Forbush illustrated how overall mine conditions and economies had been improved at the company’s Sufco, Skyline and Dugout longwall mines through improved maintenance procedures and philosophies at NIOSH’s Control Technologies for Diesel Vehicles in Underground Coal Mines workshop held last month.

Forbush outlined a number of goals achieved to attain a successful maintenance program that reduced diesel emissions.

“Continue regular preventative maintenance program, plus 100% buy in from management, plus emission reduction program, plus training, plus culture change,” Forbush outlined in his presentation.

He said companies should focus on maintenance to provide workers with the best work environment, to make equipment as efficient as possible and to keep cost as low as possible.

Canyon Fuel company has instigated a emission reduction program since late 1997 when engines and drive trains set to OEM specifications emitted 1597ppm carbon monoxide and 947ppm Nitrogen Oxide.

Dramatic reductions have now been achieved with a 90% reduction in CO and 50% reduction in Nitrogen Oxide. These are 58% below certification levels and were obtained with no engine or drive trains set at OEM specifications.

Forbush said Canyon achieved the outstanding results through a 100% buy in from management, through asking questions about engines, torque converters and transmission, optimising the drive train components for the duty cycle and mine elevation and having teams of highly trained technicians at each site.

New tools used at the mines included an emissions contour map and torque absorption chart. Training was given to workers on engines, drive trains, emissions and vehicle systems.