Prevention of flammable gas and coal dust explosions in collieries

Prevention of flammable gas and coal dust explosions in collieries

Pick condition

– –

Condition of water spray nozzles

– Adequacy of the water supply to the mechanical miner – Continuous flammable gas detecting device – Trailing cable condition – Dust scrubber system condition – Condition of dust suppression system at tip

No mining may commence prior to the completion of such inspections and no sub- standard machine may be utilised.

5.3. Safeguards

5.3.1. Monitoring

The last through road /face velocity is to be monitored. Should a situation occur, where the velocity does not comply with the code of practice, no further mining should proceed until the situation is rectified.

5.3.2. Electrical interlocks

5.3.2.1. The automatic isolation of the electrical power to the cutting drum of the mechanical miner should be made possible should any one of the following occur:

5.3.2.1.1.

Flammable gas be detected in an amount in excess of the legislated maximum.

5.3.2.1.2. The water supply to the mechanical miner be adversely affected.

5.3.2.1.3. Any component of the secondary ventilation system ceases to operate

5.4. Water sprays

Water through a system of sprays should be directed effectively onto the face whilst cutting to allay the dust, and to direct air onto the cutting zone.

5.5. Ventilation planning

A formal system of ventilation planning should be established whereby any change from standard ventilation arrangements should be set out in advance and be approved by the appointed manager after consultation with the section 12.1 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 26 of 1996) appointee. A ventilation change over should be properly and sequentially controlled. Production should not commence unless authorisation to do so has been obtained from the appointed manager, after consultation with the section 12.1 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 26 of 1996) appointee who has ascertained the prevailing conditions in the section.

33