Fourth Annual International Mining Health & Safety Symposium
MSHA Communications and Tracking Update
Approval and Certification CenterApril 8, 2011
Communication and Tracking (CT) Installation Update
192 Complete Installations representing 36% of mines
Approved ERPs specify:Wireless Node-Based Communications – 22%
Wired Node-Based Communications – 29%
Leaky Feeder Communications – 50%
MSHA Communication and Tracking Activity
Since January 2006, A&CC has issued:186 new or revised approvals for communication and/or tracking systems.
67 new
119 revised
Currently evaluating additional 53 applications, including:Wireless mesh
Through-the-earth technology
Other Recent Communication and Tracking Activity
Working section installations being deployed successfully
Wired system manufacturers pursuing wireless optionsLeaky feeder manufacturers are exploring adding wireless access points (nodes)Wired mesh manufacturers are investigating wireless options
Text messaging only systems are pursuing voice options
Other Recent Communication and Tracking Activity
Some CT manufacturers are adding capabilities for:
Gas monitoring
Continuous dust monitoring
Collision warning
MINER Act Refresher
Post accident communication must be provided between underground and surface personnel via a wireless two-way medium.
An electronic tracking system must be provided that permits surface personnel to determine the location of any persons trapped underground.
ERPs shall be reviewed periodically but at least every 6 months to consider:
All comments submitted by miners or their representatives
Intervening advancements in science and technology that could be implemented to enhance miners ability to evacuate or otherwise survive an emergency
MSHA 6 Month ERP Reviews
Ensure system will be completely installed by June 15, 2011
Review to ensure adequate survivability
Check recent technology advancements; mine operator should seek to constantly improve system capabilities
Fourth Annual International Mining Health & Safety Symposium
MSHA Proximity Detection Update
Approval and Certification CenterApril 8, 2011
Fatal Accident Data Study – 1984-2010
Study identified crushing fatalities that could have been prevented by proximity detection:
70 total in CMSH30 continuous miners
25 shuttle cars or coal haulers
10 scoops
5 mobile bridge conveyors
5 total in MNM
Remote Control Continuous Mining Machine Fatalities
34 since 1984
29 victims had possession of remote control
6 maintenance
MSHA Approved Proximity Detection Systems
Nautilus International Coal Buddy System
Strata Safety Products HazardAvert™ System
Joy/Matrix Design Group M3-1000 System
Nautilus International “Coal Buddy System”
Three current installationsICG SentinelMassey (Independence Coal) Cook and Randolph Mines
One system ordered for Patriot’s Federal #2 Mine
Massey Energy ordered 30 systems
Strata Safety Products HazardAvert™ System
Experience with installations at:Consol Jones Fork MineICG Viper MinePeabody Black Beauty MineConsol Buchanan Mine
Current focus in South Africa where there are currently eight (8) complete u/g coal mine sections using HazardAvert™
Currently testing system at Consol Buchanan Mine and Peabody Willow Lake Mine
Joy/Matrix Design Group “Miner Monitor M3-1000”
MSHA approved in February 2009
19 total systems installed. Most are at Alliance Coal Company Mines, including :
RiverviewPattikiDottikiMettikiTunnel Ridge
Also at James River Coal’s Leeco #68 Mine
Joy/Matrix Design Group “Miner Monitor M3-1000”
Zone TypesWarning Zone, further away from the machine, provides operator feedback through a series of yellow LED lights mounted on each receiverShutdown Zone, closer to the machine, provides operator feedback through red LED lights and disables certain functions such as tram and conveyor swing
Operational Modes Tram Mode defines a larger, full machine zone accounting for increased machine speedCutting Mode defines a smaller, partial machine zone near the bumper accounting for operator positioning away from haulage interaction
MSHA, NIOSH, WV MSTTF Visit to South Africa
Observed:Strata Safety Products Tramguard™ at Sasol Twistdraii Underground Coal Mine
SafeMine GPS System at Anglo New Vaal Colliery Surface Coal Mine
Becker CAS System at Xstrata Kroondal Underground Chromium Mine
Booyco CWS at Anglo Greenside Colliery underground coal mine
South Africa PDS Experience
Sasol uses on all face equipment including:Continuous mining machines
Shuttle cars
LHDs (scoops)
Roof Bolters
Feeder Breakers
Anglo Coal uses on all face equipment except CMs
Surface Collision Warning Systems
SafeMine GPS
AMT RFID and Video System
Preco Radar System
Becker CAS System
Acumine ACASS System
Strata HazardAvert™
MSHA Rulemaking Activity
Published RFI January 31, 201014 Responses received
Available at www.msha.gov
Working on Emergency Temporary Standard
Additional Information
Communications and Tracking:http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/commoandtracking.asp
Proximity Detection / Collision Warning:http://www.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/NewTechnologies/ProximityDetection/ProximitydetectionSingleSource.asp
Remote Control Continuous Mining Machines:http://www.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/NewTechnologies/Initiatives/RCCM/RCCMSingleSource.asp
Questions?
Contact Info:David ChirdonPhone: (304) 547-2026Email: [email protected]