Hearing Loss Prevention Research Downloadable Mining Publications

This paper presents an acoustic assessment of pneumatic and electric jackleg drills that involved Noise Source Identification (NSID), penetration rate measurements, operator´s cumulative noise dose measurements, and the determination of sound power levels. (PDF, 435 KB, 2010)

NIOSH has conducted worker noise exposure surveys in underground and surface coal mines and coal prep plants which have revealed that worker dosimetry, time-motion studies, and equipment noise profiling are important aspects of effectively using administrative controls. (PDF, 236 KB, 2005)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is developing noise controls to reduce noise generated by horizontal vibrating screens. (PDF, 606 KB, 2011)

This study, conducted as part of a project involving the evaluation of a new type of noise exposure monitoring paradigm, showed the effects of dosimeter microphone placement in a diffuse field were found to be minor for most of the test microphones/locations. (PDF, 618 KB, 2008-03)

This paper provides detailed information on the findings of NIOSH research measuring the sound power level generated by a horizontal vibrating screen with the screen either directly on the floor or on rubber isolation pads. (PDF, 2397 KB, 2008)

This paper discusses the methods NIOSH used to identify noise sources on a roof bolting machine while drilling. (PDF, 3036 KB, 2007)
                                        

NIOSH is conducting research to identify and control dominant noise sources in Continuous Miners. The objectives of the work presented in this paper were: 1) To rank the noise radiated by the different sections of the conveyor, and 2) to determine the effect of a urethane-coated tail roller on the noise radiated by the tail-section. (PDF, 427 KB, 2008)

This paper describes the quiet-by-design approach of a noise control that reduced noise exposures of continuous mining machine operators by 3dB(A) using the four functional areas of Prevention through Design (PTD), namely Practice, Policy, Research, and Education. (PDF, 146 KB, 2008)

A research program was implemented to: 1) determine, characterize and to measure sound power levels radiated by a roof bolting machine during differing drilling configurations (thrust, rotational speed, penetration rate, etc.) and utilizing differing types of drilling methods in high compressive strength rock media (>20,000 psi); 2) distinguish and correlate the empirical data into one, statistically valid, equation, in which, provided the mining industry with a tool to predict overall sound power levels of a roof bolting machine given any type of drilling configuration and drilling method utilized in industry; 3) provide the mining industry with several approaches to predict or determine sound pressure levels in an underground coal mine utilizing laboratory test results from a roof bolting machine and 4) describe a method for determining an operators' noise dosage of a roof bolting machine utilizing predicted or determined sound pressure levels. (PDF, 3609 KB, 2006)

This report describes an investigation by NIOSH researchers to quantify sound levels and to determine the amount of sound reduction provided by engineering noise controls installed in a talc processing plant. (PDF, 592 KB, 2009-04)

This report contains the description of studies conducted at U.S. western hard-rock mines to determine the levels of noise exposure of the miners. (PDF, 516 KB, 2010-03)

The noise-control treatments most commonly observed on drills and bolters during this study were evaluated on machines at underground metal mines to determine the amount of noise reduction achieved by each control. (PDF, 1102 KB, 2005-01)

This publication addresses what you can do when you are exposed to hazardous noise. (PDF, 654 KB, 2010-11)
                                                                    

This study evaluated two training techniques for educating young children about noise and hearing loss. (PDF, 82 KB, 2003)
                                                

The implementation of an adaptive beamforming algorithm (RCB) and a post-processing technique (CLEAN-SC) on the results obtained from a VS machine using a 3.5-meter array were studied as a mean to improve the resolution and thus the accuracy of the NSI process at low frequencies, i.e., from 200 Hz to 1000 Hz. (PDF, 437 KB, 2009)

Discusses design criteria for making a proper acoustical enclosure where a machine operator can safely and effectively work. (PDF, 1893 KB, 2002-01)
                           

The purpose of this article is to help identify some criteria of features currently available in audiometric equipment and audiometric database management software. (PDF, 83 KB, 2007-09)

This paper describes the results of different chain types and configurations installed on a continuous mining machine conveyor system and the resulting sound power levels. (PDF, 374 KB, 2008)

NIOSH conducted research to reduce the noise emission of various underground coal-mining equipment and developed a suite of controls to reduce drilling noise. (PDF, 898 KB, 2010)

Includes general information on the hearing loss problem in mining, a review of hearing protection used and noise regulations in mining, and other background materials. (PDF, 1236 KB, 2000-08)

A description of the current state of hearing protector fit testing and the software used for mobile field tests. (PDF, 2047 KB, 2002)
                                      

Documents the refurbishing and instrumentation of the PRL reverberation chamber to bring it up to compliance with the ISO 3743-2 standard for engineering grade measurements for broadband noise. (PDF, 563 KB, 2003-06)

The Determination of Sound Exposures (DOSES) software was developed by NIOSH specifically for use by mine management and safety personnel to simplify the record-keeping and analysis associated with time-motion studies and worker noise exposures, making it easier to identify and solve noise problems. (PDF, 1001 KB, 2009-05)

This paper provides a method for predicting sound pressure levels at the operator´s position of a roof bolting machine in an underground coal mine using sound power levels determined in the laboratory. (PDF, 115 KB, 2007)

This paper details the Laboratory noise testing results of a continuous mining machine conveyor system which uses a coating for the tail roller component designed to help bring the continuous mining machine into compliance with federal noise regulations. (PDF, 549 KB, 2007)

The paper documents NIOSH research to date of a damped drill steel on a roof bolting machine. (PDF, 509 KB, 2010)
                                                          

NIOSH is developing bit and chuck isolators to reduce vibration, and thus noise radiation of the drill steel, with the longer-term goal of reducing roof bolting machine operator noise exposure. (PDF, 368 KB, 2009)

To help manage noise exposures, NIOSH developed the Determination of Sound Exposures (DOSES) software and implementation guide for use by mine management and safety personnel. (PDF, 346 KB, 2010)

To help manage noise exposures, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed the Determination of Sound Exposures (DOSES) software and implementation guide for use by mine management and safety personnel.  (PDF, 346 KB, 2012)

Although structure type and building material were not viewed as significant factors affecting the health of employees in mineral processing facilities when they were built, NIOSH has found that building type can impact respirable dust and noise levels. NIOSH performed a study in which it evaluated three building types: masonry, an open-structure design, and a steel-sided design. (PDF, 1541 KB, 2007-07)

This Instructor's Copy contains most of the materials trainers will need in order to use the Drill Rig Incident exercise. (PDF, 2129 KB, 2005-02)
                              

This paper describes a noise control for reducing the noise overexposures of continuous mining machine operators. (PDF, 371 KB, 2007)
                                      

A dual sprocket conveyor chain for a CMM was examined both in the laboratory and in underground field studies to test the influence on lowering the sound power emissions of the chain conveyor of a CMM when compared to a standard chain. (PDF, 162 KB, 2009-09)

This study examines the use of a commercially-available lubricant for hearing aids to determine whether it would facilitate improved fit and attenuation for earplugs. (PDF, 117 KB, 2008)

Explains the overall NIOSH approach to reducing noise-induced hearing loss. (PDF, 1500 KB, 1999-01)
                                                                            

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a cross-sectional survey of noise sources and worker noise exposures. The studies revealed that more than 40% of all workers monitored were subject to noise exposures above 90 dBA TWA8. A summary of these studies is presented, their application to administrative and engineering controls is discussed, and exposure reduction methods are reviewed. (PDF, 3909 KB, 2006-12)

Identifies the most significant noise-radiating surfaces on a continuous miner tail section and examines the effects of three engineering noise controls. (PDF, 1208 KB, 2003-06)

Despite advances in engineering noise controls and the use of administrative controls, miners are still dependent on hearing protection devices for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. However, miners often raise concerns about the audibility of spoken communication when wearing conventional hearing protectors. To assess the potential benefits of this technology for miners, NIOSH tested the impact of nine electronic sound restoration hearing protectors on speech intelligibility in selected mining background noises. (PDF, 384 KB, 2010)

An analysis of extensive noise and urethane durability testing on a Joy 14CM9 continuous miner's conveyor assembly, tail roller, and bottom plate and a discussion of the initial underground testing results for the urethane-coated conveyor flights and tail roller. (PDF, 327 KB, 2003-06)

This paper will present the results of testing completed on a selection of four sound restoration hearing protection devices, with the objective of determining if they provide improved speech intelligibility to workers near certain types of mining equipment.  (PDF, 542 KB, 2012)

NIOSH is developing noise controls to reduce noise generated by horizontal vibrating screens. This paper documents testing of the stiffeners. (PDF, 575 KB, 2010)

This paper documents the evolution of the bit isolator and chuck isolator. Laboratory testing confirms that production bit and chuck isolators reduce the A-weighted sound level generated during drilling by 3.7 to 6.6 dB.  (PDF, KB, 2012)

The difficulties in hand recording, editing, and coding observational data can limit both its utility and effectiveness as a tool in exposure assessments. Researchers conducted a feasibility study employing a method of collecting observational data using a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA). The use of PDAs to record workplace observations allows for greater ease, speed, and accuracy when capturing workplace behaviors and events as compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, PDAs provide greater detail during exposure analysis. Limitations of the process are also be discussed. (PDF, KB, 2005)

As a way to focus on the direct impact of NIOSH-developed control technologies on reducing noise induced-hearing loss (NIHL), a structured research model was developed to include metrics that help to more accurately evaluate and measure the effectiveness of noise control technologies. This research structure can serve as a model for researchers and academics to assess the development, dissemination, and evaluation of noise control technologies. (PDF, 163 KB, 2010)

A health and safety bulletin about the danger of hearing loss in the mining industry and measures that can be taken to protect against it. (PDF, 1855 KB, 1998-10)

This paper provides an overview of the NIOSH hearing loss prevention program being conducted at NIOSH PRL. (PDF, 138 KB, 2005)
                                             

The NIOSH strategy expands on decades of research by its U.S. Bureau of Mines predecessors that identified some of the key issues with underground and surface noise sources.  (PDF, 509 KB, 2010-01)

The results from the sound level measurements, the dosimeter recordings and the time-activity studies on four different air-rotary rigs indicate a wide variation of operator noise exposure during hole development. These variations appear to be dependent on the cab design and the operator's drilling behavior. (PDF, 151 KB, 2005-11)

The focus of this research was to determine the noise exposures of heavy construction equipment operators while documenting the workers' tasks, (i.e. hauling, moving, and/or pushing construction material). The types of construction equipment studied included asphalt pavers, backhoes, bulldozers, compaction equipment, excavators, haul trucks, telehandlers, and wheeled loaders. (PDF, 1552 KB, 2007-07)

The focus of this research was to determine the noise exposures of heavy construction equipment operators while documenting the workers´ tasks, (i.e. hauling, moving, and/or pushing construction material). (PDF, 65 KB, 2005)

This paper describes research designed to develop guidelines and test procedures for identifying all noise sources that are major contributors to the underground noise exposure of longwall coal mining system workers. (PDF, 501 KB, 2007)

A modified semi-empirical equation based on large-scale experiments conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was developed to quantify smoke rollback during an underground mine fire. (PDF, 222 KB, 2011)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has investigated engineering noise controls to reduce sound levels in cabs on air-rotary drill rigs. A recent investigation revealed that some drillers are exposed to A-weighted sound levels exceeding 85 dB even though a cab is used. NIOSH studied the in-cab sound levels of one such rig. Next, field tests were performed in a production environment to evaluate noise controls to reduce in-cab sound levels. (PDF, 3828 KB, 2007-05)

This sheet explains your audiogram (hearing test) and gives some basic information about protecting your hearing. (PDF, 287 KB, 2007-11)
                                      

This article presents the most significant findings from NIOSH research to develop noise controls that reduce the sound at the operator´s position of mining machinery. (PDF, 194 KB, 2010)

This article presents the results of the noise research conducted in both underground and surface limestone mines, detailing the equipment likely to cause worker overexposures, and the occupations experiencing overexposures. Implications for worker noise exposure reduction are also reported. (PDF, 1903 KB, 2006)

NIOSH performed an evaluation to determine to what extent building types could impact respirable dust and noise levels. This report discusses the evaluation of three different types of product sizing silica sand structures: a masonry design, a steel-sided design, and an open structure design. The data obtained in this study indicate that the open structure design (no walls) was superior from both a dust and noise (health) standpoint compared to the other two structures. (PDF, 988 KB, 2006-11)

Mine workers are exposed to additional noise levels underground due to the reflection of machine generated noise that would otherwise dissipate in an above ground setting. This paper presents a method using a ray-tracing technique to determine absorption coefficients, for octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz, for underground mines. (PDF, 230 KB, 2007-11)

This paper will present a method using a ray-tracing technique to determine absorption coefficients for underground mines. Absorption coefficients are determined and presented for octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz. The absorption coefficients will be essential for determining and predicting potential noise overexposure to machine operators in different mine environments. (PDF, 162 KB, 2006)

This study examines noise exposure inside haul truck cabs experienced during a typical workday with normal operator practices, the effect of noise-reduction features inside the cab, the consequence of disabling noise controls (unnecessary open doors/ windows) and the significance of haul truck and cab maintenance factors. (PDF, 424 KB, 2009-10)

This report compares the major components of hearing conservation regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, and Federal Railroad Administration, as well as the 1998 NIOSH "best practices" criteria. (PDF, 1091 KB, 2007)

Overexposure to noise remains a widespread, serious health hazard in the U.S. mining industries. Most other categories of illnesses and injuries associated with mining have improved, with the exception of hearing loss. (PDF, 805 KB, 2011)

This paper describes the results of initial testing of the NIOSH Multifit4 system that was designed to be used as a tool by qualified researchers to evaluate hearing protector training and fit interventions at worksites. (PDF, 498 KB, 2010-09)

This manual explains the major objectives that can be addressed with the simulator and training scenarios that can be applied to real-life, real worker scenarios. The majority of this guide explains the simulator's functions in detail. Simulator users are encouraged to read this manual while learning how to run the software. (PDF, 455 KB, 2008-03)

NIOSH has developed several new hearing loss prevention tools and interventions that specifically target behavioral and attitudinal barriers that keep miners from effectively acting to prevent their own hearing loss. (PDF, 153 KB, 2010)

The principal emphasis of this Bureau of Mines report is on pneumatic drill noise control. Methods are suggested to reduce the noise level by complementing existing machines. (PDF, 5837 KB, 1974)

This article reviews the development and evaluation of two training exercises developed to inform drillers about noise, hearing loss and proper use of hearing protection, and discusses their use and availability. (PDF, 402 KB, 2007-11)

Presents detailed results of a cooperative study of vibrating screen noise conducted at a coal preparation plant. Rubber isolators reduced sound levels by 1 dB. Urethane screen panels did not reduce sound levels in this case. Drive noise was determined to be the dominant noise source on the screen. Damped side plates reduced vibration levels on the screen sides by 1 to 7 dB(A). (PDF, 2170 KB, 2005)

NIOSH is conducting a cross-sectional survey of equipment sound levels and worker noise exposures in the stone/aggregate mining industry. Six stone/aggregate mines (three surface and three underground) were recently surveyed. The findings identify the equipment and machinery that are likely to cause worker overexposures and the workers found to be experiencing overexposures. In addition, the benefit of cabs in reducing mobile equipment operator noise exposure is discussed. (PDF, 1694 KB, 2007-08)

This paper describes and evaluates an engineering noise control for the roof bolting machine, namely the collapsible drill steel enclosure. (PDF, 459 KB, 2008)

This document is for operators, safety personnel, and mechanics in the mining industry who are not specialists in noise control engineering or acoustics. Once personnel understand the guidelines and principles of noise control, they will be able to (1) evaluate the extent of a noise problem; (2) determine the best approach to the problem; and (3) apply the most appropriate solution. (PDF, 2291 KB, 2009-12)

This paper describes the procedure used by NIOSH researchers to evaluate noise generated by a roof bolting machine and its components, and results are given for two engineering noise controls for the roof bolting machine: a bit isolator and a drill chuck isolator. (PDF, 381 KB, 2009-01)

NIOSH is currently developing noise controls for horizontal vibrating screens. (PDF, 5889 KB, 2011)
                                                                         

This study examines the patterns and trends in noise exposure documented in data collected by Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors at U.S. coal mines from 1987 through 2004. (PDF, 1021 KB, 2007)

This is a series of 5 separate double sided sheets designed to educate workers about noise exposure and overhead power line safety at surface drilling sites. (PDF, 2464 KB, 2005-11)

This paper presents a general review by NIOSH researchers of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), the status of NIHL in mining, the results of the longwall noise surveys, and a review of the longwall engineering controls research efforts. (PDF, 601 KB, 2001-06)

Data are presented on the individual and combined effects of Bureau of Mines modifications on standard pneumatic rock drills in reducing noise. (PDF, 4884 KB, 1975)

In the Hemi-anechoic chamber of the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory noise source identification on a continuous miner was performed using phased array measurements and a frequency domain beamforming algorithm with Diagonal Removal. (PDF, 759 KB, 2008)

This paper presents the results of a study conducted by NIOSH in collaboration with the Acoustical and Vibrations Engineering Consultants Inc. (AVEC) to determine the most dominant noise sources on a VS machine at low frequencies, i.e., 250 to 1,000 Hz. (PDF, 344 KB, 2009-07)

This paper discusses the preliminary cab design, the testing of materials for construction of the prototype, and the field test method and results of a collaboration with a local drilling company to design and install a partial cab between the operator and the drill steel in an effort to reduce the sound level at the operator station of a surface drill rig.  (PDF, 1191 KB, 2007)

This article discusses research at the Hearing Loss Prevention Branch at NIOSH's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory to provide noise control techniques and equipment modifications that could reduce noise levels to miners. (PDF, 3157 KB, 1999)

The general consensus from members of the mining sector established the need for several key endeavors including more and stronger mining collaborations and partnerships and a need to educate mining stakeholders and students about the benefits of the Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative. (PDF, 61 KB, 2008)

This paper presents an overview of ongoing studies, a progress report of results, and the implications for reducing worker noise exposures and preventing noise-induced hearing loss in longwall mining workers. (PDF, 483 KB, 2007)

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the duty cycle of a typical roof bolting machine operation at two coal mines. The evaluation entails a time motion study of an operators´ shift, logging each activity for time and the noise levels associated with each task. The results provide insight into which portion of the operators´ duty cycle is the most prominent contributor to noise exposure. (PDF, 353 KB, 2007)

This paper briefly discusses the current status of some miner health-related issues, including those involving coal dust, silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos, noise, lead, welding fumes, and skin disorders, as well as research and other activities aimed at protecting miners from occupational illnesses and disease. (PDF, 398 KB, 2003)

This paper presents research examining noise on dredges used in several surface mine sand and gravel operations and in the processing facilities. (PDF, 951 KB, 2008-03)

NIOSH initiated a study of a roof bolter to reduce noise exposure to mine roof-bolter operators. An important segment of this research entails determining the affect of various drilling configurations on the performance (penetration rate) and sound power emissions when drilling into granite.This paper details the effects of each of these variables on the performance and sound power level emission. When drilling into granite, it was found that wet drilling generated lower sound power levels and performed better than vacuum drilling. (PDF, 1717 KB, 2006)

Issues related to testing the performance of sound restoration hearing protectors are outlined within this paper, and possible solutions are discussed. (PDF, 75 KB, 2008)

NIOSH is actively developing noise controls to reduce noise generated by horizontal vibrating screens. Testing described in this paper indicates the screen sides and feed box are dominant noise sources for the 250 Hz through 800 Hz one-third-octave bands whereas the electric motor appears to be the most significant source for the 1 kHz band. (PDF, 1451 KB, 2009)

Noise surveys, consisting of full-shift worker noise exposure, time-motion studies and equipment noise profiling, have been completed on longwall and continuous miner sections in six underground coal mines. A summary of these studies is reported, including worker dose, source/dose relationships and equipment noise profiles. (PDF, 401 KB, 2006)

Noise surveys were conducted in eight coal preparation plants. The research consisted of worker dose monitoring, task observations, and equipment noise profiling. Results indicate that only workers who routinely spend a significant portion of their shift in the plants (away from the control rooms) are susceptible to overexposure from noise. Certain pieces of equipment (screens, centrifuges, sieve bends) are the loudest primary noise sources responsible for the worker noise exposures. (PDF, 545 KB, 2007)

This report describes research by NIOSH to reduce the noise exposures of jackleg drill operators and to prevent additional cases of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) by developing and evaluating low-cost retrofit noise controls for equipment. (PDF, 194 KB, 2009-05)

NIOSH, in partnership with stakeholders in the mining and surface drilling industries, conducted research to develop engineering control technologies that reduce workplace noise exposure. The result of this research partnership is the development of a partial cab. (PDF, 286 KB, 2007-08)

Research conducted by NIOSH, with stakeholder involvement, has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the CMM conveyor system. Two engineering noise controls have been developed: the urethane-coated flight bar chain and the dual-sprocket chain. (PDF, 124 KB, 2008-09)

Research conducted by NIOSH has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the Roof Bolting Machine. A drill steel enclosure for reducing roof bolting machine drilling noise has been developed as an engineering control. (PDF, 313 KB, 2008-09)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to improve the level of hearing protection by providing workers with an inexpensive, easy-to-use device to check earplug fit. (PDF, 177 KB, 2008-12)

NIOSH has been performing research to analyze and reduce hazardous noise exposure in mines. (PDF, 140 KB, 2009-07)
                                                            

NIOSH has been performing research to reduce operator exposure to noise from vibrating screens at coal preparation plants.  (PDF, 161 KB, 2009-11)
                       

NIOSH has been performing research to develop a business case that promotes adoption of noise controls by reducing barriers to industry acceptance and enhancing drivers that foster their implementation. (PDF, 162 KB, 2009-12)

To develop an engineering noise control that reduces roof bolting machine (RBM) operators´ exposure to noise in underground coal mines, thereby decreasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in RBM operators and other workers in close proximity to RBMs. (PDF, 400 KB, 2012)

This Bureau of Mines report describes in detail the design and operation of a test apparatus for measuring the sound power levels of drills used by the mining industry. (PDF, 1299 KB, 1987)

Continuous mining machines rank first among all equipment in underground coal mining whose operators exceed 100% noise dosage. The conveying system is one of the principal noise sources. A highly durable polyurethane coating has been developed for the chain flights to decrease noise generated by these impacts. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of this engineering noise control in reducing the noise exposure of continuous mining machine operators in an underground coal mine environment. (PDF, 371 KB, 2006)

This longitudinal field study was designed to encourage Appalachian coal miners in West Virginia and Pennsylvania to engage in hearing protection behaviors. Participants were mailed postcards that featured either a positive, negative, or neutral message on the outside of the postcard and a message encouraging hearing protection behaviors on the reverse. Responses from 307 coal miners revealed that the positive or neutral messages generated significantly more self-reported hearing protection behaviors than the negative message. (PDF, 653 KB, 2005-01)

Water well drillers are exposed to high levels of noise while working. NIOSH researchers have found that water well drillers are exposed to levels above 85dB(A) while performing certain tasks during a typical drilling job. Noise levels consistently over 85dB(A) during an 8-hour work shift are hazardous and can lead to hearing loss in workers. Finding ways to reduce noise exposure is difficult because of many factors. The work environment is constantly changing due to the location of jobs and environmental factors. The types of drill rigs required for drilling are expensive. Equipment can range from new to used (10 to 30+ years old). Drillers and owners can work together to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, and measures can be taken to reduce exposure to hazardous noise. (PDF, 4531 KB, 2005-09)

This study outlines potential challenges regarding job safety and hearing conservation practices for noise-exposed, hearing-impaired workers. (PDF, 282 KB, 2005-12)

This article describes technology and products developed by NIOSH that address exposure to noise at the water well drilling work site. (PDF, 479 KB, 2007-12)