Friday, September 24, 2010

Fire Brigades

It Happened...

On July 25, 1989, a fire occurred near an underground battery charging station after a three day idle period. Mine examiners encountered thick smoke four hundred feet from the station. Fire fighting personnel indicated the fire was out of control and the area was sealed. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

On November 5, 1991, a fire believed to be the result of spontaneous combustion was discovered in a mine entry. The fire quickly spread inby and filled the area with heavy smoke and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Twelve fire brigade and mine rescue teams failed to extinguish the flames. Seals were built and the fire area isolated. Remote sampling of the area ensued.




Example of Fire Brigade Training

FIRE BRIGADES are becoming more popular and their services are being incorporated into an overall mine emergency planning strategy. Once a fire is identified, fire brigades are often the first responders prepared to extinguish fire. Proper training and equipment are critical to the success of a fire brigade.

• ALWAYS provide fire brigades with the equipment necessary to fight a fire directly.
• ALWAYS provide a reliable means of communication with fire brigades and outby personnel
• ALWAYS train fire brigade personnel in the operation of all fire fighting equipment and systems that they will be expected to use.
• ALWAYS supplement training with in mine practice.
• ALWAYS keep underground haulage switches that are designated for fire car and fire equipment storage free from obstructions and operating properly.
• ALWAYS know the quantity and types of fire fighting
equipment stored on a fire car.
• NEVER allow untrained personnel to respond as part of a fire brigade.
• NEVER allow fire brigades to make ventilation changes on their own.
• NEVER allow fire brigade members to participate in any activities unless they have passed a mine rescue physical or its equivalent.