Whole-body vibration exposures at underground coal mining operations

摘要

Studies conducted on surface coal mining equipment have identified whole-body vibration as a significant hazard. Operators of underground mobile equipment, particularly shuttle cars and transport vehicles, are also likely to be exposed to significant levels of whole-body vibration. To date, measuring whole-body vibration from underground mining mobile equipment has been difficult due to the guidelines governing the use of electrical equipment in underground mines. This paper presents data obtained from three low-methane coal mines using an iOS application installed on multiple iPod Touch devices. The majority of measurements taken from a range of mobile plant and equipment in use at the underground coal mines exceeded the IS02631.1 Health Guidance Caution Zone (HGCZ). Further investigations are being undertaken to develop a thorough understanding of whole-body vibration exposures to which operators of mobile equipment used in underground coal mines are exposed and the opportunities for application of this information to assist mine site safety, health and risk management processes.