Author: Laura Griffiths

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Carroll Technologies Group vs United Central Industrial Supply: What Sets Carroll Technologies Apart

Carrol Engineering Co

In this article, we’ll explore how Carroll Technologies Group stands out as a partner of choice for industrial and mining companies, offering a suite of innovative products, unparalleled customer service, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Carroll Technologies Group vs United Central Industrial Supply

Carroll Technologies:

  • Overview: Established in 1977, Carroll Technologies has over four decades of experience providing safety, communication, and electronic equipment to industries such as mining, tunneling, steel, oil and gas, renewable energy, and construction. The company operates seven distribution centers across North America, supporting more than 800 customers.
  • Product Range: Comprehensive offerings including communication systems, collision avoidance systems, monitoring equipment, personal protective gear, and electrical products. Specialized equipment includes leaky feeder communication systems and conveyor belt monitoring controls.
  • Services: Installation, training, consultancy, repair, and 24/7 support through the MinerCare program.
  • Recent Innovations: Strategic partnership with ELOKON to enhance industrial safety by distributing advanced safety and fleet management systems.

United Central Industrial Supply:

  • Overview: Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Bristol, Tennessee, United Central Industrial Supply is a national distributor focused on mining and industrial end markets.
  • Product Range: Over 70,000 line items from more than 1,500 manufacturing partners. Categories include cable, electrical, filtration, fluid conveyance solutions, MRO supplies, material handling, and safety equipment.
  • Services: Industrial repair services for electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic components. Value-added services tailored to industries like coal mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • Strengths: Broad spectrum of industrial supplies and repair services aimed at improving operational efficiency and profitability.

Why Carroll Technologies Group Is the Partner of Choice

Carroll Technologies’ reputation is built on a foundation of trust, backed by exceptional customer support. Their 24/7 MinerCare support line sets a high standard, offering technical assistance, replacement parts, and troubleshooting advice at any time. This around-the-clock availability minimizes downtime and ensures operations remain on track—a critical advantage in industries where delays can be costly.

Safety is a shared priority for Carroll Technologies and United Central Industrial Supply. Both companies offer products designed to protect workers and reduce risks in demanding environments. United Central’s range of safety gear and compliance-focused solutions is a trusted choice for companies focused on protecting their workforce.

Carroll, however, takes safety a step further. In addition to providing industry-leading safety equipment, Carroll offers training programs, compliance support, and customized safety strategies. Their holistic approach ensures clients aren’t just meeting safety standards, but exceeding them.

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Nuclear Reactor and Power Plant Safety Equipment

Technologies such as proximity detection and collision avoidance prevent machinery mishaps, while tracking systems keep tabs on personnel in case of emergencies. Safety signage and dust control measures support safe air quality and clear communication across all facility zones. Together, these advanced safety measures form a comprehensive defense, supporting the reliable, safe operation of nuclear facilities and protecting both workers and surrounding communities. With more than 40 years of experience providing safety equipment for heavy industries, Carroll Technologies has searched the market for only the best quality equipment from trusted manufacturers.

Self-Cleaning Cameras:

ExcelSense Self-Cleaning Cameras

In environments where dust and debris can impair visibility, Carroll Technologies provides ExcelSense’s ToughEye self-cleaning cameras. These cameras feature a patented mechanism that prevents contaminant adhesion, ensuring continuous clarity without the need for manual maintenance.

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Pumps and Fluid Management Solutions:

SAMOA pneumatic diaphragm pumps

Effective fluid handling is crucial in industrial operations. Carroll Technologies supplies robust fluid management systems, including pumps, hose reels, and inventory control systems from manufacturers like Balcrank. These solutions are designed to handle lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other essential liquids, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

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Dust Management Systems:

Escort ELF personal sampling pump with sampling line on an underground mine background

To mitigate the hazards associated with airborne particulates, Carroll Technologies offers advanced dust suppression products. Notably, the Zefon Escort ELF Dust Pump enables precise dust sampling in underground mining environments, helping maintain air quality and safeguard worker health.

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Rigging, Lifting, and Synthetic Rope:

Samson Synthetic Rope

For material handling needs, Carroll Technologies provides high-strength rigging and lifting equipment, including synthetic ropes from Samson Rope. These products are engineered for durability and safety, facilitating efficient lifting operations across various industrial applications.

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Lighting Systems:

Underground mine lit up with LED work lights

Adequate illumination is vital for safety and productivity. Carroll Technologies offers a range of lighting solutions, such as Northern Light Technologies’ cap lamps and X-Glo’s LED strip lighting, designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable lighting in underground and low-light environments.

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Communications Systems:

Sybet wireless comunications

Reliable communication is essential in industrial settings. Carroll Technologies supplies comprehensive communication solutions, including leaky feeder systems and two-way radios from manufacturers like Pyott-Boone Electronics and Icom America, ensuring seamless connectivity even in challenging underground environments.

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Electrical Safety and Power Distribution:

Power distribution engineered equipment

To maintain power stability and ensure operator safety, Carroll Technologies offers electrical safety equipment and power distribution solutions. This includes motor controls, circuit breakers, and power distribution panels designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial operations.

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Safety Signage:

custom mining warning and safety signs

Clear and effective signage is crucial for hazard communication. From Nation Marker Company (NMC), Carroll Technologies supplies custom signs in an array of materials, designed to meet regulatory standards and withstand industrial environments, promoting awareness and compliance among workers.

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Stretchers:

Rex R1 rapid extraction stretcher

In emergency situations, having reliable medical equipment is essential. Carroll Technologies provides the Rex Rapid Extraction Stretcher, which is designed for patient transport in high-risk environments, providing a more efficient and safer method of moving injured individuals over rugged terrain.

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Proximity Detection and Collision Avoidance:

PBE Axell Collision Avoidance and Proximity Detection

To prevent accidents involving machinery and personnel, Carroll Technologies provides tracking systems such as Elokon’s ELOshield proximity alert system that offer real-time data, enabling effective management and rapid response in case of emergencies. These technologies alert operators to potential hazards, enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of collisions.

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Self-Cleaning Cameras for Mining, Construction and Heavy Industries

ExcelSense family of products

Cameras play a pivotal role in enabling situational awareness, monitoring material processes, and supporting autonomous functions across industrial settings. However, these systems are often exposed to severe environmental contaminants, including abrasive dust, mud, oil, and salt, which can rapidly degrade their performance and necessitate frequent maintenance. To address these challenges, Carroll Technologies offers ExcelSense’s ToughEye series of self-cleaning cameras, which are purpose-built for harsh industrial applications.

Why ExcelSense

ExcelSense’s ToughEye cameras represent a significant advancement in industrial monitoring, utilizing patented self-cleaning technology to provide maintenance-free operation in demanding conditions. Unlike traditional industrial cameras that rely on compressed air or external cleaning fluids, ToughEye cameras are engineered to clean themselves without requiring any consumables or external systems. This innovation allows for uninterrupted functionality, even in remote or hard-to-service areas where downtime can have substantial cost implications.

The technology behind ToughEye cameras draws inspiration from the natural resilience of the human eye. ExcelSense’s unique design incorporates a reconditionable optical micro-surface that actively resists contaminant adhesion. Through a proprietary internal mechanism, the lens is periodically refreshed, allowing abrasive particles to be removed without causing damage to the lens surface. This robust, maintenance-free approach ensures continuous visibility, preserving camera clarity in environments where standard systems would quickly succumb to environmental hazards.

ToughEye cameras are also designed for operational flexibility. The ToughEye-1700 model, for instance, offers multiple ways to initiate its cleaning cycle, including through scheduled intervals, network commands, or direct manual triggers via a physical switch or signal from the machinery. This adaptability enables seamless integration into a wide range of heavy equipment and enhances ease of use across various industrial applications.

By partnering with ExcelSense to distribute ToughEye cameras, Carroll Technologies is bringing this transformative technology to sectors that demand reliable and resilient monitoring solutions. In mining operations, for example, ToughEye cameras provide essential visibility of drill bits, crushers, and chutes, while in construction and material processing, they support the clear monitoring of critical equipment. These maintenance-free cameras ultimately contribute to a safer, more efficient working environment by reducing the need for frequent manual interventions.

Introducing the ExcelSense ToughEye-1700™ Self-Cleaning Camera

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High-Quality Portable Rescue Stretchers for Emergency Response Above Ground or In Confined Spaces

Rex Rapid Extraction stretcher for mining

Rex Rapid Extraction (REX) stretchers provide a specialized solution with durable, all-terrain stretchers that are versatile enough for various emergencies. Engineered to serve responders in diverse rescue missions, REX stretchers blend innovative design with practicality.

Advanced Mobility and Quick Deployment

The REX stretcher is designed to be a “force multiplier,” empowering a single responder to move a patient safely and swiftly. Thanks to its lightweight T6 aluminum frame, puncture-proof 20-inch wheels, and ergonomic quick-release features, REX stretchers are easily deployable in under 30 seconds. This rapid setup is invaluable in time-sensitive situations, enabling responders to move patients without delay or the need for multiple personnel.

The fold-out design is compact yet robust, making it ideal for both urban and remote emergency environments. With a folded size of just 25 by 18 inches, REX stretchers can be stored conveniently in small spaces and transported to any location. Yet, when deployed, they expand to 75 by 26 inches, ready to handle up to 400 pounds of load capacity. This adaptability proves crucial in environments where storage space is limited, such as mines, wilderness rescue stations, or emergency vehicles.

Built for Rough Terrains and Confined Spaces Alike

Engineered with challenging terrains in mind, REX stretchers feature 20-inch knobby, puncture-resistant tires that can traverse rocky, rutted, or uneven surfaces with ease. The integrated braking system, equipped with dual braking rods and an emergency auto-lock feature, enables controlled descent on steep terrain or stairwells. This capability ensures that a patient remains secure even when moving through rugged environments or down confined spaces like mines and narrow hallways.

For added versatility, the patient restraint straps double as shoulder straps, allowing responders to traverse especially difficult landscapes while ensuring patient stability. The design accommodates supine and Fowler’s positions, adapting to various patient needs and injury types.

Ergonomic Design Focused on Safety and Comfort

REX stretchers prioritize patient comfort alongside safety. The integrated adjustable headrest and restraint systems keep patients secure and positioned comfortably during transport. Additionally, the stretcher is equipped with a treatment cot option, providing an adjustable pull handle and dual strap-assist connection points for enhanced maneuverability and control.

Its design also incorporates features that ease physical strain on responders, with a total weight under 50 pounds, minimizing load stress. This light yet resilient construction reduces responder fatigue, which is especially beneficial during prolonged missions or in large-scale disaster responses.

Multi-Role Functionality for Varied Emergency Scenarios

One of the standout features of the REX stretcher series is its adaptability across multiple roles and industries, from mining to military. Beyond serving as a conventional stretcher, it can also function as a Stokes wagon, treatment cot, or equipment cart, making it suitable for a wide range of emergency operations—from active shooter incidents to HazMat responses, and from mine rescues to search and rescue missions.

The REX R1/N model is even NATO litter-ready, making it suitable for military operations and rapid casualty transfer. Its adjustable incline can be tailored to match specific injury requirements, optimizing patient handling based on individual needs.

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Case Study: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency at Audubon Metals with ELOKON Proximity Devices

ELOKON Elofleet

Heavy machinery, blind spots, and close quarters create an environment where safety is a constant concern. Audubon Metals sought a reliable solution to enhance operator awareness and minimize the risk of accidents involving both people and equipment. The answer came in the form of advanced proximity detection systems from ELOKON, provided by Carroll Technologies.

The Challenge: A High-Risk Environment

Audubon Metals operates a busy facility with five furnaces and various heavy machinery working in tandem. According to Tim J. Bills, Mobile Equipment Manager at Audubon: “We recycle products from scrapyards, separate out the aluminum, and then remelt it. Our furnaces are in close proximity, and we have many blind spots and corners.”

These characteristics create a dangerous environment where machinery and personnel can unintentionally come into close contact. Prior to installing ELOKON’s proximity devices, Audubon Metals experienced incidents of equipment collisions. While these events hadn’t resulted in major injuries, they underscored the need for a better awareness system.

Audubon Metals needed a solution that would prevent such accidents by alerting operators when they were too close to other machinery or personnel, especially in high-traffic or low-visibility areas.

The Solution: ELOKON Proximity Devices

Through their long-standing relationship with Carroll Technologies, a trusted distributor of safety equipment and solutions, Audubon Metals was introduced to ELOKON’s advanced proximity detection systems. Bills highlighted the importance of working with a partner they trusted: “I’ve worked with Carroll in the past, and I knew he would be good to work with. They’ve been very communicative and helpful throughout the process.”

ELOKON’s proximity devices offered the ideal solution. Designed to prevent collisions in environments with heavy equipment and personnel, the devices use sensors to detect when people or other vehicles come too close. When an operator enters a high-risk zone, the system sends an immediate signal, allowing the machinery operators to adjust their actions and avoid potential accidents. At Audubon Metals, three different types of devices were installed: a stationary set mounted on the furnaces, a vehicle-mounted set for forklifts, and a medium-range set for larger mobile equipment like front-end loaders.

These systems work in harmony, communicating between stationary and mobile units to ensure operators always know when they are nearing another person or piece of equipment.

Installation and Training: Seamless Integration

A key advantage of the ELOKON system was the smooth installation process. Carroll Technologies worked closely with both Audubon Metals and ELOKON to ensure minimal disruption. According to Bills: “The ELOKON and Carroll teams were onsite to show our operators and department managers how the devices worked. There wasn’t much formal training required—the system was intuitive, and the operators were able to pick it up quickly.”

With minimal downtime, Audubon Metals was able to trial the system in one section of the plant, monitoring the results before deciding on broader implementation.

ELOKON’s Impact: Improved Safety and Operational Efficiency

The results of the trial were immediate and significant. Bills pointed out that since the devices were installed, “We haven’t had any incidents where equipment made contact with each other.” Beyond preventing accidents, the proximity devices also improved communication among operators. When the system signals a potential collision, operators can quickly coordinate their actions, leading to smoother and safer workflows.

Based on the success of the initial implementation, Audubon Metals is now exploring options to expand the use of the ELOKON proximity system across the rest of the plant. “We did this as a trial in one area,” Bills explained, “but now we’re talking about moving it to the other four furnaces, and potentially, across the entire plant.” The company is optimistic that the system will continue to improve safety and efficiency on a larger scale.

Partnering for Success: The Role of Carroll Technologies

Throughout the project, Carroll Technologies played an essential role in ensuring the successful deployment of the ELOKON system. From recommending the solution to facilitating installation and providing ongoing support, Carroll demonstrated the value of having a responsive and knowledgeable distributor. Bills commended the team, noting, “If we’ve had any issues, they’ve been right there to help, and ELOKON has answered and assisted immediately when needed. So far, it’s been a great relationship.”

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Overcoming the Mine Phone Shortage: Why PBE’s GEN II Page Boss Outshines Competitors Amidst Supply Chain Challenges

Page Boss Mine Phone

Long standing suppliers such as PIMCO (Piedmont Instrument and Machine Company) have struggled to maintain inventory amidst these challenges. However, Model 112 GEN II Page Boss Mine Phones, distributed through Carroll Technologies, have emerged as premium alternatives that not only meet but surpass industry standards for functionality, safety, and availability.

PBE’s GEN II Page Boss: Why It Stands Out

The 112 GEN II Page Boss is a versatile and robust mine phone designed to meet the demanding communication needs of underground operations. Key features include:

  • Rugged durability: Encased in a NEMA 4X-rated polycarbonate resin, the phone is highly resistant to dust, moisture, and impact, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.
  • Clear communication: The solid-state design provides undistorted audio through the entire pager phone system, with a loudspeaker delivering 2.4 watts of power for superior clarity.
  • Convenience: Lightweight and easy to service, this phone uses a 12V battery, eliminating the need for external power sources. It also supports paging and semi-private communication by holding different switches.

With an adjustable volume control, compact size (12”h X 7-3/4”w X 6-1/2”d), and compatibility with existing two-wire systems, the Model 112 is both user-friendly and reliable. It’s ideal for both surface and underground use, and can be integrated with leaky feeder systems for expanded functionality.

Availability through Carroll Technologies

One of the biggest advantages of choosing PBE’s phones is their immediate availability through Carroll Technologies. While many suppliers, including PIMCO, are facing extended backorders due to the global supply chain crunch, Carroll Technologies has managed to maintain stock of the PBE Axell product line, including the GEN II and 112 models. This ensures that mining operations can avoid downtime and continue their communication systems without delay.

Why PBE is Worth the Investment

Although PBE’s mine phones are more expensive than some alternatives, their advanced features, safety enhancements, and superior reliability make them a worthwhile investment for any mining operation. In comparison, competitors like PIMCO are struggling to meet demand, making PBE’s available solutions even more attractive during this shortage. The enhanced durability and safety features of the GEN II Page Boss ensure that the initial investment will pay off through fewer replacements, less downtime, and improved operational safety.

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Sales Manager – Northwest Region, USA 🇺🇸

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Carroll Technologies is involved with Safety, communications and electronics including:

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Collision avoidance/ proximity detection
  • Multi-gas detection instruments
  • Equipment health monitoring
  • Motor controls and exchange
  • Tracking and communications
  • SCST/CCER
  • OEM circuit breakers program
  • Factory authorized repairs & calibration

Travel is required for this position, including some travel to the US home office located in Kentucky. Onsite customer visits are also required, which may require some overnight travel.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Professional Appearance
  • Strong work ethic
  • Great communication skills
  • A self- motivated experienced person, wanting to be a part of a growing and expanding business.
  • Management Experience
  • Bilingual is a plus
  • Industry Contacts in the Mining and Construction fields

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a Sales Executive that is ready to join our fast-growing company! As a sales rep, you will be traveling to meet with businesses for a face-to-face consultation for Merchant Services. During consultations, you will be expected to present key information, build rapport, meet merchant’s unique needs and present product information

Carroll Technologies makes available competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, which included a 401(K) plan, vision and dental insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, company holidays and other miscellaneous benefits. Also note that Carroll Technologies provides 12 days of annual vacation.

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Zefon Sampling Equipment for Indoor Environmental Monitoring

Escort ELF personal sampling pump with sampling line on an underground mine background

With over 30 years of experience supplying safety and environmental monitoring devices, Carroll Technologies stocks and distributes Zefon products across the U.S. mining industry. Carroll Technologies president, Allen Haywood, emphasizes the reliability of Zefon’s products: “Zefon is a great company with a product that has been reliably tested and proven. We have been distributing for them for decades, and we are an authorized repair and calibration facility for that product.”

Zefon Pumps for Environmental Monitoring

Pumps are central to the air sampling and analysis process. In environmental monitoring, Zefon offers a range of advanced air sampling pumps suited for various applications, including indoor air quality (IAQ) analysis, personal abatement, and industrial hygiene. Paired with filters or sampling cassettes, Zefon’s pumps are capable of detecting exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, respirable dust, mold spores, silica, beryllium, and hazardous particulates.

Zefon’s latest innovations include the Zefon Bio-Pump Plus, a state-of-the-art, portable, battery-powered IAQ pump designed specifically for use with Air-O-Cell and Via-Cell cassettes. The Bio-Pump Plus is lightweight and user-friendly, featuring programmable sample times and a real-time display. Its long-lasting NiMH battery supports up to eight hours of continuous use or 100 five-minute samples, making it highly efficient for fieldwork. This model also offers quiet operation and provides visual and audible indicators to signal when a sample collection is complete.

For environments that demand higher precision, such as mining or hazardous industrial settings, the Zefon Escort ELF sampling pump is an ideal solution. Built with intrinsic safety features, this pump provides excellent laminar flow control with temperature and pressure compensation, ensuring reliable accuracy in challenging environments, including underground locations.

Diverse Pump Options for Varied Applications

Zefon’s Z-Lite IAQ pump series is another addition to its lineup, designed to handle IAQ sampling with ease. These pumps are capable of operating on both DC and AC power, providing flexibility in the field. Z-Lite pumps are particularly well-suited for applications that require low backpressure sampling devices, such as spore traps. With their versatility, they meet the demanding needs of environmental monitoring and industrial hygiene professionals.

Gas Detection and Additional Services

In addition to its air sampling pumps, Zefon also produces gas detector tubes. These tubes detect the presence of gases by changing color when they react with a specific airborne compound. Zefon’s gas detection technology is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for identifying flammable or toxic gases, pollutants, and vapors. This rapid detection capability eliminates the need for lab-based analysis, making it invaluable for on-site inspections.

Carroll Technologies supports Zefon customers through its MinerCare 24/7 support service, offering certified repair services for Zefon products, alongside other environmental monitoring devices. This service provides continuous technical support, rapid response to mining emergencies, and an extensive stock of spare parts.

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MSHA’s New Silica Dust Rule: What It Means for the Mining Industry

Silica sand open pit mine

The rule aims to protect miners from severe health issues such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis, which are caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in mining environments.

Coal mines must be in compliance with the new rule by April 2025, while MNM mines have until April 2026. This staggered timeline provides operators with some time to implement the necessary controls and procedures to meet the new requirements. However, given the complexity of the rule, operators are urged to begin preparations well in advance to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of their workforce.

The Significance of the New Silica Dust Rule

The new rule, outlined under 30 CFR Part 60, mandates that mining operations limit workers’ exposure to RCS to no more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This represents a significant reduction from previous limits and reflects the growing understanding of the dangers associated with silica dust inhalation.

Respirable crystalline silica, often found in dust created during mining activities like drilling and blasting, is particularly hazardous due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure can result in irreversible diseases, many of which can be fatal. This rule is designed to prevent these diseases by drastically lowering allowable exposure levels.

What Mine Operators Need to Know

Under the new rule, mine operators must adopt engineering controls to limit dust exposure, including ventilation systems, water sprays, and enclosed cabs with air filtration systems. MSHA makes it clear that relying solely on administrative controls, such as rotating workers to limit their exposure, is not acceptable. Instead, operators must focus on preventing the dust from becoming airborne in the first place.

Additionally, regular dust sampling and monitoring will be required to ensure that exposure levels remain below the permissible threshold. If monitoring shows that levels exceed the limit, operators must take immediate corrective action. While respirators may be used in specific, limited cases (such as during maintenance), they cannot serve as a permanent solution. Mine operators are required to implement more robust and permanent controls to bring dust levels into compliance.

Medical Surveillance Requirements

A key component of the new silica dust rule is the medical surveillance program. This program will now extend to miners in the MNM sector, in addition to coal miners who are already covered by similar protections. Under this program, mine operators must offer periodic health examinations to miners, including chest X-rays and lung function tests, at no cost to the workers. These exams are crucial for detecting early signs of silica-related diseases.

For newly hired miners, these examinations will be mandatory, while experienced miners will have the option to participate voluntarily. However, MSHA encourages all miners to take part in the program to monitor their health and catch any issues before they become severe. Operators are responsible for ensuring these exams are conducted and for maintaining records of the results.

Carroll Technologies: A Partner in Compliance

As the mining industry adapts to these stringent new requirements, Carroll Technologies offers a range of solutions to help operators remain compliant with MSHA’s silica dust rule. Carroll provides advanced equipment, such as the Zefon Escort ELF Dust Pump, which is designed for accurate air sampling in mine environments. The Escort ELF Dust Pump features a laminar flow sensor for precise flow control, ensuring reliable sampling even under challenging conditions. The pump also includes features like a flow/fault indicator and a low-battery alert to make dust sampling as seamless as possible.

Carroll Technologies also supplies coal dust sampling cassettes, tubing assemblies, and calibration devices such as the DigiCal Primary Flow Calibrator, which ensures that personal and environmental air pumps are accurately calibrated. These tools are vital for keeping your operation in line with the latest MSHA requirements. With Carroll’s help, operators can implement proper dust control measures and maintain compliance through continuous monitoring.

Key Products:

Zefon Escort ELF Dust Pump: A robust air sampling pump with laminar flow control, designed for use in mining environments. It features automatic adjustments for battery voltage, temperature, altitude, and sample load. The pump is IP65-rated, providing protection against particulates and moisture. It includes alerts for low battery and blocked inlets.

Coal Dust Sampling Cassettes: Pre-weighed cassettes used in coal mine dust sampling, equipped with a 5-micron PVC filter and stainless-steel supports. They come with a mine data card and mailing carton for submission to MSHA for analysis.

DigiCal Primary Flow Calibrator: A calibration device for air sampling pumps like the Zefon Escort ELF. It offers precise airflow verification using a microprocessor and quartz timer for accurate flow measurement. The calibrator is compact, works at any altitude, and provides instant digital readings.

Sampling Line Assembly: A flexible 36-inch tubing used for connecting Zefon air sampling pumps. It is made of clear vinyl (PVC) and includes a clip for attachment.

Cyclone Calibration Jar: A container used for calibrating personal sampling pumps with Zefon or SKC cyclones. It comes with fittings and tubing for easy setup.

Escort ELF Maintenance Kit: A repair kit for the Zefon Escort ELF Dust Pump, containing filters, O-rings, screws, belt clips, and other essential maintenance parts.

ST1000-8 Low-Speed Anemometer from Superior Technologies: An advanced tool designed for accurately measuring airflow in mining and industrial environments. This intrinsically safe device provides precise measurements of air velocity in low-speed applications, ranging from 40 to 5000 feet per minute (FPM), making it essential for monitoring mine ventilation systems.

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Carroll Technologies’ Sales Manager, Josh Johnson, Discusses Mining Safety on October Sky Minute Podcast

October Sky Minute Podcast

Josh Johnson, Sales Manager for Carroll Technologies Group, was recently featured on the October Sky Minute podcast, where he shared his expertise on mining safety equipment and how it has evolved over the years. The podcast, part of the popular “Movies by Minutes” genre, dissects the 1999 film October Sky one minute at a time, offering in-depth analysis of each scene. Directed by Joe Johnston, October Sky is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a boy from a coal-mining town in West Virginia who dreams of becoming a rocket scientist. The film beautifully compares the challenges of coal mining with the boundless aspirations of youth, while also highlighting the often dangerous conditions faced by miners.

Josh’s appearance on the show offered a unique perspective by connecting the film’s portrayal of mining with modern-day realities. During the episode, Josh reflected on the dangers that miners still face and how advancements in safety equipment have helped reduce those risks. He mentioned that while certain tools, like the hard hat, have remained essential throughout the years, technology has vastly improved the gear miners use today. Cap lamps, for example, have transitioned from the heavy, corded models seen in the film to modern, rechargeable LED lamps with integrated tracking systems that can help ensure miners are accounted for while working deep underground.

Hal Bryan and Jim O’Kane, the hosts of the October Sky Minute podcast showed particular interest in the improvements to underground communication systems, such as the leaky feeder system, which allows for continuous communication between miners and surface teams. Josh explained that this system not only facilitates voice communication but also supports telemetry, enabling control rooms to monitor machinery and miners’ locations in real-time, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

October Sky is known for its vivid portrayal of coal mining in the 1950s, and Josh’s insights helped bridge the gap between the film’s depiction of the industry and the modern advancements that have reshaped it. One of the most significant upgrades discussed was the evolution of self-rescue devices. While miners in the past relied on basic equipment to survive emergencies, today’s miners are equipped with devices that provide breathable oxygen and additional rescue equipment stored in strategic locations throughout the mine. These devices, Josh emphasized, can be lifesaving in the event of an accident.

As a representative of Carroll Technologies Group, which has been serving the mining industry for over 40 years, Josh’s participation in the podcast highlights the company’s commitment to advancing safety measures in the industry. Carroll Technologies provides a range of mining safety and communication products, from modernized hard hats and cap lights to state-of-the-art rescue equipment and communication systems.

The October Sky Minute podcast not only celebrates a beloved film but also opens up important conversations about the mining industry, the dangers it poses, and the technologies that help keep workers safe. Josh’s appearance on the podcast was a testament to the vital role that safety equipment plays in the lives of miners today, just as it did decades ago when the movie was set. His discussion underscored the importance of continuous improvement in mining technology, an effort that Carroll Technologies Group is proud to support.