Friday, September 24, 2010

Mine Rescue Teams

It Happened...

On May 17, 1989, a mine examiner and assistant mine foreman were conducting a weekly examination of the return entries and bleeder evaluation points. They encountered smoke in a return at the bottom of a shaft. Upon further investigation, a fire was discovered in an idled area of the mine. The fire was fought directly with water. Mine rescue teams under apparatus manned the fire hoses. Subsequently, seals were constructed around the fire area and the area flooded.

On March 9, 1994, a fire occurred on a conveyor belt head drive. Persons working on the active section inby the fire location exited the mine through the main intake system. A company mine rescue team began fire fighting efforts and the fire was extinguished.

On May 14, 1994, a roof bolter noticed a fire at the back of his machine after returning to work after dinner. Applying rock dust and using a fire extinguisher failed to extinguish the flame. The mine rescue team was sent in to fight the flames. A water line was installed and the fire extinguished.


Mine rescue teams making preparations.

MINE RESCUE TEAMS need to be well organized and directed by mine management. All team members must know their area of responsibility and particular duties. Team members should have knowledge of the mine’s ventilation system and location of fire fighting equipment.

• ALWAYS maintain adequate airflow at your back to prevent smoke and contaminants from rolling back at you.
• ALWAYS brief mine rescue teams on the specific tasks to be accomplished.
• ALWAYS de-brief mine rescue teams for vital information learned during a mine emergency.
• ALWAYS provide a reliable means of communication with mine rescue teams and outby personnel.
• ALWAYS prepare to provide the necessary resources and logistical support to your mine rescue teams.
• NEVER allow untrained personnel to respond as part of a mine rescue team.
• NEVER assume anything during a mine emergency.