MSHA issues guidance for tracking systems, fully wireless communication alternatives

MSHA officials have published federal guidance for post-accident two-way mine communications and electronic tracking requirements mandated under the MINER Act.

Author: Dorothy Kosich
Posted: Monday , 15 Dec 2008

RENO, NV -

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued guidance for the use of electronic tracking systems and acceptable alternatives to fully wireless communications systems for use in mine emergencies.

The policy guides mine operators in implementing (1) alternatives to fully wireless post-accident two-way communication between underground and surface personnel and (2) electronic tracking systems, both required b the MINER Act.

Because fully wireless communications technology is not sufficiently developed at this time, nor will it be technologically feasible by June 15, 2008, the two-way communication alternatives (or partially wireless systems) include infrastructure underground to provide untethered communications with miners.

However, by June 15, operators must explain in their Emergency Response Plans (ERP) the reasons they are proposing alternate systems. These alternative systems generally should:

• Have an untethered device that miners can use to communication with the surface. The device should be readily accessible to each groups of miners working or traveling together and to any individual miner working or traveling alone.

• Provide communication in the form of two-way voice and/or two-way text messages. Pre-programmed text message should provide information to the surface necessary to determine the status of miners and the conditions in the mine, as well as provide the necessary emergency response information to miners.

• Provide an audible, visual, and/or vibrating alarm that is activated by an incoming signal. The alarm should be distinguishable from the surrounding environment.

• Be capable of sending an emergency message to each of the untethered devices.

• Be installed to prevent interference with blasting circuits and other electronic systems.

• The system must provide coverage for each working section in a mine including all intersections.

• The system should provide continuous coverage along the escapeways and a coverage zone in strategic areas of the mine.

• Devices should have standby power sources.

• Portable devices, such as hand-held radios, should provide sufficient power for evacuation and rescue following an accident.

Electronic Tracking System
MSHA said approved electronic tracking systems are currently available. An effective electronic tracking system should be capable of:

• Determining the location of miners on a working section including all intersections to within 200 feet.

• Determining the location of miners in escapeways at intervals not exceeding 2000 feet.

• Determine the location of miners within 200 feet of strategic locations.

• Determine direction of travel at key junctions in escapeways.

• Electronic tracking systems should be installed to prevent interference with blasting circuits and other electrical systems.

• Tracking system readers must be capable of tracking the maximum number of persons, including visitors, expected to be within a coverage area.

• The tracking system should be capable of updating or refreshing location data at least every 60 seconds.

• The surface tacking system interface should display the last known location of a miner when the tracking device is not communicating with the system.

• Each miner should be uniquely identified.

MSHA estimated that the intial costs to install an alternative wireless communication system (leaky feeder) and an electronic tracking system (RFID) would be $278 million for underground coal mines. The agency estimated annual maintenance costs and system upgrades would be $46 million.

These estimates are for 624 underground coal mines, of which 223 mines have 1-19 employees; 391 mines have 20-500 employees; and 10 mines have 501+ employees.

A notice is posted on MSHA’s website and is being published in the Federal Register. Comment is being accepted until midnight January 8, 2009 via GoodGuidance@dol.gov

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