Underground-Noise Interference Effects of the Personal Respirable Coal-Mine-Dust Sampler

摘要

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the potential interference effects of the noise emitted by the MSA Model G and Bendix Model 3900 personal respirable coal mine dust samplers in relation to underground warning and communication signals. The first part of the investigation involves the acoustical characterization of noise radiated by the dust samplers in terms of noise level and spectral content. In the second part of the study, these data are compared to the noise levels and octave band spectra of warning signals (roof talk and emergency alarms) and voice communication signals. Finally, the health hazard potential for hearing loss due to dust sampler noise is examined. It can be concluded that the noise emissions from either the MSA Model G or the Bendix Model 3900 dust samplers: will not, for all practical purposes, significantly interfere with face to face verbal communications between individuals at the face of an underground coal mine; will not significantly interfere with telephone communications as conducted in an underground coal mine; will not significantly interfere with the miner's ability to hear roof talk acoustic signals; will not significantly interfere with the miner's ability to hear warning signals such as emergency alarams as used in an underground coal mine; and will not be a health hazard to miners-that is, prolonged or extended exposure will not cause hearing loss. (ERA citation 08:050563)