Hazard identification methodology for underground coal mine risk management - Root-State Hazard Identification

Abstract

Hazard identification is the basis and premise of underlying risk management in underground coal mines. Although a large amount of research has been conducted on hazard identification methods applied to underground coal mines, additional improvements are possible. The traditional hazard identification methods apply to a specific incident or event or are based on experience and therefore lack a systematic and comprehensive identification framework. In this paper, the Root-State Hazard Identification (RSHI) method is proposed to solve the above issues and identify the hazards in underground coal mine risk management. Firstly, the paper categorizes the underground coal mine hazards into root hazards and state hazards and then differentiates their internal relationships. Secondly, the paper explores the relationships among the hazards, risks and accidents in detail. Thirdly, the framework of the RSHI method is proposed based on the hazard classification and relationships among the hazards, risks and accidents. Finally, the proposed RSHI method is applied to identify hazards associated with the risk management of six mines that belong to the Yima Coal Industry Group in China. The results indicate that the RSHI method is capable of comprehensively identifying root hazards and state hazards associated with the underground coal mine risk management. Moreover, its application procedure is simple and convenient and reduces the need for the joint identification and coordination of various types of workers.