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| Screenshot of CAP evaluating an illumination system |
Description of Problem
Restricted fields of vision are a common problem with underground mining equipment, particularly in lower seams. In addition, when lighting systems are provided underground, they are often positioned where they cause excessive glare. This limits visibility around the machines even further. Evaluations of mining lighting systems are required by 30 CFR 75.1719. Typical ways to do this are to take actual light readings on machines underground or on mockups in an accepted darkroom.
Research and Development Activities
NIOSH collaborative research has led to improved practices for assessing alternative illumination designs for underground mining systems. Researchers developed an improved software package (Crewstation Analysis Programs (CAP)) to assess and evaluate machine-mounted illumination systems.
R&D Outputs and Transfer Activities
The Mine Safety and Health Administration's Approval and Certification Center routinely uses the CAP software in the approval process for mine lighting systems. Use of the software results in significant cost and time savings to mining machine manufacturers and MSHA for a critical aspect of machine design.
CAP software is used by all major U.S. mine lighting manufacturers (Ocenco, Inc., and Mining Controls, Inc.). MSHA uses CAP in its Statement of Test and Evaluation (STE) procedures because it is more accurate and less costly than traditional methods for assessing illumination levels. NIOSH continues to collaborate with MSHA to provide enhancements to the CAP software.
Although there are no illumination standards for surface mining, the CAP software has been used to design lighting systems for surface equipment. CAP has also been requested by several foreign countries, but NIOSH has not yet received any feedback on its use.
Description of Intermediate Outcome
- MSHA Criteria for Using the Crewstation Analysis Programs to Acquire Light Survey Data Required for STE Applications: http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/acc/application/acri2006.pdf
- MSHA has published requirements referencing the CAP software in its Standard Application Procedure for Statement of Test and Evaluation (STE) for Mining Machines and Longwall Mining Systems: http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/acc/application/asap2023.pdf
- MSHA has published criteria referencing CAP for Acquiring Illumination Data in an STE Applicant's Darkroom: http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/acc/application/acri2002.pdf
- MSHA has published a Standard Test Procedure to Collect ISO-Footcandle Illumination Curves at Independent Light Laboratories: http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/acc/standardtestprocs/astp2050.pdf