Machine Safety Downloadable Mining Publications

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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, 344 KB, 2001-04)

NIOSH researchers used motion analysis data and digital human models to evaluate factors that precipitate struck-by injuries in the operation of remote continuous mining machines. (PDF, 165 KB, 2008)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The US Bureau of Mines has developed an alternate method for facilitating lighting system mock-ups. (PDF, 862 KB, 1996)
                                                    

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

main objective of this research was to determine if there were peripheral visual performance improvements for the detection of moving objects when using cool-white light-emitting diode (LED) cap lamps as compared to incandescent (INC) light bulbs commonly used in miner cap lamps. The second objective was to determine if age is a factor for peripheral visual performance. (PDF, 141 KB, 2008)

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)

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)

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)

Describes the flammability tests conducted on 15 to 20 different noise abatement materials of various chemical compositions and thickness. (PDF, 207 KB, 2003)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

This paper presents the results of a study using computer human modeling to examine machine appendage speed. The objective was to determine the impact of roof bolter machine appendage speed on the likelihood of the operator coming in contact with the appendage. (PDF, 581 KB, 2003)

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)

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)

A report on technology to enhance safety during mine hoisting developed by NIOSH researchers. (PDF, 606 KB, 2000)
                                                          

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)

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)

A Mine Safety and Health Administration-permissible load rate monitoring system was developed. (PDF, 852 KB, 1999)
                                                         

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

This paper describes the performance of LED and incandescent sources in cap lamps in terms of correlated color temperature, color rendering, light output, electric power, ambient temperature and airflow, and light source aging. (PDF, 115 KB, 2008)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

To provide a safe, practical, cost-effective method for measuring coal rib thickness during highwall mining. (PDF, 45 KB, 1997-07)
                                           

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)

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)

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)

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)

This report summarizes ongoing research aimed at evaluating collision warning systems for surface mining dump trucks. (PDF, 6322 KB, 2001)
                                  

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)