Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have developed a real-time dust explosibility measuring instrument to provide instant feedback to miners on the potential for dust accumulations and the effectiveness of their rock dusting practices.
The Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) is a simple-to-use handheld device that provides a pass/fail assessment of coal mine dust samples. NIOSH says the device will give miners, mine operators and regulators the information they need to take immediate action to eliminate an explosion hazard.