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 Publication: U.S. Bureau of Mines Technology Applicable to Disaster Response, Urban Search And Rescue
Keywords: Explosions Fires U.S. Bureau of Mines Underground mining
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. Contact NIOSH Mining if you need an accessible version.
Original creation date: April 1994
Authors: JG Kovac, HH Dobroski, CD Litton
Conference Paper - April 1994
Download PDF Document (1.37 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10005425
TIEMEC '94. The International Emergency Management and Engineering Conference, April 18-21, 1994, Hollywood Beach, Florida. Sullivan JD, and Tufekci S, eds., Dallas, TX: The International Emergency Management and Engineering Society, 1994 Apr; :129-135
Since 1910, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has investigated practical ways of dealing with the consequences of major fires and explosions in underground mines. The results of this research have had a significant positive impact on the mining community by enhancing mine workers chances of surviving an underground mine disaster. Today, the Bureau continues to conduct research in mine disaster mitigation. Much of this work has direct application to search and rescue situations, such as: emergency evacuation through smoke-filled or otherwise unbreathable atmospheres, locating and rescuing survivors from rubble piles, and fire fighting in confined spaces. Three USBM research areas are discussed:(1) Life Support -- This effort is directed toward research into and development of closed-circuit breathing apparatus for use in hazardous environments which are likely to be encountered in the aftermath of a mine disaster. (2) Trapped Miner Location -- A mine disaster may result in the entrapment of miners whose normal escape routes are cut-off. This research activity resulted in the development of transportable seismic technology that can be used to locate trapped miners. (3) Mine Fire Diagnostics - This research involves developing practical techniques for remotely monitoring how the atmosphere inside a mine changes during a fire, in order to estimate the spread and severity of an underground fire. This information is critical in deciding how best to fight a mine fire, or whether it is safe to mount a rescue and recovery mission.
Image of publication U.S. Bureau of Mines Technology Applicable to Disaster Response, Urban Search And RescueConference Paper - April 1994
Download PDF Document (1.37 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10005425
TIEMEC '94. The International Emergency Management and Engineering Conference, April 18-21, 1994, Hollywood Beach, Florida. Sullivan JD, and Tufekci S, eds., Dallas, TX: The International Emergency Management and Engineering Society, 1994 Apr; :129-135
See Also
CFD Modeling of Fire Spread Along Combustibles in a Mine Entry
Coal-Dust Explosion Tests in the Experimental Mine 1919 to 1924, Inclusive
Evaluation of the Bagged Stone Dust Barrier Effectiveness in a Bord and Pillar Mine
Initial Study of Buried Communication Cable for Underground Mines
Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines
Reducing the Fire and Explosion Hazards of Flame-Cutting and Welding in Underground Coal Mines
Remotely Installed Mine Seals for Mine Fire Control
Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Production from the Pyrolysis of Conveyor Belting and Brattice Cloth
Technology News 535 - NIOSH Releases New Educational Video: Escape from Farmington No. 9: An Oral History
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
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