Single Source Page
Proximity detection / collision warning is a technology that can be installed on mining machinery to detect the presence of personnel or machinery within a certain distance of a machine. These systems can be programmed to send warning signals and stop machine movement when the programmed areas are breached. We use the term "proximity detection" to refer to underground mining applications which often are designed to inhibit machine movement. We use the term "collision warning" to refer to surface machinery applications that typically provide warning signals only. MSHA has assisted the industry in the development of this technology on a variety of machinery, both underground and surface.
For questions, please contact David Chirdon at chirdon.david@dol.gov.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): MSHA recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the use of proximity detection systems on continuous mining machines in underground coal mines.
Public Hearing Transcripts Comments to NPRM
Underground Mobile Machine Proximity Detection
As of March 2011, the mining industry had experienced 33 fatal crushing or pinning accidents since 1984 that involved the operation of remote control continuous mining machines. Although remote control continuous mining machines have the highest incidence rate, similar accidents have been recorded on other types of mining machines. The following remote control continuous mining machine proximity detection systems have been approved by MSHA to meet the "permissibility" requirements in Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Part 18. The MSHA approval indicates only that MSHA has determined that the system is not a potential spark or thermal ignition hazard in a potentially explosive atmosphere. The approval does not address system performance.
 |
Strata Mining Products HazardAvert® System |
|---|---|
|
Nautilus, International Coal-Buddy System |
|
Matrix Design Group/Joy Mining Model M3-1000 Proximity Monitoring System |
Other Proximity Detection / Collision Warning Developers
The following manufacturers have proximity detection / collision warning products that have been tested and demonstrated at various operations around the world. We include this information to assist the mining industry in evaluating the technology and making informed decisions. Inclusion of this information on the MSHA website should not be construed as endorsement of these products.
Acumine Collision Avoidance Safety System for Heavy Vehicles (ACASS) AcuMine Web Site ACASS Brochure Acumine Collision Avoidance Safety System for Heavy vehicles (PDF) Acumine Collision Avoidance Safety System for Heavy vehicles (PowerPoint) AustralAsian Mine Safety Journal Article
Advanced Mining Technologies Collision Avoidance System CAS-CAM/RF® Advanced Mining Technologies Web Site Collision Avoidance System CAS-CAM/RF Brochure Collision Avoidance System (CAS) Brochure Collision Avoidance System CAS-CAM/RF Overview
Becker Electronics Collision Avoidance System Becker Mining Systems Web Site Becker Collision Avoidance Systems
Booyco Electronics Collision Warning System http://www.booyco-electronics.co.za/cws800.php
Caterpillar Object Detection System http://www.cat.com/detect
Modular Mining Systems, Inc. "Roadmap" Proximity Detection http://mmsi.com/product/road-map/
Preco Electronics "Preview" Radar System http://www.preco.com/products/
PublicationsSAFEmine Advanced Traffic Awareness Technology SAFEmine Web Site SAFEmine Collision Warning Presentation SAFEmine movie
MSHA Proximity Detection by David Chirdon Proximity Protection Systems - Safety in the Red Zone (by permission from Coal People magazine) MSHA Proximity Detection Update
Other Sources of Information
Queensland, Australia Proximity Detection Workshop Presentations
New South Wales, Australia Proximity Detection Workshop Presentations
National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) Proximity Detection Website
NIOSH Proximity Warning Systems for Mining Equipment Workshop
Some or all of the files available on this page are PDF.
For more information on PDF, PDF readers and accessibility issues, please use this link.
