Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Feature: MSHA Media Event Highlights Mine Rescue Capabilities
Keywords: Mine Safety and Health Administration National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Friday, January 6, 2017
NIOSH Technologies Among Offerings
Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Vehicle (click photo for larger image)

Sarcos Snake Robot (click photo for larger image)
Outgoing Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health (MSHA), Joseph A. Main, and MSHA staff showcased the many improvements to mine rescue tools and technologies the agency has deployed at a media event Jan. 5, 2017, held at MSHA's Pittsburgh campus, which is shared with NIOSH's Pittsburgh Mining Research Division and National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory.
Acknowledging the many advances in mine rescue and the historic low number of 25 U.S. mining deaths during 2016, Main cautioned those gathered at the event to stay vigilant and continue to strive for the day when mining fatalities are rare or even nonexistent.
"We cannot be lulled into believing that the era of mine disasters and emergencies is over," he said. "We have more work to do."
Prominently displayed at the event were two NIOSH-funded rescue robots: the Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Vehicle, a track-mounted, nimble, and responsive motorized machine loaded with multiple cameras, gas sensors, and two-way voice communication; and the Sarcos Snake Robot, a fully articulating, tandem-track robot fitted with sensors, cameras, and two-way voice communication that is capable of being lowered into a mine via a 4-inch diameter borehole on the surface.
The robots are meant to be used in the event of a mine disaster when it may be unsafe to send in human rescuers. Information from the robots’ sensors can also be used to signal when humans can safely enter the mine. These purpose-built, highly complex robots are currently the property of NIOSH, but will soon be transferred to MSHA.
NIOSH conducts extensive research into disaster prevention, survival, and response. Results of this research include strategies to prevent explosions, systems to prevent rock falls and cave-ins, a computer program that helps design stable mine structures, monitors that precisely measure combustible dusts and gases, training to assist decision-making in emergency situations, best practice guides on using refuge alternatives, and dozens more ways to monitor, measure, and gauge the safety of underground mining.

See Also
Best Practices and Bolting Machine Innovations for Roof Screening
BG 4 Benching Trainer Software - 1.0.5
The Effects of Disaster on Workers: A Study of Burnout in Investigators of Serious Accidents and Fatalities in the U.S. Mining Industry
Guidelines for Permitting, Construction, and Monitoring of Retention Bulkheads in Underground Coal Mines
HazComWriter - 3.1.3
How to use the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter
NIOSH Mining Update - New Publications 1995-96
Performance of a Light-scattering Dust Monitor in Underground Mines
Recommendations for Refuge Chamber Operations Training
S-Pillar - Software for Stone Mine Pillar Design - 1.2
Technology News 469 - Sensors Warn of Hazards During Mine Hoisting
When Do You Take Refuge? Decisionmaking During Mine Emergency Escape
Page last reviewed: December 18, 2017
Page last updated: January 11, 2017
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue