Mining Publication: Technology News 496 - NIOSH Releases New Computer-Based Training Exercise Called MERITS
Original creation date: June 2002
MERITS is an extension of previous work that compiled a knowledge base relevant to mine disaster management via interviews, analysis of literature, reviews of past events, and observations of mock mine disasters. Findings from prior research found a need for an alternative method of command center training. This new computer simulation is being used to train emergency command center personnel to effectively manage an underground mine fire. Modeled after training simulations developed for other industries (e.g. to address nuclear accidents, chemical spills, evacuations, etc.) MERITS simulates underground and surface events related to the disaster. It exposes the user to events that typically occur during a mine emergency, such as lack of information and miscommunication. It also presents trainees with issues that must be addressed, such as making provisions for briefing news media and victims' families, ordering needed supplies, interfacing with Government enforcement agencies, and housing mine rescue teams. The outcome of the scenario is determined by the users' decisions and their emergency response plans.
Authors: LG Mallett
Technology News - June 2002
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20021974
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Technology News 496, 2002 June; :1-2
See Also
- Development of a Seismic System for Locating Trapped Miners
- Incorporating Judgment and Decisionmaking into Quarterly Mine Escape Training Based on a Mine Fire Scenario
- Mine Emergency Response Command Center Training Using Computer Simulation
- Modernization and Further Development of the NIOSH Mine Emergency Response Training System (MERITS), Phase 1
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Refuge Chamber Deployment and Occupancy Status During Mine Emergency Situations
- The Safety and Health of Emergency Workers
- Safety Aspects of Mine Ventilation Through Technical Development and Training
- Virtual Reality to Train and Assess Emergency Responders
- Working in the Classroom - A Vision of Miner Training in the 21st Century
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 4/23/2015
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program