Fuzzy risk assessment for mechanized underground coal mines in Turkey.

The decision matrix method is preferred as a measure of risk evaluation considering the risk value obtained by two risk factors such as the likelihood and severity of a hazard. However, it has some deficiencies since a crisp risk score is assigned for likelihood and severity. In this article, a fuzzy logic-based safety evaluation method to enhance the risk assessment process is introduced to overcome the uncertainties encountered in the classical decision matrix risk assessment method. The proposed method is a more realistic evaluation of the risks which may be available in mechanized coal mines in Turkey. In this way, risky situations and operations in mechanized underground coal mines have been determined by expert knowledge and engineering judgement in linguistic forms. Thus, such an evaluation will be a valuable guide for coal mines in which fully mechanized coal production is expected in the near future.