Mechanical teeth chew through stone, extracting coal in the most efficient way possible. The continuous mining machine tunnels through tight corridors and across dimly-light spaces, operating in environments deemed inhabitable to everyone – everyone but miners.
This month, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a final regulation proposal which requires coal-hauling machines (shuttle cars, ram cars, and continuous haulage systems) in underground coal mines to be equipped with proximity detection systems. Detection systems are used to help protect miners from being crushed or pinned in confined underground mine spaces where large equipment is constantly in motion.
Since 1984, 35 miners have been pinned, crushed, or struck by continuous mining machines and lost their lives in underground coal mines. MSHA estimates that the rule will prevent 49 injuries and 9 deaths over the next ten years.
Proximity Detection Technology
Detection systems use electronic sensors to identify motion and the location of one object relative to another. These systems provide audible and visual warnings for workers, and technology which automatically stops moving machines before miners get too close and an accident occurs.
To meet the standards set in the rule, a proximity system must:
MSHA estimates 425 continuous mining machines of 863 currently in use have already been equipped with proximity detection systems, and therefore will only require minor changes, such as adding warning signals.
Compliance Deadline
The rule will be pushed in the Federal Register on January 15, 2016 and become effective March 16, 2016. An eight-to-36 month compliance phase has been issued.
The phase-in periods give mine operators the time they need to obtain MSHA approvals, modify continuous mining machines to meet the new requirements, and provide training to miners.
The compliance dates are:
By Jordy Byrd, public relations specialist with Graphic Products
