Back to The MINER Act of 2006 and Related NIOSH Activities

Overview

For years mine operators, federal and state mine safety agencies, and researchers have looked at numerous aspects of mine emergency response. Since the beginning of 2006, three major incidents occurred at underground coal mines in the United States resulting in worker fatalities. These incidents raised a number of issues about mine emergency response, including escape training.

Research is being conducted to assess 1) the effectiveness of realistic smoke training for escaping miners and 2) technologies such as handheld lasers, chemical light sticks, and directional lifelines that can be used to aid miners during escape. Findings are being translated into training modules to help mine operators conduct realistic evacuation training. Researchers developed a training protocol to teach escaping miners how to successfully switch to a second SCSR if needed to escape the mine. Results of this work were coupled with additional training materials on SCSR expectations. These resources are being compiled into training modules and will be disseminated by MSHA.

NIOSH Projects and Activities

• SCSR Switchover Procedure and Expectations Training

References