Progress in noise control of mining equipment

Abstract

With the advent of mechanization in the mining industry, one of the by‐products has been the generation of excessive noise levels. In order to protect miners from these excessive noise levels, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has promulgated various noise regulations over the years, starting with the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969. One method used to reduce these excessive noise levels has been with the utilization of engineering noise controls. The progress in noise control of mining equipment has essentially followed three avenues of approach. These involve retrofit noise control, machine redesign, and advanced technology. One example of each of these approaches is (1) cut and fit application of acoustical materials to mobile equipment cabs, (2) redesign of cutting heads for underground continuous miners, and (3) electronic noise cancellation. This presentation will involve a general discussion of the progress made in noise control of mining equipment. In addition to the three examples previously mentioned, other examples of noise control will also be discussed.