Authors
Compton-CS; Gallagher-S; Molinda-GM; Mark-C; Wilson-G
Source
Coal Age 2008 Jun; 113(6):34-36
Abstract
Roof screen has the potential to prevent hundreds of injuries caused by the fall of small rocks between permanent roof supports. The ability of screen to cover all of the gaps between permanent supports makes it the most effective method for stopping the fall of these relatively small rocks. Simple modifications and installation procedures can substantially increase the efficiency of outside controlled dual-boom roof bolting machines used to install roof screen. Supplying roof screen to racks/rails fined on bolters can significantly reduce the risk of a back or strain injury to roof bolter operators. Material handling systems currently available on J.H. Fletcher roof bolters can reduce the stress and strains associated with roof screen installation as well as reduce the time necessary to complete screen installation. Basic machine modifications, well-planned supply methods, and using best practice installation techniques can minimize the economic effects of roof screen installation on a mine's overall mining cycle. Reducing the number of rock fall injuries at a mine will also have a positive effect on the economics of a mine and improve the morale of the entire workforce.
Keywords
Ground-control; Ground-stability; Mining-industry; Underground-mining; Coal-mining; Mine-shafts; Injury-prevention; Accident-prevention; Engineering-controls; Control-technology
Document Type
Journal Article; Trade