Tools You Can Use
ShareCompartir
Noteworthy Items
Safety Pays in Mining
A tool demonstrating how avoiding occupational injuries can impact the success of your company.ErgoMine - 1.0
Download the new ErgoMine Android app for conducting ergonomics audits of bagging, maintenance & repair, and haul truck operations in the mining industry.Hazard Recognition Challenge - 1.0
Are you up to the challenge? Try your hand at our new web application that challenges users to find the hazards in four locations at a surface stone operation.All Tools & Products
Equipment
Improved LED Mine Lamp Designs 5/4/2017
Download the latest NIOSH plans for LED mine lamps that dramatically improve visibility and offer better battery efficiency.
NIOSH Saturn Area Light 2/7/2017
NIOSH developed the Saturn light for roof bolting machines. The design maximizes floor illumination while reducing glare.
Guidelines & Best Practices
Best Practices and Bolting Machine Innovations for Roof Screening 2/1/2003
Injury data show a dramatic reduction in roof skin injuries when screening is used. Five case studies in which roof screen was used are presented along with the costs of materials, impact on bolting advance rates, and potential ergonomic risks.
Best Practices for Dust Control in Coal Mining 1/1/2010
This handbook was developed to identify available engineering controls that can help the industry reduce worker exposure to respirable coal and silica dust.
Best Practices for Dust Control in Metal/Nonmetal Mining 5/1/2010
This handbook was developed to identify available engineering controls that can assist underground and surface metal/nonmetal mining operations in reducing worker exposure to respirable silica dust.
Best Practices to Mitigate Injuries and Fatalities from Rock Falls 8/1/2000
This paper presents an overview of the most significant ground control hazards facing today's mineworkers, as well as best practices to reduce these risks.
Design Criteria and Guidelines for Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) 2/1/1976
This study addresses several engineering and economic facets of possible roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protection structure (FOPS) requirements in the metal-nonmetal mining industry.
Guidelines for Instructional Materials on Refuge Chamber Setup, Use, and Maintenance 7/1/2009
NIOSH has created this document with suggestions for developing manuals and educational materials concerning refuge chambers for miners.
Guidelines for Permitting, Construction, and Monitoring of Retention Bulkheads in Underground Coal Mines 6/1/2008
The guidelines in this report are to be used as a tool to identify areas or conditions that could impact the long-term stability of an underground fluid retention system and to give direction in addressing these situations.
Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations 4/1/2010
This NIOSH publication demonstrates how existing and new engineering controls can be used to reduce face methane levels.
Guidelines for the Development of a New Miner Training Curriculum 1/1/2008
This report is intended to help mine safety trainers better prepare to teach new underground coal miners. It identifies 2 different approaches to instruction, i.e. using a syllabus or using a curriculum, and discusses their pros and cons.
Guidelines for the Prediction and Control of Methane Emissions on Longwalls 3/1/2008
In this report, several practical guidelines are recommended for controlling longwall coalbed methane. All predictions are based on determinations made for the Pittsburgh Coalbed in southwestern Pennsylvania.- Heat Stress: A Series of Fact Sheets for Promoting Safe Work in Hot Mining Settings 2/17/2017
This series of fact sheets covers heat stress topics from acclimitization and hydration to first aid for heat illness and risk factors, and also includes a discussion about work and rest schedules. 
Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone Mines 5/1/2011
This document presents the results of research conducted by NIOSH in cooperation with participating underground stone mines to develop generally applicable guidelines for designing stable pillars and roof spans in stone mines.
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 1: 1.0 Introduction 4/1/2001
This report addresses 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 4/1/2001
This report is the second 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 3: 2.2 Software Safety 9/1/2001
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 5/1/2002
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 5/1/2003
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 8/1/2005
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 8: 6.0 Safety File Guidance 4/1/2006
This report is the eighth 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 4/1/2006
This report is the ninth in a nine-part series of recommendations addressing the functional safety of processor-controlled mining equipment.
Roof Screening: Best Practices and Roof Bolting Machines 8/1/2002
Roof screening has been found to be very effective in controlling the fall of small rocks from the immediate roof surface. Data is presented from two mines that show a dramatic reduction in roof skin injuries when screening is used.
Guides & Handbooks
Control Design Principles 9/18/2015
Selecting the best controls with which an operator interfaces with the equipment is critical to maximizing operator-machine performance
Diesel Aerosols and Gases in Underground Mines: Guide to Exposure Assessment and Control 10/1/2011
A comprehensive guide to establish a program to curtail diesel particulate matter emissions, control pollutants after release in an underground mine environment and reduce exposures using administrative controls.
Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing 1/1/2012
Mined ore undergoes crushing, grinding, cleaning, drying, and product sizing as it is processed, generating harmful dust. This handbook reviews technologies for lowering dust levels below the permissible or recommended occupational exposure limits.
Ergonomics Processes: Implementation Guide and Tools for the Mining Industry 2/1/2009
This paper describes how three mining companies partnered with the MSD Prevention Team at NIOSH to demonstrate that an ergonomics process could be systematically implemented and effectively integrated with existing safety and health programs.
Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines 7/1/2007
This report provides a sound scientific and engineering justification to recommend a three-tiered explosion pressure design criterion for new seals. The recommendations contained herein apply to new seal design and construction in U.S. coal mines.
Guide for the Construction of Driven-Rod Ground Beds 1/1/1978
This report describes a method for designing and constructing ground beds that has been developed under the sponsorship of the Bureau of Mines. Results of a bed constructed at the Bureau of Mines mine car roadway are presented.
Recommendations for Refuge Chamber Operations Training 6/1/2011
Refuge alternatives are airtight, reinforced shelters that underground coal miners can enter during a mine emergency. This publication provides recommendations for training miners in how to operate a refuge chamber.
Seating Design Principles 12/23/2013
OMSHR has developed a guide for designing seating for undergound mobile mining equipment.
Shiftwork: A Guide for Schedule Design 1/1/1994
The U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed shiftwork schedule design at mining operations, including various rotation and shift practices. This paper discusses what mining companies can do if they are considering changes in their shiftwork practices.
Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 1. Background 1/1/1986
The purpose of the report is to insure an understanding of the numerous complex and interrelated factors that must be considered to design and implement a mine lighting system.
Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 2. Application 1/1/1986
This report discusses system design criteria and procedures, data and specifications to aid in selection of suitable mine lighting hardware, and guidelines for system installation and maintenance.
Underground Workstation Design Principles 3/30/2017
This page provides design guidelines to follow for proper workstation design for underground mining equipment.
Software (Analysis)
- AHSM - Analysis of Horizontal Stress Effects in Mining - 2.4.04 8/20/2013
A software program to help improve mine layouts for control of horizontal stress. - ALPS - Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability - 5.4.02 8/20/2013
Software for designing pillars for longwall mines - AMSS - Analysis of Multiple Seam Stability - 2.1.02 8/20/2013
A software program that helps to identify the location and likely severity of multiple seam interactions 
AQE - Air Quantity Estimator - 1.0.3 3/15/2006
Software that provides a starting point for estimating the air quantity needed to dilute diesel particulate matter (DPM) in an underground large-opening mine, taking into account various input assumptions.- ARBS - Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems - 2.5.02 8/20/2013
A software program to help select roof bolts for primary support in underground coal mines - ARMPS - Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability - 6.2.02 8/20/2013
Software for designing pillars for room-and-pillar retreat mining. - ARMPS-HWM - Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability - Highwall Mining - 1.3.02 8/20/2013
A software program for designing web and barrier pillars for Highwall Mining. - CMRR - Coal Mine Roof Rating - 2.1.03 8/20/2013
Software for estimating the relative inherent strength of coal mine roof. 
DOSES - Determination of Sound Exposures - 1.1 2/4/2012
Software to simplify the record-keeping and analysis associated with time-motion studies and worker noise exposures, making it easier to identify and solve noise problems.- ErgoMine - 1.0 4/1/2016
Download the new ErgoMine Android app for conducting ergonomics audits of bagging, maintenance & repair, and haul truck operations in the mining industry. 
EVADE Software - 2.0 12/1/2016
EVADE 2.0 has been updated with expanded video and data features to make it a more generalized and powerful tool.- Ground Control Software Toolbar - 1.1.02 8/20/2013
This installable toolbar provides quick access to seven NIOSH ground control software packages. - How Can I Test My Hearing Protection? 9/25/2015
Use the sound player on this page to perform a quick test of whether you are getting at least a minimal 15 decibel (dB) level of protection. 
MCP - Methane Control and Prediction - 2.0 9/1/2010
A software program that addresses some of the methane and methane control issues in longwall coal mines in the U.S. and other countries.- MFIRE - 3.0.50 12/2/2016
A software program for modeling fire and contaminant spread. 
S-Pillar - Software for Stone Mine Pillar Design - 1.02 5/29/2015
Software for stone mine pillar design.
SponCom - Spontaneous Combustion Assessment Software - 2.0 9/1/2011
Software to aid mining operators, regulatory bodies, and consultants in the assessment of the spontaneous combustion risk of an underground mining operation.
STOP - Support Technology Optimization Program - 3.4 4/15/2010
Software to assist in making engineering decisions regarding the selection and placement strategy of various standing roof support technologies.
Software (Educational)
Age Awareness Training for Miners 6/1/2008
The purpose of this training is to provide the information necessary to develop an appreciation of the changes that occur with age and an understanding of methods that can be used to reduce the injury risk that may result.
BG 4 Benching Trainer Software - 1.0.5 6/12/2015
3D virtual reality-based software to teach the benching process for the BG 4 self-contained breathing apparatus used in mine rescue.- Hazard Recognition Challenge - 1.0 10/3/2017
Are you up to the challenge? Try your hand at our new web application that challenges users to find the hazards in four locations at a surface stone operation. 
HLSim - NIOSH Hearing Loss Simulator - 3.0.1215.1 12/5/2010
A software training and communication tool for demonstrating the effects of noise exposure on hearing without experiencing an actual noise-induced hearing loss.
Refuge Chamber Expectations Training - 1.0 10/1/2009
Refuge Chamber Expectations Training was created by a multidisciplinary team at NIOSH to inform miners of what to expect psychologically and physically if it became necessary to use a refuge chamber in a mine emergency.
Safety and Health Toolbox Talks - 1.0 8/31/2016
A series of directed safety talks to promote discussion and awareness of safety issues. These talks cover issues like slips and falls, ground control, lockout tagout, seatbelts, and more.- Safety Pays in Mining 10/16/2017
A tool demonstrating how avoiding occupational injuries can impact the success of your company. 
Underground Coal Mine Map Reading Training - 1.1 11/5/2010
This training includes three components for teaching and testing mine map reading skills.- What Does a Hearing Loss Sound Like? 10/12/2017
Loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. It especially affects the sounds that help you understand speech. To hear what this sounds like, try these computer-generated samples. 
When Do You Take Refuge? Decisionmaking During Mine Emergency Escape 8/1/2011
This training exposes trainees to the types of decisions that they may need to make during a mine emergency escape and stimulate group discussion about when and why to use a refuge alternative.
Software (Utility)
3+3 SCSR Donning Screen Saver - 1.0 1/1/2001
A screen saver that helps the user remember the recommended steps for donning an SCSR in an emergency.
HazComWriter - 3.1.3 3/9/2010
Software that helps companies write their required HazCom plans and list all hazardous chemicals at their site.- Safety Pays in Mining 10/16/2017
A tool demonstrating how avoiding occupational injuries can impact the success of your company.
Training
- Safety and Health Toolbox Talks - 1.0 8/31/2016
A series of directed safety talks to promote discussion and awareness of safety issues. These talks cover issues like slips and falls, ground control, lockout tagout, seatbelts, and more.
Training Exercises
- Age Awareness Training for Miners 6/1/2008
The purpose of this training is to provide the information necessary to develop an appreciation of the changes that occur with age and an understanding of methods that can be used to reduce the injury risk that may result. - BG 4 Benching Trainer Software - 1.0.5 6/12/2015
3D virtual reality-based software to teach the benching process for the BG 4 self-contained breathing apparatus used in mine rescue. 
Coaching Skills for On-the-Job Trainers 8/1/2005
This training package describes how to develop or manage an on-the-job training program so that information is passed on from trainer/coach to trainee efficiently and effectively.
Emergency Escape and Refuge Alternatives 10/1/2010
Emergency escape and refuge alternatives was created by a multidisciplinary team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to teach miners about emergency escape and using refuge alternatives. The training is a Microsoft Power...
Ergonomics and Risk Factor Awareness Training for Miners - 1.0 7/1/2008
This training will increase awareness of risk factors and encourage miners to take action to report and reduce their exposures to risk factors.
Escape From Farmington No. 9: An Oral History 5/1/2009
This video-based training module can be used to educate both inexperienced and veteran miners on important issues related to self-rescue and escape procedures.
Focus on Prevention: Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment 10/1/1999
The first step to emergency preparedness is defining and analyzing hazards. Although all hazards should be addressed, resource limitations usually do not allow this to happen all at once.
Focus on Prevention: Conducting a Hazard Risk Assessment 7/1/2003
The first step to emergency preparedness and maintaining a safe workplace is defining and analyzing hazards.
Harry’s Hard Choices: Mine Refuge Chamber Training 3/1/2009
This paper-and-pencil simulation teaches miners about issues related to self-rescue and escape, including information gathering, knowing one's escapeways, use of SCSRs, the value of multigas detectors, and when to enter a refuge chamber.
How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide 10/1/2010
How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide was created by researchers at NIOSH to be used as a template for mine instructors to modify based on the refuge chambers used at their mine.
Keeping Knees Healthy in Restricted Work Spaces: Applications in Low-Seam Mining 5/1/2008
This training package educates the mining community about possible interventions beyond kneepads that may be used to help decrease knee injury rates.
Man Mountain’s Refuge: Refuge Chamber Training Instructor’s Guide and Trainee’s Problem Book 7/1/2011
This instructor’s guide is designed for use by instructors who train mine employees on how and when to use a mine refuge chamber, and aids the instructor in reinforcing the critical decisions that have to be made during a mining emergency.
Nonverbal Communication for Mine Emergencies 11/1/2011
Nonverbal Communication for Mine Emergencies is a training program that teaches miners a series of nonverbal hand signals to use in the event of an emergency. These hand signals can be used by miners if they are unable to communicate verbally.
Radio 101: Operating Two-Way Radios Every Day and in Emergencies 8/1/2011
Radio 101 is a program to train miners in the use of two-way radio communication in the mines.- Refuge Chamber Expectations Training - 1.0 10/1/2009
Refuge Chamber Expectations Training was created by a multidisciplinary team at NIOSH to inform miners of what to expect psychologically and physically if it became necessary to use a refuge chamber in a mine emergency. 
Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Dave Garry 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with a miner helper who witnessed a roof fall that convered the continuous mining machine. An instructor's guide is included to help you use this video as part of an effective training session.
Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Dave Murone 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with Dave about the experience of recovering the body of a friend who was killed by a roof fall while under unsupported top.
Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Larry Strayer 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with a miner about a fall that occurred while he and another miner were attempting to bar down top just inby the last row of supports. An instructor's guide lets you use the video as part of an effective training session.
The Emergency Communication Triangle 10/1/1999
This training material focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. A procedure, using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings, is presented.
Toolbox Training For Construction Aggregate Miners 8/1/2004
This NIOSH Toolbox Training program contains 52 different modules designed to stimulate safety discussions among employees. Each module is intended to be completed in roughly 10 or 15 minutes, so a Toolbox Training session can be conducted once a week...
Toolbox Training on Flyrock Awareness 12/1/2005
A training product to improve blast safety by providing information about blasting to those who work around blast sites- Underground Coal Mine Map Reading Training - 1.1 11/5/2010
This training includes three components for teaching and testing mine map reading skills. - When Do You Take Refuge? Decisionmaking During Mine Emergency Escape 8/1/2011
This training exposes trainees to the types of decisions that they may need to make during a mine emergency escape and stimulate group discussion about when and why to use a refuge alternative.
Training Supplies
Lifeline Tactile Signal Flashcards 8/1/2011
Flashcards for practicing the lifeline tactile signals with the miners at your mine.
Videos
Aggregate Training for the Safety Impaired 1/1/2007
This video follows two new hires through their first week on the job. Ted and Slick have not paid attention in training class and prove to be hazards to themselves as well as everyone around them.
Arc Flash Awareness 1/1/2007
This video focuses on individual and organizational behavior related to arc flash events over an 11-year period in the mining industry.
Blast Area Security 1/1/2007
This video provides information about blast area security to those working around blast sites.
Clothes Cleaning Process 1/1/2004
This clothes cleaning system is a quick, safe, and effective method to safely remove dust from a worker's clothing without exposing the worker, the work environment, or co-workers to respirable dust.- Escape From Farmington No. 9: An Oral History 5/1/2009
This video-based training module can be used to educate both inexperienced and veteran miners on important issues related to self-rescue and escape procedures. 
Handling Explosives in Underground Mines 1/1/1998
This video teaches new miners basic safety rules to keep from hurting themselves or others while handling explosives.
Hazards in Motion 1/1/2001
The Hazards In Motion video teaches mobile equipment safety for underground miners.
Hidden Scars 1/1/2001
Hidden Scars is an interview with a veteran hard rock mimer who recounts the events surrounding a 1994 rock burst that buried him and his partner, killing his partner and severely injuring him.
How to use the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter 4/18/2013
This is a series of 5 videos explaining how to use the coal dust explosibility meter.
How to Wear Soft Foam Earplugs (Roll-Pull-Hold) 3/1/2003
This video demonstrates how to insert soft foam earplugs.
Make it Safer with Roof Screen 3/1/2005
This 7-minute video with instructional material shows how well roof screen keeps loose rock from falling in difficult roof conditions.
Miner Mike Saves the Day! or Ground Support... It's Important! 1/1/2000
This video teaches the necessity and use of ground supports.
Reducing Dust Inside Enclosed Cabs 3/1/2009
This video identifies significant factors that determine how effective an enclosed cab will be at protecting a worker.
Rock Falls - Preventing Rock Fall Injuries in Underground Mines 1/1/1999
This video teaches the importance of proper roof scaling in underground mining to avoid injury and improve work conditions.- Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Dave Garry 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with a miner helper who witnessed a roof fall that convered the continuous mining machine. An instructor's guide is included to help you use this video as part of an effective training session. - Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Dave Murone 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with Dave about the experience of recovering the body of a friend who was killed by a roof fall while under unsupported top. - Roof Fall Entrapment: Eyewitness Account by Larry Strayer 1/1/1992
A videotaped interview with a miner about a fall that occurred while he and another miner were attempting to bar down top just inby the last row of supports. An instructor's guide lets you use the video as part of an effective training session. 
The Sky is Falling 8/1/2004
This video tackles the issue of highwall safety in surface mining and construction.
You Are My Sunshine 1/1/2002
This video tells the story of the Sunshine Mine Disaster of 1972 through the eyes of 27 people who lived through it.
Zen and the Art of Rockbolting 1/1/2002
The main theme of this video is how to work safely AND efficiently.
Workshops
- Best Practices for Controlling Respirable Dust in Coal Mines 6/2/2010
NIOSH OMSHR hosted a series of workshops on controlling respirable dust with practical control technologies and techniques. - Diesel Aerosols and Gases in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines 6/17/2012
Workshop on diesel aerosols and gases in underground metal and nonmetal mines. - Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Coal Mines 7/30/2003
Workshop on Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Coal Mines. - Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Metal/Nonmetal Mines 3/4/2003
Workshop on Diesel Emissions Control Technologies in Metal/Nonmetal Mines. - Hearing Loss Prevention in Mining - 2005 6/21/2005
Workshop on Hearing Loss Prevention in Mining - 2005 - Hearing Loss Prevention in Mining - 2006 9/26/2006
NIOSH Workshop on Hearing Loss Prevention in Mining - 2006 - Mining Communications and Tracking 5/19/2009
NIOSH sponsored two workshops designed to familiarize attendees with communications and tracking technologies. - Preventing Coal Dust Explosions in Underground Coal Mines 1/24/2012
This workshop describes the use of the CDEM as a powerful tool to help prevent coal dust explosions. - Proximity Warning Systems for Mining Equipment 9/15/2010
NIOSH OMSHR sponsored a free, one-day workshop to discuss proximity warning and detection systems for mining equipment. - Reducing Workplace Accidents through Risk-Based Analysis 10/2/2009
NIOSH OMSHR and the National Mining Association sponsored a free workshop on Reducing Workplace Accidents through Risk Based Analysis - Silica Dust Control for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 9/28/2010
NIOSH workshop on Silica Dust Control for Metal/Nonmetal Mining. - Strategies to Reduce Miners Exposure to DPM and Gases (Elko) 6/5/2007
Workshop on Practical Strategies and Technologies to Reduce Miners Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases sponsored by the Nevada Mining Association, NIOSH, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. - Strategies to Reduce Miners Exposure to DPM and Gases (Reno) 1/24/2007
Workshop on Practical Strategies and Technologies to Reduce Miners Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases sponsored by the Nevada Mining Association, NIOSH, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration - Wireless Communications and Tracking System 12/6/2011
Workshop on mine communications and tracking systems.
- Page last reviewed: 4/29/2016
- Page last updated: 10/17/2017
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program