Prevention of flammable gas and coal dust explosions in collieries

Prevention of flammable gas and coal dust explosions in collieries

8.2.5. Testing for the presence of flammable gas or dangerous accumulations of any explosive mixtures of flammable gasses , identify the frequency, the responsible persons and localities for such testing;

8.2.6. Steps to be followed whenever flammable gas is detected and for the clearance thereof;

8.2.7. The determination of sufficient numbers of gas detection instruments;

8.2.8. The compliance of all specialist flammable gas measuring instruments used for the detection and measurements of flammable gasses with the OEM specification;

8.2.9. Recording and reporting of flammable gas intersections above specified legal limits;

8.2.10. Addressing any unexpected increase in flammable gas emissions and by allocating requisite mitigating actions to competent persons; and

8.2.11. The mine ventilation and rescue plan indicating all known flammable gas sources.

8.3. Preventing the ignition of flammable gas

Refer to Annexure 2: The guidance note for the prevention of flammable gas and coal dust explosions in collieries (for information purposes only)

The COP should set out measures to ensure that the ignition of flammable gas is prevented, covering at least the following:

8.3.1. The method, frequency and procedure for the examination and changing of cutter picks.

8.3.2. The provision of a continuous flow rate of water and adequate pressure of water supply to mechanical miners.

8.3.3. Control measures to minimise the risk of ignitions from occurring, during goafing considering both partial or total extraction.

8.3.4. Control measures to prevent flammable gas ignitions, that includes operator pre-use checks, operational checks, maintenance programmes, and any other means of preventing a frictional ignition for mechanical miners.

8.3.5. Preventing that the use of electricity or electrical equipment does not create the risk of igniting flammable gas by including procedures covering the following:

8.3.5.1 The use of explosion protected apparatus wherever required in defined hazardous areas (as defined in SANS 1018);

8.3.5.2 Identification of electrical equipment that poses a significant risk and definition of measures to deal with that risk;

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