Mining Contract: Development of an Improved Mine Escape Breathing Apparatus through Efficiency Improvement Study of Current Self-Rescuers

Contract Status & Impact

This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.

This contract was funded as part of an interagency agreement program, which provides a formal means for federal government agencies to share and further technology that could apply to and benefit mine safety and health. Through this program, the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) identifies other government agencies with the knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to a health and safety gap and works collaboratively with these agencies to identify the type of technology solution desired and to determine specifications for this technology.

Following a catastrophic event, mine workers and rescue teams may be exposed to harmful gases in the mine atmosphere. Breathing air supplies (BAS) technologies are used to isolate the lungs from this atmosphere or provide refuge alternatives where the atmosphere is controlled. Breathing air supplies for underground mining refer to a range of devices and systems that offer respiratory protection to miners in the event of an emergency. Some examples of BAS are self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), closed-circuit oxygen breathing apparatus (CCBAs), and gas supplies for refuge alternatives. Advanced BAS technology could improve a mine worker’s chances of surviving a mine disaster.

SCSRs help to facilitate self-rescue in the event of a contaminated or low-oxygen mine environment. These devices are usually worn on the miner's belt and can be a burden because they are carried at all times while workers perform their normal duties in the mine. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the size, weight, and ergonomic impact of the device for the user’s benefit.

This contract was awarded to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, which has expertise in development and testing of diving equipment. Research under this contract inspected and assessed the design of existing SCSR systems, determined where significant improvements could be made, and produced a proof-of-concept SCSR and field-capable prototype.