Citation

Bissert PT, Carr JL, DuCarme JP, Smith AK. Trans. So.c Min. Metall. Explor. Inc. 2016; 340(1): 75-81.

Affiliation

Mechanical engineer, mining engineer, mechanical engineer and mechanical engineer, respectively, Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH PMRD), Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc)

DOI

10.19150/trans.7330

PMID

28626352

PMCID

PMC5472358

Abstract

The continuous mining machine is a key piece of equipment used in underground coal mining operations. Over the past several decades these machines have been involved in a number of mine worker fatalities. Proximity detection systems have been developed to avert hazards associated with operating continuous mining machines. Incorporating intelligent design into proximity detection systems allows workers greater freedom to position themselves to see visual cues or avoid other hazards such as haulage equipment or unsupported roof or ribs. However, intelligent systems must be as safe as conventional proximity detection systems. An evaluation of the 39 fatal accidents for which the Mine Safety and Health Administration has published fatality investigation reports was conducted to determine whether the accident may have been prevented by conventional or intelligent proximity. Multiple zone configurations for the intelligent systems were studied to determine how system performance might be affected by the zone configuration. Researchers found that 32 of the 39 fatalities, or 82 percent, may have been prevented by both conventional and intelligent proximity systems. These results indicate that, by properly configuring the zones of an intelligent proximity detection system, equivalent protection to a conventional system is possible.

Language: en

Keywords

Continuous mining machines; Intelligent proximity detection; NIOSH; Proximity detection systems