Documents published since 1/1/2008 (116). 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 the publications listed.
| Advances in Grid-Based Numerical Modeling Techniques for Improving Gas Management in Coal Mines (2008) This paper summarizes the modeling efforts conducted by NIOSH in the U.S. and CSIRO in Australia to address various gas management issues encountered in longwall mines using the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and numerical reservoir modeling for gob inertization and gas control for spontaneous combustion, pre-mining degasification of coalbeds, gob gas venthole design and performance evaluation in longwalls, and gas management during development mining. (PDF, 462 KB, 2008)
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| Age Awareness Training for Miners (2008-06) The purpose of this training is to provide the information necessary to develop an appreciation of the changes that occur with age and an understanding of methods that can be used to reduce the injury risk that may result. (PDF, 12587 KB, 2008-06)
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| Analysis of Nonstandard Noise Dosimeter Microphone Positions (2008-03) 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 Particulate Contamination in Personal Dust Monitor Sampling (2008) This report examines the effect of oversize particles, cyclone inversion, and cleaning procedures on the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM). (PDF, 276 KB, 2008)
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| Analysis of Seismic Signatures from Gas and Dust Based Explosions at the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (2008) 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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| Analyzing Factors Influencing Struck-by Accidents of a Moving Mining Machine by Using Motion Capture and DHM Simulations (2008) 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)
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| Application of a Microphone Phased Array to Identify Noise Sources on a Horizontal Vibrating Screen (2008) This paper provides detailed information on the findings of NIOSH research measuring the sound power level generated by a horizontal vibrating screen with the screen either directly on the floor or on rubber isolation pads. (PDF, 2397 KB, 2008)
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| The Application of Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA) to Eliminate Multiple Fatality Occurrences in the U.S. Minerals Industry (2008-10) This NIOSH pilot project demonstrated that US mines have the capability to successfully implement an MHRA and that the basic requirement for a successful MHRA is the desire to become more proactive in reducing risks associated with events that can cause multiple fatalities. (PDF, 1877 KB, 2008-10)
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| Application of Phased Array Technology for Identification of Low Frequency Noise Sources (2008) NIOSH is conducting research to identify and control dominant noise sources in Continuous Miners. The objectives of the work presented in this paper were: 1) To rank the noise radiated by the different sections of the conveyor, and 2) to determine the effect of a urethane-coated tail roller on the noise radiated by the tail-section. (PDF, 427 KB, 2008)
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| Application of Prevention through Design for Hearing Loss in the Mining Industry (2008) 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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| Artificial Neural Networks to Determine Ventilation Emissions and Optimum Degasification Strategies for Longwall Mines (2008) This study proposes a principle component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach to predict the ventilation methane emission rates of U.S. longwall mines and the optimum combination of degasification boreholes based on the given characteristics of the mine. (PDF, 169 KB, 2008)
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| An Assessment of Engineering Noise Controls at a Talc Processing Plant (2008) 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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| The Borehole Monitoring Experiment: Field Measurements of Reservoir Conditions and Responses in Longwall Panel Overburden During Active Mining (2008-06) This paper describes the results of a NIOSH borehole monitoring experiment (BME) on an active longwall panel. (PDF, 459 KB, 2008-06) |
| Catastrophic Failures of Underground Evaporite Mines (2008) This paper examines catastrophic failures of evaporite mines (including salt, potash and trona) that show that violent failure does, in fact, occur and attempts to identify common factors and characterize the mechanism of failure. (PDF, 772 KB, 2008)
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| Coal Bed Discontinuity Effects on the Production of Degasification Boreholes and on Emissions During Longwall Mining (2008) This study presents a numerical investigation of geological discontinues in the coalbed using reservoir simulations of the effects of partings and permeability facies and lithotype changes on the production performances of vertical and horizontal degasification boreholes, as well as the emissions during longwall operations. (PDF, 571 KB, 2008)
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| Coal Dust and Methane (2008-06) This article describes the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM), a hand-held instrument developed by NIOSH, which uses optical reflectance to measure the explosibility of a rock dust and coal dust mixture, which is now commercially available. (PDF, 198 KB, 2008-06)
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| Coal Mine Burst Prevention Controls (2008) This paper reviews 11 prevention control techniques for coal mine bursts. (PDF, 468 KB, 2008) |
| Coal Miner Responses to the Personal Dust Monitor (2008-04) 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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| A Company-Perspective Cost Analysis of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) (2008-07) 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 Comparison of Methods: Dynamic Versus Hydrostatic Testing of Mine Ventilation Seals (2008-09) This paper contrasts the full-scale explosion and hydrostatic testing of mine seals using a simple dynamic system model and principles. (PDF, 785 KB, 2008-09)
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| Comparison of Passive Seat Suspension with Different Configuration of Seat Pads and Active Seat Suspension (2008) 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 the Transverse Load Capacities of Various Block Ventilation Stoppings under Arch Loading Conditions (2008) NIOSH has been conducting research to develop a new testing protocol for rating mine ventilation stoppings. This paper compares the transverse load capabilities of several block materials and wall dimensions commonly used in stopping constructions based upon simulated three-hinge, rigid-arch loading tests of half-wall constructions in the NIOSH Mine Roof Simulator. (PDF, 428 KB, 2008)
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| Continuous Mining Machine Conveyor System Sound Power Levels (2008) This paper describes the results of different chain types and configurations installed on a continuous mining machine conveyor system and the resulting sound power levels. (PDF, 374 KB, 2008)
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| Controlling Respirable Dust in Underground Coal Mines in the United States (2008) This paper presents an overview of dust controls typically utilized in underground US coal mines and an update on ongoing NIOSH PRL research efforts that are evaluating new control technologies. (PDF, 1285 KB, 2008)
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| Correlation of Sonic Travel Time to the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of U.S. Coal Measure Rocks (2008) This paper describes research conducted by NIOSH aimed at developing a correlation between sonic travel time logging of exploration boreholes and estimates of coal mine roof rock strength. (PDF, 591 KB, 2008)
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| Detecting Strata Fracturing and Roof Failures from a Borehole Based Microseismic System (2008) This paper describes a case study where a surface-based microseismic system, using triaxial geophones in boreholes drilled from the surface, was deployed at a large limestone mine. (PDF, 945 KB, 2008)
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| Diagnosing and Controlling Moisture-Sensitive Roof Rock in Coal Mines (2008-01) In a recent study, NIOSH has used a wet/dry cycling test to determine the moisture sensitivity of over 800 specimens of roof rock from 25 U.S. coal mines. Three case studies are presented in which the moisture-sensitivity index is correlated to roof conditions underground, and can be used to indicate long term deterioration. (PDF, 520 KB, 2008-01)
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| Dyanmic Failure in Deep Coal: Recent Trends and a Path Forward (2008) The centerpiece of this project is development of a Dynamic Failure Control Program to monitor evolution of dynamic failure hazards with changing geologic conditions to assure that control and protective measures are appropriately deployed. (PDF, 301 KB, 2008)
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| The Effect of an Insertion Lubricant on the Noise Attenuation of Foam Earplugs (2008) This study examines the use of a commercially-available lubricant for hearing aids to determine whether it would facilitate improved fit and attenuation for earplugs. (PDF, 117 KB, 2008)
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| Effects of Sampling Artifacts on Occupational Samples of Diesel Particulate Matter (2008-07) In this study, NIOSH investigated the effects of adsorption artifact on diesel particulate matter samples from occupational settings. (PDF, 175 KB, 2008-07)
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| Effects of Sintered Metal Diesel Particulate Filter System on Diesel Aerosols and Nitric Oxides in Mine Air (2008) This NIOSH study was conducted to establish the effects of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system with sintered metal substrate on the concentrations and size distributions of nano and ultrafine aerosols and concentrations of nitric oxides in underground mine air, and focused on the formation and transformation of nucleation mode particles in mine air under prevailing test conditions. (PDF, 359 KB, 2008)
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| Effects of Specimen Age on the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Weak Coal Measure Rocks (2008) This paper presents the results of a NIOSH study to evaluate UCS changes occurring in a broad range of weak coal measure rocks over a one-year time span. (PDF, 764 KB, 2008)
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| Effects of Ventilation and Gob Characteristics on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (2008-06) The results of field tests to understand how ventilation and gob characteristics affect the spontaneous heating process causing spontaneous combustion fires in longwall or worked-out gob areas are presented. (PDF, 200 KB, 2008-06)
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| The Effects of Ventilation Controls and Environmental Cabs on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Some Limestone Mines (2008) In this investigative study NIOSH measured for sub-micrometer elemental carbon (EC) using two types of control technologies (ventilation and cabs) which are being implemented in limestone mines.
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| Empirical Design of Span Openings in Weak Rock based upon Support Type Employed (2008) This paper presents a focus of ground control research presently being conducted by the Rock Mechanics Group in the DBC Mining Department in incorporating weak rock masses (RMR76 <50) into existing empirical design relationships. This work attempts to provide rock mechanic tools that will enable a mine operator to make economic decisions that will also ensure a safe working environment. (PDF, 115 KB, 2008)
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| Equivalency of a Personal Dust Monitor to the Current United States Coal Mine Respirable Dust Sampler (2008-01) 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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| Ergonomics Initiative at Badger Mining Corporation (2008-03) This paper presents details of the process integration, and several examples of task-specific interventions that reduced exposure to risk factors as a result of a partnership between NIOSH and the Badger Mining Croporation. (PDF, 500 KB, 2008-03)
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| Evaluation of Deep-Seated Crib Block Fire Tests (2008) 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 Dust Exposures Associated with Mist Drilling Technology for Roof Bolters (2008-12) This work presents the findings from NIOSH field and laboratory studies comparing respirable dust levels on mist drilling roof bolter machines to dust levels measured on machines using a conventional vacuum drilling system. (PDF, 290 KB, 2008-12)
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| Evaluation of Peripheral Visual Performance When Using Incandescent and LED Miner Cap Lamps (2008) 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)
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| Evaluation of the Relative Importance of Coalbed Reservoir Parameters for Prediction of Methane Inflow Rates During Mining of Longwall Development Entries (2008-09) This study presents a reservoir modeling approach to investigate the relative effects of different coalbed parameters on the migration of methane into development entries. This work shows that coupling reservoir simulations with linear modeling yields a technique that can be applicable to different coalbeds. (PDF, 663 KB, 2008-09)
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| An Examination of Antecedents to Coal Miners' Hearing Protection Behaviors: A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior (2008-02) The motivation behind this investigation was to apply an established theory to better understand three potential antecedents to intentions toward wearing hearing protection among coal miners. (PDF, 847 KB, 2008-02)
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| An Expanded Model for Predicting Surface Coal Mine Drill Respirable Dust Emissions (2008-09) The focus of this work is drill shroud dust leakage and the relationships of various drill parameters on this leakage. Given that exposures of surface coal mine rock drillers to respirable crystalline silica are of particular concern, substantial reductions of airborne silica dust during drilling may be estimated and achieved through use of the analysis presented. (PDF, 292 KB, 2008-09)
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| Expectations Training for Miners using Self-Contained Self-Rescuers in Escape from Underground Coal Mines (2008-10) NIOSH conducted a study to determine the human response issues related to wearing an SCSR. This article describes the findings and discusses the expectations training program developed from the data. The program includes the normal human response in an emergency. (PDF, 140 KB, 2008-10)
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| Explosion Effects on Mine Ventilation Stoppings (2008-11) This joint MSHA and NIOSH study was designed to simulate actual explosion accidents in coal mines where some crosscut stoppings near the ignition location survived the initial explosion pressure pulse, but stoppings farther away were destroyed. The construction and testing methods, explosion test data, and postexplosion condition of each stopping design are presented in this report. (PDF, 23831 KB, 2008-11)
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| Explosion Hazards From Methane Emissions Related to Geologic Features in Coal Mines (2008-04) 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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| Field Evaluation of the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) (2008) 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 (2008-03) This paper describes a quick and economic method which has been developed to estimate engine particulate emission levels. (PDF, 305 KB, 2008-03) |
| Field Observations and Numerical Studies of Horizontal Stress Effects on Roof Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines (2008) 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 Observations and Numerical Studies of Horizontal Stress Effects on Roof Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines (2008-06) 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, 1109 KB, 2008-06)
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| A First Step in Developing Roof Support Design Criteria Based on Ground Reaction Data for Pittsburgh Seam Longwall Tailgate Support (2008) In this NIOSH study to optimize standing roof support design, ground response curves were developed for longwall tailgate conditions from numerical models of Pittsburgh Coal Seam geology. (PDF, 603 KB, 2008)
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| Global Trends in Coal Mine Horizontal Stress Measurements (2008) This paper explores the relationships between deep-seated and shallow in situ stresses in several of the world´s coalfields, using a data base of more than 350 stress measurements from underground coal mines. (PDF, 452 KB, 2008)
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| Guidelines for Permitting, Construction, and Monitoring of Retention Bulkheads in Underground Coal Mines (2008-06) The guidelines in this report are to be used as a tool to identify areas or conditions that could impact the long-term stability of an underground fluid retention system and to give direction in addressing these situations. (PDF, 508 KB, 2008-06)
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| Guidelines for the Development of a New Miner Training Curriculum (2008-01) 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 (2008-03) 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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| Impact of Deformable Materials and Convergence on the Transverse Load Capacity of Mine Ventilation Stoppings (2008) This paper presents the results of a NIOSH parametric study that quantifies the impact of various deformable materials in block stopping construction under transverse load conditions. (PDF, 482 KB, 2008)
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| Implementing Infrared Determination of Quartz Particulates on Novel Filters for a Prototype Dust Monitor (2008-05) 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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| Improve Dust Capture on Your Surface Drill (2008-09) NIOSH researchers have developed a model to describe airborne respirable dust (ARD) generation on surface coal mine drills. (PDF, 284 KB, 2008-09) |
| Improving the Performance of Fan-Powered Dust Collectors in Stone-Cutting Applications (2008) The objective of the research was to cost-effectively increase the air cleaning volume and improve dust capture efficiency of an off-the-shelf dust collector with a larger motor and blower. (PDF, 522 KB, 2008)
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| In-Mine Evaluation of Smart Mine Fire Sensor (2008) 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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| Jarring/Jolting Exposure and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Farm Equipment Operators (2008-09) The objectives of this study by NIOSH were to assess driver whole-body vibration (WBV) exposures and recommend interventions to reduce the risk of back-related injuries, particularly relative to vehicle jarring/jolting. (PDF, 1064 KB, 2008-09)
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| Keeping Knees Healthy in Restricted Work Spaces: Applications in Low-Seam Mining (2008-05) Realizing the increased awareness and simple changes are the first steps to reducing knee injuries, NIOSH researchers, along with industry and academia, have developed a training package to educate the mining community about some possible interventions beyond kneepads that may be used to help decrease knee injury rates. This document is an overview of how this training was developed, including a glossary of terms. (PDF, 1010 KB, 2008-05)
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| Key Design Factors of Enclosed Cab Dust Filtration Systems (2008-11) NIOSH experimentally investigated various factor effects on cab air filtration system performance. This paper describes the laboratory experiments which were performed on an enclosed
cab test stand examining the independent factor effects of intake filter efficiency, intake filter loading (airflow resistance), intake air leakage around the filter, recirculation filter use, and wind on cab performance. (PDF, 1354 KB, 2008-11)
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| Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators (2008-07) This paper presents the results of NIOSH laboratory and field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation and operator exposure from a roof bolter's dust collection system. (PDF, 742 KB, 2008-07)
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| Laboratory Investigation of Enclosed Cab Filtration System Performance Factors (2008) 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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| Local Earthquake Tomography for Imaging Mining-Induced Changes Within the Overburden above a Longwall Mine (2008) The objective of this study was to determine whether a qualitative but coherent redistribution of velocity, indicating change in location of induced stress, could be imaged as mining occurred in known locations by using a local earthquake tomography software code. (PDF, 267 KB, 2008)
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| Miners' Views About Personal Dust Monitors (2008-02) 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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| Mining Haul Truck Cab Noise: An Evaluation of Three Acoustical Environments (2008) 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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| Modeling and Prediction of Ventilation Methane Emissions of U.S. Longwall Mines Using Supervised Artificial Neural Networks (2008-02) 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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| Monitoring and Removal of CO in Blasting Operations (2008-12) This paper discusses the most feasible means of preventing CO migration, mitigating CO that has migrated, and detecting CO in an underground enclosed space and may help reduce the exposure of unsuspecting area residents to carbon monoxide and help prevent the implementation of unnecessary regulations and limitations on blasting. (PDF, 715 KB, 2008-12)
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| Monitoring Coal Mine Seismicity with an Automated Wireless Digital Strong-Motion Network (2008) This paper describes a seismic network installed in western Colorado in the vicinity of three underground coal mines, its features for user access to data, and then gives two examples of seismic events resulting in some damage to mine workings. (PDF, 1082 KB, 2008)
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| Near Real Time Monitoring of Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines (2008) This paper describes a portable device developed by NIOSH for measuring levels of elemental carbon in real time. (PDF, 116 KB, 2008) |
| NIOSH Docket Number 125: Refuge Alternative Research (2008-02) 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 Hearing Loss Simulator Instruction and Training Guide (2008-03) 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 Highlights Mine Fire Research (2008-05) NIOSH is conducting a comprehensive program of research addressing metal/nonmetal and coal mine fire prevention, detection and suppression. They include the areas of spontaneous combustion, flame cutting and welding, conveyor belt fire suppression and remote methods for addressing coal mine fires. (PDF, 153 KB, 2008-05)
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| NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations (2008) This work by NIOSH has modelled the impacts of borehole pattern and design and the effects of increasing face length on gob gas venthole performance. (PDF, 261 KB, 2008)
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| NIOSH Takes on Coal and Rock Dust (2008-05) 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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| A Noise Control for A Roof Bolting Machine: Collapsible Drill Steel Enclosure (2008) This paper describes and evaluates an engineering noise control for the roof bolting machine, namely the collapsible drill steel enclosure. (PDF, 459 KB, 2008)
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| Noise Source Identification on a Continuous Mining Machine (2008) In the Hemi-anechoic chamber of the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory noise source identification on a continuous miner was performed using phased array measurements and a frequency domain beamforming algorithm with Diagonal Removal. (PDF, 759 KB, 2008)
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| A Numerical Evaluation on the Effects of Impermeable Faults on Degasification Efficiency and Methane Emissions During Underground Coal Mining (2008-09) This study uses reservoir simulations to illustrate the effects of impermeable faults, with and without throws, on the production performance of vertical and horizontal degasification boreholes and presents the effects and the impacts of impermeable faults on methane emissions due to an advancing coal face. (PDF, 1527 KB, 2008-09)
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| Numerical Study on Effects of Coal Properties on Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Areas (2008) A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to model effects of coal properties on the potential for spontaneous heating in longwall gob (mined-out) areas. (PDF, 1141 KB, 2008)
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| Overview of Coal Mine Ground Control Issues in the Illinois Basin (2008) 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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| Performance of a Polyurethane Core Seal Tested in a Hydrostatic Chamber (2008-05) This paper presents the results of the full-scale test of a composite polyurethane-aggregate seal in a hydrostatic chamber conducted by NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory at the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine, and provides an analysis of those results in terms of the structural behavior of the seal. (PDF, 2963 KB, 2008-05)
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| Pillar Strength and Design Methodology for Stone Mines (2008) This paper presents a pillar design methodology that was developed from a study of pillar performance in operating stone mines and concludes with guidelines for applying a developed equation and selecting appropriate input parameters. (PDF, 690 KB, 2008)
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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. (2008-01) 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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| Pumpable Roof Supports: An Evolution in Longwall Roof Support Technology (2008) 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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| Rapid Detection and Suppression of Mining Equipment Cab Fires (2008-01) 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, 2008-01)
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| Rapporteur's Report: Mining Sector (2008) 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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| Reducing Dust Exposure from Contaminated Work Clothing with a Stand-Alone Cleaning System (2008) An alternative method to the original system developed by NIOSH and Unimin Corporation to provide for a stand-alone clothes cleaning system has been developed to quickly, effectively, and safely remove dust from the clothing of a worker without dust exposure to the worker, the work environment, or co-workers during the cleaning process. (PDF, 268 KB, 2008)
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| Reducing Low Back Pain and Disability in Mining (2008-09) This report seeks to provide managers, supervisors, and safety and health professionals with a greater understanding of LBP and low back disability (work time lost due to LBP). It also attempts to improve the understanding of the many factors that influence LBP, provide the latest research information related to its causes, and describe methods that have proven to be effective in preventing LBP and disability. (PDF, 2652 KB, 2008-09)
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| Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries in Rail Operations (2008-01) 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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| Reduction of Fire Hazards on Large Mining Equipment (2008-09) This paper describes NIOSH research on methods to reduce the fire hazards associated with large mining equipment, including the use of cab inerting systems to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors inside the cab and suppress fires originating in the cab. (PDF, 431 KB, 2008-09)
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| Reinforcing Coal Mine Roof with Polyurethane Injection: 4 Case Studies (2008-10) This paper gives the results of 4 case studies that have recently been completed by NIOSH concerning the interaction between polyurethane (PUR) and coal mine roof in order to determine the mechanism of reinforcement, in both highly fractured rock and unfractured rock. (PDF, 674 KB, 2008-10)
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| Reservoir Modeling-Based Prediction and Optimization of Ventilation Requirements During Development Mining in Underground Coal Mines (2008) 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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| A Review of Recent Accidents Involving Explosives Transport (2008) 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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| Rock Mass Behavior and Support Response in a Longwall Panel Pre-Driven Recovery Room (2008) 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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| Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Long Term Field Evaluation Tenth Phase Results (2008-06) 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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| Simulation of Spontaneous Heating in Longwall Gob Area with a Bleederless Ventilation System (2008-08) To provide insights for the optimization of bleederless ventilation systems for U.S. underground coal mines, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to model the spontaneous heating in longwall gob areas using a bleederless ventilation system. (PDF, 450 KB, 2008-08)
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| Snapshot of Noise and Worker Exposures in Sand and Gravel Operations (2008-03) 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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| Sound Restoration Hearing Protection: Genesis of a Standard Test Method (2008) Issues related to testing the performance of sound restoration hearing protectors are outlined within this paper, and possible solutions are discussed. (PDF, 75 KB, 2008)
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| The Status of Mine Fire Research in the United States (2008) This paper presents a summary of recent research accomplishments in a programn of research that is addressing mine fire prevention, detection, management and suppression. It also provides an overview of the next phase of the NIOSH mine fire research program. (PDF, 176 KB, 2008)
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| Strengthening Existing 20-psi Mine Ventilation Seals With Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement (2008-01) 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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| Study of the Effects of Scrubber Operation on the Face Ventilation (2008) This paper describes the effect of machine-mounted dust scrubbers on the performance of face ventilation systems using extended-cut mining with a blowing curtain. (PDF, 307 KB, 2008)
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| Summary of NIOSH Research Completed on Dust Control Methods for the Surface and Underground Drilling (2008) 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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| Technological Aspects of Solid-State and Incandescent Sources for Miner Cap Lamps (2008) 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)
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| Technology News 530 - Frictional Ignition of Methane-Air in the Presence of Liquid Hydrocarbons (2008-03) 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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| Technology News 531 - Engineering Controls for Reducing Continuous Mining Machine Noise (2008-09) Research conducted by NIOSH, with stakeholder involvement, has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the CMM conveyor system. Two engineering noise controls have been developed: the urethane-coated flight bar chain and the dual-sprocket chain. (PDF, 175 KB, 2008-09)
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| Technology News 532 - Collapsible Drill Steel Enclosure for Reducing Roof Bolting Machine Drilling Noise (2008-09) Research conducted by NIOSH has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the Roof Bolting Machine. A drill steel enclosure for reducing roof bolting machine drilling noise has been developed as an engineering control. (PDF, 318 KB, 2008-09)
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| Technology News 533 - Minimizing Respirable Dust Exposure in Enclosed Cabs by Maintaining Cab Integrity (2008-09) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to retrofit cabs with new filtration and pressurization systems in an effort to improve the air quality in enclosed cabs of older mining equipment.
(PDF, 151 KB, 2008-09)
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| Technology News 534 - QuickFit Earplug Test Device (2008-12) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to improve the level of hearing protection by providing workers with an inexpensive, easy-to-use device to check earplug fit. (PDF, 243 KB, 2008-12)
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| Three-Dimensional Time-Lapse Velocity Tomography of an Underground Longwall Panel (2008-06) 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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| Trends in Electrical Injury in the U.S., 1992-2002 (2008-07) This paper updates an earlier report by the authors that studied electrical injuries from 1992 to 1998. The previous information is expanded and supplemented with fatal and nonfatal injury rates and trends through 2002. NIOSH research aimed at evaluating commercially available overhead power line proximity warning alarms is described. (PDF, 329 KB, 2008-07)
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| Use of Infrared Sensors for Monitoring Methane in Underground Mines (2008) This paper describes research conducted to compare the performance, including response time and accuracy, of selected instruments using infrared and catalytic sensors. (PDF, 393 KB, 2008)
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| Use of Rocsil® Foam to Remotely Construct Mine Seals (2008-02) 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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| Using Mine Planning and Other Techniques to Improve Ventilation in Large-Opening Mines (2008) 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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| Work Practices to Manage Bump Prone Ground (2008) This paper will review current and historic work practices used internationally to minimize the hazard to miners from mining in conditions which could produce a bump. (PDF, 204 KB, 2008)
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