It Happened...
On October 17, 1990, it is believed that a roof fall occurred in the loaded track near a portal causing the energized trolley wire to contact the track which caused a fire. A miner found the fire after trolley power was de-energized. Miners evacuated after donning SCSR’s.
On September 21, 1991, a fire occurred in a newly installed pump transformer. The secondary winding shorted due to an insulation failure. The miners inby were withdrawn and the power was removed. Curtains were used to clear the smoke and the fire was extinguished. SCSR’s were used to travel to the intake escapeway.
On November 1, 1991, smoke was detected in the East Mains in the conveyor belt entry. Elevated CO was not detected by the CO sensor located 100 feet inby. Miners evacuated after donning their SCSR’s.
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Example of a SCSR storage location
Self Contained Self Rescuers (SCSR’s) are designed to provide one hour of breathable air. When donned at the first sign of fire, they can make the difference between life and death during a mine fire. They should only be used in emergency situations. Proper storage, care and inspection of SCSR’s will help to ensure that they are ready to use when they are needed most.
LOCATIONS
According to your mine’s storage plan
• ALWAYS store SCSR's in locations where the temperature range is between the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• ALWAYS conduct a daily visual inspection of your SCSR to ensure that the seals and indicators are intact and functional.
• ALWAYS return damaged units to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
• ALWAYS know your mine’s SCSR storage plan.
• ALWAYS know the donning procedures for the SCSR’s used at your mine.
• ALWAYS weigh and check filter type self rescuers every 90 days.
• NEVER keep in service, an SCSR that has a cracked case or severe dents in the unit.
• NEVER attempt to repair a damaged SCSR.
• NEVER toss or subject your SCSR to physical abuse.
• NEVER store an SCSR on a power center.