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Mining Publication: Disaster Survivability for Refuge Alternative Relief Valves
Keywords: Explosions Limit devices Refuge chambers
Original creation date: December 2021
Authors: J Homer
Non-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2021
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20064677
Coal Age 2020 Dec; 125(10):29-31
Three mine disasters that led to Congress passing the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act occurred within the first five months of 2006. Arguably, this legislation brought about some of the most significant changes to underground coal mine safety and emergency response since the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The MINER Act was responsible for policy and rulemaking to improve preparedness and response efforts for mine disaster events. This comprehensive piece of legislation addressed key elements for disaster preparedness and response, including communications and tracking, emergency response plans, mine rescue teams, and underground refuge alternatives. The act set forth regulatory changes to be enforced by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and critical research to be conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Refuge alternatives are intended to provide shelter from life-threatening conditions imposed on miners by fires and explosions in underground coal mines. While seeking shelter in underground mines is still considered secondary to escape, refuge alternatives and their components must be able to withstand human-survivable events prior to their deployment.
A major focal point of NIOSH research is to ensure that refuge alternatives and their components remain functional after survivable explosion events that occur in underground coal mines. As part of addressing technical issues surrounding refuge alternatives, the NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, in cooperation with the MSHA Approval and Certification Center, has developed test methods and evaluated relief valves for their ability to withstand overpressure generated during a survivable mine explosion.
First page of Disaster Survivability for Refuge Alternative Relief ValvesNon-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2021
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20064677
Coal Age 2020 Dec; 125(10):29-31
See Also
Emergency Escape and Refuge Alternatives
Evaluation and Testing of Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs) for Refuge Alternatives Subjected to Explosive Forces
How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide
Progress Toward Improved Engineering of Seals and Sealed Areas of Coal Mines
Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
Refuge Alternatives Relief Valve Testing and Design with Updated Test Stand
Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Technology News 535 - NIOSH Releases New Educational Video: Escape from Farmington No. 9: An Oral History
Technology News 537 - NIOSH Develops New Mine Refuge Chamber Training
When Do You Take Refuge? Decisionmaking During Mine Emergency Escape
Page last reviewed: March 11, 2022
Page last updated: March 11, 2022
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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