L-3 Global Security Solutions (GSS) announced today that its ACCOLADE Mine Safety System has received an additional certification from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). This certification covers the new Miner Mesh Locator (MML) component of the previously certified L-3 ACCOLADE System. MML is an intrinsically safe tracking and emergency status indicating device tailored for use in mines that do not require two-way voice communications for all miners. Designed as an integrated part of ACCOLADE, the MML continuously tracks underground miners, allowing them to initiate and receive emergency status warnings. It also provides an audio alert when the MML is out-of-network. The MML is compliant with MSHA’s Program Policy Letter and is an economical complement to the existing Miner Mesh Radio.“We are excited to provide this new enhanced capability to our ACCOLADE System,” said Victor Young, Vice President of mine solutions at L-3 GSS. “The MML offers an additional means for operators to satisfy mandated safety requirements while reducing overall system costs for new ACCOLADE users.”
The L-3 ACCOLADE System was developed under a competitively awarded research and development contract from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to meet the enhanced safety requirements of the 2006 MINER Act. ACCOLADE provides a self-healing, redundant, and survivable voice and data network, allowing peer-to-peer communication among miners underground and communication between below- and above-ground personnel. The system also provides a real-time situational awareness capability and can be tailored for mines of all sizes. The ACCOLADE System is approved for use by MSHA, the state of West Virginia and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and has been deployed to mining companies throughout the US.