The work in this topic area is supported by the NIOSH Mining Machine Safety program. See the NIOSH Mining Products page for software, guides, training materials or other items related to this topic. |
The mining industry is utilizing Programmable Electronic Systems (PES) technology to improve safety and health, to increase productivity, and improve competitive positions. When it comes to PE technology, (i.e., software, programmable logic controllers (PLC´s) and microprocessors), there are unique technical and managerial challenges for system design, verification, operation, maintenance, and assurance of functional safety. PE technology has unique failure modes different from mechanical or hardwired electronic systems traditionally used in mining. PE also adds a level of complexity that, if not properly addressed, can adversely affect worker safety.Measurement & analysis
A Complexity Assessment Methodology for Programmable Electronic Mining Systems (PDF, 278 KB, 2002-08)
Mining is now utilizing surprisingly complex programmable electronic (PE) systems. The functional safety of PE-based mining systems is an international issue and concern. NIOSH is conducting research to develop a quantitative complexity assessment methodology based on Normal Accident Theory (NAT). This methodology will help realize simpler, safer systems that will be easier to validate and verify.
Engineering controls
Addressing the Safety of Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Lessons Learned (PDF, 219 KB, 2003)
The functional safety of programmable electronic (PE) mining systems is an international issue and concern. From 1995 to 2001, 11 PE-related mining incidents in the U.S. were reported by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Programmable Electronic and Hardwired Emergency Shutdown Systems: A Quantified Safety Analysis (PDF, 200 KB, 2007)
This paper describes an analytical study to quantify the safety integrity of a Programmable Logic Controller based Emergency Shutdown System and a hardwired Emergency Shutdown System.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 1: 1.0 Introduction (PDF, 503 KB, 2001-04)
This report (An Introduction to Safety) is the first in a nine part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk-based system safety process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment for the equipment's life cycle.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 2: 2.1 System Safety (PDF, 496 KB, 2001-04)
This report (System Safety 2.1) is the second in a nine-part
series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of
processor-controlled mining equipment. It is part of a risk based system safety
process encompassing hardware, software, humans, and the operating environment
for the equipment's life cycle.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 3: 2.2 Software Safety (PDF, 1515 KB, 2001-09)
This report is the third in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 4: 3.0 Safety File (PDF, 426 KB, 2002-05)
This report is the fourth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 5: 4.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment (PDF, 527 KB, 2003-05)
This report is the fifth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 6: 5.1 System Safety Guidance (PDF, 1181 KB, 2005-08)
This report is the sixth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 9: 7.0 Independent Functional Safety Assessment Guidance (PDF, 812 KB, 2006-04)
This report is the ninth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 8: 6.0 Safety File Guidance (PDF, 1202 KB, 2006-04)
This report is the eighth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
A Technology Review of Smart Sensors with Wireless Networks for Applications in Hazardous Work Environments (PDF, 1137 KB, 2007)
Workers in hazardous environments such as mining are constantly exposed to the health and safety hazards of dynamic and unpredictable conditions. One approach to enable them to manage these hazards is to provide them with situational awareness: real-time data (environmental, physiological, and physical location data) obtained from wireless, wearable, smart sensor technologies deployed at the work area. Three critical technologies emerge and converge to support this technical approach: smart-wearable sensors, wireless sensor networks, and low-power embedded computing. The major focus of this report is on smart sensors and wireless sensor networks. The "Future Research" section pulls together the three critical technologies by proposing applications that are relevant to mining.