Underground Mine Disaster Survival and Rescue An Evaluation of Research Accomplishments and Needs (1981) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
UNDERGROUND MINE DISASTERS OF THE PAST DECADE
UNDERGROUND MINE DISASTERS OF THE PAST DECADE
Pages 29-42
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 29... ...
The committee also sought to determine what the potential lifesaving impact might have been of techniques and equipment that were not available at the time but that are available today. In addition to these disasters, the committee looked into 56 accidents -- 47 in coal mines and 9 in metal and non-metal mines -- that had disaster potential and were thus relevant to its examination of post-disaster survival and rescue.
|
From page 31... ...
Similar favorable trends were noted in the number of accidents having disaster potential. Much of this progress may be attributed to o Improvements in mine design o Improved escapeways and other mine egress facilities o Improved disaster prevention techniques and equipment o Improved training programs for miners o Better mine emergency plans and evacuation drill programs o More effective coordination between mine operators and miners' safety committees o Improved mine rescue apparatus o Better geographical distribution of trained mine rescue teams These improvements notwithstanding, the committee's review indicates that further efforts are needed, both in disaster prevention and disaster response.
|
From page 32... ...
Itmann Coal Company Explosion (Itmann, West Virginia; December 15, 1972) : Methane was ignited by an electric arc that occurred when the trolley pole of a portal bus lost contact with the trolley wire.
|
From page 33... ...
These studies confirmed the conclusions drawn from the review of domestic disasters, listed below. Conclusions Review of coal mine disasters of the past decade suggests that the most significant gains in post-disaster survival and rescue would result from o Providing miners with an oxygen-supplying escape breathing apparatus ("oxygen self-rescuer")
|
From page 34... ...
If it has, management should take steps to ensure that appropriate decisions are made quickly if an emergency arises at such a time. Other measures that might have considerable impact include: improvements in mine design to permit rapid isolation of areas affected by fire; improvements in mine communication systems for emergency use; prompt dissemination, throughout the industry, of investigative reports of disasters and accidents having disaster potential; emphasis in disaster reports on technological and operational remedies in addition to the present emphasis on noncompliance with regulations; and better understanding of human reactions and behavior in emergency situations as a basis for more realistic disaster plans and disaster training.
|
From page 35... ...
li isasters Barnett Complex Rosiclare, Illi Sunshine Mine Kelloqq, Idaho Belle Isle Mine Belle Isle, Lou otential Disast Star Mine Burke, Idaho Lakeshore Mine Casa Grande, Ar -H Bauxite, Arkans Sterlinq Shaft Retsof, New Yor Homestake Mine Lead, South Dak American Tunnel Silverton, Colo s >' Not discernable Mars Hill Mine gJ 5 1=3 M 01 & e x Location e - O "3 1 X *
|
From page 36... ...
Moreover, a systematic study of the Sunshine Mine design would have revealed that rescue efforts in response to a fire of this nature would be difficult. An underground mine fire at the Star Mine in 1971, resulting in two deaths, was also unusual in that the fuel was a new product made -36
|
From page 37... ...
Both the Belle Isle Mine and Sunshine Mine evacuations were complicated by inoperative shaft facilities, in the first case due to damaged equipment and in the latter due to the operator of an underground hoist being overcome by the fire combustion products. These rescue efforts are notable for the organization and achievement by mine rescue personnel under difficult and unfamiliar conditions.
|
From page 38... ...
All but five were rescued through the efforts of mine rescue teams. The two survivors of the Sunshine Mine fire had been trapped in a branch of the fresh air ventilation circuit that had not been invaded by contamined air, with no exit except through an unlined 48-inch diameter vertical borehole.
|
From page 39... ...
The filter self-rescuer, which only protects against carbon monoxide, is probably not adequate in such an atmosphere of smoke and chemical combustion products. Rescue operations in the Sunshine Mine fire and at the Lakeshore Mine demonstrated the extreme difficulty facing a mine rescue team in advancing their fresh air base in deep, hot underground mines.
|
From page 40... ...
Thorough training and continued practice in disaster response procedures would enhance the miner's capability for proper use of emergency procedures and equipment. Seismic techniques for locating trapped miners, rescue drilling capabilities, and refuge chambers have made little or no contribution to the rescue of survivors of underground metal and non-metal mine disasters.
|
From page 41... ...
Such potential disasters are likely to occur more frequently than actual disasters, but may not be reported, either because there is no requirement to report them or out of fear of punitive action. Yet it is as important to know what worked in responding to potential disasters as it is to know what didn't.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.