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Quality Mining Lights, Headlamps & Cap Lights for Underground Workers

Mine cap lights are cordless, hands-free LED lighting solutions. In addition to providing a light source, mining helmets require workers to keep their head protection on at all times, protecting the wearer from falling debris or low hanging ceilings.

Miner cap lights and mining headlamps

This lighting solution makes for a more efficient alternative to hand-held flashlights or expensive fixed lighting throughout the tunnel.

The light source is either fixed or adjustably attached to a safety helmet, which underground workers can comfortably wear as they work.

How Mining Lights Effect Tunnelling Operations

Installing fixed lighting not only takes time, but can prove to be an unnecessary expense. It also reduces flexibility if the range of the available light source does not cover where the workers need to see.

While hand-held flashlights provide this portable flexibility, they are also cumbersome, and may reduce overall productivity.

Having come a long way since Davy lamps, the mining industry relies on mining cap lights to traverse dark underground environments.

Workers are granted more flexibility and can light any area with just a turn of their head. As a lighting solution, it is more cost-effective, work-efficient and safer than its alternatives.

Mining Lights, Headlamps & Cap Lights Available From Carroll Technologies

Carroll is a supplier of electronic services for the mining industry and has served more than 800 mines across North America.

The company distributes MSHA approved mining lights and lighting solutions from Northern Lights Technologies and currently offers two mine cap light options.

The Polaris NLA0M1 and NLA0M3 both provide 12-40 hours of LED lighting, using a high-capacity lithium ion battery, which recharges in ten hours. This long battery life ensures that workers do not need to recharge the mining headlamp during a shift, eliminating the need to carry external battery packs. They are also housed in a sturdy plastic casing to protect the equipment from dust, water and debris.

 

NLA0M1 Polaris Cordless Cap Lamp

 

Whereas the Polaris NLA0M1 comes equipped with a fixed clip, the NLA0M3 mining helmet light is adjustable. Both weigh just 6oz and have an operating ambient temperature of 0°C to 60°C.

The miners cap lights provide a typical luminance of 6,500LUX, and guarantee a minimum of 5,000LUX. This makes these lighting solutions the most powerful miners headlamps available on the market, even when up against other quality products like Koehler mining lights.

As well as making underground workers’ jobs easier, these bright LED lights are also essential to safety, with a flashing beacon mode that can be engaged in case of an emergency.

Carroll also sell the Rebel and Genesis series, the latter of which incorporates a tracking tag to locate personnel. All three models provided by Carroll can be fitted with fixed or adjustable clips.

Customers can reach Carroll Technologies Group through its 24/7 MinerCare team, which comprises industry-leading experts. Products are shipped from its 13 distribution centres across North America.

 

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Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for Mines, Tunnels and Buildings

That’s where Distributed Antenna (DAS) Systems  can help. The above concern is not just an inconvenience for everyday two-way radio and mobile phone users; it can also affect life-saving communication to those who work in hazardous conditions such as mines, tunnelling systems, existing buildings and new construction projects.

Many authorities are now setting standards for connectivity and emergency responder coverage as a prerequisite for obtaining certificates of occupancy for new buildings.

One solution is the use of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and equipment which can also be very beneficial to the mining and tunnelling industries.

DAS for mines, tunnels and buildings are an organisation of spatially placed antennas, coax, and splitters that provide radio frequency (RF) coverage within a structure or geological area that does not have adequate signal levels.

distributed antenna systems for mines

How do DAS for Mines, Tunnels and Buildings Work?

Antennas are attached to a bi-directional amplifier which boosts the RF signal that it receives from the donor antenna and transmits out the network of coax and antennas to provide RF coverage as needed.

DAS can either be active or passive. In an active system, the signal is distributed through fiber optic cables to remote units which then distribute the signal to the mining antennas to amplify and boost signals along the route as required.

A passive DAS, on the other hand, simply uses bi-directional amplifiers, coax, splitters and diplexers to distribute the RF signal as needed.

Carroll Technologies’ DAS and leaky feeder radio communication solutions

Carroll Technologies works in partnership with several manufacturers to provide various communication solutions for mining, tunnelling, and buildings, including DAS and leaky feeder radio communications systems.

Companies such as G-Wave Solutions, SOLID, Wilson Pro, SureCall and Pyott-Boone are among those that provide state-of-the-art communications for these industries.

Carroll Technologies has been a leader in the North American mining trade for over 40 years and provides a wide range of essential mining safety equipment to over 800 mines across the country.

The company’s diversified communications solutions provide mining, tunneling, and construction industries with smooth wireless radio communications that connect individuals on the surface with those underground, ensuring everyone can remain in touch at all times.

Customers can also reach out to the 24/7 support team, where highly skilled staff are on hand to provide technical support and same-day delivery for products and parts required from a network of 13 distribution centres across North America.

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Proximity Alert Systems & Proximity Detection Devices for Mines

proximity warning systems and proximity detection devices for mines

Restricted access, reduced visibility and small spaces can all increase the risk of collision between machines and personnel.

Add operator fatigue and poor decisions into the mix, and equipment collision is one of the most hazardous aspects of mining.

In fact, studies by the United States National Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have found that more than 40% of the most serious injuries in the mining industry involved accidents classified as struck-by or caught-in machinery and powered haulage equipment.

Reducing the Risk of Collision With Proximity Alert Systems

Leading supplier of mining safety equipment throughout North America, Carroll Technologies Group, provides a number of MSHA-approved solutions for miner safety and tracking.

One such system is PBE’s PAS-C Proximity Alert System. Using electromagnetic sensors and GPS tracking to detect vehicles, obstacles and personnel, this proximity detection device includes sensors which are worn by workers and placed on machinery and vehicles.

These sensors feed location information back to the device’s control centre, allowing operators to track their position within the mine.

The device also allows the user to configure a geo-fence zone around each vehicle in the system, helping to predict and subsequently avoid collisions. Should the geo-fence be breached, an alert is triggered, warning staff of the potential hazard.

PBE’s proximity warning systems for mines are colour-coded yellow or red based on the severity of the predicted collision, allowing staff to respond appropriately to the event.

Dash-Mounted Proximity Alert Devices for Real-Time Surveillance

A dash-mounted proximity detection device is also available through Carroll, warning drivers when they are approaching another vehicle, personnel or other obstacle.

The PAS-Z Proximity Alert System provides audio and visual warnings of potential risks as well as real-time video surveillance.

The PAS-Z gives operators confidence in their movements, even when their vision may be compromised.

Like the PAS-C, the PAS-Z offers geo-fencing technology, giving miners protection from pre-defined hazards such as bottlenecks and dangerous travel ways. They can be easily established using latitude and longitude coordinates.

More than 800 mines across North America trust Carroll Technologies Group for their mining safety equipment every day.

Customers are able to take advantage of Carroll’s industry-leading 24/7 MinerCare team for expert assistance as well as 13 maintenance and repair centres located across nine states.

Forklift Proximity Detection Devices for Mines

Elokon’s forklift proximity alert system, ELOshield, is designed to enhance safety in environments where forklifts and pedestrians operate in close proximity. The system uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to detect and prevent potential collisions, and consists of modules installed on both forklifts and pedestrians. The forklift module transmits a radio signal that is received and reflected by personal modules worn by pedestrians.

When a pedestrian comes too close to a forklift, both the driver and the pedestrian receive alerts. The system triggers visual and acoustic warnings for the driver and an acoustic and vibration alarm for the pedestrian. Additionally, the forklift is automatically slowed to walking speed to prevent accidents. ELOshield provides programmable detection zones with customizable warnings and responses, including alarms and vehicle slow-downs or stops.

ELOshield’s collision warning feature detects other forklifts and can automatically slow them down to prevent collisions, while fixed-position monitoring modules installed in high-traffic areas manage vehicle speed and provide warnings to drivers. This comprehensive system significantly enhances workplace safety by reducing the risk of accidents between forklifts and pedestrians or other vehicles​.

From self proximity sensors to full proximity warning systems, discover our full range and enquire today.

Further reading:

How does a collision avoidance system work in Mining Operations?

Collision Prevention Systems in Industrial Applications

Mining Safety Equipment & Supplies

 

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How Mining Ventilation Curtains & Systems Keep Miners Safe

Dusty mine shaft

From fires and dust explosions to gas emissions and windblasts, history tells us that the majority of mining accidents are ventilation-related.

Just seconds of breathing contaminated air such as carbon monoxide can have severe consequences.

While ventilation has no direct contribution to a mine’s production, failing to properly control airflow within an underground mining site can also lead to increased accidents and damage the health of workers, as well as decrease productivity and efficiency.

It’s no wonder then that ventilation is among the most important aspects of underground mining.

In order to ensure miners are safe in their workplace, effective equipment must be provided and correctly maintained.

The Different Types of Mining Ventilation Systems

To comply with this heavily regulated aspect of mine safety, suitable airways must be in place to allow clean air to come in and ensure contaminated air is filtered out.

There are several approaches mine operators can take to achieve a safe airflow and underground ventilation.

Ventilation on Demand (VOD)

Ventilation on demand for underground mines (VOD) has become an increasingly popular option.

This type of mining ventilation system uses sensors to detect where people and machinery are present and directs clean air to flow through these areas only, instead of the entire site.

Flow Through Ventilation

This variety is often the main and most natural option for underground mine ventilation.

The flow through ventilation methods sees air enter the mine from the surface via a shaft, which is then distributed by venturi tubes and controlled by ventilation fans and other types of regulators.

Ventilation Mining Curtains

Ventilation mining curtains can also be used to manage a site’s air requirements.

This approach works by channeling air to different areas and trapping any potential contaminants. Mining curtains are often the only practical option for underground use.

Carroll Technologies Group is a leading supplier of mining safety appliances throughout North America.

We supply a range of ventilation curtains from Bluefield Manufacturing and can customize them by size, grommet type, spacing and material as per customer request.

Bluefield’s catalog of mining ventilation curtains are designed to be tear-resistant, with the ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

They are lightweight, made from either a woven or double laminate polyethylene material, and customers can choose from varying degrees of transparency to allow for high visibility.

Customer Care from Carroll Technologies

Carroll Technologies Group is trusted by over 800 mine operators for their essential safety equipment.

We take pride in our multifaceted range of solutions for customers and are able to provide a range of air control and ventilation systems, including ventilation mining curtains.

Carroll Technologies also provide comprehensive after-sales care, committed to offering as much support as possible should a customer experience difficulties with their product.

Carroll is able to dispatch a technician to the site, or repair the product in one of its 13 workshops across the country.

If you’re looking to invest in a new mining ventilation solution, or need help with existing ventilation systems, get in contact with us today.

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Handheld Gas Detectors for Improved Industrial Safety

handheld gas detectors for improved mining safety

It’s no secret that mine work can be dangerous work, and that’s why safety should be at the heart of every mining operation.

Whilst each mine may take a different approach – initiatives, ongoing training, or special programmes, for example, the wellbeing culture of a mine can be vastly improved by investment in the latest portable gas detection technology.

Companies that take advantage of developments in safety equipment send a clear message to their staff: We are committed to keeping you safe.

Monitoring the underground atmosphere is one such commitment. Without warning, harmful vapours can be inadvertently released within a mine.

Methane, for example, becomes highly flammable and even explosive at atmospheric levels as low as 5%-15%, while carbon monoxide levels as low as 0.1% can cause fatality within a few minutes.

In as little as 30 seconds of oxygen deprivation, a miner can lose consciousness, making the investment in quality handheld carbon monoxide detectors absolutely crucial.

Mining Handheld Gas Detectors

To help protect staff against a potential gas leak or drop in oxygen levels, companies can invest in mining handheld and portable gas detectors.

According to leading North American mining industry supplier Carroll Technologies:

“It is vital for mine workers to be able to detect changes in their atmosphere immediately.

“Portable gas detectors allow miners to test the atmosphere of confined spaces prior to entry, trace leaks, and provide early warnings of the presence of dangerous gases.”

One device supplied by Carroll Technologies is the Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) Altair 4X Gas Detector, a fully portable device representing the very highest calibre in mining handheld gas detectors.

handheld gas detectors for mining safety

The Altair can be carried by miners as their own personal gas detector, alerting the user to the presence of combustibles, toxins and anaerobic environments within 15 seconds of detection.

Real-Time Safety Monitoring

With patented MotionAlert technology as standard, the portable device activates an alert when no movement is detected from an active user for 30 seconds or longer, should they be injured or unconscious.

Users are also able to manually activate the InstantAlert alarm, which utilises the device’s warning system to alert others of hazards in the vicinity.

The software can be easily connected to a PC for simple data management, and is dust and water resistant.

Its 30-hour runtime allows for continuous operation over three shifts, and its chunky, ergonomic design means it can be easily operated even if the user is wearing gloves.

Plus, when paired with the MSA ALTAIR Connect app via a Bluetooth wireless connection, the Altair can also provide real-time incident awareness to team members, supervisors, and safety managers.

Event notifications can even be sent via text message with the Altair Connect app.

Handheld Gas Detector Solutions at Carroll Technologies

Carroll Technologies, which has been a leader in the North American mining industry for more than 30 years, is a factory-authorized warranty mining repair center.

They provide after-sale repair services for handheld gas detectors and a broad range of other essential mining safety equipment to over 800 mines.

Customers can also reach out to the MinerCare 24/7 team, where highly skilled staff are on hand to provide technical support and same day delivery for products and parts required from a network of 13 distribution centres across North America.