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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Publication: Prediction of Human Core Temperature Rise and Moisture Loss in Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines
Keywords: Heat stress Refuge chambers Temperature Temperature controls
Original creation date: January 2017
Authors: M Klein, D Yantek, M Hepokoski, L Yan
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2017
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20051780
Trans Soc Min Metall Explor 2018 Feb; 342:29-35
Research by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has shown that heat/humidity buildup is a major concern within coal mine refuge alternatives. High temperature and humidity levels inside a refuge alternative may expose occupants to heat stress. Due to the safety risks associated with testing using human subjects, NIOSH partnered with ThermoAnalytics Inc. to create detailed thermal simulation models of refuge alternatives with human occupants. The objective of this effort was to predict a miner's core temperature response and moisture loss in environments that may be encountered in a coal mine refuge alternative. These parameters were studied across a range of temperatures and relative humidity values to determine if the current 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) apparent temperature limit for refuge alternatives is reasonable. The results indicate that the apparent temperature limit is protective, provided that miners are supplied with sufficient water. The results also indicate that the body core temperature does not reach dangerous levels even at an apparent temperature of 54 degrees C (130 degrees F). However, the results show that moisture loss increases with apparent temperature. Therefore, if the apparent temperature limit were raised, the water provided in a refuge alternative would have to be increased to offset moisture loss.
Cover image for Prediction of Human Core Temperature Rise and Moisture Loss in Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal MinesPeer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2017
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20051780
Trans Soc Min Metall Explor 2018 Feb; 342:29-35
See Also
Advancement of Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines
Analysis of Heat Loss Mechanisms for Mobile Tent-Type Refuge Alternatives
Announcing Two New Sister Publications on Refuge Alternatives
Effects of Mine Strata Thermal Behavior and Mine Initial Temperatures on Mobile Refuge Alternative Temperature
Estimation of Metabolic Heat Input for Refuge Alternative Thermal Testing and Simulation
Investigation of Temperature Rise in Mobile Refuge Alternatives
Portable Refuge Alternatives Temperature and Humidity Tests
Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
Technology News 537 - NIOSH Develops New Mine Refuge Chamber Training
Temperature Rise Within a Mobile Refuge Alternative (RA) - Experimental Investigation and Model Validation
Page last reviewed: August 30, 2018
Page last updated: August 30, 2018
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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