Back to The MINER Act of 2006 and Related NIOSH Activities OverviewSection 11 of the MINER Act (PDF, 170 KB) established a technical study panel to provide independent scientific and engineering review and recommendations regarding the use of belt air and the composition and flame retardant properties of belt materials in underground coal mines. The Act provided criteria for Panel membership, a timeframe for completing the study, and directives for action after the report was completed. The Panel was administered by the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and NIOSH provided technical support as requested. As required by the Act, NIOSH provided the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with a list of nominees, and the Secretary appointed two Panel members. Two more members will be appointed by the Secretary of Labor and two by Congress for a full membership of six panelists. Historically, the ventilating air that moves along the belt entry towards the production face (belt air) was coursed directly into the returns. Over 20 years ago, however, some mines in very gassy seams experienced difficulty moving sufficient air to the working face. The usual solutions (increasing the number of air courses and/or increasing air flow through the existing ones) could not be implemented due to design limitations on the dimensions and number of aircourses, along with aerodynamic constraints. Therefore, using belt air to increase the quantity of air at the production face was explored. This was viewed as a means to improve mine safety by more effectively diluting explosive methane at the face while allowing coal to be mined at a competitive rate. Most design decisions embody complex tradeoffs, and that is certainly the case with the use of belt air. While the practice may improve safety in one context, it could reduce safety in others. One major concern is a fire in the belt entry. Such fires can occur by the very nature of conveyor belt systems. If a belt fire occurs, miners working at the production faces could become engulfed in smoke and toxic gases. Thus, several precautions (e.g., fire monitoring systems) were stipulated as a condition of using belt air. Health concerns were also raised because air passing over the conveyor belt could entrain respirable dust, increasing miner exposure to dust at the face. Until a few years ago, MSHA reviewed each petition to use belt air on a case-by-case-basis. If approved, MSHA mandated additional protections to help ensure that mineworker safety would not be diminished. Recent mine tragedies have focused attention on mine safety, especially in areas that are seen as vulnerable. Overall, the track record for using belt air speaks to its efficacy and safety. From a risk analysis and management perspective, however, this track record alone is insufficient to ensure mineworker safety. The Panel examined the impact of belt air use on mine safety and, specifically, weighed the effectiveness of various proactive offsetting measures. The Panel considered fire and smoke monitoring systems, sensor placement, system reliability, fire extinguishing systems, belt flammability, maximum air velocity, escapeway location, and respirable dust issues, among others. More information about the Panel and its final report can be found on MSHA's web site at http://www.msha.gov/beltair/beltair.asp. NIOSH Projects and Activities
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Contact PersonsFor more information about the Technical Study Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining, please contact: Gerrit V.R. Goodman Alex Smith |
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