Feasibility analysis of implementing rail car brakes in underground coal mines. Contract research report, October 1978-May 1979 (final)

Accidents involving underground rail transport were analyzed to quantify the magnitude and operational requirements for individual mine car braking systems. The results showed that the brake preventable accidents represent only 2% of the total underground fatal accidents and less than 1% of the total underground nonfatal accidents. In addition, brake preventable accidents are expected to decline over the next decade. The costs of accidents involving deaths and injuries were determined using various well-accepted methods. The costs of a brake retrofit program for all operating underground coal cars were developed separately for small and large coal mines. Costs of retrofit brakes, new car brakes, maintenance, inspection, and repair facilities were included in the estimates. The analysis showed that a retrofit program would not significantly increase safety, and that the program cost would greatly exceed the corresponding expected benefits.