National Technical Reports Library

The National Technical Information Service acquires, indexes, abstracts, and archives the largest collection of U.S. government-sponsored technical reports in existence. The NTRL offers online, free and open access to these authenticated government technical reports. Technical reports and documents in its repository may be available online for free either from the issuing federal agency, the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s Federal Digital System website, or through search engines.

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Waterjet Scaling for Reducing Injuries in Underground Mining.

PB2011109749

Publication Date	2008
Personal Author	Kuchta, M.; Miller, H.; Poeck, E.
Page Count	114
Abstract	Scaling is the activity of removing loose and unstable rock from underground mine openings, and is a fundamental activity necessary to promote employee safety and minimize the inherent risk associated with ground falls in underground metal/nonmetal mining operations. Unfortunately, a significant number of accidents occur while scaling. While mechanized scalers are common in most large operations, manual scaling is still the standard throughout the U.S. underground hardrock industry. A job safety analysis (JSA) study performed as part of this research identified three major areas of risk associated with hand scaling: (1) The immediate proximity of the miners to the working face and unstable/unsupported ground, (2) Working on uneven and irregular floors/surfaces, and (3) Physical fatigue caused by the strenuous nature of manual scaling. The most logical conclusion to mitigate and/ or eliminate these potential hazards involve automating the process and removing the miner from the operating environment through the use of an alternative technology or technique. This report summarizes research performed at the Colorado School of Mines, Edgar Experimental Mine with the primary goal of evaluating the effectiveness of using waterjet scaling as part of a mechanized scaling system.
Keywords	Blasting agents Underground mining Mining safety Evaluation Effectiveness Safety practices Remote scaling systems Mining equipment Employee safety Nozzles Hydraulic jets Waterjet scaling
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Colorado School of Mines, Golden.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201119

Waterjet Scaling for Reducing Injuries in Underground Mining.

Waterjet Scaling for Reducing Injuries in Underground Mining.
PB2011109749

Publication Date	2008
Personal Author	Kuchta, M.; Miller, H.; Poeck, E.
Page Count	114
Abstract	Scaling is the activity of removing loose and unstable rock from underground mine openings, and is a fundamental activity necessary to promote employee safety and minimize the inherent risk associated with ground falls in underground metal/nonmetal mining operations. Unfortunately, a significant number of accidents occur while scaling. While mechanized scalers are common in most large operations, manual scaling is still the standard throughout the U.S. underground hardrock industry. A job safety analysis (JSA) study performed as part of this research identified three major areas of risk associated with hand scaling: (1) The immediate proximity of the miners to the working face and unstable/unsupported ground, (2) Working on uneven and irregular floors/surfaces, and (3) Physical fatigue caused by the strenuous nature of manual scaling. The most logical conclusion to mitigate and/ or eliminate these potential hazards involve automating the process and removing the miner from the operating environment through the use of an alternative technology or technique. This report summarizes research performed at the Colorado School of Mines, Edgar Experimental Mine with the primary goal of evaluating the effectiveness of using waterjet scaling as part of a mechanized scaling system.
Keywords	Blasting agents Underground mining Mining safety Evaluation Effectiveness Safety practices Remote scaling systems Mining equipment Employee safety Nozzles Hydraulic jets Waterjet scaling
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Colorado School of Mines, Golden.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept.
NTIS Issue Number	201119