Safety Evaluation of Coal Mine Power Systems

摘要

This paper documents the development and application of an analytical technique that identifies potential electrical hazards in existing coal mine power systems. Specifically, a safety evaluation technique is developed by integrating preliminary hazard analysis; operating hazard analysis; failure mode, effect and criticality analysis; fault tree analysis; and accident report analysis. This technique assists the analyst in identifying potential hazards in a system initiated by component failure and/or human error, qualitatively ranks the hazards based on accident data, and provides a valuable tool in evaluating design and/or procedural methods (countermeasures) to control or mitigate the effects of the hazards. Application of this technique to a representative model of a coal mine distribution power system identified six countermeasures that control or mitigate the effects of a majority of the electrical accidents used in the analysis. Also, the results indicated that human error and poor design of maintenance features of the equipment directly contributed more to accidents than component failures. However, component failures do result in increased exposure of maintenance personnel to electrical hazards present in the system. Safety design criteria for the electrical system consisting of 37 recommendations based on fault trees developed in the evaluation process and a literature review are defined. These criteria are basic guidelines for designers, manufacturers, and operators of coal mine power equipment to employ to minimize electrical hazards inherent in the mine power system. 13 refs., 7 figs., 8 tabs. (ERA citation 12:007901)