How to Combat Heat Stress in Harsh Underground Mine Environments

Heat stress is a central concern for mining operations, with temperatures often reaching a life-threatening 55 °C or higher. Mine cooling solutions supplied by power generators play a central role in ensuring suitable working conditions for miners, helping to combat heat stress risks. Here are some insights about this condition from a leading mining equipment supply team.

What is heat stress?

Heat stress is a condition that is experienced when the human body is subject to high temperatures for extended periods and is worsened in environments that are humid, have poor airflow, and when combined with manual labor. Under heat stress circumstances, the human body essentially absorbs heat faster than it can get rid of it, causing raised body temperature, dehydration, and loss of electrolytes, which can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Medical treatment and hospitalization are often required to treat these conditions and prevent brain damage or even death.

Symptoms of heat stress

By raising awareness about the symptoms of heat stress, alerts can be raised quickly, and steps can be taken to ensure effective treatment.

These symptoms include:

• A very high body temperature
• Hot, dry skin
• Dark urine
• Increased heart and respiration rate
• Throbbing headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Confusion and disorientation
• Heat rash (itching, red)
• Cramping muscles
• Pale or flushed skin tone
• Seizure or unconsciousness

Preventing heat stress in mines with power generators, mining equipment and more

There are several methods for combatting heat stress in the mining industry, including:

• Heat tolerance screening (HTS) – HTS processes for new and returning miners is designed to reduce heat disorders by testing individuals for their ability to work in this harsh environment and identifying people who display a high risk of being affected by heat stress. 
• Acclimation processes – Before attempting full shifts, miners must be slowly acclimated to the hot conditions of the mine in order to give the body time to adapt. This can take 7-15 days depending on fitness and age and should start at 1 hour and increase up to 4 hours over the first 6 days.
• Shielding – The isolation of heat sources through shielding, containment and remote handling where viable.
• Ventilation and mine cooling equipment with reliable power generators – Airflow to reduce heat loads, removing hot air from the mine and ensuring a steady flow of fresh, clean, cooled air.
• Safe work practices and safety mining equipment – Shift and job rotation, protective clothing (ventilated safety vests), and adequate rest and hydration.

Your partner for CAT power generators, mine cooling solutions, and mining equipment

At Energy Power Systems, we’re specialists in providing high-quality, tailored solutions for the industrial sector, helping clients meet their operational goals effectively and on budget. For more information, talk to our team about mine cooling solutions and our selection of gas, electric or diesel CAT power generators today.