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Temperature and humidity rise for 23-person tent-type mobile refuge alternative.

Authors
Yan L; Yantek D; Klein M; Bissert P
Source
2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo: The Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World, February 21-24, 2016, Phoenix, Arizona. Englewood, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2016 Jul; :230-235
Link
http://www.proceedings.com/30888.html
NIOSHTIC No.
20048799
Abstract
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations require underground coal mines to use refuge alternatives (RAs) to provide a breathable air environment for 96 hrs. One of the main concerns with the use of mobile RAs is the heat and humidity buildup inside an RA. The accumulation of heat and humidity can result in miners suffering heat stress or even death. MSHA regulations require that the apparent temperature in a fully occupied RA must not exceed 95 degrees F. To investigate this issue, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted testing on a 23-person tent-type RA in its Experimental Mine (EM) in a test area that was isolated from the mine ventilation system. The test results showed that the average measured air temperature within the RA increased by 9.4 degrees C (17 degrees F) and the relative humidity (RH) approached 94%RH. The test results were used to benchmark a thermal simulation model of the tested RA. The validated thermal simulation model predicted the average air temperature inside the RA at the end of 96 hours to within 0.6 degrees C (1.0 degrees F) of the average measured air temperature.
Keywords
Mining-industry; Mine Safety and Health Administration; MSHA; Regulations; Underground mining; Coal mining; Refuge chambers; Heat; Humidity; Breathing atmospheres; Heat exposure; Heat stress; Temperature regulation; Equipment testing; Air temperature; Simulation methods; Thermal effects
Publication Date
20160701
Document Type
Conference/Symposia Proceedings
Fiscal Year
2016
ISBN No.
9781510825659
NIOSH Division
PMRD
Source Name
2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo: The Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World, February 21-24, 2016, Phoenix, Arizona
State
PA; MI; AZ; CO
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division