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| Sound power testing of a HDDR roof bolter |
Background
NIOSH is working with the Noise Partnership Committee to evaluate and develop various controls for reducing noise related to roof bolting machines. MSHA data indicate that this machine is third among equipment that exceeds 100% operator dosage in coal mining and second in underground coal mining. The goal of this research is to determine the major contributors to an operator's noise exposure during the drilling and bolting cycle and then reduce the noise generated during these cycles by 10 dB(A). The investigation will provide methods and solutions for minimizing overexposure to noise among operators of roof bolting machines.
Potential Outcome
Research on engineering noise controls for roof bolting machines will be completed in 2007. To raise industry awareness of these controls, results will be disseminated through publications in journals and trade magazines and presentations at industry briefings related to noise exposure in the mining industry. By reducing roof bolting machine noise by 10 dB(A), it is anticipated that 90% of roof bolting machine operators’ exposure to noise will fall below MSHA's permissible exposure limit.