studies and equipment noise profiling, have been completed on longwall and continuous miner sections in six underground coal mines. A summary of these studies is reported, including worker dose, source/dose relationships and equipment noise profiles. (PDF, 401 KB, 2006)
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| Summary of NIOSH Research Completed on Dust Control Methods for the Surface and Underground Drilling This paper summarizes the results of research that has been done on respirable dust control for surface mine blasthole drilling operations. Additionally, past dust control research for drilling operations of both underground and surface mines completed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, created in 1910 and incorporated into NIOSH in 1997, is reviewed. (PDF, 561 KB, 2008)
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| Supplementing Your Dust Control Equipment with Whole-Plant Ventilation This article outlines research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on using whole-plant ventilation in two mineral processing operations to reduce respirable dust levels. (PDF, 460 KB, 1998-01)
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| Surface Haulage Truck Research NIOSH studies have focused on off-the-shelf technologies that would enable mine haulage truck drivers to "see" objects and people behind and to the side of a moving vehicle. This paper discusses two types of systems currently available: proximity warning devices and harge-coupled device (CCD) cameras having closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitors. (PDF, 221 KB, 1999-09)
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| Surface Magnetic Field Noise Measurements at Geneva Mine Measurements of surface magnetic field noise were made at various locations over the Geneva Coal Mine near Price, Utah, on June 12, 1973. Results of measurements of distant sferics indicate rather sharp cutoff frequencies below which broadband, impulsive noise is attentuated. The mechanism of propagation for this noise above the daytime cutoff frequency of 3500 Hz and the nighttime cutoff frequency of 1700 Hz is deduced to be a waveguide formed by the D or E layers of ionosphere as an upper plane and the earth as a lower plane. (PDF, 1463 KB, 1974)
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| Surface Mining Facts - 2003 Data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) indicate that a total of 241,502 employees worked in surface mining locations in 2003, corresponding to 212,113 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. Surface employees accounted for 84.6% of all mining employees. The majority of surface employees (73.7%; n = 177,927) were mine operator employees as opposed to contractor employees. Stone operator employees comprised the greatest percentage (27.2%; n = 65,743) of surface employees. (PDF, 192 KB, 2005-02)
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| Surveillance of Disaster - A View From the Denominator The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is dedicated to achieving "safety and health at work for all people - through research and prevention." An important procedure in pursuing this goal is the NIOSH surveillance studies where the number of injuries is monitored according to demographic, employment, and injury characteristics. (PDF, 429 KB, 1998-05)
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| Survey of Electromagnetic and Seismic Noise Related to Mine Rescue Communications: Volume I - Emergency and Operational Mine Communications Volume I of this report deals with theoretical, experimental, and practical implementation aspects of the federal Bureau of Mines programs related to present and planned, emergency and operational, mine communications and miner location systems for underground coal mines. Investigations, evaluations, experiments, and analyses for these programs were made; breadboard and prototype hardware was developed; and assistance was given in the formulation and presentation of technology transfer seminars on mine communications. The report provides preliminary performance predictions related to through-the-earth electromagnetic communications systems and results of investigations related to wire, guided-wireless, and wireless communications systems for communicating with roving vehicles and personnel underground. (PDF, 22473 KB, 1974)
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| Survey of Electromagnetic and Seismic Noise Related To Mine Rescue Communications: Volume II - Seismic Detection and Location of Isolated Miners Volume II of this report (Contract No. H0122026) presents the findings of a short intensive assessment performed during the fall of 1972. This assessment provided the federal Bureau of Mines with independent technical judgments regarding the potentials and limitations of seismic methods and systems for (1) detecting the presence of isolated signaling coal miners, (2) locating such miners to within the confines of a 600- by 600-foot mine section, and (3) further locating these miners to within a 15-foot entry width. Experimental seismic data previously gathered by others during a series of mine field tests, and other relevant seismic data were fully utilized for the assessment reported in this volume. (PDF, 8912 KB, 1974)
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| Survey of Noise in Coal Preparation Plants Noise surveys were conducted in eight coal preparation plants. The research consisted of worker dose monitoring, task observations, and equipment noise profiling. Results indicate that only workers who routinely spend a significant portion of their shift in the plants (away from the control rooms) are susceptible to overexposure from noise. Certain pieces of equipment (screens, centrifuges, sieve bends) are the loudest primary noise sources responsible for the worker noise exposures. (PDF, 545 KB, 2007)
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| Swelling-Induced Volumetric Strains Internal to a Stressed Coal Associated with CO2 Sorption This paper discusses the spatio-temporal volumetric strains in a consolidated Pittsburgh seam coal sample which were evaluated while both confining pressure and carbon dioxide CO2 pore pressure were evaluated.
(PDF, 1547 KB, 2007-11)
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| Systematic Comparison of Different Seats on Shuttle Cars Used in Underground Coal Mines A field study was conducted to evaluate four seat designs on shuttle cars, including two NIOSH-designed seats. Eight operators participated in evaluating seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Results from measured levels of jarring/jolting showed that the NIOSH seat L2A smoothed out bumps better than any other seats. Questionnaire responses showed that operators rated NIOSH seat designs as more comfortable. (PDF, 192 KB, 2003)
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| Tame the Flame: Flame Cutting and Welding Safety for Underground Coal Miners: 2008 Safety Tip Calendar A 2008 Calendar for underground coal miners that gives different flame cutting and welding tips each month. (PDF, 2377 KB, 2007-12) |
| Teaching Miners: Breaking the Barriers to Learning Miners, like many skilled blue-collar workers, are not traditional learners. They have not always been successful in classroom-type settings, preferring to learn on the job in a hands-on environment. (PDF, 286 KB, 2003-10)
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| Technical Bulletin Pager Phones: Circuit Protection Wires leading to or from underground facilities can develop hazardous voltages because of lightning exposure. The locations of many mine portals are particularly susceptible to lightning effects. The application of protective devices to limit this potential danger is necessary. (PDF, 203 KB, 1975)
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| Technical Bulletin Pager Phones: Installation The pager phones used in many underground coal mines are battery-operated, party-line telephones with provisions for loudspeaker paging. The system is two-wire, non-polarized, and is operated by self-contained batteries. A description of the many telephones available is included in the bulletin Introduction; the types of wire and cable to be used in these installations are described in the bulletin Cable Selection; and proper care and procedures for connecting and splicing the interconnecting cable are described in the bulletin Splices and Connections. This text includes excerpts from those bulletins, to supplement the installation recommendations. Detailed information on each subject should be obtained from the individual technical bulletins. (PDF, 440 KB, 1975)
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| Technical Development of the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter The NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, in collaboration with MSHA Technical Support, has devised a prototype handheld instrument that can provide a direct assessment of the potential explosibility of a coal and rock dust mixture. The Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) is not intended to replace the current MSHA laboratory analysis of coal mine dust samples for incombustible content, but rather to serve as a supplemental device for enhancing mine safety through improved rock dusting practices. (PDF, 145 KB, 2006)
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| Technical Services for Mine Communications Research: Task A, Task Order No. 1 - Applicability of State-Of-The-Art Voice Bandwidth Compression Techniques for Wireless Mine Communication The applicability of voice bandwidth compression techniques to mine wireless communication systems is examined. Promise has been attached to such techniques because the lessened bandwidth gave hope for lessened received noise and hence increased operting range or reduced transmitter power requirements. (PDF, 4408 KB, 1975-07)
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| A Technique for Measuring Toxic Gases Produced by Blasting Agents Traditional techniques for the experimental determination of toxic fumes produced by the detonation of high explosives are not applicable to blasting agents. A facility for detonating large, confined charges in a controlled volume has been constructed at the Pittsburgh
Research Center's Experimental Mine. (PDF, 226 KB, 1997-01)
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| Technique to Assess Hazards in Underground Stone Mines: the Roof Fall Risk Index (RFRI) A roof-fall hazard-assessment technique was developed based on engineering judgment acquired from extensive underground stone mine experience and on examination of the related literature. This technique utilizes observational processes to determine roof fall likelihood. Case-study scenarios offer a realistic picture of model implementation. (PDF, 2535 KB, 2007)
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| Technology for Remote Mine Seal Construction Mine fires can be especially perilous because toxic products can quickly spread well beyond the fire zone thereby exposing all underground miners to dangerous and deadly conditions. This paper provides a review of the available materials and technology used to remotely construct mine seals through vertical boreholes. (PDF, 186 KB, 2002)
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| Technology News 430 - Translucent Face Partition Reduces Longwall Worker's Dust Exposure The USBM's current approach to air splitting consists of using a polyester mesh partition to overcome the visibility problems of a solid barrier. (PDF, 73 KB, 1994-03)
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| Technology News 431 - Apparatus for Sampling and Measuring Diesel Tailpipe Emissions The objective was to develop a portable emissions measurement apparatus. (PDF, 67 KB, 1994-04) |
| Technology News 433 - Resin-Grouted Cables for Enhanced Coal Mine Roof Support This article describes the development of an easy-to-use, reliable, resin-grouted cable support system capable of being installed as primary and secondary roof support in coal mines. (PDF, 67 KB, 1994-04)
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| Technology News 434 - An 'Insulating' Shotcrete for Heat Abatement in Deep Mines The objective was to develop and demonstrate a lightweight material that has low thermal conductivity and that would be suitable for placement using shotcrete methods. This material could be applied in deep, hot mines where mine drifts must be insulated. Its use would decrease mine refrigeration needs and reduce energy costs. (PDF, 90 KB, 1994-05)
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| Technology News 436 - Stope Leaching Reduces Surface Environmental Impacts From Underground Mining The underground stope leaching mining system involves applying leach solutions to mineralized rock that has been fragmented by blasting ore in place, or by backfilling empty stopes. (PDF, 182 KB, 1994-05)
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| Technology News 437 - Total Mill Ventilation System for Mineral Processing Facilities This Tech News reports on the successful application of total mill ventilation systems to reduce respirable dust concentrations and comply with federal regulations regarding respirable dust (PDF, 66 KB, 1994-05)
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| Technology News 439 - Remote Reset Systems for Continuous Mining Machines Used In Extended Cuts Information was solicited from various organizations to determine the circumstances that cause power interruptions to extended cut continuous miners. The data accumulated permitted several conclusions to be drawn about why high-voltage circuit breakers trip. From this information, designs for remote reset systems were developed. (PDF, 76 KB, 1994-08)
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| Technology News 440 - Improved Dust Control for Surface Coal Mine Drills With Rotoclone Collectors A method is described to increase the dust-control effectiveness of the Rotoclone dry-dust collection systems used on surface coal mine drills. (PDF, 80 KB, 1994-10)
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| Technology News 441 - SPONCOM - An Expert System to Predict Spontaneous Combustion Potential of a Coal Mining Operation An expert system computer program is described that can predict the spontaneous combustion potential of a mining operation. (PDF, 73 KB, 1994-10) |
| Technology News 443 - Design Practices for Multiple-Seam Room-and-Pillar Mines Room-and-pillar operators are provided with practical information and guidelines concerning multiple-seam mine design to reduce ground problems associated with the interaction of adjacent workings. (PDF, 66 KB, 1994-11)
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| Technology News 445 - Updated Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability (ALPS) Computer Program Incorporates New Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) The objective of this work is to develop a comprehensive, practical method for designing longwall gate entries that considers coal pillar size, mine roof quality, and artificial support in an easy-to-use computer program. (PDF, 71 KB, 1995-02)
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| Technology News 447 - Dust Collector Discharge Shroud Reduces Dust Exposure to Drill Operators at Surface Coal Mines Dust collector discharge shrouds were used to reduce airborne respirable dust generated from emptying dry dust collectors on small truck-mounted drills at surface coal mines. (PDF, 94 KB, 1995-03)
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| Technology News 448 - Improving the Performance of Longwall Gob Gas Ventholes The absence of fundamental scientific and engineering principles in the design and placement of gob gas ventholes can cause difficulties for mine operators when gas emissions increase because of a change in mine design or because variable geologic conditions are encountered. (PDF, 64 KB, 1995-03)
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| Technology News 453 - Navigation and Control of Continuous Mining Systems for Coal Mining The USBM research program is developing technology that will allow computer-assisted operation of mechanized equipment normally used in underground room-and-pillar coal mining, while permitting workers to be located away from the hazardous coal extraction area (the face). (PDF, 83 KB, 1996-01)
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| Technology News 455 - Roof Hazard Alert Modules The new permissible-type, intrinsically safe design modules described here represent an engineering intervention strategy toward improving miners' ability to recognize and avoid the hazardous zone of unsupported mine roof. (PDF, 97 KB, 1997-05)
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| Technology News 456 - A Fault Detection Neural Network for DC Trolley System Protection Using an artificial neural network based system to detect trolley faults would require no modification of the trolley rectifier, line, feeder, or its vehicles, lessening maintenance concerns and costs. (PDF, 79 KB, 1997-05)
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| Technology News 458 - Development of a Research Facility to Improve Mine Hoisting and Ore Pass Safety The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has requested new safeguards and design criteria for hoists and ore passes. However, equipment suppliers and mining companies cannot justify the costs nor interrupt production to develop and test safer technology for vertical haulage ways. (PDF, 114 KB, 1997-05)
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| Technology News 459 - Ergonomic Seat Reduces Shock for Low-Seam Shuttle Car Operators The lack of sufficient vertical clearance in some underground mines is an impediment to providing adequate shock isolation systems on mine equipment seats. (PDF, 422 KB, 1997-05)
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| Technology News 460 - Prototype Borehole Miner Selectively Extracts Gold from Permafrost The approach taken in this research project was to mine only the ore-bearing portion of the deposit using a high-pressure water jet to thaw the gravels and a downhole hydraulic-lift-type pump to bring the ore to he surface as slurry. (PDF, 244 KB, 1997-07)
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| Technology News 461 - Coal Dust Explosibility Meter Describes a device to enable mine operators and mine inspectors to make quick and accurate measurements of the explosive nature of coal and rock dust mixtures. (PDF, 142 KB, 1997-07)
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| Technology News 462 - Ground Penetrating Radar for Highwall Guidance To provide a safe, practical, cost-effective method for measuring coal rib thickness during highwall mining. (PDF, 45 KB, 1997-07) |
| Technology News 463 - Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor A machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor is discussed that can accurately monitor, display, and record concentration levels of respirable coal mine dust in mines for extended periods. (PDF, 131 KB, 1997-07)
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| Technology News 464 - Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS): Version 4.0 for Windows The analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) computer program was developed in 1995 and has been widely accepted by the mining community. A Windows version of ARMPS is now available. It features simplified data input, graphics, and an expanded online "HELP" facility. (PDF, 91 KB, 1997-07)
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| Technology News 465 - Method for Predicting Methane Emissions on Extended Longwall Faces A method is described for allowing operators to predict methane emissions from panels with increased face width. (PDF, 30 KB, 1997-11) |
| Technology News 466 - Use of Seismic Tomography to Identify Geologic Hazards in Underground Mines The use of seismic tomography to identify geologic hazards in underground mines is discussed. (PDF, 39 KB, 1997-11) |
| Technology News 467 - Wood Crib Performance Model With the increasing cost of wood and greater dependency on wood cribs for support in applications such as longwall tailgate and bleeder entries, more efficient use of wood crib supports is required. (PDF, 155 KB, 1997-11)
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| Technology News 468 - Tests of Doppler Radar Technology for Haulage Truck Backup Alarms Current innovations in Doppler radar technology have led to suggestions by several institutions and manufacturers that new backup alarm systems are available that can replace or augment warning systems for backing operations on large haulage vehicles. (PDF, 58 KB, 1997-12)
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| Technology News 469 - Sensors Warn of Hazards During Mine Hoisting Studies of hoist safety features and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) accident statistics suggests a need to measure wire rope tension, conveyance speed and position, and shaft guide misalignment. (PDF, 1152 KB, 1998-02)
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| Technology News 470 - Analysis of Hangups and Structural Failure in Underground Mine Ore Passes Recent ore pass failures have underlined the lack of ore pass design methods and standards available to both MSHA and mine engineers. (PDF, 1155 KB, 1998-02)
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| Technology News 471 - Innovative Hazard Recognition Training for Underground Limestone Miners NIOSH has developed the Hazard Recognition Training Program for Underground Limestone to teach miners to recognize visual cues that distinguish poor ground conditions. (PDF, 86 KB, 1998-05)
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| Technology News 472 - Ventilation of a 40-Foot, Two-Pass, Extended Cut This Tech News reports on the evaluation of the air quantity reaching the face of a 40 foot box cut during a two-pass extended cut sequence. (PDF, 56 KB, 1998-05)
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| Technology News 473 - The Explosion Hazard From Hydrogen Gas Generation Inside Sealed Frames Discusses one type of explosion hazard that was discovered lurking inside sealed and filled plow frame sections when NIOSH investigated ignition incidents resulting from drilling into plow frames. (PDF, 69 KB, 1998-06)
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| Technology News 474 - A Passive Means to Detect Hot Trolley Insulators NIOSH designed a passive device to detect overheating insulators on mine trolley/track haulageways. (PDF, 60 KB, 1998-08) |
| Technology News 475 - Roof Monitoring Safety System for Underground Stone Mines The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) provides a safer, simple, and inexpensive means for measuring roof movement; its use in underground stone mines is described. (PDF, 53 KB, 1998)
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| Technology News 476 - Instrumented King Wire for Monitoring Cable Bolts Development of methods and tools to assist in the evaluation and selection of rock supports could reduce the number of unplanned rock falls significantly. (PDF, 1158 KB, 1998-11)
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| Technology News 477 - A Systems Safety Approach for Programmable Electronics For mining, programmable electronics (PE) is an emerging technology that enables new capabilities and flexibility. It also can create new hazards and/or worsen existing hazards. (PDF, 26 KB, 1999-08)
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| Technology News 478 - Apparatus for Measuring the Gas Content of Coal or Rock Core Samples An apparatus is described that advances the state of the art in gas content testing of coal or rock core samples. The design goals were to improve sensitivity/accuracy, durability, and ease of operation. (PDF, 56 KB, 1999-08)
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| Technology News 479 - Ore Pass Level and Blockage Locator Device Bridging of material in ore passes causes blockages in the flow of material. These blockages can be hazardous and must be removed before production can continue. (PDF, 105 KB, 2000-01)
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| Technology News 480 - Controlled Start for Drill Motors on Roof Bolting Machines A bolter operator must manually place the drill steel and wrench into the drill chunk and then hold onto it as the drill is guided to the hole placement or the wrench is raised to the bolt head. During these actions, the inadvertent actuation of the drill's rotation control can catch the operator's hand or glove, which can cause serious injury. NIOSH has developed a mechanical/hydraulic method to reduce this type of injury. (PDF, 198 KB, 2000-02)
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| Technology News 481 - Update: Roof Monitoring Safety System for Underground Stone Mines The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) introduced in late 1997 has been modified to improve durability and simplify the measurement of roof or rib movement. (PDF, 483 KB, 2000-06)
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| Technology News 482 - Ground Support Safety Training Video This video, entitled "Ground Support...It's Important, or Miner Mike Saves the Day," presents information on why ground supports work and how to install them properly. (PDF, 533 KB, 2000-07)
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| Technology News 483 - Safety Training Tools for Rock Scaling Personnel Scaling, the removal of loose rock from the roofs and walls of a mine by manual or mechanized means, may be necessary during any stage of mining. Manual scaling is very labor intensive, and mechanical methods can be too powerful and actually produce a less stable roof. (PDF, 1106 KB, 2001-01)
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| Technology News 484 - Devices to Monitor Blind Spots Near Large Haulage Equipment CDC/NIOSH Technology News brief on several technologies available to monitor the blind spots of large haulage equipment. (PDF, 210 KB, 2001-01) |
| Technology News 485 - Improved Cab Air Inlet Location Reduces Dust Levels and Air Filter Loading Rates Higher efficiency air filters provide good dust control for the equipment operator, but tend to accumulate dust more quickly than lower efficiency air filters. (PDF, 193 KB, 2001-02)
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| Technology News 486 - Floor Heaters Can Increase Operator's Dust Exposure in Enclosed Cabs Floor heaters are identified as contributing to dust levels in enclosed cabs. Two methods are identified to minimize the problem of dust generation inside cabs. (PDF, 539 KB, 2001-03)
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| Technology News 487 - Sweeping Compound Application Reduces Dust From Soiled Floors Within Enclosed Operator Cabs A method is described to reduce the dust generated from soiled floors within enclosed operator cabs. (PDF, 442 KB, 2001-03) |
| Technology News 488 - Migration of Blasting Fumes into a Western Pennsylvania Home NIOSH tech news report on an incident where CO generated from blasting at a strip mine migrated through the ground into a nearby home, poisoning the occupants. (PDF, 539 KB, 2001-05)
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| Technology News 489 - Reducing the Danger of Explosions in Sealed Areas (Gobs) in Mines Techniques are identified to reduce the probability of gob gas explosions. (PDF, 536 KB, 2001-05) |
| Technology News 490 - An Inexpensive Device for Monitoring Explosions in Sealed Areas of Underground Mines Description of a passive, inexpensive technique for monitoring explosion overpressures within sealed areas in underground coal mines. (PDF, 288 KB, 2001-06)
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| Technology News 491 - NIOSH Releases Two New Safety Training Videos Two new videos are now being released. Both of these videos were shot completely in operating underground hard-rock mines and used expert miners to tell the story. (PDF, 848 KB, 2001-06)
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| Technology News 492 - Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Coal Pillar Mechanics and Design An announcement of the availability of the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Coal Pillar Mechanics and Design. Included are 15 papers from leading ground control specialists in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of South Africa. The papers address the entire range of issues associated with coal pillars and have a decidedly practical flavor. (PDF, 230 KB, 2001-08)
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| Technology News 493 - Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support An announcement for Information Circular 9453 - Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support. (PDF, 251 KB, 2001-08) |
| Technology News 494 - Expert Miner Training Video Released by NIOSH This video showcases Jim Mortensen, a "gypo" miner for nearly 40 years in a deep, underground silver mine in the west. (PDF, 860 KB, 2002-03) |
| Technology News 495 - NIOSH Releases New Educational Video: Recovery of Farmington No. 9 - An Interview with Danny Kuhn During an interview, Mr Kuhn spent about two hours describing the Farmington disaster, including the workplace climate leading up to the explosion, the events that took place in the 10 days after the explosion, and the nearly 10-year effort to safely and successfully recover most of the victims' bodies. This is the edited version of that interview. (PDF, 986 KB, 2002-03)
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| Technology News 496 - NIOSH Releases New Computer-Based Training Exercise Called MERITS MERITS simulates underground and surface events related to the disaster. It exposes the user to events that typically occur during a mine emergency, such as lack of information and miscommunication. It also presents trainees with issues that must be addressed, such as making provisions for briefing news media and victims' families, ordering needed supplies, interfacing with Government enforcement agencies, and housing mine rescue teams. (PDF, 455 KB, 2002-06)
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| Technology News 497 - "You Are My Sunshine": A New Video Release From NIOSH on the Sunshine Mine Fire Experience, it is said, is the best teacher. Some experiences, however, should be shared so that no one else will ever have to live through them again. The fire at the Sunshine Mine is one such experience. (PDF, 173 KB, 2002-08)
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| Technology News 498 - Multiple Fire Sensors for Mine Fire Detection and Nuisance Discrimination In an effort to determine the effectiveness of multiple types of fire sensors for early and reliable mine fire detection, NIOSH has evaluated multiple sensors for early mine fire detection and nuisance signal discrimination. (PDF, 202 KB, 2002-09)
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| Technology News 499 - Using Propeller Fans to Improve Ventilation in Large-Entry Stone Mines This Tech News reports on how the use of propeller fans can significantly improve the ventilation in large entry stone mines due to their efficiency at lower pressures and less required horsepower. (PDF, 152 KB, 2002-12)
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| Technology News 500 - Using In-Place Stone Stoppings to Direct Air in Underground Stone Mines The growing realization of the importance of a healthy work environment along with increased regulations will require many stone mines to implement new ways to improve ventilation. In-place stone stoppings are one option. (PDF, 152 KB, 2002-12)
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| Technology News 501 - Measuring Very Low Air Velocities in Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines Conventional anemometers (e.g., vane) are capable of accurately measuring air velocities only above 100 ft/min. This research investigated other anemometry technology to detect low air velocities in the range of 0-100 ft/min. Two different portable ultrasonic anemometers were tested in an underground limestone mine with openings about 51 ft wide by 29 ft high. (PDF, 385 KB, 2003)
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| Technology News 502 - A New Training Video for Aggregate Operators: Aggregate Training for the Safety Impaired Discusses a video developed by NIOSH to provide safety training for workers in aggregate operations. Although the target audience was primarily new hires, the finished video was also to be relevant to more experienced workers. (PDF, 644 KB, 2003)
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| Technology News 503 - HAZCOM Helper Compliance Tool for MSHA Rule 30 CFR Part 47 Discusses a NIOSH-developed software tool for writing a HazCom plan. (PDF, 196 KB, 2003-03) |
| Technology News 504 - NIOSH Releases New AHSEM and ARBS Software Programs to Improve Ground Control The AHSEM computer program contains two modules to improve mine layouts for control of horizontal stress. ARBS is designed to help with selecting the proper roof bolt system from the great variety of available bolt types and patterns. (PDF, 174 KB, 2003-04)
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| Technology News 505 - NIOSH Releases New Coal Mine Roof Rating Software The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) is a roof classification system. It was first introduced to the mining community in 1994. It has now been written to a userfriendly version that can be run on any PC with a Windows operating system. (PDF, 278 KB, 2003-04)
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| Technology News 506 - The Sky is Falling!: NIOSH Releases Safety Video for Surface Mining Operations Investigators collaborated to develop a new training module that would address the hazards of working around highwalls. Such a module would be applicable to surface mines and road construction sites, both of which require personnel to work under and on top of steep and often unstable slopes. (PDF, 163 KB, 2004-08)
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| Technology News 507 - NIOSH Safety Talk: The Emergency Communication Triangle The "Emergency Communication Triangle" safety talk focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. It presents a procedure using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. (PDF, 300 KB, 2004-09)
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| Technology News 508 - NIOSH Releases New Safety Video: Make It Safer With Roof Screen Most rock fall injuries can be prevented by installing roof screen during the bolting cycle. This video and accompanying instruction booklet explain techniques for roof screen installation and use of the personal bolter screen. The video also provides safe handling tips, best practices, and information about machine technology that can greatly improve material handling. (PDF, 726 KB, 2005-03)
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| Technology News 509 - A New Method to Clean Dust From Soiled Work Clothes A new clothes-cleaning process was developed that uses a compressed air nozzle manifold to blow dust from the worker's clothes in an enclosed booth. The process cleans work clothes 10 times faster and removes up to 50% more dust than the single air hose or vacuuming methods. Average cleaning time is less than 20 seconds. (PDF, 649 KB, 2005-05)
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| Technology News 510 - HazCom Helper - OSHA Version: Compliance Tool For OSHA Rule 29 CFR 1910.1200 NIOSH personnel developed the HazCom Helper - MSHA Version to help mining companies write their HazCom documents as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200. Following many requests for the HazCom Helper from companies regulated by OSHA, NIOSH revised the program to create the HazCom Helper - OSHA Version to be more compatible with the specific needs of these nonmining companies. (PDF, 68 KB, 2005-10)
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| Technology News 511 - NIOSH Develops Improved Mining Safety and Health Web Topic Page The NIOSH Office of Mining and Construction Safety and Health Research has redesigned its Mining Safety and Health Web topic page. The updated page incorporates a significant amount of new safety and health information, plus an improved layout to better serve stakeholder needs. (PDF, 994 KB, 2005-11)
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| Technology News 512 - Improve Drill Dust Collector Capture Through Better Shroud and Inlet Configurations This research showed that a tight shroud is very beneficial for the drill dust collection system, while improvements for a leaky shroud could be achieved with collector-to-bailing airflow ratios >= 3:1 and/or by relocating the inlet. (PDF, 84 KB, 2005-10)
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| Technology News 513 - Coaching Workshop for On-the-Job Trainers Describes a guide for developing an effective formalized on-the-job (OJT) program. The guide contains materials and suggestions for conducting a 1-day workshop for teaching OJT trainers how to be better coaches to less experienced workers. It incorporates training methods that ensure a trainee will absorb the information presented rather than simply emulate what the instructor is teaching. (PDF, 77 KB, 2006)
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| Technology News 514 - The Air Quantity Estimator (AQE): A New Computer Software Tool for Large-opening Mine Ventilation Planning A combination of engineering, administrative, and ventilation controls will eventually be required in many large opening mines in the United States to meet the regulatory DPM concentration limits. The AQE is a tool for mine planners to use to estimate site-specific ventilation requirements for their mine, as well as to evaluate options to meet the regulatory DPM concentration limits. (PDF, 223 KB, 2006-03)
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| Technology News 515 - Float Coal Dust Explosion Hazards In underground coal mining, dust is produced at the face, at conveyors, at transfer points, and by the normal movement of workers and machines. The coarse coal dust particles settle rapidly. However, the fine coal particles remain airborne much longer, and the ventilating air can move this fine dust relatively long distances into the returns before settling. This fine dust is called float coal dust. It generally consists of particles of coal that pass a 200-mesh sieve (particles smaller than 75 micrometers). Generalized rock dusting is currently the primary means of defense against coal dust explosions in U.S. mines. 30 CFR 75, Subpart E (Combustible Materials and Rock Dusting), requires the use of rock dust in bituminous coal mines (30 CFR 75.402). The regulations state that rock dust shall be distributed upon the top, floor, and sides of all underground areas of a coal mine in such quantities that the incombustible content of the combined coal dust, rock dust, and other dust shall be not less than 65%, and the incombustible content in the return air courses (where the dust is expected to be finer) shall be no less than 80% (30 CFR 75.403). These incombustible concentrations assume that the coal and rock dust are not layered, but are intimately mixed. Float coal dust is a serious explosion hazard if it accumulates on top of the rock dust and is not mixed thoroughly with the rock dust. (PDF, 663 KB, 2006-04)
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| Technology News 516 - ARMPS-HWM: New Software for Sizing Pillars for Highwall Mining The use of highwall mining systems has increased substantially in open-pit coal mines. It is used where overburden depth exceeds economical recovery. Highwall stability remains the major safety concern during highwall mining. The Mine Safety and Health Administration requires highwall mining operators to follow ground control plans that specify the pillar sizes necessary to prevent a pillar collapse that would threaten highwall stability. NIOSH has developed the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability-Highwall Mining (ARMPS-HWM) computer program to assist mine planners with pillar design. Based on extensive research into instances of highwall mining pillar instability and pillar collapses in underground mines, ARMPS-HWM uses the Mark-Bieniawski formula to estimate the strength of long strip pillars. The suggested design procedure addresses the following issues: (1) the number of holes between barrier pillars, (2) the size of the individual web pillars, (3) the size of the barrier pillars, and (4) the stability factor of the overall design. The program is simple to install and easy to use. It contains extensive "Help" files that provide more background on the research upon which design formulas are based. The Help files also contain suggestions for highwall mining through old auger holes and for close-proximity, multiple-split highwall mining. (PDF, 89 KB, 2006-03)
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| Technology News 517 - New Updates for NIOSH Coal Mine Ground Control Software The NIOSH suite of coal mine ground control software addresses nearly every aspect of coal mine ground control planning, including geologic characterization, mine layout, pillar design, and support selection. Mine planners who use the software have access to the knowledge gained during years of NIOSH research--packaged in a simple, easy-to-use format. Several of these software packages have recently been updated and improved. These include Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS), the Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP), the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR), and the Analysis of Horizontal Stress in Mining (AHSM). (PDF, 632 KB, 2006-04)
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| Technology News 518 - Super Stopping: A Permanent Solid Stopping for Directing Ventilation Airflows in Large-opening Metal/Nonmetal Mines The Super Stopping is a permanent, long-term ventilation control for large-opening metal/nonmetal mines designed to last for the life of the mine. This report discusses construction of a Super Stopping, as well as successful testing of the stopping at 3psig blast pressure from an unconfined explosive charge at NIOSH's Lake Lynn Laboratory. (PDF, 77 KB, 2006-05)
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| Technology News 519 - EZ-Up Curtain Stoppings: A Practical Solution for Directing Ventilation Airflows in Large-opening Metal/Nonmetal Mines The EZ-Up curtain stopping is designed primarily for use as a temporary or portable stopping, although test results indicate that it may remain durable for an extended time. It can be constructed from a variety of fabrics, including standard mine brattice. Stoppings composed of two separate curtain materials were evaluated: (1) a high-density polyethylene woven fabric and (2) a string-reinforced polyethylene film and polyester fabric. Both remained intact after being subjected to a maximum 3psig blast pressure. (PDF, 82 KB, 2006-05)
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| Technology News 520 - A Method to Characterize Risk Associated With Mine Roof Conditions Describes the Roof Fall Risk Index (RFRI), a method of systematically characterizing the risk of roof falls in underground limestone mines. (PDF, 300 KB, 2006-10)
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| Technology News 521 - Development of a Mobile Manipulator to Reduce Lifting Accidents Discusses a first-generation mobile manipulator that one person can use to lift and maneuver 50- to 600-pound loads. It can be used in maintenance shops and mines to reduce lifting accidents. (PDF, 97 KB, 2006)
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| Technology News 522 - Blast Area Security: Flyrock Safety NIOSH has released communication products about flyrock safety in the form of informational brochures, flashcards, and toolbox talk materials. These communication tools target the mining and construction industries, and can be used as refresher training for employees and as introductory safety materials for onsite visitors. (PDF, 149 KB, 2006-12)
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| Technology News 523 - Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation from a roof bolter dust collection system. (PDF, 475 KB, 2007-02)
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| Technology News 524 - HazComWriter Compliance Tool for MSHA Rule 30 CFR Part 47 or OSHA Rule 29 CFR 1910.1200 NIOSH developed the HazComWriter to replace the HazCom Helper-MSHA version (NIOSH Publication 2003-118) and the HazCom Helper-OSHA version (NIOSH Publication 2005-135). The HazComWriter is designed to help companies write their required HazCom plan and list all hazardous chemicals at a company's site by leading the person responsible for writing the HazCom plan step-by-step through its preparation. (PDF, 640 KB, 2007-06)
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| Technology News 525 - NIOSH Releases New Skills Training Aid: Walk-Thru Roof Bolting Machine Trainer's Guide NIOSH has released a new report entitled "Roof Bolting Machine Operators Skills Training for a Walk-Thru Roof Bolter: Trainer's Guide" (IC 9489). It is designed to help safety trainers develop structured training for new operators of walk-thru bolting machines. (PDF, 1129 KB, 2007-06)
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| Technology News 526 - Proceedings of the International Workshop on Rock Mass Classification in Underground Mining Rock mass classification is widely used throughout the underground mining industry - in both coal and hard-rock mines. The technique has been successful because it 1. Uses simple measurements to rate rock mass strength. 2. Helps mine planners to make the best use of
geologic information in mine design. 3. Makes it possible to compare ground control experiences between mines, even when the geologic conditions are very different. The International Workshop on Rock Mass Classification in Underground Mining provided a forum for leading practitioners of rock mass classification from around the world to come together and share their methods and experiences with the technique. (PDF, 88 KB, 2007-07)
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| Technology News 527 - The Partial Cab: A New Noise Engineering Control for Surface Drill Rigs NIOSH, in partnership with stakeholders in the mining and surface drilling industries, conducted research to develop engineering control technologies that reduce workplace noise exposure. The result of this research partnership is the development of a partial cab. (PDF, 1411 KB, 2007-08)
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| Technology News 528 - Recirculation Filter Is Key to Improving Dust Control in Enclosed Cabs NIOSH has investigated various cab filtration system factors on a basic HVAC system in the laboratory to evaluate their effects on overall cab dust protection performance. The factors experimentally investigated were intake filter efficiency, intake air leakage, intake filter loading (filter flow resistance), recirculation filter use, and wind penetration. The use of the recirculation filter remarkably improved the average cab protection factor by an order of magnitude over what was provided by the intake filter. (PDF, 130 KB, 2007-10)
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| Technology News 529 - New Technology for Ground Control in Multiple-Seam Mining Research by NIOSH on multiple-seam mining has resulted in two new ground control products. The first is IC 9495 which is a proceedings document containing a variety of papers that summarize recent knowledge about multiple-seam mining. The second is the Analysis of Multiple-Seam Stability (AMSS) software package which is a simple user-friendly computer program to help mine planners. This document briefly describes each product. (PDF, 224 KB, 2007-11)
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| Technology News 530 - Frictional Ignition of Methane-Air in the Presence of Liquid Hydrocarbons This briefly describes testing done to ignite methane-air in the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, and gives recommendations for limiting fricitonal ignition. (PDF, 194 KB, 2008-03)
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| A Technology Review of Smart Sensors with Wireless Networks for Applications in Hazardous Work Environments Workers in hazardous environments such as mining are constantly exposed to the health and safety hazards of dynamic and unpredictable conditions. One approach to enable them to manage these hazards is to provide them with situational awareness: real-time data (environmental, physiological, and physical location data) obtained from wireless, wearable, smart sensor technologies deployed at the work area. Three critical technologies emerge and converge to support this technical approach: smart-wearable sensors, wireless sensor networks, and low-power embedded computing. The major focus of this report is on smart sensors and wireless sensor networks. The "Future Research" section pulls together the three critical technologies by proposing applications that are relevant to mining. (PDF, 1137 KB, 2007)
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| Teleoperation of a Highwall Mining System The U.S. Bureau of Mines developed and tested a teleoperating system to control a new highwall mining system. Surface and production testing proved that the teleoperating system supplied the operator with sufficient sensory information to operate the mining system. (PDF, 6266 KB, 1992)
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| Tell Me a Story: Why Stories are Essential to Effective Safety Training Adult learning theories, social learning theories, mentoring, and storytelling were all employed in the development of a series of safety training videos that have become very popular in the mining industry. This Report of Investigations describes the theoretical frameworks that were used, the process that was developed to produce the videos, and the results of the evaluations as to whether or not they were effective in training new and experienced miners. (PDF, 2362 KB, 2005-08)
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| Tell Me A Story... Using Stories to Improve Occupational Safety training This paper discusses the social and cultural power of stories, and how they have been used to develop training for skilled blue-collar workers. (PDF, 163 KB, 2007)
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| Tell Me a Story: Using Narrative to Teach Safety to Skilled Blue-Collar Workers A discussion of how training videos created to get safety messages to miners were developed, how "master miners" and story lines were chosen, and how the resulting videos have been received in the mining industry. (PDF, 229 KB, 2003-03)
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| Temperature Corrections to Earth Pressure Cells Embedded in Backfill Determining backfill stress is an important part of evaluating mine safety, whether personnel are working in proximity to backfill or in other areas of the mine where backfill is an integral part of regional support. To assist in determining stress in backfill more accurately, researchers used temperature readings recorded by thermistors to correct for the influence of temperature on stress data. These thermistors were positioned in the stems of earth pressure cells installed in backfill. (PDF, 8304 KB, 2006)
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| Temporal Imaging of Mine-Induced Stress Change Using Seismic Tomography In an effort aimed at monitoring mining-induced stress changes that may influence ground failure, the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a series of active 3-D seismic tomographic surveys at the Homestake (Lead, South Dakota) and Lucky Friday (Mullen, Idaho) mines. (PDF, 1435 KB, 1997-01)
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| Test Apparatus for Measuring Sound Power Levels of Drills This Bureau of Mines report describes in detail the design and operation of a test apparatus for measuring the sound power levels of drills used by the mining industry. (PDF, 1299 KB, 1987)
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| Test Report on the Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor The machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor (MMCRDM) is a fixed-location area sampling device developed for possible use at the working face of an underground coal mine. decades. Recently, an extensive series of laboratory and underground tests was conducted by NIOSH with the cooperation of MSHA and coal operators to test the performance of the MMCRDM. (PDF, 312 KB, 2001)
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| Test Results of Collision Warning Systems for Surface Mining Dump Trucks An average of 13 mine workers are killed each year by being run over or pinned by mobile mining equipment. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health tested a number of commercially available and experimental sensors that monitor obstacles in a vehicle's blind spots. (PDF, 6266 KB, 2000-05)
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| Test Results of Collision Warning Systems on Off-Highway Dump Trucks: Phase 2 This report summarizes ongoing research aimed at evaluating collision warning systems for surface mining dump trucks. (PDF, 6325 KB, 2001) |
| Tests of Fibre-Reinforced Shotcrete at the Chief Joseph Mine, Butte, Montana Researchers conducted tests to evaluate the tensile strength, fiber count, and adhesion of shotcrete applied to panels at the Chief Joseph Mine, a research and training facility operated by Montana Tech. The goal is to reduce the need to install multiple supports at the advancing face by creating a safer mining system that limits the time miners are exposed to unprotected roof. (PDF, 175 KB, 2005)
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| Theoretical Noise and Propagation Models for Through-the-earth Communication A survey of the literature on extremely low-frequency and very low- frequency atmospheric noise was made. Most measurements have concentrated on vertical electric field and the horizontal magnetic field rather than the vertical magnetic field, which is of interest in transmission between horizontal loops. The limited vertical magnetic field data indicate that the vertical component is generally 10 to 20 db below the horizontal component. Three laterally inhomogeneous earth models were analyzed for conversion of horizontal to vertical magnetic field. The rough surface model examines surface effects, the inhomogeneous thin sheet model treats volume effects, and the buried cylinder model treats localized manufactured effects. All three models predict the possibility of significant conversion from horizontal to vertical magnetic field. It was found that the predicted fields more nearly model the measured data than does the homogeneous half-space model. (PDF, 1925 KB, 1982)
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| Theory on the Propagation of UHF Radio Waves in Coal Mine Tunnels The theoretical study of UHF radio communication in coal mines, with particular reference to the rate of loss of signal strength along a tunnel, and from one tunnel to another around a corner is the concern of this paper. This work was part of an investigation of new ways to reach and extend two-way communications to the key individuals who are highly mobile within the sections and haulageways of coal mines. (PDF, 944 KB, 1975)
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| Thermal Modeling of Portable Power Cables The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the performance of portable power cables under transient conditions. This research had a twofold purpose: (1) to define the thermal characteristics of electrically overloaded trailing cables, and (2) to conceptualize electrical protection for cables that allows maximum cable efficiency without diminishing electrical safety in underground mines. (PDF, 1159 KB, 1993)
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| Thermal Stability of ANFO Made with Recycled Oil The NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory conducted research to determine the safe operating conditions for using recycled (used) lubricating oil from mining equipment as a partial replacement for diesel fuel to make ANFO-type blasting agents. (PDF, 533 KB, 1999-02)
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| Thermally Induced Filter Bias in TEOM® Mass Measurement Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have long used stationary tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs®) in laboratory settings. They have served to assess the mass concentration of laboratory-generated particulates in experimental dust chambers and they provide a reference method for comparison with other particulate-measuring instruments. Current NIOSH research is focused on further adapting TEOM technology as a wearable personal dust monitor (PDM) for coal mining occupations. This investigation's goal is to help identify, quantify, and provide means for resolving certain TEOM-related error. The present research investigated bias caused by thermal effects on filter assemblies. (PDF, 1164 KB, 2007-07)
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| This Is Mining... Mining is the branch of industry involving the exploration and removal of minerals from the earth. Mining is one of the oldest and most important endeavors of humankind, because it provides the raw ingredients for most of the material world around us and, like agriculture, is the lifeblood of civilization. The main objective of any type of mining is to remove the valuable material economically and safely with minimum damage to the surrounding environment. (PDF, 5571 KB, 1995-07)
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| Three Coal Mine Gob Degasification Studies Using Surface Boreholes and a Bleeder System The use of vertical surface degasification boreholes with bleeder systems and the use of a timbered bleeder system to degasify gob areas were studied by the Bureau of Mines. This report describes three gob degasification studies conducted in the Pittsburgh coalbed. (PDF, 838 KB, 1980)
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| Three Coal Mine Ventilation Studies Using Sulfur Hexafluoride Tracer Gas This report describes three coal mine ventilation studies by the Bureau of Mines in which sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was used as a tracer gas. One study was conducted to determine air movement and leakage in a sealed area. Another was run to determine the ventilation efficiency of a bleeder system. Finally, a study was made of air leakage across permanent stoppings of parallel intake airways. These studies proved sulfur hexafluoride to be a useful addition to the equipment commonly used in coal mine ventilation analysis. (PDF, 848 KB, 1976)
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| Three Dimensional Microseismic Monitoring of a Utah Longwall Recent NIOSH research focused on a longwall coal mine in Utah with overburden greater than 750 m containing several massive sandstone units. The primary field instrumentation at the site was three-dimensional, full waveform, autonomous microseismic arrays placed underground and on the surface in order to surround the active multipanel longwall district. Overall 13,000 seismic events were detected and located with on-site processing during the five months the panel was being mined, including a magnitude 4.2 event. (PDF, 171 KB, 2001-07)
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| Three-Dimensional Time-Lapse Velocity Tomography of an Underground Longwall Panel This paper describes the three-dimensional velocity tomograms that were generated to image the stress redistribution around an underground coal longwall panel to produce a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to ground failure, especially rockbursts. (PDF, 2086 KB, 2008-06)
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| Threshold Powers and Delays for Igniting Propane and Butane-Air Mixtures by CW Laser-heated Small Particles The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory conducted a study of laser safety in potentially flammable environments. Researchers measured threshold igniting powers as a function of beam diameter for butane and propane-air mixtures by laser-heating targets placed on optical fiber tips using a 1064 nm laser. (PDF, 903 KB, 2006)
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| Through-the-earth Electromagnetic Trapped Miner Location Systems. A Review Efforts to produce electromagnetic systems for the location of trapped miners underground and to communicate with them were surveyed, from the 1920s to 1981. Theoretical studies of through-the-earth electromagnetic transmissions are described as well as studies of the electrical characteristics of various rocks, minerals, and soil. Several trapped miner location systems are reviewed including the Westinghouse systems, the DEVELCO system, and an automated three-dimensional location system, and the phase difference of arrival technique. Tangential research relevant to trapped miner location systems is described. A comprehensive bibliography covering all aspects of trapped miner, through-the- earth electromagnetic location, and communications systems is appended. (PDF, 2701 KB, 1985)
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| Time and Amplitude Statistics for Electromagnetic Noise in Mines The time and amplitude statistics necessary to adequately describe electromagnetic (EM) noise in mines are illustrated through computer soft- ware techniques. They are 1) Allan Variance Analyses (AVA), 2) Interpulse Spacing Distributions (ISD), 3) Pulse Duration Distributions (PDD), 4) Average Crossing Rates (ACR), and 5) Amplitude Probability Distribution (APD). These statistics are illustrated using data taken from a rather large store of raw analog data recorded in operational mines. The curves generated for the illustrations characterize the noise environment in the mines from which the corresponding data were taken, and should aid in the design of reliable communication systems for such mines. (PDF, 1830 KB, 1974)
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| Time-Lapse Tomography of a Longwall Panel: A Comparison of Location Schemes This paper describes a project in which three-dimensional time-lapse velocity tomograms were generated to image stress redistribution around a longwall panel to produce a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to ground failure. (PDF, 437 KB, 2007)
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| Timing and Duration of Subsidence Due to Longwall Mining Subsidence data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Mines over a series of longwall panels in the Pittsburgh Coalbed were studied to obtain insight as to the role of time in the subsidence process. These results were then compared to data from three other sites in the northern Appalachian Coal Basin to determine if the true characteristics of the subsidence process had been observed. (PDF, 645 KB, 1995)
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| Tips for Reducing Dust from Secondary Sources During Bagging This article addresses some of the less-recognized, secondary dust sources that can cause a bagging operator's exposure to except acceptable limits. Sections describe a US Bureau of Mines study and the secondary dust sources. Although the study described here was conducted in mineral processing plants, the information can be applied to bagging operations in plants handling other dry bulk materials. (HTML, KB, 1993)
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| Tips for Safer Mining Equipment Equipment is the primary cause of injury in 11% of all mining accidents and a secondary cause in another 10%. Purchasers should select new equipment carefully to ensure that the machine incorporates good ergonomic design criteria that maximize the safety of their mine workers. (PDF, 1001 KB, 1996-10)
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| Toolbox Training For Construction Aggregate Miners This NIOSH Toolbox Training program contains 52 different modules designed to stimulate
safety discussions among employees. Each module is intended to be completed in roughly
10 or 15 minutes, so a Toolbox Training session can be conducted once a week for the entire
year. (PDF, 18451 KB, 2004-08)
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| Toward a Typology of Dynamic and Hazardous Work Environments The most hazardous work environments share one feature in common: constant change. Many different, but constantly changing hazards are found in agriculture, construction, mining, and transport. The authors propose a preliminary typology of dynamic and hazardous work environments, along with a schema to systematically observe the dynamic characteristics of these hazards. (PDF, 265 KB, 2001-12)
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| Toward Pillar Design To Prevent Collapse of Room-and-Pillar Mines Three alternative design approaches to decreasing the risk of large-scale catastrophic collapses are described: the containment approach, the prevention approach, and the full-extraction approach. Until good data on the post-failure behavior of pillars become available, the containment and full-extraction options are the safest. The limitations in our ability to evaluate both the stability of old workings and the long-term performance of room-and-pillar mines are described. (PDF, 866 KB, 2001)
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| Toxic Fume Comparison of a Few Explosives Used in Trench Blasting Report on NIOSH studies using a 12-foot diameter sphere to identify key factors that may enhance the levels of CO associated with the detonation of several commercial trenching explosives. (PDF, 701 KB, 2003)
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| Tracer Gas as an Aid in Mine Ventilation Analysis The Bureau of Mines has successfully used sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a tracer gas to measure mine air flows under conditions where conventional methods have failed. SF6 was employed experimentally to measure accurately recirculation of return into intake air caused by leakage through an old stoped area, to check for potential leakage from an adjacent mine, to trace 10,000 cfm of "lost" air from an intake airway, and to measure transit air time through uranium mines. It proved useful as a means of accurately measuring airflow volumes in airways of large cross section and very low flow velocity and in determining the recirculation resulting from underground cooling plants. (PDF, 781 KB, 1974)
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| Training Future Mine Emergency Responders Part 1: Who Should Be Trained and How? This is the first of two articles which report the responses from experts when asked how they think people who may have to respond to a future mine emergency should be trained. (PDF, 1759 KB, 1997-10)
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| Training Future Mine Emergency Responders Part 2: What Topics Should be Included? This is the second of two articles which report experts responses to questions about training for future mine emergencies. During the interviews they discussed how training should be conducted, who should be trained, and what topics should be included. This article will cover the third area: Topics that should be included in training for mine emergency response managers. (PDF, 1044 KB, 1997-11)
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| Training to Improve Emergency Communication Skills This paper introduces a method for teaching workers to communicate necessary information when giving or receiving emergency warning messages. (PDF, 95 KB, 1998-05)
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| Training: "Highlighted" versus "Degraded" Technique What do fighter pilots and miners have in common? They are learning to recognize hazards using the "degraded" technique developed by the U.S. military. This short article presents description and examples of the technique. (PDF, 1020 KB, 1997-11)
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| Transmit Antennas for Portable VLF to MF Wireless Mine Communications An investigation was made of the feasibility of developing compact transmit antennas and/or other means to efficiently couple VLF to MF band radio energy between portable wireless communication units in coal mines. The completely wireless communication range between two portable radios equipped with practical size reference loop antennas in representative coal mine environments was estimated. Antenna technology was assessed with respect to transmit moment, range, intrinsic safety, battery, and wearability requirements to determine the most suitable antenna types for use by miners. It was concluded that aircore bandolier loop antennas, and perhaps ferrite-loaded loop antennas, having peak transmit moments of about 2.5 ampere/m2 would be the most effective antennas for portable units. (PDF, 5330 KB, 1977)
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| Transport of Total Tailings Paste Backfill: Results of Full-Scale Pipe Test Loop Pumping Tests This report presents the results of tests conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine the transport characteristics of highly concentrated paste backfill mixes made from dewatered total mine tailings. The results indicated that the tested backfill mixes can be successfully transported as a stiff paste and identified the influence of and the interaction among the various mix and system variables. (PDF, 1223 KB, 1995)
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| Transverse-Mounted End-Cab Design for Low-Coal Shuttle Cars A prototype end-cab shuttle car (SC) design has been developed to improve protection and address ergonomic concerns of the SC operator in low coal mines. This report discusses research to modify a used 21SC JOY SC, retrofit the SC with the Bureau-developed end-cab, and evaluate the retrofitted end-cab SC in surface trials. (PDF, 5622 KB, 1993)
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| Traumatic Incident Stress: Information for Emergency Response Workers Disasters take many forms and demand quick response from emergency workers. This is a brief guide on what emergency response workers should do in the event of traumatic incidents. (PDF, 2805 KB, 2002-01)
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| Trends in Electrical Injury, 1992-2002 Injury numbers and rates are used to compare and trend electrical injury experience for various groups and categories. This information allows identification of at-risk groups that could most benefit from effective electrical safety interventions. (PDF, 249 KB, 2006-09)
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| Triboelectric Effects on Polyethylene Methane Drainage Pipelines The Bureau of Mines performed laboratory experiments to evaluate the triboelectric effect of particulate-laden gas streams on polyethylene pipe at various velocity, humidity, dust-size, and dust-load conditions. (PDF, 1104 KB, 1986)
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| Trunk Extension Strength and Muscle Activity in Standing and Kneeling Postures The study was conducted to determine whether the kneeling posture alters extension torque capabilities in isometric and isokinetic exercises as compared with standing. A split-pilot experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of posture, trunk angle, and rotational velocity on peak torque output and myoelectric activity during maximal trunk extension maneuvers. (PDF, 679 KB, 1997-08)
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| Twenty-four Conferences; More than One-hundred and Seventy Papers; Understanding Roof Bolt Selection and Design Still Remains Priceless This retrospective paper discusses changes in bolt types and usage over the past 24 years, pointing out some of the biggest myths and hailing the most significant advances. (PDF, 613 KB, 2006)
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| Two-Phase Flow in Coalbeds This report reviews experimental evidence indicating a relative permeability effect that causes the flow of methane to increase with time when a coalbed is degassed by boreholes. (PDF, 607 KB, 1975)
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| Tying Acceleration and GPS Location Information Together To Create a Mine Management Tool Accelerometers and pressure transducers mounted in suspension components can be used to monitor the ride of haulage trucks. When information from a Global Positioning System is recorded at the same time as shock pressures or acceleration date, then the exact location of an event can be determined. (PDF, 447 KB, 1999)
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| U.S. Bureau of Mines New Developments in Mine Communications A brief description is given of various Bureau of Mines research activities that have begun since July 1974 and are not being reported on by others at the Third West Virginia University (WW) Conference on Coal Mine Electrotechnology. (PDF, 495 KB, 1976)
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| U.S. Bureau of Mines Technology Applicable to Disaster Response, Urban Search And Rescue Since 1910, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has investigated practical ways of dealing with the consequences of major fires and explosions in underground mines. The results of this research have had a significant positive impact on the mining community by enhancing mine workers chances of surviving an underground mine disaster. Three USBM research areas are discussed:(1) Life Support (2) Trapped Miner Location and 3) Mine Fire Diagnostics. (PDF, 3087 KB, 1994)
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| Underground and Surface Mining Facts - 2004 This 2004 mining fact sheet covers statistics of general interest relating to surface and underground mining operations, workers, fatalities, nonfatal lost-time injuries, and occupational illness. (PDF, 76 KB, 2007-09)
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| An Underground Coal Mine Fire Preparedness and Response Checklist: The Instrument Provides a detailed description of a data collection instrument used to profile the fire prevention and response capabilities of a mine site. (PDF, 1179 KB, 2000)
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| Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 1. Background This Bureau of Mines report and its companion report (Information Circular 9074) have been prepared as a complete reference on underground coal mine lighting. This report discusses the fundamentals of light and its interrelationship with the visual process. The purpose of the report is to insure an understanding of the numerous complex and interrelated factors that must be considered to design and implement a mine lighting system that will satisfy human needs for good vision and comfort. Topics include history, objectives, and technical considerations of coal mine lighting; light physics; light and vision relationships; and disability and discomfort glare. (PDF, 1533 KB, 1986)
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| Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 2. Application This Bureau of Mines report and its companion report (Information Circular 9073) have been prepared as a complete reference on underground coal mine lighting. This report discusses system design criteria and procedures, data and specifications to aid in selection of suitable mine lighting hardware, and guidelines for system installation and maintenance. Topics include light measuring techniques and instruments, illumination regulations for underground coal mine environments and equipment, lamps and ballasts, available mine lighting hardware, design and evaluation of coal mine illumination systems, and installation and maintenance of a mine lighting system. (PDF, 8268 KB, 1986)
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| Underground Evaluation of Coated Flight Bars for a Continuous Mining Machine Continuous mining machines rank first among all equipment in underground coal mining whose operators exceed 100% noise dosage. The conveying system is one of the principal noise sources. A highly durable polyurethane coating has been developed for the chain flights to decrease noise generated by these impacts. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of this engineering noise control in reducing the noise exposure of continuous mining machine operators in an underground coal mine environment. (PDF, 371 KB, 2006)
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| Underground Fire Detection and Nuisance Alarm Discrimination A fire detection research program conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) recently demonstrated the advantage of multiple fire sensors for early fire detection and nuisance alarm discrimination in underground coal mines. (PDF, 348 KB, 2001-07)
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| Underground Gob Gas Drainage During Longwall Mining The Bureau of Mines is developing underground gob gas drainage as an alternate means of methane control for U.S. longwalls. Holes are drilled into the roof over the panel and on retreating longwalls, towards the working face from a location inby the face. Although this cross-measure method of degasification has been used successfully in Europe, some of these techniques cannot be directly applied to U.S. mines. This is the first study of its kind in this country. (PDF, 1143 KB, 1982)
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| Underground Hazard Recognition Training From 1987 through 1996, 13 fatalities occurred at underground operations in the U.S. stone mining industry. Investigators at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Research Center have developed a training module specifically designed for improving the hazard recognition skills of miners in this segment of the industry. (PDF, 444 KB, 1998-11)
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| Underground Mine Communications Extensive analysis of mine-communications systems has identified specific areas, in particular the excessive times required to locate key personnel underground, the inadequacy of existing phone systems in terms of capacity and privacy and the inability to communicate with men on the move with wireless communications, as is taken for granted on the surface. A review is presented of the existing systems, the problem definition, and the various approaches that have been or are being investigated to solve these problems. (PDF, 2564 KB, 1978-01)
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| Underground Mine Communications (in Four Parts): 2. Paging Systems This Bureau of Mines report summarizes the research, development, and evaluation demonstrations conducted by the Bureau of Mines under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to improve the means of notifying miners underground, who are away from their own phone, that they are being called. (PDF, 2053 KB, 1977)
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| Underground Mine Communications (in Four Parts): 4. Section-to-Place Communications This Bureau of Mines report on underground mine communications addresses methods and equipment to meet the communication requirements of working sections and places of coal and metal-nonmetal mines. A review of the status of trapped miner detection is also presented. (PDF, 7515 KB, 1977)
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| Underground Mine Communications, Control and Monitoring Since 1969, the Bureau of Mines has sponsored numerous programs aimed at improving methods of underground communication. This manual brings together relevant data from all previous reports, studies, and other sources, and presents these data in such a way that they may be applied by the mining industry to improve communications in underground mines. (PDF, 13055 KB, 1984)
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| Underground Mine Fire Preparedness: Part 1 of 4 - Study Overview and Perspective of Underground Mine Fires This is Part 1 in a series of 4 articles that address underground fire preparedness. The series is primarily based on an analysis of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reportable mine fires and information gained from recent interviews with 214 miners at 7 underground coal mines. Answers to questions will be addressed based on a data analysis of mine fires occurring from 1978-1992. (PDF, 604 KB, 1997-05)
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| Underground Mine Fire Preparedness: Part 2 of 4 - Preparedness to Evacuate and Miners' Experiences with Incipient Fires This is the second in a series of four articles that discuss underground fire fighting preparedness. In this article, the authors describe miners' preparedness to evacuate a fire and their experience with incipient fires. (PDF, 1427 KB, 1997-07)
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| Underground Mine Fire Preparedness: Part 3 of 4 - Underground Fire-Fighting Experiences And Workers' Perceptions of Training And Readiness For Fire-Fighting This is the third in a series of four articles that discuss underground fire fighting preparedness. In this article, the authors describe miners' experience with in fighting underground mine fires and present their perceptions of training and readiness for fire-fighting. (PDF, 1563 KB, 1997-08)
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| Underground Mine Fire Preparedness: Part 4 of 4: Suggested Improvements and Implications for Training Miners in Fire-Fighting Preparedness This is the fourth and final article in a series that discusses underground fire fighting preparedness. As with the previous three articles, it is based on interviews with 214 miners at 7 underground coal mines. This final article in the series offers suggestions to improve mine fire-fighting preparedness. (PDF, 3753 KB, 1997-09)
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| Underground Mining Facts - 2003 Data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) indicate that a total of 44,015 employees worked in underground mining locations in 2003, corresponding to 44,778 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. Ninety percent of underground employees (n = 39,735) were mine operator employees. • Contractors comprised 10% of all underground mining employees (n = 4,280) and comprised only 5.8% of all underground FTEs. The majority of underground employees worked for coal operators (73.0%; n = 32,130). (PDF, 192 KB, 2005-02)
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| Underground Test Results of a Laser-Based Tram Control System for a Continuous Miner This report documents the status of a laser-based underground guidance system for tracking and controlling the movements of underground mobile mining equipment. (PDF, 2012 KB, 1992)
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| Underhand Cut and Fill Mining as Practiced in Three Deep Hard Rock Mines in the United States Details of the operational aspects of the backfilling and mining cycles at each of three mines in the western US are presented in this paper, accompanied by a summary of the mechanical properties of the backfill and its in-situ geomechanical behavior. (PDF, 420 KB, 2007)
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| Understanding and Quantifying Arc Flash Hazards in the Mining Industry This paper presents characteristics of past arc flash hazards in mining; a review of important concepts needed to understand these hazards; methods for identifying, measuring and managing arc flash hazards, and results from a detailed arc flash hazard analysis. (PDF, 398 KB, 2007)
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| The Unpredictable Life Cycle of a Coal Pillar A unique circumstance created by monitoring a pre-driven longwall recovery room permitted measuring the stresses of a coal pillar throughout its entire life cycle in less than a week. The complete transformation, or life cycle, took place in less than 12 hours. Roof to floor closure measurements, combined with the timing of the pillar behavior, provides a detailed look at the uncontrollable convergence of underground mine openings. (PDF, 1166 KB, 2007)
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| Update on Mining Health and Safety Research This address covers the areas of assessing the current status of the Mining Health and Safety Research Program and outlining the need and direction for continued research. (PDF, 409 KB, 1996-01)
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| Update on the Continuing Functions of the Former US Bureau of Mines In fiscal 1996, the US Congress directed that the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) be closed. This article provides a summary of the continuing functions, the agencies involved and the points of contact for each continuing function. (PDF, 235 KB, 1997-01)
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| Updating the NIOSH Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP) With New Support Technologies and Additional Design Features The Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP) was updated to Version 2.3. This paper describes the additional features: including uncontrolled convergence into the design requirements for standing roof supports; the addition of design procedures for cable bolts as an alternative secondary roof support; and the addition of new standing roof support technologies. (PDF, 2336 KB, 2001)
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| Upper Extremity Joint Moment and Force Predictions When Using a Joystick Control This paper discusses the application of digital human models (DHM) to examine computer-generated forces necessary to move specific joysticks by using roof bolter virtual operators to predict the forces experienced on the operator's upper extremities. Using DHM and simulations of static movements, investigators analyzed predictions of joint moment and joint force effects on virtual operator's right wrist, elbow and shoulder and compared them to different body dimensions and work postures. (PDF, 318 KB, 2007-06)
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| USBM Health and Safety Legacy Continues Under NIOSH The transition of mining health and safety research from the former USBM into NIOSH creates a novel approach and partnership for improving the health and reducing the risks of injury and fatality for all mine workers. The strengths of the public health model, derived from the medical sciences, are greatly enhanced with the integration of a solutions-oriented engineering expertise. (PDF, 25 KB, 1998)
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| Use of a Directional Spray System Design to Control Respirable Dust and Face Gas Concentrations Around a Continuous Mining Machine A laboratory study assessed the impacts of water spray pressure, face ventilation quantity, and line brattice setback distance on respirable dust and SF6 tracer gas concentrations around a continuous mining machine using a sprayfan or directional spray system. The results showed that changes in all three independent variables significantly affected log-transformed dust levels at the three operator sampling locations. (PDF, 140 KB, 2004-12)
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| Use of a Sodium Silicate Gel Grout for Plugging Horizontal Methane-Drainage Holes Methane-drainage holes must be completely filled by grout before mining to prevent the emission of large quantities of gas during mine-through, which would constitute an explosion hazard. In November 1980, seven horizontal holes at the multipurpose borehole, a small-diameter shaft drilled as a Bureau of Mines coalbed methane-drainage installation on the property of the Federal No. 2 Mine, Monongalia County, West Virginia, were plugged using a sodium silicate gel grout. This report describes the grout mix and the use of the grout at the multipurpose borehole, and discusses the results observed upon mine-through of the holes in early 1981. Cost data for the sodium silicate grout are also presented. (PDF, 2863 KB, 1984)
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| Use of a Test Box to Measure Response Times for Machine-Mounted Monitors A study where the response times of machine-mounted methane monitors were measured by placing the methane sensor heads in a specially designed box where they were exposed to an atmosphere containing a constant concentration of methane (PDF, 240 KB, 2004)
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| Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Schmidt Hammer Tests to Determine the Structural Integrity of a Mine Seal Over the years, more than 20,000 mine seals have been erected in underground coal mines in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting research to develop design guidelines, to investigate noninvasive techniques to characterize seal strength properties, and to evaluate seal test methods. (PDF, 8648 KB, 2002-02)
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| The Use of Light Scattering and Ion Chamber Responses for the Detection of Fires in Diesel Contaminated Atmospheres Experiments were conducted to determine the optical scattering properties of diesel
particulate matter (DPM) and various combustion aerosols from both flaming and smoldering
combustion sources at discrete angles of 151 and 301 in the forward direction and at a light
source wavelength of 635nm using a simple light scattering module. (PDF, 300 KB, 2002-06)
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| The Use of Nitrogen-Enhanced Foam at the Pinnacle Mine Fire This paper evaluates the effectiveness of remotely applied nitrogen-enhanced foam to aid in efforts to isolate and suppress a mine fire. (PDF, 1866 KB, 2005)
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| Use of Rocsil® Foam to Remotely Construct Mine Seals This paper presents an overview of remote mine sealing technology, introduces the use of Rocsil® foam for remote mine seal installations, offers a case study of the use of this rigid foam material to remotely construct a temporary in-mine seal and discusses technology improvements. (PDF, 1129 KB, 2008-02)
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| Use of Simulation Exercises for Safety Training in the U.S. Mining Industry This study reports the results of a survey of organizations that used problem-solving simulation exercises to support mine health and safety training. Recommendations are offered for the continuation and expansion of simulation exercises as one method for occupational health and safety training. (PDF, 443 KB, 2001-09)
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| Use of Strain-Gauged Rock Bolts to Measure Rock Mass Strain During Drift Development An experiment is described in which instrumented rock bolts were used to measure strain in the rock mass during drift development at the Stillwater Mine, Nye, Montana, USA. (PDF, 272 KB, 1999)
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| Use of Surface Joint and Photolinear Data for Predicting Subsurface Coal Cleat Orientation Coalbeds exhibit a directional permeability, with the maximum permeability oriented parallel to the face cleat. Thus, the most efficient pattern of vertical degasification holes for a coalbed is dependent upon cleat orientation. Analysis of surface joints was the only technique considered sufficiently reliable on a local basis. Prediction of cleat orientation is based on the pairing of the principal directional sets into all reasonable combinations of fundamental systems. The system or systems composed of the most dominant sets nearest to 90 deg. Separation are likely to be a reliable prediction of cleat orientation. The most dominant set of the system selected is likely to be the face cleat. (PDF, 705 KB, 1976)
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| Use of Vacutainers for Collection of Mine Atmosphere Samples To reduce the weight and bulk of equipment that mining personnel must carry underground, the Bureau of Mines and the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (MESA) investigated accurate and convenient gas samplers for use by mine inspectors in sampling mine atmospheres. The samplers are septum- stoppered glass vials commonly used for routine blood sampling. These lightweight, compact samplers yeild results comparable with those obtained with conventional bottle samplers of 250-ml nominal capacity. (PDF, 395 KB, 1975)
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| Use of Vertical Boreholes for Assisting Ventilation of Longwall Gob Areas An experimental degasification program using a vertical borehole and vacuum pump to drain gas from the gob area of a longwall panel was successful at Bethlehem Mines Corporation, Cambria Division, No. 33 coal mine. Sixty-one million cubic feet of methane has been exhausted during a 9-month period. Daily production time in the panel increased as a result of lower methane levels in the returns. (PDF, 797 KB, 1969)
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| A User's Guide for the Bplane, Bstepp, and Bwedge Computer Programs This user's guide covers the operation of a suite of three computer programs - Bplane, Bstepp, and Bwedge. These programs can be used to evaluate the potential for plane shear, step-path, and wedge failures along the crest of a slope bench. The theoretical basis, application, and operation of these programs are described. (PDF, 2108 KB, 2007-03)
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| Using Coal Miners' Experience To Identify Effective Operating Cues Like many experienced workers, remote control continuous miner operators perform their everyday jobs making choices and decisions that they may not consciously think about. To better understand what potential cues and feedback help to guide the operators, a questionnaire was developed to learn what factors affect decisions. (PDF, 763 KB, 1998-10)
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| Using Fault-Tree Analysis To Focus Mine Safety Research One recurring mine safety problem - a dozer falling into a void over a drawpoint on a coal surge pile - was analyzed using fault tree analysis software on a personal computer. The analysis identified basic and intermediate events that led to the burial of the dozer and graphically depicted the interrelationship between these various subordinate events as well as the various chain of events leading up to the primary event. A sensitivity analysis on these probabilities showed which events had the greatest influence on dozer burial in a coal surge pile. (PDF, 978 KB, 2001)
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| Using Ground Penetrating Radar for Roof Hazard Detection in Underground Mines Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been investigated by NIOSH for its potential to determine roof hazards in underground mines. GPR surveys were conducted at four field sites with accompanying ground truth to determine the value of GPR for roof hazard detection. Differences in data quality are discussed, as well as suggestions for collecting improved data. (PDF, 3302 KB, 1996)
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| Using Laser Absorption Techniques to Monitor Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure in Underground Stone Mines This paper describes research into a laser absorption technique that enables one to measure elemental carbon concentration in deisel particulate matter in near real time. (PDF, 465 KB, 2007)
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| Using Major Hazard Risk Assessment to Appraise and Manage Escapeway Instability Issues: A Case Study A Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA) is a structured process that identifies the characteristics of major hazards, assesses and ranks the risk they present, and evaluates engineering and administrative controls to mitigate them. This paper provides a case study example as to how the MHRA approach might be used to mitigate the risk of roof instability and fire hazards in US underground mines. (PDF, 462 KB, 2007)
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| Using Mine Planning and Other Techniques to Improve Ventilation in Large-Opening Mines This paper describes NIOSH research demonstrating that the ventilation of large-opening mines improves significantly by including ventilation requirements in the mine planning process and implementing some practical techniques during mining. (PDF, 529 KB, 2008)
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| Using Persuasive Messages to Encourage Voluntary Hearing Protection Among Coal Miners This longitudinal field study was designed to encourage Appalachian coal miners in West Virginia and Pennsylvania to engage in hearing protection behaviors. Participants were mailed postcards that featured either a positive, negative, or neutral message on the outside of the postcard and a message encouraging hearing protection behaviors on the reverse. Responses from 307 coal miners revealed that the positive or neutral messages generated significantly more self-reported hearing protection behaviors than the negative message. (PDF, 653 KB, 2005-01)
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| Using Proximate Analysis to Characterize Airborne Dust Generation from Bituminous Coals The amount of airborne respirable dust generated from breakage of different coals varies widely. This research was conducted to identify the facets of airborne respirable dust liberation from the coal product. (PDF, 1217 KB, 2002-06)
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| Using Site Case Histories of Multiple Seam Coal Mining to Advance Mine Design NIOSH is conducting research to develop mine design algorithms that will result in safer multiple seam mines. This paper presents an overview of multiple seam issues in the central Appalachian coalfields.
(PDF, 546 KB, 2003)
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| Using Sulfur Hexafluoride as a Gaseous Tracer to Study Ventilation Systems in Mines The Bureau of Mines found sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), released from a lecture bottle, to be an ideal gaseous tracer for studying mine ventilation systems. In a Pennsylvania limestone mine, this technique was useful in evaluating the effectiveness of auxiliary fans, measuring low flow velocities, probing the air circulating near a working face region where ventilation appeared to be poor, and estimating volumetric flow rates in airways of large cross-sectional area and having low flow velocities. This technique was also used in a western vein-type metal mine to measure the amount of return air being recirculated into the intake air due to leakage through old stoped areas. (PDF, 1017 KB, 1974)
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| Using the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) to Assess Roof Stability in U.S. Coal Mines The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) has been developed to quantify the defects in the rock mass and compile a strength value which can be used for engineering design. The CMRR has been applied to a number of ground stability problems, including chain pillar design, roof bolt selection, hazard assessment, intersection design, and numerical modeling. The CMRR procedure and some of these applications are described in this paper. (PDF, 1209 KB, 2001)
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| Using the Internet to Train Emergency Command Center Personnel Well-prepared personnel and an effective emergency response plan are essential
components of any emergency command center. The National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is developing an Internet-based,
computer simulation training package for the mining industry. (PDF, 222 KB, 2000-05)
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| Using the Point Load Test to Determine the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Coal Measure Rock Point load testing is used to determine rock strength indexes in geotechnical practice. A study was conducted where more than 10,000 individual test results, from 908 distinct rock units, were used. This allowed for intact rock strength data to be made available through point load testing for numerical geotechnical analysis and empirical rock mass classification systems such as the Coal Mine Roof Rating.
(PDF, 482 KB, 2000)
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| Using Ultrasonic Anemometers to Evaluate Face Ventilation Conditions The fact that methane ignitions continue to occur at the mining face indicates that monitoring with machine-mounted methanometers does not always indicate the presence of high methane concentrations. Methane concentrations at the face change quickly due to changes in airflow. By measuring these changes in airflow, it may be possible to predict changes in face methane levels more quickly. The effects of changes in airflow direction and turbulence on instrument readings are discussed, and guidelines are given for selecting the type of instruments to be used for monitoring airflow near the mining face. (PDF, 390 KB, 2007)
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| Using Ultrasonic Anemometers to Evaluate Factors Affecting Face Ventilation Effectiveness Describes a test system developed for measuring airflow in the NIOSH ventilation gallery using a three-axis ultrasonic anemometer. (PDF, 760 KB, 2005)
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| Using Ultrasonic Anemometers to Evaluate Factors Affecting Face Ventilation Effectiveness A test system was developed at NIOSH's ventilation test gallery to measure airflow using a three-axis ultrasonic anemometer. The gallery was used to simulate face airflow conditions in underground mines having a blowing curtain. Airflow data were used to draw airflow profiles for different curtain setback distances, intake flow quantities, and entry widths. In addition, methane was released at the face, measured at the sampling locations, and displayed as methane distributions in the areas between the curtain and the face. (PDF, 1764 KB, 2006-01)
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| Using Ventilation Control Technology to Reduce Respirable Dust Exposures at U.S. Metal/Nonmetal Mining Operations This manuscript will discuss five different research studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which use ventilation in some application to lower workers' respirable dust exposures at surface and metal/nonmetal mining operations. As federal standards for health issues continue to require lower levels in the future, engineers and health and safety specialists must investigate novel approaches to improve air quality. The goal of the research discussed in this manuscript is to provide an array of applications where ventilation can be used to reduce respirable dust exposures. (PDF, 1222 KB, 2005-07)
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| Using Water Sprays to Improve Performance of a Flooded-Bed Dust Scrubber Supplemental water sprays were placed along the sides of a continuous mining machine to improve suppression and confinement of the dust cloud under the cutting boom to reduce downwind dust levels. Using a full-scale mock-up of a continuous mining machine, preliminary work showed that these side sprays improved suppression of the dust cloud and redistributed this cloud under the cutting head. (PDF, 849 KB, 2000-07)
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| Utilizing the 'Advance and Relieve' Method to Reduce Horizontal Stress Affects on the Mine Roof, A Case Study The practical application of the "advance and relieve" method is discussed, where a pillar is removed on one side of the panel as it is being advanced, creating a cave. A trial of the method was conducted for a room and pillar coal operation that was experiencing roof cutters and long running roof falls caused by high horizontal stresses. (PDF, 2100 KB, 2000)
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| Validity and Reliability of Sincerity Test for Dynamic Trunk Motions This article reports the findings of a two phase study to first determine whether or not a sincerity of effort during dynamic trunk motion performance measure correctly identified those giving a sincere effort in a blinded randomized control trial and second to quantify inter-rater and test-retest reliability. (PDF, 143 KB, 2003-02)
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| Variation of Horizontal Stresses and Strains in Mines in Bedded Deposits in the Eastern and Midwestern United States This paper describes a study where the variations of the magnitude of the horizon stresses in sedimentary deposits in the eastern and Midwestern U.S. are examined with respect to two factors, the elastic modulus of the rock and the site depth. (PDF, 436 KB, 2003)
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| Ventilating the Box Cut of a Two-Pass 40-ft Extended Cut Describes a NIOSH study of how much ventilation air reaches the end of a 40 foot box cut. Tests were run to determine how much ventilation air reaches the end of the box cut with the continuous miner at three locations in the 40-ft two-pass extended cut mining sequence; at the end of the 40-ft box cut, at the start of the 40-ft slab cut, and 6.1 m (20 ft) into the slab cut. (PDF, 468 KB, 1999-07)
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| Ventilation Planning Layouts for Large Opening Mines Describes three alternative ventilation models for use in large opening underground mines with respect to their use in mines of various levels of development. (PDF, 3260 KB, 2004-02)
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| Verification and Validation of Roof Bolter Simulation Models for Studying Events Between a Machine and its Operator This paper presents the results of a study to verify and validate a computer model that represents and analyzes motions and hazardous events in a simulated threedimensional
workplace. The purpose of the computer model is to support research that is investigating the safe speed range for the vertical movement of roof bolter
boom arms to reduce worker injuries in underground coal mines. (PDF, 1843 KB, 2001-01)
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| Vertical Magnetic Noise in the Voice Frequency Band Within and Above Coal Mines Information on vertical magnetic noise in the voice frequency band, both within and above coal mines, is needed for the evaluation of through-the-earth baseband electromagnetic communications at mines where horizontal loop antennas are used. This report discusses the theory of the source of electromagnetic noise, the propagation of this noise to an observation point above a mine, and its interaction with the local earth conductivity structure, which gives rise to vertical magnetic noise. The relationship of surface noise to underground noise is also discussed. Bureau of Mines investigators made surface and underground vertical magnetic noise measurements at coal mines located throughout the United States. These data were modeled through regression analysis to characterize expected noise levels. Results are presented, including results in one-third octaves for use in evaluating the expected performance of through-the-earth communication systems by articulation-index studies. (PDF, 1443 KB, 1983)
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| Vibration Testing of Off-Road Vehicle Seats The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in conjunction with Carter Mining Co., conducted vibration tests of four off-road vehicle seats. The purpose of the tests was to determine which seat provided the best vibration attenuation under laboratory conditions. (PDF, 1524 KB, 1993)
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| Video Motion Detection for Real-Time Hazard Warnings in Surface Mines A surveillance system using low-cost video cameras and computer software from the security industry was tested for effectiveness in monitoring mine slopes and providing real-time warning of rock falls. (PDF, 1085 KB, 2004)
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| Virtual Reality in Mine Training The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies to train miners is an evolving area in research and development. In July 2006, representatives of 14 international organizations met to discuss current VR-related efforts and explore ways to employ VR in the future. This paper gives an overview of the various approaches presented at the meeting and discusses directions for future implementation. (PDF, 1023 KB, 2007-02)
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| Visual Performance for Incandescent and Solid-State Cap Lamps in an Underground Mining Environment The objective of this research was to determine if there were visual performance improvements in an underground mining environment when using solid-state cap lamps with light emitting diodes (LEDs) as compared to incandescent light bulbs commonly used in miner cap lamps. (PDF, 175 KB, 2007)
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| Water and Slurry Bulkheads in Underground Coal Mines: Design, Monitoring, and Safety Concerns Presents the results of NIOSH research to identify state-of-the-art bulkhead designs, including design criteria, leakage monitoring systems, and emergency warning systems. (PDF, 315 KB, 2006)
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| Water Infusion - An Effective and Economical Longwall Dust Control In Europe, water infusion is used widely to reduce generation of respirable dust during mining. Its use in the United States is limited to a few plow operations in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed. This Bureau of Mines report describes the technology for infusing water into a longwall panel and reports the results of a recent demonstration in the Lower Sunnyside Coalbed that achieved dust reductions averaging 58 pct. (PDF, 832 KB, 1983)
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| Water Infusion of Coalbeds for Methane and Dust Control This Bureau of Mines report deals with water infusion of coalbeds, which can control methane emission at face areas during developmental mining and which may sometimes suppress dust. Studies show that water infused into the coalbed flows through the fracture system and displaces the methane in the fractures and prevents migration from the solid coal. Displaced gas migrates away from the face area that has been water infused and enters the return ventilation airways. Respirable dust levels were reduced by about 75 pct on a longwall section in the Pocahontas No. 3 Coalbed and by about 50 pct on a development section in the upper Kittanning coalbed, but no statistically reliable reduction was found in the respirable dust levels in the Pittsburgh coalbed. (PDF, 1980 KB, 1977)
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| Water Mist Extinguishment of Pool Fires: A Parametric Approach This paper describes a relatively simple indirect model for the parametric water injection process to extinguish diesel fuel fires in underground mine diesel refueling areas. (PDF, 393 KB, 1998)
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| Water Separator Shows Potential for Reducing Respirable Dust Generated on Small-Diameter Rotary Blasthole Drills Tests have been conducted by NIOSH on a newly designed device for smaller diameter drills that separates the water from the bailing air before it reaches the bit and thus provides the cost benefit of dry drilling while providing the benefit of wet drilling for dust suppression. (PDF, 2225 KB, 2007-09)
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| Water Well Safety Bits: Health And Safety Information For The Water Well Industry Water well drillers are exposed to high levels of noise while working. NIOSH researchers have found that water well drillers are exposed to levels above 85dB(A) while performing certain tasks during a typical drilling job. Noise levels consistently over 85dB(A) during an 8-hour work shift are hazardous and can lead to hearing loss in workers. Finding ways to reduce noise exposure is difficult because of many factors. The work environment is constantly changing due to the location of jobs and environmental factors. The types of drill rigs required for drilling are expensive. Equipment can range from new to used (10 to 30+ years old). Drillers and owners can work together to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, and measures can be taken to reduce exposure to hazardous noise. (PDF, 4531 KB, 2005-09)
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| Waveform Generator for (EM) Location of Trapped Miners This report describes a circuit for driving a low-frequency loop antenna from a miners cap lamp battery. The circuit is a miniature waveform generator and is part of the electromagnetic (em) trapped miner location system. Two engineering models were designed, constructed, and tested, and 50 final production units were fabricated using discrete component construction. A final discrete potted printed circuit configuration was developed that is now ready for field testing. (PDF, 769 KB, 1974-07-14)
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| Waveform Generator-Package and Receiver: Mancarried and Helicopter Receiver Portion The report describes the design and building of 15 mancarried and 5 helicopter receivers that are used for trapped miner location during a mine disaster. Helicopters are equipped with six-channel receivers and used to detect transmitters carried by miners during a mine disaster. Immediately after a disaster a helicopter is flown over the area and with the aid of the helicopter receiver coarse location and the active channels are determined. Final precise location is made with the single-channel mancarried receiver. (PDF, 1874 KB, 1974-11)
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| Wearing Hearing Protection Properly: A 3-D Training Aid for Drillers This Instructor's Copy contains most of the information needed to use the Wearing Hearing Protection Properly 3-D training reel. It offers practical suggestions on how to use the reel as a training aid, performance objectives for deciding if the training is appropriate for your needs, and discussion notes that provide additional information to the user. (PDF, 2664 KB, 2004-11)
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| What Difference Does Age Make? Part 1: Mining in All Commodities This report analyzed MSHA accident statistics for 2002 to explore the relationship between the age of injured workers and their job titles, the severity of their injuries, and the types of accident they had. (PDF, 622 KB, 2005-05)
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| What Difference Does Age Make? Part 2: Coal Mining Injuries This report analyzed MSHA accident statistics for 2002 to explore the relationship between the age of injured workers and their job titles, severity of the accident, the types of accident they had, total mining experience, and experience at the mine where they were working when the accident occurred. (PDF, 590 KB, 2006)
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| What Difference Does Age Make? Part 3: Metal Ore Mine Injuries This report analyzed MSHA accident statistics for 2002 in the U.S. metal ore mining to explore the relationship between the age of injured workers and their job titles, severity of the accident, the types of accident they had, total mining experience, and experience at the mine where they were working when the accident occurred. (PDF, 4423 KB, 2006)
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| What is Human Factors Research? This is a brief description of human factors research in mining. (PDF, 51 KB, 1996-12) |
| What Works (and What Doesn't) in Mining Ergonomics When the Bureau of Mines started an ergonomics research program in the early 1980s, some quarters of the industry expressed a great deal of skepticism and pessimism that ergonomic approaches could be applied successfully in underground mining. A number of fundamental ergonomics techniques for reducing injuries appeared to be impractical and unusable in many mining locations. This article will examine what the characteristics of successful programs are and what kinds of ergonomic interventions help reduce the risk of injuries in underground mining. (PDF, 3728 KB, 1999-11)
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| Whole-Body Vibration and Postural Stress among Operators of Construction Equipment: A Literature Review It has been suggested that operating engineers (OEs) are exposed to two important risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders: whole-body vibration and non-neutral body postures. This review evaluates selected papers that have studied exposure to whole-body vibration and awkward posture among operators of mobile equipment. (PDF, 133 KB, 2004)
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| A Whole-Mine Medium-Frequency Radio Communication System A rnedium-frequency (MF) cornmunication systern has been built and has been tested in underground rnines. It provides radio coverage to vehicles and personnel anywhere in the mine via parasitic coupling into existing mine conductors. In-mine tests show impressive results. Range between rubber-tired vehicles and base stations is often measured in miles. With repeaters, greater range is possible. (PDF, 622 KB, 1982)
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| Wire Rope Research: Analysis of Bending Fatigue in a 2-Inch IWRC Wire Rope A unique machine for inducing bending fatigue in wire ropes was built at the U.S. Bureau of Mine's Pittsburgh Research Center. This report provides an analysis of the results of the first wire rope to be fatigued on this machine. (PDF, 2722 KB, 1993)
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| Wireless Communications for Trackless Haulage Vehicles This report describes a complete system design for medium frequency ( MF) wireless radio systems for use in coal mines. The emphasis is on AC mines where no trolley wire exists and, for which, conventlonal trolley phone cornmunications can not be used. The report constitutes an MF system design handbook and includes a compendium of all previous MF technology elements as well as a reference index with abstracts of all pertinent Iiterature. (PDF, 8855 KB, 1979-07)
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| Wireless MF Communication System This report adds to the current boy of underground communictions system design knowledge by: accurately defining (measuring) the 12 dB SINAD sensitivity of the system receivers and then stating the equivalent magnetic field strength in uA/m; showing that when a passageway repeater is used in loop to loop via the line communication link that the received signal level dependence in lline current is only at the first power of distance; and maximizing the transmit magnetic moment is extremely important in the design of the transmit antenna network. (PDF, 1728 KB, 1980)
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| The Work Crew Performance Model: A Method for Defining and Building Upon the Expertise Within an Experienced Work Force This paper discusses a practical method for enhancing the performance of mining work crews. The method, described as the Work Crew Performance Model, seeks to define performance variability within similar tasks of an underground work crew. (PDF, 1476 KB, 1994)
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| Work Principle for Predicting Explosive Toxic Fumes Research on applying the work principle to the non-ideal conditions of mining explosives to determine toxic fume production. (PDF, 1167 KB, 1998) |
| Work Sampling Applied to a Human Factors Analysis of Mine Worker Positioning Growing concern from labor unions, regulatory agencies, and industry about the safety of a prevalent underground coal mining method which utilizes remote control has prompted human factors field evaluation of mining activities. To determine work methods employed by machine operators before and after implementation of the new method, work sampling techniques have been used to provide data about positioning of face crew members at different points in the
mining cycle. (PDF, 1075 KB, 1998)
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| Worker Responses To Realistic Evacuation Training This paper discusses the data collected during an emergency evacuation training exercise at an underground mine in the United States. The focus of this paper is on the human reaction to smoke and the use of personal protective equipment. (PDF, 277 KB, 1997-01)
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| Working in Noise with a Hearing Loss: Perceptions from Workers, Supervisors, and Hearing Conservation Program Managers This study outlines potential challenges regarding job safety and hearing conservation practices for noise-exposed, hearing-impaired workers. (PDF, 282 KB, 2005-12)
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| Working in Unusual or Restricted Postures Experience has shown that many ergonomic techniques used to analyze or design standing or sitting work stations often do not adapt well to situations where a restricted posture is adopted. However, recent years have seen an increase in research examining the musculoskeletal risks and physical limitations associated with working in these postures. This chapter summarizes current knowledge in this area and establishes principles for ergonomic design of jobs when working in unusual or restricted postures. (PDF, 2991 KB, 2006)
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| Working Smart: NIOSH Develops Technology and Products that Address Exposure to Noise at the Work Site This article describes technology and products developed by NIOSH that address exposure to noise at the water well drilling work site. (PDF, 479 KB, 2007-12)
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| Workplace Solutions: Ground Fall Injuries in Underground Stone Mines Workers in underground stone mines have a high fatality rate caused by falls of ground from the mine roof or rib. NIOSH recommendations to reduce ground fall injuries and deaths address baskets, mechanical scalers, mechanical bolters, drill steel changing, personal protective equipment, and training. (PDF, 1255 KB, 2003-11)
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| Workplace Stress Describes proven methods that individuals and organizations can use to reduce stress levels. (PDF, 512 KB, 2007-05) |
| Work-Principle Model for Predicting Toxic Fumes of Nonideal Explosives The work-principle from thermodynamics was used to formulate a model for predicting toxic fumes from mining explosives in underground chamber tests, where rapid turbulent combustion within the surrounding air noticeably changes the resulting concentrations. Two model constants were required to help characterize the reaction zone undergoing rapid chemical transformations in conjunction with heat transfer and work output: a stoichiometry mixing fraction and a reaction-quenching temperature. The work-principle model yields toxic concentrations for a range of charge formulations, making it a useful tool for investigating the potential hazard of released fumes and reducing the risk of unwanted incidents. (PDF, 919 KB, 2004-08-01)
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