Status of Technologies in Support of Emergency Response Strategies

The original objectives of the project were to research and report on the following:  

• current and proposed strategies of emergency evacuation and mines rescue techniques; 
• current and proposed technologies in support of these techniques, with particular emphasis on NIOSH; 
• currently available commercial products; 
• the increasing impacts of Duty of Care obligations as they impact on the ability of mine operators to provide surface-based aided rescue; and 
• the degree to which the comprehensive recommendations of the Moura No 2 Task Groups have been implemented. 

During the course of the project it was agreed to re-define the project with two key objectives: 

• compile a list of current technologies that support emergency management; and 
• identify emerging technologies that could prove useful in emergency response.    

Deliverables 
A report on the outcomes of the above research for use by ACARP in determining possible future ACARP funding priorities including: 

• a database of current emergency response strategies and philosophies around the world; 
• a comprehensive list of current technologies developed to support emergency management in the coal industry;  
• a list of emergent technologies currently under development in support of emergency response strategies; 
• identification of those areas and/or techniques called for by the comprehensive work of the Moura No 2 Task Groups which have yet to be realised; and 
• identify those areas and/or technologies that would benefit from future funding to enhance current emergency preparedness and response capabilities.