The event, to be held at the school’s National Technology Transfer Center, starts tomorrow and ends on Friday, and is expected to attract more than 200 people, Sponsored Programs public relations manager Alyson Hurley told International Longwall News on Tuesday.

 

“[The] program will focus on the progress made over the last year in the areas [of] underground mine communications, breathing devices, mine seals, mine refuge chambers, and rescue worker procedures/training,” she added.

 

One significant change over last year’s inaugural event is a dedicated standalone time slot for the vendor exhibit, which was last year offered at the same time as technical presentations.

 

Some 30 exhibitors have confirmed spaces and will be on hand to demonstrate products and services.

 

“This change will allow vendor/manufacturer representatives the opportunity to attend all panel discussions of the program,” said Hurley. “It also gives the vendors a captive audience for the Technology Exhibit Hall, as there are no other activities.”

 

The presentations include:

 

Mine Communication Technologies – Jeff Welsh (NIOSH), David Chirdon (MSHA), Dennis O’Dell (UMWA);

Improving Mine Safety Technology & Training: Establishing US Global Leadership – Dr R Larry Grayson, report author and chairman of the Mine Safety Technology and Training Commission;

Rescue Workers – Procedure Changes and Training – Mike Rutledge (OMHS&T), Alan Dupree and Alan McGilton (MSHA), Jimmy Gianato (WV Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management), Jack Holt (CONSOL Energy Inc. – tentative); and

MSHA A&CC Approval and Certification Center Process Breakout Session – David Chirdon (MSHA).

 

Hurley said the planning committee, which comprised Hurley, WJU-sponsored programs vice president J Davitt McAteer with the assistance of tradeshow events manager Tom Coleman, worked to build a strong program to complement last year’s symposium.

 

She confirmed that at last one producer, Consol Energy, would be present to support the activities of the event and may have a speaker on its itinerary.

 

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin will also offer remarks to the crowd. He will present at approximately 2.15pm local time on April 26 and then will visit the Technology Exhibit Hall until about 4pm.

 

The entire symposium will be viewable on the NTT’s web site as webcast at http://media.cet.edu/live.asx. Those wishing to view the completed itinerary can visit www./nttc.edu/minesafety.

 

Check back with International Longwall News for a post-conference synopsis.