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Description of Problem
Programmable electronics to monitor and control machine functions is increasingly common in mining systems. Computerized mining systems are very cost-effective and, when they function properly, can help reduce health and safety risk. When they randomly malfunction, however, they can introduce unexpected machine movements, resulting in workers being struck, pinned, or crushed. Although these incidents are rare, the consequences are quite severe. The mining industry does not have a formalized system safety process. As a result, safety is often addressed on an ad hoc basis.
Research and Development Activities
NIOSH collaborative research has developed a set of documents relating to the safety life cycle for programmable electronic mining systems based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 61508 (part 1). They ensure that safety is considered with hardware, software, and human intervention all integrated together. The best practices are distilled from about 200 existing safety standards pertaining to programmable electronics.
R&D Outputs and Transfer Activities
Educational workshops held in the United States and Australia helped customers understand and apply the best practices. The Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre of the University of Queensland (Australia) used the results for an academic course on Minerals Industry Risk Analysis.
Minerals Resources New South Wales (NSW) requested that two workshops and a keynote address be given at its 2001 Annual Electrical Safety Seminar. Minerals Resources NSW decided to start using the research as part of its approval process, as documented in a letter to the NIOSH Associate Director for Mining and Construction (January 21, 2002).
Description of Intermediate Outcome
Joy Mining Machinery, Inc., Forced Potato Mining Electronics, and DBT America, Inc. have integrated NIOSH research into their best practices/business plans.
Mining machine customers for Joy Mining Machinery, Inc. have specified that new equipment comply with the System Safety Best Practices.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have used the research results as part of the approval process for permits (http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/acc/sysafety/sysafety.htm).
NIOSH's National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory has used our methods and format for approval of programmable personal protective equipment.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Minerals Resources NSW (Australia) agreed to use the research for a rapid roadway development project, as documented in a letter to the NIOSH Associate Director for Mining and Construction (January 21, 2002). Minerals Resources NSW incorporated the research into the document "Policy for Implementing Safety Alert SA01-09 Radio Remote Control Mining Machines," as documented in a letter to the NIOSH Associate Director for Mining and Construction (July 21, 2001).