Information Circular 9311


In-Mine Evaluation of Smoke Detectors

1992

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This report presents the results of a U.S. Bureau of Mines evaluation of smoke detectors placed in conveyor belt entries of underground coal mines. The selected mines are located in six different Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) districts, are operated by seven different companies, and use atmospheric monitoring systems from seven different manufacturers. Principal concerns are early detection and warning of fires, reliability of operation, frequency of maintenance, and adaptability of detectors to monitoring systems and the mining environment. The data contained in this report provide for some comparisons between smoke detectors and CO sensors, specifically in the areas of early detection of fires and susceptibility to nuisance alarms due to diesel exhaust contaminants. Finally, recommendations for performance standards, sensitivity tests, detector classification, and maintenance are presented.

Author(s):Morrow-GS, Litton-CD
Reference:U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Information Circular 9311, 1992:1-13

   ic9311 (PDF, 1553 KB)


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Page last updated: September 17, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division