Mining Publication: Noise Abatement of Pneumatic Rock Drill
Original creation date: December 1974
In response to the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, mandatory noise standards have been developed that specify time-noise limits of mine personnel exposure. Most affected by elevated noise levels is the pneumatic roof bolter operator, both in terms of levels near or in excess of 115 dba and in terms of length of exposure. Therefore, the principal emphasis of this Bureau of Mines report is on pneumatic drill noise control. It is not the intent of this report to suggest any drill redesign; instead, methods are suggested to reduce the noise level by complementing existing machines. An integral muffler system and a separate muffler system were tested in an attempt to lower pneumatic drill noise levels. Pneumatic drills, when new, operate at about 115 dba when drilling in sandstone. Using the drill muffler systems, it was possible to decrease the noise level of a 115-dba stope drill to approximately 100 dba.
Authors: CR Summers, JN Murphy
Report of Investigations - December 1974
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10000217
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, RI 7998, 1974 Dec; :1-45
See Also
- Analysis of a Mechanism Suspension to Reduce Noise from Horizontal Vibrating Screens
- Determination of Sound Exposures (DOSES): Software Manual and Implementation Guide
- Modified Tail Section Reduces Noise on a Continuous Mining Machine
- A Noise Control for A Roof Bolting Machine: Collapsible Drill Steel Enclosure
- Noise Exposure in Longwall Mining and Engineering Controls Research
- Results of Noise Measurements from Underground Testing of a Roof Bolting Machine Duty Cycle
- A Technique for Estimating the Sound Power Level Radiated by Pneumatic Rock Drills and the Evaluation of a CSIR Prototype Rock Drill with Engineering Noise Controls
- Technology News 536 - NIOSH Develops New Software to Analyze and Reduce Noise Exposure
- Technology News 538: Acoustic Enclosure to Reduce Noise From Vibrating Screen Mechanism Housings
- Water Well Safety Bits: Health And Safety Information For The Water Well Industry
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program