Mining
Outputs: Publications
Selected Publications
The following is just a sampling of various publications produced from NIOSH research. These publications are sorted by Strategic Goal:
Strategic Goal 1 - Reduce Respiratory Diseases
Effects of Alternative Fuels on Concentrations of Nanometer and Ultrafine Particles in Underground Mine
Proceedings of the Ninth ETH Conference on Combustion-Generated Nanoparticles ( Aug. 15-17, 2005 ; Zurich , Switzerland )
Summarizes the results of the isolated zone tests and reports the effects of several selected reformulated fuels on the concentrations of nanometer and ultrafine particles, elemental carbon, and total particulate matter in mine air.
Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure with Effective Filtration and Pressurization Techniques
J Occup Environ Hyg 2005 Jan; 2(1):54-63
Discusses a cooperative research effort to lower respirable dust levels in an enclosed cab on an older surface drill at a silica sand operation.
Development and Evaluation of a New Personal Dust Monitor for Underground Mining Applications
Proceedings of the 29th Internation Technical Conference on Coal Utilization and Fuel Systems ( Clearwater , FL , April 18-22, 2004 ). Gaithersburg , MD : Coal Technology Assocation, 2004; :1-22.
An inertial mass measurement technology called the tapered-element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) has been adapted for the measurement of respirable coal dust concentrations in underground mines. The new instrumentation, called the personal dust monitor (PDM), holds the promise to provide miners and mine operators with continuous personal exposure information during a shift.
Characteristics of Fugitive Dust Generated from Unpaved Mine Haulage Roads
Int J Surface Min Reclam Envirom 18(4)2004; :236-252.
Fugitive dust is generated along unpaved mine roads from intermittent equipment traffic. Typically, the majority of such traffic consists of trucks hauling either mine product or waste from the surface mine pit and/or the processing plant.
Use of a Directional Spray System Design to Control Respirable Dust and Face Gas Concentrations Around a Continuous Mining Machine
J Occup Environ Hyg 2004 Dec; 1(12), 2004 Dec; :806-815.
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.
Handbook for Dust Control in Mining
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2003-147, IC 9465, 2003 Jun; :1-131.
This handbook describes effective methods for the control of mineral dusts in mines and tunnels. It assumes the reader is familiar with mining.
Silica Dust Sources in Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines - Two Case Studies
Chekan-GJ; Colinet-JF; Grau-RH, III | 2002 SME Annual Meeting, Feb 25-27, Phoenix , Arizona , preprint 02-037. Littleton , CO : Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2002 Feb; :1-8.
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 are provided.
Strategic Goal 2 -Reduce Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Noise and Vibration Reduction of a Vibrating Screen
2005 SME Annual Meeting, February 28 - March 2, Salt Lake City, Utah, preprint 05-71. Littleton , CO , Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2005 Feb; 1-13
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.
Assessment of Noise Controls Commonly Used on Jumbo Drills and Bolters in Western United States Underground Metal Mines
Min Eng 57(1), 2005; :41-47
Controls were evaluated on machines at underground metal mines to determine the amount of noise reduction achieved by each control. The results indicate that absorbing material has very little effect on the noise level.
Worker Exposure and Equipment Noise in Large Surface Coal Mines
Min Eng 56(4), 2004; :49-54.
Noise surveys, including full-shift worker noise profiling, have been completed in several surface coal mines, with an emphasis on draglines. The results of these studies are reported, their implications concerning worker NIHL are addressed, and their application to administrative and engineering controls is discussed.
Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss Among Sand and Gravel Miners
J Occup Environ Hyg 1(8), 2004; :532-541.
Describes workplace noise exposures, risk factors for hearing loss, and hearing levels among sand and gravel miners and to determine whether full-shift noise exposures resulted in changes in hearing thresholds from baseline values.
Communicating Hearing Loss Information to Young Children: Effectiveness of Lecture and Printed Materials
AAOHN J 51(10):433-438.
This study evaluated two training techniques for educating young children about noise and hearing loss.
Estimated Sound Power Radiated by Surfaces on a Continuous Miner Tail Section Using Vibration Measurements
NOISE-CON 2003. Ames , IA : Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA , 2003 Jun; :1-9.
Identifies the most significant noise radiating surfaces on a continuous miner tail section and examines the effects of three engineering noise controls.
Strategic Goal 3 -Reduce Cumulative Injuries
Using Ergonomics to Enhance Safety and Health in the U.S. Mining Industry
31st International Conference of Safety in Mines Research Institutes, 2-5 October 2005, Brisbane , Queensland , Australia . Redbank , Queensland , Australia : Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (Simtars), 2005 Oct; :106-111
NIOSH researchers initiated a project with a surface coal mining company to implement a proactive ergonomics process aimed at reducing worker exposure to risk factors associated with WMSDs.
Developing Random Virtual Human Motions and Risky Work Behaviors for Studying Anthropotechnical Systems
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2004-130, Information Circular 9468, 2004 Mar; :1-26.
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.
Partnering for Successful Ergonomics: A Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Mining
SME Annual Meeting ( Feb 24-26, 2003 ; Cincinnati OH ), SME preprint 03-118. Littleton , CO : Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.; :1-5
NIOSH researchers and an industry partner conducted an investigation to study the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in mining.
A Systematic Comparison of Different Seats on Shuttle Cars Used in Underground Coal Mines
Proceedings of Inter-Noise 2003, the 32nd International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering ( Seogwipo , Korea , Aug. 25-28, 2003 ). 2003 Aug; :2025-2032.
A field study was conducted to evaluate seat designs on shuttle cars. Eight operators participated in evaluating seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Researchers also measured the levels of vehicle jarring/jolting.
Comparison of Jolting and Jarring in a Newer and Older Dozer at a Highway Construction Site
Ergonomics in the Digital Age: Proceedings of the XVth Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association and the 7th Joint Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Korea/Japan Ergonomics Society. Seoul , Korea : Ergonomics Society of Korea , 2003; :1-3.
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.
Initiating an Ergonomics Process at a Surface Coal Mine
Proceedings of the 33nd Annual Institute on Mining Health, Safety and Research (Aug 27-30, 2002; Roanoke, VA), Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, 2002; :39-47.
A total of 491 mines (60 coal mines and 431 metal/nonmetal mines) were surveyed. The percentage of miners potentially exposed to each of the 12 musculoskeletal overload conditions defined by NOHSM was calculated for coal mining and for metal and nonmetal mining.
Ergonomic Risk Factors: A Study of Heavy Earthmoving Machinery Operators
Professional Safety: Journal of American Society of Safety Engineers, 2002 Oct; :38-45.
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.
Strategic Goal 4 -Reduce Traumatic Injuries
Field Studies of Carbon Monoxide Migration from Blasting
Proc 31st Ann Conf Explos Blasting Tech, Orlando, FL, February 6-9, 2005, 2005 Feb; :21 pp
Describes a small-scale field study to identify key factors that may contribute to the migration of CO through the ground.
Ventilation Planning Layouts for Large Opening Mines
2004 SME Annual Meeting, Feb 23-25, Denver , Colorado , preprint 04-187. Littleton , CO : Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.
Describes three alternative ventilation models for use in large opening underground mines with respect to their use in mines of various levels of development.
A Study of Heat Stress Exposures and Interventions for Mine Rescue Workers
2004 SME Annual Meeting ( Feb 23-25, 2004 ; Denver , CO ), Preprint No. 04-107. Littleton , CO : Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2004 Feb; :1-11.
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.
Recent Advances in Proximity Warning Technology for Surface Mining Equipment
Mining Engineering, 56(12); :68-72.
Limitations of existing systems have necessitated the development of new systems designed specifically for mining equipment, including a global positioning system-based proximity warning system and a computer-assisted stereovision system. A description of these two new systems and preliminary test results are discussed.
Comparison of Ore Pass Computer Simulations for Designs Against Dynamic Load
Annual meeting of the Society for Mining, Metallurgical, and Exploration, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, Feb. 26-28, 2003, preprint 03-157, SME, Littleton, CO. 2003 Feb; :11 pp.
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.
Electrical Accidents in the Mining Industry, 1990-1999
IEEE Trans Ind Appl 2003 Nov/Dec, 39(6; ):1570-1577.
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.
Factors Affecting the Location of Methanometers on Mining Equipment
J Mine Vent Soc S Africa 56(1), 2003; :25-29.
Based on the relationship between concentrations measured on the machine and at the face, criteria were developed for selecting the best machine locations for monitoring methane. Recommendations are given for revising methane action levels for alternative sampling locations.
Strategic Goal 5 -Reduce the Risk of Mine Disasters
Securing the Blast Site to Prevent Blasting Related Injuries: Blasting Safety - Revisiting Site Security
Journal of Explosives Engineering, July/August 2005; 6-14
This article examines the factors related to injuries due to inadequate blasting shelters and blast area security, and identifies mitigation techniques.
Fire Response Preparedness for Underground Mines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-105, NIOSH IC 9481, 2005; :1-19
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.
The Critical Ventilation Velocity in Tunnel Fires - A Computer Simulation
Fire Safety Journal, 2005 Apr; 40(3):213-244
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.
Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990-1999
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-167, 2004 Sep; IC 9470; :1-36.
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.
Flammability of Noise Abatement Materials Used in Cabs of Mobile Mining Equipment
Fire & Materials 2003. London : Interscience Communications, 2003 Feb; :297-306.
Describes the flammability tests conducted on 15 to 20 different noise abatement materials of various chemical compositions and thickness.
Continuous Wave Laser Ignition Thresholds of Coal Dust Clouds
Journal of Laser Applications, 2003 Aug; 15(3):184-191.
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.
Strategic Goal 6 -Reduce Ground Failure Injuries
Ground Control Design for Highwall Mining
2005 SME Annual Meeting, February 28 - March 2, Salt Lake City, Utah, SME preprint 05-82. Littleton , CO , Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2005 Feb; :1-7
Highwall stability remains a major concern during highwall mining. Geologic structure (hillseams) and pillar stability are the two major factors affecting highwall stability.
Geophysical Methods to Detect Stress in Underground Mines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-133, Report of Investigations 9661, 2004 Mar :1-18.
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.
Preventing Falls of Ground in Coal Mines With Exceptionally Low-Strength Roof: Two Case Studies
Proc 23rd Intl Conf on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, West Virginia, August 3-5, 2004. West Virginia University , 2004 Aug; :220-227.
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.
Field Performance Testing of Fully Grouted Roof Bolts
2003 SME Annual Meeting, Feb 24-26, Cincinnati , Ohio , preprint 03-138. Littleton , CO : Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2003 Feb; :1-8.
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.
Detecting Problems With Mine Slope Stability
Presentation at 31st Annual Institute on Mining Health, Safety, and Research, Roanoke , VA , Aug. 27-30, 2000 ; :8 pp.
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.
Stress Measurements for Safety Decisions in Longwall Coal
21st International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (Morgantown, WV, Aug. 6-8, 2002., WV University, Morgantown, WV, 2002 Aug; :45-52.
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.
Evaluation of Pillar Recovery in Southern West Virginia
Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Ground Control in Mining. Morgantown , WV : West Virginia University , 2002 Aug; : 81-89.
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.
Strategic Goal 7 -Surveillance and Emerging Issues
Tell Me a Story: Why Stories are Essential to Effective Safety Training
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 2005-152, Report of Investigations 9664
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.
Safety and Health Training for an Evolving Workforce: An Overview From the Mining Industry
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-155, Information Circular 9474, 2004 Jul :1-15.
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.
Toolbox Training For Construction Aggregate Miners
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2004-162; 2004 Aug: 1-108.
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.
An Overview of the Evaluation Process for Mine Trainers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-156, Information Circular 9463, 2002 Sep :13-17.
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.
The Changing Organization of Work and the Safety and Health of Working People: Knowledge Gaps and Research Directions
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2002-116, 2002 April; 1-32.
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.
Emergency Response Command Center Training Using Computer Simulation
33rd Annual Institute on Mining Health, Safety, and Research Conference Proceedings, Roanoke, VA, August 11-13, 2002.
his paper discusses MERITS and its use in providing command center training.
