34 FEBRUARY 2022 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Improving Underground Lighting Adapted from Information by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Working in underground mines has its fair share of obstacles, including lighting. To address these challenges, researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed the Saturn LED area light capable of significantly improving the lighting for roof bolting machines in underground mines. Historically, lighting a roof bolter has been difficult given the machine’s size, limited space for mounting lighting, low contrast levels, and excessive glare due to the workers’ close proximity to the machine lighting. Results from NIOSH’s scientific testing confirm the Saturn light offers major improvements in trip hazard detection and glare reduction compared to existing roof bolter lighting. In addition to reducing glare, this light increases floor illumination which improves the ability of miners to see floor tripping hazards. Reducing the size of the lighting was equally important as it would provide more flexibility in mounting locations. The Saturn LED area light takes up only one-third the volume compared to existing lighting, and has a useful life of about 30,000 hours in contrast to the existing lighting life of about 8000 hours with traditional lighting. The longevity of the Saturn reduces the likelihood of maintenance-related injuries and maintenance costs. In the NIOSH study, glare and visual performance for the detection of trip hazards using the traditional roof bolter lighting was compared to the Saturn LED area light. Using a walk-thru roof bolter, the study used compact fluorescent lamps shrouded by yellowish-orange polycarbonate globes intended to reduce glare and to protect the lamps. The Saturn light used an array of 12 cool-white LEDs providing lighting similar to natural daylight. Age was also an important factor in the study, as visual abilities typically decrease as we get older. The analysis was conducted with 30 people, ten in each of the following age groups: 18-25, 40-50, and over 50. The group from 26-39 years was not included because there are minimal changes in vision among those ages. To determine discomfort glare, the study used the wellestablished De Boer 9-level rating scale, which ranges between level 9 (just noticeable) and level 1 (unbearable). Visual performance was calculated as the reaction time to detect a trip hazard, where visual performance improves as the detection time decreases. The results indicated significant reductions of discomfort glare and major improvements in detecting trip hazards when using the Saturn LED area light. Discomfort glare was improved up to three levels (from level 5 to 8), while trip hazard detection time for the oldest age group was improved 58% with the Saturn LED area light. The Saturn area light design is now freely available for commercialization. Traditional lighting for roof bolters is demonstrated in the photos on the left, while the improved illumination provided by the Saturn LED area light is shown on the right. Photos by J.H. Fletcher & Co. MIN We have a spot for you in the April issue! Deadline for Classified Ads in Doc’s Buyers’ y Guide for u e Drillers™ : March 1st
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