NOISE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION PROJECT CONTINUOUS MINER TEAM

Fairchild Mining Machine Fairchild Model 410 –Auger Type –Operator’s Compartment –1 Operator and no helper Fairchild Haulmark Continuous Haulage –4 Operators –No operator compartment

Miner Operators

Bridge Operator Summary

Significant Changes Miner operator changes positions with bridge operator at midshift –Switch with #2 instead of #4 Plexiglas Barrier –Between operator and conveyor chain

Dosimeter Results After Modifications

Joy Mining Machines Joy 14AA CM –Remote Control –Scrubber Capacity 3997 –13 Horsepower motor Silencer package installed in August 1 bridge operator

Miner & Bridge Operator March 2000

Miner & Bridge Operator January 2001

Tivar Conveyor Deck Joy 14 CM –Full face miner with Integral Bolters –Auxiliary Fans

Noise Level Readings 87 dbA with fan only 93 dbA motors only 102 dbA with chain only Chain is dominant noise source 101 dbA left ear - 474% Dose 97 dbA right ear - 272% Dose

Eimco Mining Machines – Continuous Mining Machine Remote Control Silenced Fan Housing 30 HP motor 6000 CFM capacity

Miner Operators

Bridge Operators Summary

Significant Findings Mining: dBA with scrubber Scrubber exhaust: 102 dBA

Scrubbers Sleeve style attenuator –30 or 40 HP only Bolt on attenuator Foam wrap on deflector Foam wrap around housing –30 or 40 HP only Silenced fan housing Proper fan blade clearance

Auxiliary Fans Silencers Enclose fans as much as possible Tubing maintenance –Holes –Loose connections

Continuous Mining Machine Conclusions Chain conveyor is primary source of noise Scrubber is secondary source of noise Insulation of motors and pumps show limited results Replace bent conveyor flights or sides Proper operator positioning Barriers where possible

Future Work Coated conveyor flights –with Consol, Joy, NIOSH Scrubbers with crossover ductwork –Initial survey conducted 2/14/01