Emergency Response and Rescue Downloadable Mining Publications

This paper introduces algorithms to locate miners with no need for external reference sensors, beginning with a brief introduction of the mine model. It then defines useful mathematical operations that can be performed on the node coordinates, and concludes with a description of the algorithms. (PDF, 147 KB, 2010)

Although MSHA still mandates instruction in barricading, greater emphasis is now placed on teaching miners to use SCSRs proficiently and to be knowledgeable about their escape routes. Only recently has at least one mine operator begun to revisit barricading as an alternative to escape. (PDF, 1020 KB, 1997-11)

A scientific study of human behavior during an escape from a fire in an effort to understand and derive benefits for design, engineering and safety efforts. (PDF, 1291 KB, 2000-05)

This report addresses issues involved in using a limited number of training apparatus to give hands-on self- contained self-rescuer (SCSR) training to a succession of miners, and provides guidance regarding methods for minimizing the spread of infectious diseases. (PDF, 928 KB, 1989)

Based on the anecdotal data, the authors suggest that specific training in working with grieving families and greater organizational support would be appropriate. In addition, utilizing local community mental health and/or pastoral services are suggested. (PDF, 392 KB, 2000-05)

The content of emergency warning messages has been shown that people often do not get the information they need for the purpose of taking appropriate action. This safety talk presents a procedure, using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. (PDF, 256 KB, 1999-10)

Emergency escape and refuge alternatives was created by a multidisciplinary team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to teach miners about emergency escape and using refuge alternatives. The training is a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and is intended for group-based training. It is designed to be used as a template for mine instructors to modify based on the refuge alternatives and specifics of their mine. (PDF, 2190 KB, 2010-10)

This paper discusses emergency response planning with a special emphasis on small minesites. It addresses the importance of an emergency response plan and offers some tips for developing a useful document. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)

Since 1991, researchers have recorded extensive interviews with 30 individuals who are recognized as experts in the area of mine emergency response. These veterans related stories and observations from events experienced during as many as 47 years of response activities. (PDF, 1024 KB, 1996)

Historically, underground mine rescue teams and miners training does not fully prepare them for the conditions that may be encountered in real escape situations, such as smoke filled entries. This paper describes technology and realistic training simulations that have been identified for the general workforce and mine emergency responders. Laser lights and lifelines were most beneficial in leading personnel to safety and out of the mine in smoke-filled passageways. (PDF, 135 KB, 2001-12)

This training module can be used to educate both inexperienced and veteran miners on important issues related to self-rescue and escape procedures. (PDF, 1273 KB, 2009-05)

This study investigated human response issues related to wearing a self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR). The goal was to develop training to educate miners on what they could expect from their units during an escape. Results identified nine key areas of concern: (1) starting the unit, (2) unit heat, (3) induction of coughing, (4) unit taste, (5) difficulty in breathing while wearing the unit, (6) quality of the air supplied, (7) nose clips, (8) goggles, and (9) the behavior of the breathing bag.  (PDF, 140 KB, 2008-10)

This report deals with the preparedness of miners to respond to underground fires. It is intended to aid the mining industry in understanding the various roles of emergency responders and the training techniques used to increase their skill levels. The report also presents a technology overview to assist in effective response to mine fires. (PDF, 1119 KB, 2005)

This report deals with the preparedness of miners to respond to underground mine fires. It is intended to aid the mining industry in understanding the various roles of emergency responders and the training techniques used to increase their skill levels. The report also presents a technology overview to assist in effective response to mine fires. (PDF, KB, 2006)

The first step to emergency preparedness is defining and analyzing hazards. Although all hazards should be addressed, resource limitations usually do not allow this to happen all at once. (PDF, 755 KB, 1999-10)

The first step to emergency preparedness and maintaining a safe workplace is defining and analyzing hazards. (PDF, 132 KB, 2003-07)
                                           

This paper presents a summary of domestic and international coal mine rescue training facilities and identifies those that provide unique, real-life, and/or state-of-the-art training. (PDF, 381 KB, 2009)

This study predicts the level of smoke that miners might meet while trying to escape a coal mine fire and describes how smoke would impede their safe escape. (PDF, 337 KB, 1992)

This paper presents a rationale for considering human stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies It discusses the concept of stress, Critical Incident Stress in emergency responders, and introduces the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process. It offers some ideas to the mining industry in general, mine rescue trainers. and more universally, to those responsible for developing emergency management plans.  (PDF, 1356 KB, 1998)

In recent years the issue of human stress response in emergency workers has begun to receive attention. This paper presents a rationale for considering human stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies. It discusses the concept of stress, Critical Incident Stress in emergency responders, and introduces the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process. It is suggested that, in a disaster, the CISD process can improve the effectiveness of response teams on site, their turnaround time on site, and post disaster time off the job. This paper offers some ideas to the mining industry in general, mine rescue trainers, and more universally, to those responsible for developing emergency management plans.  (PDF, 3333 KB, 1995)

This is the Instructor's Copy of the document. This document contains most of the materials needed to use the exercises on proper self-contained self-rescuer usage. (PDF, 3660 KB, 1999-10)

This paper discusses human judgment and decision making under stress. The authors assert that stress is one of the factors that decision makers must contend with in most life-or-death situations. (PDF, 195 KB, 2003)

This paper discusses human judgment and decision-making under stress. (PDF, 893 KB, 2001-06)
                                                                                  

US coal mining organizations are losing the knowledge they need in order to be able to respond to emergencies. Knowledge management provides a useful perspective from which to view the problem, but the debate about what constitutes knowledge should be broadened to include a debate about what constitutes management.  (PDF, 100 KB, 2006)

The characteristics of leaders under the duress of an emergency are important in the development of emergency planning, training, and in the management of an actual emergency. The U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed the leadership behavior in three underground mine fire escapes. This paper discusses the profile of six individual leadership characteristics which emerged from the data. (PDF, 753 KB, 1996)

This paper discusses the Mine Emergency Response Interactive Training Simulation (MERITS), a computerized simulation for providing mine emergency command center training. (PDF, 155 KB, 2002)

This paper describes technology and training that has been identified for underground emergency responders. (PDF, 1018 KB, 2000-09)
                                            

This paper briefly discusses the history of mine rescue team communication and informs the mining community of several new mine rescue team communication systems. (PDF, KB, 2009-01)

Reports on a series of mine rescue training exercises developed, conducted and evaluated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety. (PDF, 509 KB, 1998-05)

In emergency management, the effects of stress on the performance of emergency personnel, typically have been ignored or regarded as too enigmatic to quantify. This paper discusses the concept of Critical Incident Stress in responders to emergencies. It presents the rationale for considering stress as a significant factor in the management of emergencies. (PDF, 1569 KB, 1994)

NIOSH prepared a report to summarize the findings of its research into refuge alternatives in underground coal mines, as mandated in Section 13 of The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act). This docket contains the supporting information and key reference materials concerning the utility, practicality, survivability and cost of various refuge alternatives. (HTML, 10 KB, 2008-02)

A compilation of accounts by 30 veteran mine emergency response experts. In their own words, the experts discuss the circumstances of specific explosions, fires, rock falls, and other mine emergencies from their personal experience, the procedures they and their colleagues used in responding to the emergencies, and lessons learned from those experiences. (PDF, 697 KB, 2004-04)

The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) was founded in 1993 as a non-profit organization with the mission of bringing together users, planners, researchers, managers, technicians, response personnel, and other parties interested in emergency management, to exchange knowledge, experience, and ideas about innovative methods and technologies to improve our ability to manage emergencies worldwide. (PDF, 65 KB, 2000-04)

A series of mine rescue training exercises was developed, conducted, and evaluated by NIOSH in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety and several mining companies. (PDF, 288 KB, 1999)

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is expanding the knowledge and expertise of its mine rescue teams through innovative training technologies. Full-scale mine rescue simulations, including working in theatrical smoke, have become routine for Pennsylvania mine rescue team members. Now Pennsylvania is transforming its mine rescue training by incorporating computer simulation. These new training programs help to produce mine rescue teams that understand effective emergency response at the mine rescue level and the command center level. (PDF, 695 KB, 2002-02)

A performance comparison of 14 rescue breathing apparatus was undertaken as an assessment of past and present worldwide technology. Rescue breathing apparatus are self-contained, closed-circuit breathing apparatus used for entry into areas having atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health. (PDF, 3686 KB, 1999-10)

This Bureau of MInes report examines survival odds for a prototypical escape from a mine, and illustrates how these odds change when SCSR training in improved. (PDF, 3692 KB, 1992)

In an effort to estimate the chances of a miner making a successful escape while wearing a self-contained self rescuer (SCSR), a computer simulation was developed which takes into account training in the use of SCSRs, integrity of the apparatus, and oxygen cost of a mine escape. (PDF, 2698 KB, 1990-01)

In this report, recommendations are made to (1) replace the present regulations for certification of closed-circuit breathing apparatus with quantitative tests specifying metabolic work rate rather than activity, (2) continuously monitor relevant physiological stressors, (3) continue testing until exhaustion of the oxygen source, and (4) classify closed-circuit breathing apparatus by quantity of usable oxygen, i.e., capacity, rather than by duration. Physiology-based stressor levels are suggested as well. (PDF, 1662 KB, 1999-08)

This study ranks the factors impacting survival during a coal mine fire. These authors found that a combination of actions was most effective. This combination was: installing lifelines; moderately decreasing air leakage; and decreasing the fire growth rate. (PDF, 675 KB, 1993)

This paper briefly describes the progress in mine safety in the United States, with emphasis on recent events that have followed since the explosion at the Sago Mine in January 2006. Legislation following the mine accidents in 2006 and areas of work carried out by NIOSH related to the accidents are discussed. (PDF, 3543 KB, 2007)

Refuge Chamber Expectations Training was created by a multidisciplinary team at NIOSH to inform miners of what to expect psychologically and physically if it became necessary to use a refuge chamber in a mine emergency.  (PDF, 310 KB, 2009-10)

Section 13 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 ("MINER Act"), PL 109-236, required NIOSH to conduct "research, including field tests, concerning the utility, practicality, survivability, and cost of various refuge alternatives in an underground coal mine environment, including commercially available portable refuge chambers." This report summarizes the findings of such research, focusing on specific information that could inform the regulatory process on refuge alternatives. Further, gaps in knowledge and technology that should be addressed to help realize the full potential of refuge alternatives are also identified. (PDF, 85 KB, 2007-12)

Fire is a major concern for those who work in underground mines. This paper focuses on responders' preparedness for fire. (PDF, 834 KB, 2001-08)
                             

This paper reviews NIOSH and US Bureau of Mines research to improve miners' health and safety training. This paper describes how miners' safety and health training has improved since the beginning of the program, and identifies areas where further improvements are needed. (PDF, 181 KB, 2010)

This article is a review of the book The Phoenix of Natural Disasters: Community Resilience. (PDF, 18 KB, 2009-06)
                                                           

A successful emergency management effort involves many components. The authors suggest areas in three environmental elements that deserve further inquiry. (PDF, 610 KB, 2001-09)

A joint effort by the Pittsburgh Research Center (PRC) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 3 was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR's), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSR's in the fifth phase of testing from mid-1993 to early 1996. (PDF, 897 KB, 1996)

A joint effort by the Bureau of Mines and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR's), deployed in accordance with Federal Regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested breathing apparatus from the first year of a 5-yr program as well as other related findings. (PDF, 4536 KB, 1986-01)

A joint effort by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCRS's), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), held up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSR's in the fourth phase of testing from 1989 to 1993. The SCSR's were tested on human subjects and on a breathing and metabolic simulator (BMS). These results indicate that most of the apparatus, if they pass their inspection criteria, perform as expected except units with manufacturing defects. However, when the apparatus are carried in and out of the mine daily and stored at the working section, they may suffer abuse.  (PDF, 5240 KB, 1994-01)

A joint effort by the Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers, deployed in accordance with Federal regulations survived the underground environment with regard to both impact damage and aging. (PDF, 4348 KB, 1992)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, has undertaken a study to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714), hold up in the underground environment with regard to both physical damage and aging. (PDF, 2420 KB, 2002-03)

This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSRs in the sixth phase of testing from mid-1996 to early 1998. The SCSRs were tested on human subjects and on a breathing and metabolic simulator. (PDF, 2639 KB, 2000-07)

This report is the last of 10 report phases begun in 1982 and presents findings regarding laboratory-tested SCSRs in the tenth phase of testing, from July 2004 to March 2006. (PDF, 1683 KB, 2008-06)

NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are conducting a Long Term Field Evaluation (LTFE) program to evaluate deployed self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs). The objective of the program is to evaluate how well SCSRs endure the underground coal mining environment with regard to both physical damage and aging when they are deployed in accordance with Federal regulations (30 CFR 75.1714). This report presents findings of the combined eighth and ninth phases of the LTFE.  (PDF, 1624 KB, 2006-10)

Researchers conducted focus groups and interviews on what happens in the first crucial moments of a mine emergency. Results indicated that there were common themes in initial response, which included the importance of mine emergency planning and training, quantity and quality of communication providing information for decision-making, leadership and trust, plus individual personal issues. (PDF, 153 KB, 2010-01)

MERITS simulates underground and surface events related to the disaster. It exposes the user to events that typically occur during a mine emergency, such as lack of information and miscommunication. It also presents trainees with issues that must be addressed, such as making provisions for briefing news media and victims' families, ordering needed supplies, interfacing with Government enforcement agencies, and housing mine rescue teams. (PDF, 455 KB, 2002-06)

The "Emergency Communication Triangle" safety talk focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. It presents a procedure using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. (PDF, 300 KB, 2004-09)

Researchers with NIOSH have developed a training module to educate both new, inexperienced miners as well as veterans on important issues related to self-rescue and escape procedures. (PDF, 197 KB, 2009-05)

NIOSH has been performing research to provide effective training on refuge chambers for underground coal miners. (PDF, 182 KB, 2009-11)
                                       

A surface network system using off-the-shelf components, consisting of two Motorola Canopy Subscriber Modules (SMs), one Canopy Access Module (AP), associated antennas, and legacy video converter, successfully established strategic communications links in a limited mine-simulated environment. When needed, the system could be expanded with additional hardware to establish a communications path over greater distances to link multiple communications devices and other monitor and control devices and their data to a command center (CC). A person with experience in aiming antennas and configuring wireless local area networks would be capable of setting up a secure system in a timely manner, and also address issues relating to obstructions due to local topography and foliage. The CC would be the hub of a secure centralized communications system that could link all the communications devices, data sources, and control functions. In a situation where the normal communications between the surface and underground are interrupted and an alternative communications path to the surface is established, the technology provides a least-cost solution for connecting the alternative communications path to the CC.  (PDF, 323 KB, 2012)

This is the first of two articles which report the responses from experts when asked how they think people who may have to respond to a future mine emergency should be trained. (PDF, 1759 KB, 1997-10)

This paper introduces a method for teaching workers to communicate necessary information when giving or receiving emergency warning messages. (PDF, 95 KB, 1998-05)

Disasters take many forms and demand quick response from emergency workers. This is a brief guide on what emergency response workers should do in the event of traumatic incidents. (PDF, 286 KB, 2002-01)

Since 1910, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has investigated practical ways of dealing with the consequences of major fires and explosions in underground mines. The results of this research have had a significant positive impact on the mining community by enhancing mine workers chances of surviving an underground mine disaster. Three USBM research areas are discussed:(1) Life Support (2) Trapped Miner Location and 3) Mine Fire Diagnostics. (PDF, 3087 KB, 1994)

This paper captures almost 110 years of history of underground coal mine disasters in the United States. The authors suggest that a key factor in meeting the goal of increasing successful mine escape and rescue while decreasing fatalities and injuries lies in the field of social-psychological research and human behavior interventions. (PDF, 113 KB, 2010-01)

Provides a detailed description of a data collection instrument used to profile the fire prevention and response capabilities of a mine site. (PDF, 1179 KB, 2000)

This is Part 1 in a series of 4 articles that address underground fire preparedness. The series is primarily based on an analysis of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reportable mine fires and information gained from recent interviews with 214 miners at 7 underground coal mines. Answers to questions will be addressed based on a data analysis of mine fires occurring from 1978-1992. (PDF, 604 KB, 1997-05)

This is the second in a series of four articles that discuss underground fire fighting preparedness. In this article, the authors describe miners' preparedness to evacuate a fire and their experience with incipient fires. (PDF, 1427 KB, 1997-07)

This is the third in a series of four articles that discuss underground fire fighting preparedness. In this article, the authors describe miners' experience with in fighting underground mine fires and present their perceptions of training and readiness for fire-fighting. (PDF, 1563 KB, 1997-08)

This is the fourth and final article in a series that discusses underground fire fighting preparedness. As with the previous three articles, it is based on interviews with 214 miners at 7 underground coal mines. This final article in the series offers suggestions to improve mine fire-fighting preparedness. (PDF, 3753 KB, 1997-09)

This document highlights NIOSH's research and recommendations concerning refuge alternatives, survivability evaluations of refuge chambers, and presents a brief review of the current deployment of refuge chambers in underground coal mines in the U.S.  (PDF, 413 KB, 2009-12)

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of remotely applied nitrogen-enhanced foam to aid in efforts to isolate and suppress a mine fire. (PDF, 892 KB, 2005)

A Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA) is a structured process that identifies the characteristics of major hazards, assesses and ranks the risk they present, and evaluates engineering and administrative controls to mitigate them. This paper provides a case study example as to how the MHRA approach might be used to mitigate the risk of roof instability and fire hazards in US underground mines. (PDF, 337 KB, 2007)

Well-prepared personnel and an effective emergency response plan are essential components of any emergency command center. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is developing an Internet-based, computer simulation training package for the mining industry. (PDF, 222 KB, 2000-05)

This paper discusses the data collected during an emergency evacuation training exercise at an underground mine in the United States. The focus of this paper is on the human reaction to smoke and the use of personal protective equipment. (PDF, 277 KB, 1997-01)