Overview of Technical Support 

Mark Schultz, P.E. 

Senior Mining Engineer 

Mine Safety and Health Administration 

Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center 

Dust Division 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 
What is Tech Support? 

• MSHA has a staff of scientists, engineers 

and industrial hygienists who can suggest 

solutions to difficult mine safety and health 

problems. 

• This staff is located at two centers: 

– Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology 

Center 

– Approval and Certification Center 
Technical Support 

Headquarters

Arlington, VA 

(8 employees) 

Approval & Certification Center 

Triadelphia, WV 

(84 full-time employees & 1 

contractor) 

Pittsburgh Safety & Health 

Technology Center 

Bruceton, PA

(101 full-time & 2 part-time 

employees) 
Approval & Certification Center 

(A&CC) 
A&CC Mission 

• Administer MSHA’s approval and certification program for 

equipment and materials manufactured for use in the mining 

industry in accordance with applicable parts of 30 CFR. 

• Ensure the integrity of approved products through a quality 

assurance program. 

• Provide scientific and engineering expertise in the resolution of 

technical problems involving mining equipment and materials, 

investigation of accidents and disasters, and litigation. 

• Evaluate and develop new technology to enhance the safety of 

miners. 
Principal Work Activities 

Provide engineering support and technical 

assistance to the following areas: 

• Accident investigations 

• Engineering solutions 

• Expert witness activities 

• Compliance activities 

• Equipment/product approvals

• Quality assurance activities

• Training 

• Accident reduction programs 
Approval & Certification Center 

Center Chief 

Administrative 

Services Division 

Applied 

Engineering 

Division 

Mechanical & 

Engineering Safety 

Division 

Electrical Safety 

Division 

Quality Assurance 

& Materials Testing 

Division 
Applied Engineering Division 

Activities: 

• Accident investigation assistance 

• Incident reduction efforts – 

 compliance assistance 

• Technical assistance 

• Litigation support 

• Specialized training 

• Innovation production evaluations 
Mechanical & Engineering Safety Division 

Approval programs: 

• Machine features 

– vehicle braking systems 

– hydraulic systems 

– ensure overall safety of diesel machines 

• Dust collector systems – underground rock drills

• Diesel engine components 

– emissions to control toxic gases and DPM 

– components for explosion proofing engines 
Mechanical & Engineering Safety Division 

• Provide technical assistance: 

– nondestructive wire-rope testing 

– fire protection engineering 

– explosives safety 

– haulage-related issues 

– pressure vessels 

– vehicle-control systems 

– guarding 

• Conduct accident investigations 

– identify causes and contributing factors 

– preventive measures 

• Provide training to enforcement and industry 

(diesel rules, tire and rim safety, permissibility, pressure vessels, roof bolter 

safety, visibility, hydraulics, brakes, fire protection, explosives) 

• Assist in developing new regulations 

Nonfatal – shovel loses cab 
Electrical Safety Division 

(approvals, intrinsic safety, permissibility) 

• Provide technical assistance to enforcement 

• Provide approval assistance to approval 

applicants/manufacturers 

• Conduct accident investigations 

– electrical fatalities 

– explosions 

• Investigate new technology 

– remote control proximity protection 

– communication and tracking systems 
Electrical Safety Division 

• Product approvals to ensure compliance 

with 30 CFR 

• Assist in development of new regulations 

• Provide training to mining industry or 

MSHA personnel 

 (accident investigation, annual electrical 

retraining, outreach efforts, workshops) 

• Laboratory capabilities for testing 

 (flash current for batteries, surface 

temperature, component drop, thermal 

shock, performance requirements, 

impact, dust) 

Explosion-proof enclosure testing 
Quality Assurance & Materials 

Testing Division 

• Programs

– product audits 

– approvals 

– technical assistance 

• Product audits 

– examine product for conformance 

– verify conformance of materials to 

 applicable requirements 

– resolve product nonconformity issues 

• Improve manufacturers’ quality 

– permissibility training 

– field comments 

– accident investigations 

Duetz engine 
Quality Assurance & Materials 

Testing Division 

• Provide technical assistance related to mining 

materials and equipment for enforcement and 

industry 

• Investigate field complaints on approved/ 

nonapproved mining materials and equipment 

• Manufacturer product safety recalls

• Laboratory capabilities: 

– flammability testing 

– microscope imaging 

Image of Pelement Sensor 

in methane detector 
New Technology Evaluations 

• Refuge chambers 

– Studies determine: 

• operational requirements 

• draft regulations 

• Communication and tracking systems 

– Performance studies determine: 

• various wireless technologies 

• potential impact to existing regulations 

• ensure system works with/without mine power 
Pittsburgh Safety & Health 

Technology Center (PS&HTC) 
PS&HTC Mission 

• To provide engineering and scientific capabilities to 

assist MSHA, state agencies, and the mining industry in 

delineating technological mine safety and health 

problems, and conducting field investigations and 

laboratory studies to develop solutions to specific 

problems. 

• The center responds to requests for assistance on safety 

and health problems at coal and metal/nonmetal mines 

in the United States involving their recognized expertise 

in their particular fields of mine-related work. 
Pittsburgh Safety & Health Technology Center 
Mine Emergency Operations 

• Coordinates and supervises the MEO 

response for PS&HTC 

• Operates and maintains MSHA’s MEO 

equipment and resources 

• Develops and implements the Mine 

Emergency Response Development 

training programs 
Mine Emergency Operations 

• Maintains two mobile Command 

Vehicles (Beckley, WV and Price, 

UT). New one ordered for 

Pittsburgh, PA

• Equipped with several types of 

communications equipment including 

satellite 

• Computers 

• MSHA Metal/Nonmetal 

Mine Rescue Team has 

 12 members 

• Highly trained in rescue 

equipment 

• Train one day each month 
Mine Explorer Robot 

• Permissible 

• Modified ANDROS Wolverine robot used by military 

and swat teams 

• 3 TV cameras, remote display 

• Continuous display of mine 

 gases from Industrial Scientific 

 detection instrument 

• Approximately 5,000 feet of 

 fiber optic control/data cable 
Ventilation Division 

Activities: 

• Accident investigations 

• Face ventilation studies 

• Plant ventilation studies 

• Cement ventilation studies 

• Cement plant explosion 

 investigations 

• Consultations 

• Training 

• Litigation assistance 

• Regulation development Mine ventilation surveys 
Ventilation Division 

Onsite gas monitoring and 

data analysis at mine fires, 

gas inundations, and 

explosions 

Provides decision making 

assistance at the scene of 

mine disasters for 

ventilation and explosibility 

related situations 
RAPID EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

continuous infrared and 

electrochemical gas monitoring

 remote sampling

Loveridge No. 22 Mine

Miracle Run Fan Shaft

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Effective I nert - Volume Percent

Effective Combustible - Volume Percent

Non-explosive mixtures

Explosive

Explosive when mixed with air

Explosibility Diagram - 6/22-25/99

gases exhausting at Mi racle Run 

Shaft at midni ght 6/25/99

 10.3% oxygen

 5.4% methane

 3.5% carbon dioxide

 14527 ppm carbon monoxide

 26432 ppm hydrogen

Day 4 June 25, 1999

Loveridge Mine

Oxygen

0

5

10

15

20

25

6/22/99 0:006/23/99 0:006/24/99 0:006/25/99 0:006/26/99 0:006/27/99 0:006/28/99 0:006/29/99 0:006/30/99 0:00

7/1/99 0:007/2/99 0:007/3/99 0:007/4/99 0:007/5/99 0:007/6/99 0:007/7/99 0:007/8/99 0:007/9/99 0:00

7/10/99 0:007/11/99 0:007/12/99 0:007/13/99 0:007/14/99 0:00

D ate & Time 

O 2, percent

29.0

29.2

29.4

29.6

29.8

30.0

30.2

30.4

30.6

30.8

31.0

Barometer (ins. Hg)

St. Leo F an Shaft Miracle Run F an Shaft Harvey Run Shaft

Sugar Run Shaft B arometer

Loveridge Mine

Methane

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

6/22/99 0:006/23/99 0:006/24/99 0:006/25/99 0:006/26/99 0:006/27/99 0:006/28/99 0:006/29/99 0:006/30/99 0:00

7/1/99 0:007/2/99 0:007/3/99 0:007/4/99 0:007/5/99 0:007/6/99 0:007/7/99 0:007/8/99 0:007/9/99 0:00

7/10/99 0:007/11/99 0:007/12/99 0:007/13/99 0:007/14/99 0:00

D ate & Time 

C H4, percent

29.0

29.2

29.4

29.6

29.8

30.0

30.2

30.4

30.6

30.8

31.0

Barometer (ins. Hg)

St. Leo F an Shaft Miracle Run F an Shaft Harvey Run Shaft

Sugar Run Shaft B arometer

Loveridge Mine

Carbon Monoxide

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

20000

6/22/99 0:006/23/99 0:006/24/99 0:006/25/99 0:006/26/99 0:006/27/99 0:006/28/99 0:006/29/99 0:006/30/99 0:00

7/1/99 0:007/2/99 0:007/3/99 0:007/4/99 0:007/5/99 0:007/6/99 0:007/7/99 0:007/8/99 0:007/9/99 0:00

7/10/99 0:007/11/99 0:007/12/99 0:007/13/99 0:007/14/99 0:00

D ate & Time 

C O, Parts Per Million

29.0

29.2

29.4

29.6

29.8

30.0

30.2

30.4

30.6

30.8

31.0

Barometer (ins. Hg)

St. Leo F an Shaft Miracle Run F an Shaft Harvey Run Shaft

Sugar Run Shaft B arometer

Loveridge Mine

Carbon Dioxide

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

6/22/99 0:006/23/99 0:006/24/99 0:006/25/99 0:006/26/99 0:006/27/99 0:006/28/99 0:006/29/99 0:006/30/99 0:00

7/1/99 0:007/2/99 0:007/3/99 0:007/4/99 0:007/5/99 0:007/6/99 0:007/7/99 0:007/8/99 0:007/9/99 0:00

7/10/99 0:007/11/99 0:007/12/99 0:007/13/99 0:007/14/99 0:00

D ate & Time 

CO 2, percent

29.0

29.2

29.4

29.6

29.8

30.0

30.2

30.4

30.6

30.8

31.0

Barometer (ins. Hg)

St. Leo F an Shaft Miracle Run F an Shaft Harvey Run Shaft

Sugar Run Shaft B arometer

Day 24 July 15, 1999

mine atmosphere 

analysis
Dust Division 

Lab 

• Pre- and post-weigh cassettes 

• Analyzes samples 

– respirable dust 

– silica 

• IR for coal samples 

• X-ray diffraction for M/NM samples 

– diesel particulate matter (DPM) 

– elemental analysis 

• ICP 

– fiber analysis 

Robotic Automated Weighing System 

Received samples 
Dust Division 

Compliance Assistance 

Provide technical assistance for: 

• Underground mines (Coal and M/NM) 

– dust and silica 

– DPM

 (ventilation, engines, environmental cabs, 

alternative fuels, work practices, filters) 

• Surface plants – dust and silica 

• Quarries – dust and silica 

• Mills – dust, silica, and asbestos 

• Refineries – dust, silica, and silver 

fumes 
Physical & Toxic Agents Division 

• Technical areas: 

– noise 

– vibration 

– heat stress 

– cold stress 

– ergonomics 

– toxic chemicals 

– radiation

– mine gases 

– mine emergency 

– industrial hygiene 

• Calibrate inspectors’ noise 

 and radiation instruments 

• Analyze air and liquid samples 

Evaluation of new noise 

control materials 

Liquids Laboratory 
Pittsburgh Safety & Health Technology Center 
Mine Electrical Systems Division 

(power systems, grounding, hoists) 

Capabilities and functions: 

• Technical assistance 

• Accident investigations 

• Laboratory support 

• Expert witness testimony 

• Industry and MSHA standards 

• Electrical Safety Seminars 
Mine Electrical Systems Division

Conduct evaluations and investigations of mine 

hoisting systems, including mine elevators and 

mine hoists 

Conduct electrical accident investigations, 

and evaluate outby and surface power and 

remote control systems 

Work in conjunction with EPD and EFS on 

electrical training trailers and demonstration 

modules used to train mine personnel 
Roof Control Division 

Major work areas: 

• Evaluation of roof support systems 

• Field investigations 

• Falling object protective structures 

• Mine stress analysis and design 

• Remote sensing 

• Standards and regulations 

• ASTM specifications 

Canopy on front-end loader 

Accident investigation 
Roof Control Division 

• Perform onsite investigations to 

resolve roof and ground control 

problems 

• Conduct laboratory tests on roof 

support products 

• Use latest technologies to identify 

potential ground control problem 

areas 

• Perform computer modeling to 

evaluate mining methods and 

design parameters 

• Evaluate machine-mounted rooffall safety devices 

Highwall evaluation 

Roof Support Testing Lab 

Universal Testing Machine 
Mine Waste & Geotechnical 

Engineering Division 

Main activities: 

• Impoundment and tailings – dam safety 

– plan reviews 

– field investigations of problems 

• Geotechnical Engineering 

– highwall & slope stability 

– mining under/near bodies of water 

– dump-point & surge-pile practices 

– haul roads 

• Structural Engineering 

– preparation and processing plants 

– bins & silos 

– bridges & conveyor supports 

• Accidents investigations 

• Training presentations 

Highwall and slope stability 

Accident investigation 
Technical Support Conclusion 

• MSHA does have a staff of engineers, 

scientists, and industrial hygienists to 

assist with difficult mining situations 

• Feel free to contact these experts 

• Phone numbers and other information 

about Technical Support are available on 

MSHA’s website under Technical 

Assistance at: www.msha.gov
Case Study 

Conducted by Field Group of the Dust Division, PS&HTC 

• Ground silica quarry and mill 

– 23 employees 

• Ongoing overexposure to two occupations: 

– Kiln/dryer operator 

• 0.72 mg/m3 46% silica (0.49 mg/m3 PEL) 

– Crusher operator/worker 

• 0.79 mg/m3 74% silica (0.13 mg/m3

 PEL) 
Why are Studies Conducted? 

• Investigations are conducted at the 

request of: 

– District Manager 

– Arlington Headquarters 

– Mine operators can request assistance 

through the District Manager: 

• conflict of interest with independent consultants 

• mine operators can always phone call technical 

support for assistance 
With a District Manager’s 

permission, mine is notified that a 

survey will be conducted 

• Technical investigation, NOT an enforcement 

activity! 

– Technical Support does not have any ARs: 

• gives us the ability to concentrate on the problem, not 

inspecting 

• we do have Right of Entry 

• our samples can be used by enforcement personnel 

– a citation has never been issued based on our sampling results 

• Allows us to contact the mine and obtain 

information for the survey 
Pre-Visit Information 

(Normally over the phone to both MSHA and Mine Operator) 

• Assure mine will be working at full production at 

the time of the survey 

• Obtain shift operating times 

– Plan our arrival at the mine 

• Obtain directions to the mine 

• Obtain background information: 

– Process information, material flow, workforce 

• plan our sampling strategy 

– Information on overexposure 

• extraneous circumstances that cause the overexposures 
Mine Knows We Will Do the Survey 

• Allows the mine to prepare for our visit 

– Appropriate personnel are available 

• Correct any obvious deficiencies 

– Our sampling can be used to verify mine 

improvements have reduced dust concentrations to 

acceptable limits (terminate citation) 

• Helps to achieve proper production 

– We will continue the survey until normal production is 

achieved 

– May need to see the operation at several full 

production days 
Typical Mine Visit Strategy 

• Personal samples 

– full shift 

• Area samples 

– high concentration locations and times 

• Observe work habits 

• Observe and evaluate dust control devices 

– take air readings and pressure readings 

• Time study 
Technical Support Dust Division 

was requested by the District to 

make recommendations to reduce 

dust levels. 

• At the time of the survey (November), 

crushing operations had been suspended 

for the winter months 

• Could only sample screening and loading 

operations 
Four employees were working in 

the drying/screening area

Personal Samples 

Occupation 

Actual 

Sample 

Time 

Concentration

SWA 

(mg/m3)

Silica 

% 

TLV 

10/(%+2) 

(mg/m3) 

EF 

Error 

Factor 

E 

TLV*EF 

C/E 

Ratio 

Electrician 423 0.07 * * * * * 

Washing Plant 

Operator 697 0.22 35.7 0.27 1.20 0.32 0.69 

Bagger 425 0.10 * * * * * 

Dryer/Screen 

Operator 706 0.81 29.9 0.31 1.20 0.38 2.15 

OVER 

* Value could not be determined due to insufficient mas. s
Area Sample Results 

Actual TLV

Location

Sample

Time

Mass

(mg)

TWA

(mg/m3)

Silica

%

10/(%+2)

(mg/m3)

C/E 

Ratio

On Desk in 

Washing Plant 694 0.203 0.17 36.9 0.26 0.65

Main Centron Screen 

Area 487 11.690 14.12 15.3 0.58 24.34

Between Magnets 484 2.600 3.1 19.2 0.47 6.60

Dryer/Screen 

Control Room 679 0.231 0.21 9.5 0.87 0.27

Bagging Area 408 0.033 0.05 * * *

Top of Hummer 

Screens 487 5.854 7.07 36.5 0.26 27.19

* Value could not be determined due to insufficient mass. 
Centron screen at start of shift
Centron screen during dusty conditions
Hummer screens (not enclosed)
Sizing screen (not enclosed)
Magnet area
Product dropping from belt into hopper
Piles of silica around a fan which indicates poor maintenance 

and housekeeping

 
Ductwork piping in poor condition

 
Recommendations 

• Proper mill ventilation needs to be implemented at the plant. 

• Boxed enclosures should be built around all screens, and suction hoses should 

be attached to these enclosures to provide negative pressure to remove the 

captured dust. 

• Boxed enclosures should be built around all belt transfer locations, and suction 

hoses should be attached to these enclosures to provide negative pressure to 

remove the captured dust. 

• All storage hoppers should be enclosed and should be ventilated by negative 

pressure. 

• The isolation curtains surrounding the magnets need to be maintained, and 

negative air pressure needs to be applied to the enclosed areas. 

• Once dust controls become effective in controlling the release of fugitive dust 

into the plant, a good housekeeping program needs to be implemented. 

• Ventilation ductwork needs to be upgraded and maintained in proper working 

condition. 

• Equipment needs to be maintained to reduce dust leaks. 
Recommendations, continued 

• Because numerous pieces of equipment need to be modified to 

control fugitive dust, a program needs to be implemented to 

initiate these improvements. Until improvements are made and 

dust concentrations are reduced to acceptable limits, all 

employees working in this area must continue to wear respiratory 

protection. 

• Employees entering high silica dust concentration areas should 

be provided with a soft rubber seal, half-mask, replaceable-filter 

respirator instead of the paper disposable half-mask respirators 

that are being used. Proper respirator fit testing must be 

completed. 

• Employees should be given extensive training on the hazards of 

silica dust. 

• When crushing activities commence during the Spring, the 

crusher control room operator needs to be re-sampled for 

respirable dust to ascertain dust concentrations and to evaluate 

the effectiveness of the recently installed filtered pressurizing unit. 
Our Ultimate Measure of Success 

Health and Safety 

Every Shift .... Every Day! 
Contact 

Mark Schultz 

(412) 386-6807

Schultz.mark.j@dol.gov