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Accident Prevention through the use of New Technologies


Collision Avoidance & Proximity Detection: An update on available technologies that can reduce the number and severity of equipment impact related incidents at surface and underground mines

By
HARRY E. FOOSE
General Engineer

Mine Safety And Health Administration
Technical Support
Approval And Certification Center
Triadelphia, West Virginia 26059
304 (547-0400)
August 2004

Abstract

Collision incidents involving mining machines and other vehicles, objects, or persons result in fatalities, serious injuries, equipment replacement/repair expense, and lost production. It is generally understood that with the increasing size of mining machines, large areas are outside the normal view of the operator. This has been especially evident at surface mines with incidents involving large haul trucks and at underground mines with incidents involving remote control continuous miners. This paper will discuss some of the technologies that can greatly reduce these incidents and refer to a number of published and on-going studies.

Discussion

Surface Mines: According to an NIOSH study, on average 40 incidents with 5 to 6 fatalities involving powered haulage equipment occur each year at surface mining operations. A large percentage of these incidents are due to inadequate visibility for the operator and result in collisions with other equipment and vehicles, pedestrian workers, or stationary objects. Backing over the edge of dump points is another result of the inadequate visibility.

Several technologies have been studied and are commercially available. Those related to collision avoidance include the following:
  • Radar Systems
  • Radio Frequency Signal Detection (RFID)
  • Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Based Collision Warning Systems
  • Video Cameras
  • Ultrasonic Systems
Those related to backing over the edge of dump points include:
  • Video Cameras
  • Motion Activated Warning Light
NIOSH and MSHA have completed a number of a number of independent studies and field tests at various surface mining operations and continue to support development of new technologies. The results have shown that all the technologies listed above have various strengths and weaknesses along with differing costs. A combination of technologies (i.e., cameras and sensors) has been found to be the best solution with operators trained to know the limitations of the technologies.

Underground Mines: Many fatal and nonfatal accidents have occurred at underground mines to continuous mining machine operators and helpers who are in close proximity to machine pinch points. After analysis of these accidents, MSHA believes that proximity detection and protection systems could have prevented a large number of these accidents. A proximity protection system provides automatic proximity detection and machine shutdown to protect personnel from being run over, crushed or pinned when they are positioned in a hazardous area in close proximity to the machine. The system is also capable of giving the operator an audio/visual warning when entering a protection zone before the machine shuts down. The system consists of a personally worn electronic unit and machine electronics and antenna. Additional personnel may be protected if they are wearing a portable protection unit.

MSHA has undertaken a special project to identify and investigate existing technologies providing proximity protection. The Radio Frequency Signal Detection (RFID) technology, mentioned above, was identified as the best technology to pursue for underground application. MSHA is currently working closely to make this technology mine-worthy with Nautilus International, the proximity system manufacturer; Joy Mining Machinery, continuous miner manufacturer; Massey Energy, mine operator. Developmental trials have shown great promise.

Conclusion: Collision incidents involving mining equipment have tragic results. The operator's inability to see or recognize the potential for a collision is usually the primary cause or a contributing factor of the incident. Technologies are currently available or being developed that can greatly reduce collision incidents. Presently there are not any specific laws or regulations that require these technologies be used at mining operations. MSHA strongly encourages mine operators to research available collision avoidance and proximity protection technologies and utilize those that will provide the greatest protection for their employee and equipment investments.

References: The following are internet links for information of NIOSH and MSHA collision avoidance and proximity protection efforts: The following is a partial list of available collision avoidance and proximity detection technologies and manufacturers:
Mention of specific products or companies does not imply endorsement by MSHA.



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