Mining Contract: Development of Guidelines for Safely Managing Electrical Equipment and Systems in Underground Mines During Mine Emergencies and Other Abnormal Circumstances
Contract # | 200-2008-26556 |
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Start Date | 8/13/2008 |
End Date | 9/30/2009 |
Research Concept |
This contract developed guidelines to enable workers and emergency response personnel to safely manage electrical equipment and systems in an underground coal mine during a mine emergency or under other abnormal circumstances. Guidelines are needed to address a lack of mining industry consensus regarding interpretation and implementation of 30 CFR requirements and best practices for shutting off electrical power in a mine emergency to avoid possible ignition of a hazardous atmosphere. The guidelines address other key issues such as: maintaining operation of critical mine monitoring and communication/tracking systems, coordinating with necessary mine evacuation and rescue operations, and compliance with current regulatory requirements, including new MINER Act provisions. |
Topic Areas |
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
The final report contains results from an analysis of current problems related to disconnecting electrical power during mine emergencies, as well as recommendations for industry-wide guidelines for managing electrical power systems and equipment during mine emergencies. The report includes the following:
- A detailed summary of a review of past mine emergencies, and resulting conclusions regarding the management of electrical power systems during mine emergencies
- A discussion of electrical equipment issues relating to mine emergencies, including an overview of communications, personnel tracking, and mine atmosphere monitoring equipment, and a review of various standards applicable to electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres
- An explanation of how expert opinion was considered and used in the subject study
- A comparison of existing 30 CFR regulations and current common practices for managing power systems during emergencies
- Comprehensive guidelines for safely managing electrical equipment and systems in an underground coal mine during a mine emergency or under other abnormal circumstances, including details on the approach and basis for guideline development
- Emergency Management
- Emerging Technologies: Aiding Responders in Mine Emergencies and During the Escape From Smoke-Filled Passageways
- Fire Response Preparedness for Underground Mines
- Knowledge Management and Transfer for Mine Emergency Response
- Leadership Characteristics in Escape from Three Underground Mine Fires
- Mine Rescue and Response
- Mobile Adaptable RF/IT Infrastructure - Experimental (MATRIX)
- An Oral History Analysis of Mine Emergency Response
- Performance and Safety Investigation of Emergency Backup Batteries and Battery Charging Systems for Underground Mining Applications
- Programmable Electronic and Hardwired Emergency Shutdown Systems: A Quantified Safety Analysis
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines