skip navigational links http://www.dol.gov www.msha.gov United States Department of Labor
A to Z Index | Find It! in DOL |            [skip navigational links]     Search MSHA's Website   Search MSHA
 
Proximity Detection / Collision Warning
Single Source Page

Proximity Detection


Proximity detection / collision warning is a technology that can be installed on mining machinery to detect the presence of personnel or machinery within a certain distance of a machine. These systems can be programmed to send send warning signals and stop machine movement when the programmed areas are breached. Proximity detection refers to underground mining applications and often is designed to inhibit machine movement. Collision warning refers to surface machinery applications and typically provides warning signals only. MSHA has assisted the industry in the development of this technology on a variety of machinery, both underground and surface.

For questions, please contact David Chirdon at chirdon.david@dol.gov.

Remote Control Continuous Mining Machine Proximity Detection

As of August 2009, the mining industry had experienced 31 fatal crushing or pinning accidents since 1984 that involved the operation of remote control continuous mining machines. Although remote control continuous mining machines have the highest incidence rate, similar accidents have been recorded on other types of mining machines. The following remote control continuous mining machine proximity detection systems have been approved by MSHA to meet the "permissibility" requirements in Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Part 18:

Frederick Mining Controls "HazardAvert™" System

Nautilus, International Coal-Buddy System

Matrix Design Group Model M3-1000 Proximity Monitoring System


Other Proximity Detection / Collision Avoidance Developers

The following manufacturers have proximity detection / collision warning products that have been tested and demonstrated at various operations around the world. We include this information to assist the mining industry in evaluating the technology and making the most informed decisions possible. Inclusion of this information on the MSHA website should not be construed as endorsement of these products. Publications Videos
    • "The Right Choice" by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
    • "Stay Out of the Danger Zone" by MSHA


      • The above videos include interviews with remote control continuous mining machine operators and others who have witnessed or survived crushing and pinning accidents, and information on the hazards associated with pinchpoints around continuous mining machines.
Others Sources of Information
    The Queensland Australia Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation recently hosted a series of proximity detection workshops in Australia. At these workshops a number of proximity detection / collision avoidance manufacturers provided presentations on their products and mine operators provided presentations on their experiences with the technology. The Queensland representatives were kind enough to share this information with us.

  • Visit their website...




Some or all of the files available on this page are PDF. For more information on PDF, PDF readers and accessibility issues, please use this link.





Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us