Bolter miners

O Sullivan (2007) describes an important and unusual step by an individual mine to ensure consideration of human factors in the equipment they purchase. The mine decided to incorporate a detailed consideration of ergonomics in their equipment specification for a new bolter miner. Specifications were provided on ... 

Amachine for cutting coal usually using a cutting mat with picks embedded in it nmning on a ranging arm. Modem versions of these machines often incorporate a roof bolting capability (see Bolter miners above). 

Small machines for inserting roof bolts which can be operated by the miners working from the floor and moved about the heading manually (an alternative method of roof bolting which can be used if a bolter miner is not in use). 

Development of integrated continuous miners roof bolters. 

Double-Split Ventilation The roof-bolter operator s dust exposure frequently derives from upwind dust sources, particularly the continuous miner. The use of a double-split ventilation system to provide the bolter operator with a clean split of air is the most effective way to combat this problem. In single-spHt sections, the mining-bolting cycle must be carefully designed to keep the roof bolter upwind of the continuous miner whenever possible. 

In practice, many mines with permits only take extended cuts when conditions allow for them. Where the roof is competent, extended cuts are routine. At the other extreme, when the roof is poor, miners may not even be able to complete a 6-m (20-ft) cut before the roof collapses. A premature roof collapse can trap the continuous miner or endanger the crew, or it can create uneven and hazardous conditions for the roof bolters. Where premature collapses are likely, additional roof supports (extra bolts, planks, mesh, or straps) should be used within the last two rows of supports to prevent the fall from overriding these supports. 

British Coal introduced roof bolts in British mines to save costs and reduce the number of miners involved in shaft development and construction. In theory, nx)f bolting offered the same level of support as traditional metal arches, but British miners distrusted the method—and management s motives—in part because they could not see the workings of the roof bolts inside the roof strata. Management used a variety of methods to persuade Briti.sh miners that roof bolts were safer. They sent miners to the United States, paying their travel expenses, to learn methods of support from experienced U.S. roof bolters. They also introduced bolts slowly, often in combination with other methods of support, until miners were persuaded to trust roof bolting as the sole means of support in a mine. Then a fatal accident at the Bilsthorpe... 

In Fig. 7-4, E5 imitates the voice and actions of her boss, who encouraged her n> become a roof-bolter operator. In this case, gesture and speech work together to reinforce the positive—hut also emotionally charged—interaction between the miner and her former boss. Although E5 insisted that she faced... 

Figure 7.5. E5 imitates the gestures of her manager. Although she talks about installing roof Kslts, she does not employ the characteristic torquing motions (like screwing in a light bulb) that experienced roof bolters employ when they describe how to install a roof holt. Her gestures demonstrate that manager and miner do not share similar viewpoints in relation to risk and safety.

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