Verification of a Roof Bolter Simulation Model

This paper presents the results of an effort to verify a simulation designed to investigate the safe speed range for the vertical movement of roof bolter boom- arm to reduce worker injuries in underground coal mines. The results of the laboratory investigations are being used to (1) determine input parameters unique to the mining environment and needed to develop a credible, computer-based, human-machine interactive model (2) confirm the model would accurately represent operator movements and positions while performing his tasks relative to the roof bolter and (3) determine which aspects of the procedure being simulated are most critical if hazard predictions are to be made from simulations using valid models of operators' behaviors and varying the machine appendage speed.