1 Status of WV Rules and Technology Options Randall Harris W. Va. Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training April 25, 2007 ARC Lexington Meeting 1
2 Carbon Monoxide Kills
3 Provide an alternative to barricading for miners who have tried to escape and couldn't – SHELTER IS LAST RESORT Within 1,000 feet of working face Provide life-support for maximum likely number of miners on section Currently approved 6 models from 5 companies with two more in review Shelter Plans due WV § 56-4
4 Structural Requirements 15 PSI Overpressure 300ºF Flash Fire 4
5 Life-Support Requirements Asked for Minimum 48 hours Got 96 hours plus
6 LifeShelter™
7 Dräger Escape Shelter™ 7
8 Kennedy Shelter™ 8
9 Mine Refuge Chamber™ 9
10 Fresh Air Bay™ & Mine Refuge Chamber™ 10
11 LifePod™
12 Mine Safehouse™ 12
13 Communication Challenges
14 WV § 56-4 Wireless – miner not connected by wire Two-way communications to each miner in at least two separate airways Tracking each miner in relation to known points prior and in escapeways after Operators submit Communication/Tracking Plan by July 31, 2007 Understand needs and thought through risks Survive accident or be quickly repairable Communication center operator needs red-hat card
15 Few Spectrum Options
16 Through the Earth
17 Mid Frequency
18 Leaky Feeder VHF & UHF
19 Leaky Feeder Coverage Enhancement
20 Wi Fi
21 Mesh Challenge
22 Next Generation…Redundancy