scholarly journals Temperature Rise Within a Mobile Refuge Alternative—Experimental Investigation and Model Validation

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lincan Yan ◽  
David Yantek ◽  
Mark Klein ◽  
Peter Bissert ◽  
Rudy Matetic
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Internal Heat ◽  
Thermal Simulation ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety Research ◽  
Safety And Health

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations require underground coal mines to install refuge alternatives (RAs). In the event of a disaster, RAs must be able to provide a breathable air environment for 96 h. The interior environment of an occupied RA, however, may become hot and humid during the 96 h due to miners' metabolic heat and carbon dioxide scrubbing system heat. The internal heat and humidity may result in miners suffering heat stress or even death. To investigate heat and humidity buildup with an occupied RA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted testing on a training ten-person, tent-type RA in its Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) in a test area that was isolated from the mine ventilation system. The test results showed that the average measured air temperature within the RA increased by 11.4 °C (20.5 °F) and the relative humidity approached 90% RH. The test results were used to benchmark a thermal simulation model of the tested RA. The validated thermal simulation model predicted the average air temperature inside the RA at the end of 96 h to within 0.6 °C (1.1 °F) of the measured average air temperature.

In-Mine Experimental Investigation of Temperature Rise and Development of a Validated Thermal Simulation Model of a Mobile Refuge Alternative

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lincan Yan ◽  
David Yantek ◽  
Pete Bissert ◽  
Mark Klein
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Thermal Simulation ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety Research ◽  
Safety And Health

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations require underground coal mines to use refuge alternatives (RAs) to provide a breathable air environment for 96 hrs. One of the main concerns with the use of mobile RAs is the heat and humidity buildup inside the RA. The accumulation of heat and humidity can result in miners suffering heat stress or even death. To investigate this issue, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted testing on a training ten-person, tent-type, RA in its Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) in a test area that was isolated from the mine ventilation system. The test results using sensible and latent heat showed that the average measured air temperature within the RA increased by 20.6°F (11.4°C) and the relative humidity approached 90 %RH. The test results were used to benchmark a thermal simulation model of the tested RA. The validated thermal simulation model predicted the average air temperature inside the RA, at the end of 96 hours, to within 1°F (0.6°C) of the measured average air temperature.

Interior Thermal Environment of a 6-Person Metal-Type Refuge Alternative (RA)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lincan Yan ◽  
David Yantek ◽  
Mark Klein ◽  
Peter Bissert
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Apparent Temperature ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Metal Type ◽  
Final Rule

In 2008, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a final rule on Refuge Alternatives (RAs) for Underground Coal Mines [1]. The rule states that RAs should be “capable of sustaining trapped miners for 96 hours” and that RAs “can also be used to facilitate escape by sustaining trapped miners until they receive communications regarding escape options.” One of the main concerns with the use of RAs is heat and humidity buildup inside of them. The accumulation of heat and humidity could result in miners suffering heat stress or even death. MSHA regulations require that the apparent temperature in an occupied RA must not exceed 95°F. To investigate the thermal issues for occupied RAs, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted several tests on mobile RAs. In this paper, the test setup on a 6-person metal-type RA is described and the test results are presented. The test results show that the average measured air temperature within the RA increased by 9.0°C (16°F) and the relative humidity (RH) approached 91 %RH at the end of the 96-hour test. The test results were also compared to predictions from a thermal simulation model of the tested RA. The model predicted the average air temperature inside the RA at the end of 96 hours to within 0.4°C (0.8°F) of the average measured air temperature. Furthermore, two sets of test data with different heat inputs were used to cross-check the model validity.

Evaluation of Thermal Displacement Ventilation in Contamination Purging Inside a 60-Person Built-in-Place Refuge Alternative (BIP RA) in an Underground Coal Mine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Bickson ◽  
David Yantek ◽  
Justin Srednicki ◽  
Jacob Carr ◽  
Cory DeGennaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Displacement Ventilation ◽  
Thermal Displacement ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Safety And Health

Abstract Federal regulations require the installation of refuge alternatives (RAs) in underground coal mines to ensure miners’ survivability after a fire or an explosion where escape is impractical or even impossible. Both fires and explosions can generate dangerous or even lethal levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in a mine. As part of their function, RAs must be able to isolate miners from a CO-contaminated mine environment and to purge any CO that might enter the RA as miners enter it. In 2018, researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted purging research in a built-in-place (BIP) RA with a borehole air supply by testing 12 different mixing ventilation system configurations (MVSCs). Recently, NIOSH researchers evaluated the use of a thermal displacement ventilation system configuration (TDVSC) to purge a 60-person BIP RA using a borehole air supply. As in previous research, NIOSH researchers tested the TDVSC with the flow rates of 750 SCFM and then 1,000 SCFM. For each of the flow rates, the results showed that the average purge time for the more expensive TDVSC is within two minutes of the average purge times of previously tested MVSCs. Manufacturers can use this information to not only pursue 30 CFR Part 7 approval from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), but also to determine the most practical method to purge contaminants inside RAs.

The Roles of Government in Protecting and Promoting Occupational and Environmental Health

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory R. Wagner ◽  
Emily A. Spieler
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Standards And Regulations ◽  
Regulatory Interventions ◽  
The Government ◽  
The U.S

This chapter discusses the roles of government in promoting occupational and environmental health, with a focus on the U.S. federal government. Governmental interventions, as described here, can range from non-regulatory interventions, such as dissemination of information or generation and communication of information, to establishing regulatory requirements through the promulgation and enforcement of standards and regulations. The chapter describes the U.S. laws and roles of the administrative agencies responsible for occupational and environmental health, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Noting the budgetary and political constraints on these federal agencies, the chapter goes on to discuss briefly the role of the public and the states. The government also plays a role when preventive efforts fail, and the chapter provides a brief summary of programs designed to provide compensation to injured workers.

Analysis of Shoulder Sprains and Strains in Mining

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1371-1375
Author(s):  
Madison Larsen ◽  
Ashley Whitson ◽  
Jonisha Pollard ◽  
Mahiyar Nasarwanji
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Sprains And Strains ◽  
Shoulder Injuries ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
The U.S

Material handling injuries reported to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) result in nearly 70,000 days of work lost each year. Several mitigation efforts for these injuries focus on the back, but shoulder injuries account for four times the days lost. Nonfatal incidents reported to MSHA from 2013 through 2017 were limited to shoulder sprains and strains and were analyzed to determine what contributed the most to these injuries. Injuries were coded based on the task performed, motions involved, and the tools used. The analysis indicated that auto maintenance and tasks involving loading/unloading supplies led to the highest number of injuries. Many of these injuries were related to operating equipment or the use of specific tools. The injuries often involved lifting/lowering or pulling/pushing movements. These findings suggest future mitigation strategies for the risk of shoulder sprains and strains should focus on auto maintenance and tasks involving loading/unloading supplies.

scholarly journals Letter to the Editor: License Portability for Occupational Audiologists is Essential

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-82
Author(s):  
George R. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Individual State ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
National Organizations ◽  
State Programs ◽  
The Cost

Occupational audiologists have a crisis in their profession and need advocates. These audiologists are primarily responsible for industrial hearing conservation programs and their compliance with multiple regulations, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Federal Railroad Administration.  Occupational hearing programs, for the most part, are multi-state programs as companies and corporations are national organizations. Also, companies may contract services across state lines as local services may not be desired or available. Individual state telepractice regulations require audiologists who are professionally supervising these programs via the internet and phone, to secure licensure in each state. For this licensure redundancy, the cost in time and tracking are enormous.  It is imperative that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), secure multistate licensure for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. For the profession of occupational audiology, it is essential.Keywords: Licensure, Occupational audiologists, Telehealth, Telepractice

Badge-Type Noise Dosimeters Used in the Mining Industry

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Homer
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Error ◽  
Measurement Accuracy ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Type Versus ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Type Design ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Influence Measurement

Currently, a number of manufacturers have developed and made commercially available badge-type (cordless) noise dosimeters. Previous studies conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) revealed that microphone size and placement/orientation significantly influence measurement error. The badge-type design houses the microphone within a significantly larger casing than does the traditional corded-type dosimeter. This presents concern that badge-type designs may significantly inhibit measurement accuracy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the casing of various badge-type dosimeters in order to discern conditions and assess the extent to which the badge-type design contributes toward measurement error in comparison with the traditionally used corded dosimeter. For this, a series of laboratory measurements were conducted employing various commercially available badge-type casings and corded counterparts. Corresponding results are summarized and extended to conclusions regarding the effect of microphone casing design, badge-type versus corded, on measurement accuracy for personal noise dosimetry.

scholarly journals Underground Mine Refuge Alternatives Heat Mitigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lincan Yan ◽  
David Yantek ◽  
Timothy Lutz ◽  
Jeffrey Yonkey ◽  
Justin Srednicki
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Apparent Temperature ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

Abstract In case of an emergency in an underground coal mine, miners who fail to escape from the mine can enter a refuge alternative (RA) for protection from adverse conditions, such as high carbon monoxide levels. One of the main concerns with the use of both portable and built-in-place (BIP) RAs, especially for hot or deep mines, is the interior temperature rise due to the occupants' metabolic heat and the heat released by devices such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbing system. The humidity within the RA will also increase through occupants' respiration and perspiration and from the chemical reaction within the CO2 scrubbing system. Heat and humidity buildup can subject the occupants to hazardous thermal conditions. To protect RA occupants, Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations mandate a maximum apparent temperature of 95 °F within an occupied RA. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) tested both an air-conditioned borehole air supply (BAS) and a cryogenic air supply for RAs in the NIOSH Experimental Mine in Bruceton, PA. The BAS was tested on a 60-person BIP RA, while the cryogenic air supply was tested on a 30-person BIP RA and a portable 23-person tent-type RA. Multiple tests were conducted with both air supplies to assess their ability to cool RAs. The test results show that the BAS and the cryogenic air supply were able to maintain the apparent temperature within the tested RAs under the 95 °F limit. The BAS and the cryogenic air supply are potential RA heat mitigation strategies that mines could use to prevent heat/humidity buildup within RAs.

A Short History of Occupational Safety and Health in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 622-628
Author(s):  
David Rosner ◽  
Gerald Markowitz
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Short History ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Before And After ◽  
History Of

As this short history of occupational safety and health before and after establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) clearly demonstrates, labor has always recognized perils in the workplace, and as a result, workers’ safety and health have played an essential part of the battles for shorter hours, higher wages, and better working conditions. OSHA’s history is an intimate part of a long struggle over the rights of working people to a safe and healthy workplace. In the early decades, strikes over working conditions multiplied. The New Deal profoundly increased the role of the federal government in the field of occupational safety and health. In the 1960s, unions helped mobilize hundreds of thousands of workers and their unions to push for federal legislation that ultimately resulted in the passage of the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. From the 1970s onward, industry developed a variety of tactics to undercut OSHA. Industry argued over what constituted good science, shifted the debate from health to economic costs, and challenged all statements considered damaging.

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