Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
Records 1-3 (of 3 Records) |
Query Trace: Scott DF[original query] |
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Examination of controlled recirculation implementation in an underground nonmetal mine
Pritchard CJ , Scott DF . Min Eng 2015 66 (12) 49-55 Controlled recirculation of ventilation air in underground metal and nonmetal mines has the potential to improve airflow and the health and safety of miners when implemented properly. Previous research by Robinson, Marks, Cecala and others concluded that the success of a district recirculation system is predicated upon an adequate supply of fresh air and the use of a reliable monitoring system for safe operation. This recent research also showed that contaminant levels will not exceed pre-recirculation levels, and that district recirculation can improve the dilution of face contaminants, especially methane gas. |
Investigation of induced recirculation during planned ventilation system maintenance
Pritchard CJ , Scott DF , Noll JD , Voss B , Leanis D . Min Eng 2014 66 (10) 43-48 The Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) investigated ways to increase mine airflow to underground metal/nonmetal (M/NM) mine working areas to improve miners' health and safety. One of those areas is controlled recirculation. Because the quantity of mine air often cannot be increased, reusing part of the ventilating air can be an effective alternative, if implemented properly, until the capacity of the present system is improved. The additional airflow can be used to provide effective dilution of contaminants and higher flow velocities in the underground mine environment. Most applications of controlled recirculation involve taking a portion of the return air and passing it back into the intake to increase the air volume delivered to the desired work areas. OMSHR investigated a Nevada gold mine where shaft rehabilitation was in progress and one of the two main fans was shut down to allow reduced air velocity for safe shaft work. Underground booster fan operating pressures were kept constant to maintain airflow to work areas, inducing controlled recirculation in one work zone. Investigation into system behavior and the effects of recirculation on the working area during times of reduced primary ventilation system airflow would provide additional information on implementation of controlled recirculation into the system and how these events affect M/NM ventilation systems. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health monitored the ventilation district when both main fans were operating and another scenario with one of the units turned off for maintenance. Airflow and contaminants were measured to determine the exposure effects of induced recirculation on miner health. Surveys showed that 19% controlled recirculation created no change in the overall district airflow distribution and a small reduction in district fresh air intake. Total dust levels increased only modestly and respirable dust levels were also low. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) levels showed a high increase in district intake mass flow, but minor increases in exposure levels related to the recirculation percentage. Utilization of DPM mass flow rates allows input into ventilation modeling programs to better understand and plan for ventilation changes and district recirculation effects on miners' health. |
Chemical-related injuries and illnesses in U.S. mining
Scott DF , Merritt EM , Miller AL , Drake PL . Min Eng 2009 61 (7) 41-46 The purpose of this study was to determine if miners were at risk from exposures to chemicals used in the mining industry and determine the nature and sources of the illnesses and injuries. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) employment and accident, injury and illness database was reviewed. There were 2,705 cases of chemical-related injuries and illnesses reported from 1999 through 2006, involving 66 different chemicals. The main source (cause) of chemical-related cases was acids/alkalis (about 39%). The primary nature (effect) of chemical-related cases was chemical burns (about 57%). The job classifi cation where workers incurred the most chemical-related injuries and illnesses was cleaning plant operator/media operator/boney preparation plant operator/crusher worker (cleaning plant operators are responsible for maintenance of plants, media operators are responsible for handling reagents, boney preparation plant operators oversee removal of "bone" from coal, and crusher workers use large crushers to break mined material). From 1999 through 2006, the rate of "nonfatal days lost" and "no days lost" (resulting from injuries) did not change signifi cantly; however, the rate of illnesses decreased signifi cantly. Chemical burns accounted for a large number of injuries; mining companies should carefully examine their personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, training methods and safety culture to ensure that their workers are protected. |
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- Page last updated:May 13, 2024
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