Mining

Join us in moving science to solutions for...

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Photo courtesy of NIOSH
The NIOSH Research to Practice (r2p) program seeks partners for 

improving workplace safety and health. The r2p program joins NIOSH 

researchers and outside partners throughout the research process—from 

identifying the problem to implementing effective solutions. Do you want 

to make a positive impact for workers? Contact the r2p program to find 

out how, working together, we can make an impact.

nioshr2p@cdc.gov

Photo courtesy of NIOSH
Preparing Miners for Underground Emergencies

Partnership makes a difference . . . here is one example

   Challenge

Imagine trying to escape when working in an enclosed space hundreds of feet 

underground. Emergencies like fires or explosions are frightening potential hazards 

for the approximately 44,000 underground mine workers in the United States. U.S. law 

requires underground miners to participate in mine emergency evacuation drills, but 

these drills are conducted in smoke-free environments that do not fully prepare workers 

for conditions they might encounter in a real escape situation. 

   Approach

Several U.S. mining companies approached NIOSH to help them better prepare their 

workers for underground emergencies. Working with NIOSH researchers, the group 

created an innovative program to plan, conduct, and evaluate evacuation exercises using 

nontoxic smoke to simulate a real fire. Over 1,900 workers in nine mines traveled 700 to 

1,000 feet through smoke-filled passages with visibility less than five feet. Miners used 

technologies identified or developed by NIOSH to assist their escape, such as chemical 

light sticks, audible strobe lights, reflective materials, directional lifelines, lighted vests, 

and hand-held laser pointers.

   Impact

As a result of these exercises, several of the mining companies have installed directional 

lifelines in their escape ways, purchased chemical light sticks, and are exploring the use 

of hand-held lasers. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has also required 

directional lifelines in escape ways of underground coal mines that are ventilated with 

conveyor belt entry air. As word of the training spread, so did the number of mining 

companies that wanted to participate and include smoke simulation training at their 

facilities. The long-term outcome of this training is a workforce better prepared to deal 

with emergency situations in a safe manner.

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American Academy of Clinical Toxicology 

American Association of Poison Control Centers 

American Chemistry Council Diisocyanates Panel 

American College of Medical Toxicology 

American Industrial Hygiene Association 

American Medical Response 

American Society of Safety Engineers 

Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Center for Business and Public Policy –

Georgetown University 

Commonwealth of PA Bureau of Deep Mine Safety 

Dynamic Systems 

Electric Power Research Institute 

EPA Office of Research and Development 

FEMCO 

Finnish Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 

General Electric Energy and Resource Systems 

General Motors United Auto Workers 

Highmark, Inc. 

Joy Mining Machinery 

Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Center for Health Statistics 

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

National Energy Technology Lab (DOE) 

National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences (NIEHS)

National Institute of Industrial Health 

National Institute of Mental Health 

National Institute of Occupational 

and Environmental Health 

National Institute on Aging 

NIEHS–National Toxicology Program

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Employment Standards Administration –

Office of Workers Compensation Program

Phoenix Firefighter Department 

RM Wilson 

Sandia Corporation (DOE) 

Scag Power Equipment 

SIRTI 

SkyJack Inc. 

Springfield Pike Mine 

State of Alaska 

University of Connecticut 

University of Connecticut Health Center 

Veterans Health Administration 

West Virginia University 

Yale University 

Here are just a few of the businesses, organizations, labor groups, 

and research centers that have partnered with NIOSH.

► E-mail nioshr2p@cdc.gov to find out 

how you can add yourself to this list. 

Join us in moving science to solutions!

Safer • Healthier • People

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2005-156