Some Aspects ° MINE MANAGEMENT, LEGISLATION & GENERAL SAFETY Part II By y L. C. KAKU coalmining.in LOVELY PRAKASHAN, DHANBAD@L. Cc. KAKU 1999 Price : Rs. 40.00 Published by LOVELY PRAKASHAN Opposite DGMS Office (Exam. Section) Hirapur, DHANBAD-826 001 Phone : (0326) 204828 (S), 203192 (R) Printed by - VARANASI ELECTRONIC COLOUR PRINTERS (P.) LTD. Chowk, Varanasi= Preface Recent disasters of New Kenda Colliery, Dariba Mine of Hin- dustan Zinc, Mahabir Collicry, a fow disasters in other countries (Turkey, Yugoslavia, China, Canada, Ukraine, Australia), serious incidents of fires and a few other major accidents/incidents have led to fresh thinking on some aspects of mine safety in our country. In this booklet I have sought to bring this current thinking of the industry, the DGMS and educational and Research Institutions in sharp focus drawing freely from various recent publications/journals and Papers presented by experts at the recent symposium on Disaster . Management in Mines and Mining Areas. Not only will the examinees benefit from it in the written and oral examinations, the ideas will also spread quickly in the mining industry. Tam sure this booklet will be found crisp, interesting and useful by a wide range of readers. —L.C. KAKUCONTENTS . Definition of Disaster . Functions of Emergency Organisation; Disaster Management Plan Spot, Forward and Central Control Centres Rescue Tracings . Manager’s Job in First few hours of an ‘emergency in the Mine Rescue of trapped mine workers Safety features of heavy earth moving dumpers ww nv mS 2 Management Actions for preventing roof and side falls below ground 9. Restricted earth neutral system of earthing 10. Safety Audit of mines; vulnerable mines 11. Sliding of overburden dumps; Effect of water and other factors affecting dump stability 12. Use of nitrogen in fighting fires u.g. 13. Purpose and design of isolation stoppings 14. Inspection of isolation stoppings 15. F. Aid & Medical Centre at site of disaster; Type A, B, C ambulances; Triage 16. Offsite emergency 17. Illumination of opencast Mines 18. Illumination : Some Definitions 19. Crossing Point Temperature of Coal 20. Self Generating Oxygen self Rescuers 21. Non-destructive Testing of Machine Parts 22. Flyrock 23, Responsibilities in respect of blasting in a large opencast mine 2A, Standing Orders for Emergency 22 24 25 28 29 30 30 RRES 38 39Disaster Q.1. What is meant by ‘Disaster’ in common mining parlance? What is the current thinking on it? Ans. In common mining parlance in our country, accidents with 10 or more fatalities are termed ‘Disasters’, However, there may be accidents like inundations or explosions where the number of fatalities could be less duc to accident occurring on a rest day or at the time of shift change over. Such accidents call for infrastructural facilities and emergency actions as are required in case of a disaster with 10 or more fatalities. There may also be accidents which may not cause loss of life at all but may result in tapping of workers, or affecting persons requiring emergency actions as in case of a disaster to save lives. These accidents have potentials of a disaster in the mine. Subsidence under built up arca has similar disaster potentials and if effective action is not taken in time, there can be heavy loss of life. In view of this there is a recent thinking that the word ‘disaster’ should be replaced by the term ‘major accident’ which could be defined as— "an unexpected, sudden occurrence, including in particular a major emission of gas, fire or explosion, resulting from abnormal developments in course of mining activity, leading to a serious danger to workers, public or the environment, whether immediate or delayed, inside or outside the mine or involving one or more hazardous substances." Functions of Emergency Organisation, Disaster Management Plan Q.2. (a) What are the functions of Emergency Organisation in the mine? (b) What is a Disaster Management Plan? Give an outline of Disaster Management Plan. (©) State the factors affecting ef tion created by a disaster. ient handling of situa- Ans. Functions of Emergency Organisation The functions of Emergency Organisation in the mine are: 51, Rescue of trapped persons. 2. First-aid to the injured and their speedy evacuation to the hospital. 3. Recovery of dead bodies and their identification 4. Controlling the source of hazard to save the survivors and to prevent further danger in the mine, 5. Keeping the Press & Public properly informed to avoid speculation and rumour. . Rehabilitation and welfare of victims; repair of damages of the mine and equipment. + Restoring normalcy for early resumption of mining operations. Disaster Management Plan Inspite of taking best preventive measures, the chances of a disaster in the mine cannot be ruled out. The Manager of each mine has, therefore, to prepare a Disaster Management Plan for his mine keeping in view the likely sources of danger in his mine, so that in the event of a major accident or disaster, the management is able 10 deal with the situation promptly and efficiently, reducing confusion and chaos which otherwise follows. Outline of Disaster Management Plan Structure of Disaster Management Plan could be as follows:— 1, Introduction—An introduction stating purpose of the DMP. 2. System of Communication— (i) Standing orders for emergency; internal communication system of the departmental heads including their 2nd in command with telephone numbers. (ii) Telephone nos. and addresses of Rescue Station, DGMS, Adjoining Mines, Areas and Company-Headquarters, Police Station, Dirstrict Administration, Fire Brigade, Local Hospital, Electricity Supply Agency, Trade Unions, Press and Standing Consultative Committee members, 3. Consultative Committee— A standing Consultative Committee having intimate acquaintance with the mine. 4. Control Centres— A clearcut guideline for establishing control 6centres (spot control centre, forward control centre & central control centre) their manning, items to be kept available and system of receipt and flow of information etc. 5. Facilities & Accommodation— Accommodation for Control Room, Rescue Room, Mortury, First- Aid/Medical Centre and accom- modation for various working groups and facilitics to be available to them, 6. Procedure— A procedure of tackling cach foreseeable type of emergency. 1. Facilities for Rescue & Fire Fighting— List of rescue trained persons; equipment for rescue and fire fighting available at the mine, Arca and Company level; resources available from other agencies, neighbouring other industries, Govt. agencies etc. 8. First-Aid & Medical Facilities— Availability of First-aid and Medical facilities in the company hospitals, other nearby hospitals including Emergency Wards ctc.; List of blocd donors. 9. Stores & Equipment— (i) A detailed list of equipment available, its type, capacity etc. (ii) A list of store items kept reserved for emergency. (iii) Contact addresses and telephone nos. of equipment suppliers, contractors etc. 10. Transport Services— A well defined transport control system. 11. Relief & Rehabilitation— (i) Type of relief/cash payment to the relatives of the deceased. (ii) Procedures and the systems for evacuation and rehabilitation of affected persons and their families. 12. Role & Functions of Other Agencies— Roles and functions of other agencies, their contact addresses etc. 13. Public Relations— Formation of Public Relations group, duties of Public Relations Officer ctc. 14, Security— Security posts and manning of security posts. 15. Catering & Refreshment— Arrangements to be made for the victims, rescue teams and others.Note— While preparing the DMP, it is to be considered that the DMP should be capable of being brought into operation instantancously by a responsible official; time and speed are important; the jobs assigned to the various persons should as far as practicable be similar to the jobs normally performed by them and there should be a provision of ‘res or rotation of duty. Groups constituted should be compact consisting of persons selected for their knowledge, speed and efficiency. Drawbacks in Disaster Management Experience has shown that the following factors come in the way of efficient handling of the situation created by a disaster:— (i) Poor communication system and delay in summoning concerned officials, staff and workmen. Delay in mobilising rescue teams. ii) Delay in functioning of Consultative Commitice. (iv) Delay in deciding Action Plan due to lack of knowledge of the details of the mine, true nature of emergency, breakdown of communication between surface and underground workings. (v) Lack of prior training of key personnel in dealing with the emergency resulting in confusion, misco-ordina- tion, inefficiency. (vi) Shortage of materials and equipment. (vii) Disturbed law and order situation. (viii) Sense of panic created in the employees. Spot, Forward & Central Control Centres Q.3. Explain what are Spot, Forward and Central Control Centres? Ans. Spot Control Centre This is really the Fresh Air Base to be established u.g. as near the affected area as possible. If safety does not permit establishment of Spot Control Centre u:g., it is established at surface until conditions u.g. improve, With the improvement of ventilation and after observing safety precautions, spot control centre may be advanced further to curtail distance from actual place of operation. It should be provided with adequate number of rescue trained personnel, rescue equipment, first-aid and emergency medicines, and 8devices for testing gas, temperature and humidity. This centre should be kept under the control of experienced officer conversant with tackling emergency situation. 5 It is important to have a Medical Officer at the Fresh Air Base (or Spot Control Centre). Forward Control Centre It coordinates between Central Control Centre and the: Spot Control Centre, The Manager or the Agent of the mine should normally take control of the Forward Control Centre and should guide rescue and recovery operations first by himself, and later, when the higher official of the management, representative of DGMS and the Rescue Station and Trade Union leaders arrive and take control of the Central Control Centre and start giving guidance. It should be provided with mine plan with blow up of the affected arca and telephone/walky talky and Public address system. ceurat cont care COAlMining.in This centre is utilized for receiving and assessing information regarding the situation, directing resources to forward control centre at the demand of the FCC, notifying neighbouring mines, calling assistance from other agencies, Govt. officials, Police, Ambulances, Hospitals etc. It also deals with Press, Trade Unions, family members of affected persons etc. This centre should be under the control of a nigh official like Director of the Company who will liaise with Chief Executive, DGMS, Trade Unions etc, It should be equipped with wireless/walky talky, internal and external telephones, mine maps of adjoining mines, and prominent display .containing names of main persons in the organisation and outside authorities with their names, telephone numbers and residential addresses. Note— A control room should be established also at the Company Headquarters for dealing with the press and higher authoritics and Ministry. Rescue Tracings Q.4, Indicate the items required to be shown on Rescue Tracings. Ans. Rule 18 of the Mines Rescue Rules 1985 provides that at 9every. mine having workings belowground there shall be kept more than three legible Rescue tracings of the mine. These Rescue Tracings are required to show the following: 3 — Workings of the mine upto a date not before three i Preceding months; ‘ — the system of ventilation in the mine and in Particular, the general direction of air current, every point where i the quantity of air is measured, every ait-crossing, | ventilation door, stopping, booster fan and any other Principal device for regulation and distribution of air; — fire dams, preparatory stoppings, every fire fighting ~ equipment; — every water dam with dimensions and other par- ticulars of construction; every pumping, telephone arid ambulance station; — every room used for storing inflammable material, Teserve stations; and - — every haulage and travelling roadway. Manager’s Job in First Few Hours of Emergency Q.5. (@) Explain why the first few hours in dealing with an : emergency in a mine are vital? What issues require | action by manager in the first few hours? 1 (0) What steps should be taken to make manager's job in first few hours after a disaster less difficult? Ans. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘emergency’ is an unex- pected dangerous happening requiring *immediate** attention, Em- phasis is on the word *immediate**, Whether it is a fire, explosion, i inundation, fall of roof, trapping of men or any other emergency, the ! first few hours are crucial and need very swift action-any delay would increase the magnitude of consequences of the disaster and reduce chances of rescuing the survivors. Points req ing action in first few hours | Immediately after an accident there is an atmosphere of un- verified, fragmentary, distorted, exaggerated information, confusion, ? fear, panic, gloom and low morale. In most cases a lot of vital time 10is lost before concerted rescue effort begins. The following actions need immediate attention of the manager or the principal official present at the mine:— @) | (b) = @) © 0) (s) Setting Disaster Management Plan in Motion. A rough assessment of the location, extent, consequences, cause and effects of the disaster, possibility of survivors and the type of help needed based on— (i) first hand information from survivors/sources nearest to the place of disaster; (ii) information from fan khalasi, winding engine driver etc. and observation of fan evasee, winding pits ctc.; (iii) consultation with mine officials, experienced persons, surveyors etc. with the help of rescue tracings, water danger plan, ventilation plan etc.; (iv) a quick assessment of availability of rescue materials including escape apporatus etc. Sending information to the rescue station, DGMS, higher officials and other agencies as provided in the DMP. Immediate attempt for communication with possible sur- vivors and action of possible rescue without jeopardising safety of rescuers. Here the technical issues to be considered may be: assessment of possible places where the survivors might be trapped, escape routes available to them, iden- tification of safe places, air pockets etc., identification of the routes for rescue team, the amount of risk involved, condition of mine fan, power situation etc. Other actions would be manner of limiting the consequences by reversal of ventilation, barricading, temporary coursing for regulat- ing ventilation etc. Identification and assessment of inputs required. Action for mobilising resources including key men as per the Disaster Management Plan. Preparing information for the control room to be sct up. Steps to be taken to make the manager’s job in first few hours after a disaster less difficult (a) ‘The Disaster Management Plan should be well prepared and "coalmining.i all concerned should ducated by regular mock drills so that all concerned persons play their role smoothly. (b) The DMP should detail out the actions to be taken by the manager or principal official in the first hour in the form of "DO's" and "Dont’s" according to cause and magnitude of the disaster. (©) Manager and principal officials should undergo intensive training and refresher training. (d) Plans should be accurate and kept upto date. Any changes in air routes, construction of dams, retaining walls etc. should be promptly incorporated in the plans. (c) Random visits should be made by senior officers to examine the preparedness of the mine for dealing with emergency. () Officials other than manager and other agencies should play their role leaving the manager free.to do his job. Special care has to be taken of the law and order situation and actions by Police must wait technical enquiry. Rescue of Trapped Miners Q.6. (a) Give a brief account of a few rescue operations of trapped mine workers in India. (b) What steps can help in speedy location of trapped miners? (©) What measures could be taken by the industry for early rescue of trapped miners? Ans. Rescue of trapped Miners Fires, explosions, inundations and roof falls can result in cutting off escape route from the working place, thereby trapping mine workers. Some Indian examples are given below:— Incident Description Remarks (Q) Burra Dhemo Colliery Nineteen days afier | Trapped miners were inundation inundation of the | discovered after 19 (26th Sept. 1954-28 killed) mine, eleven persons | days during which who had remained in | period they remained [Roof of a gallery in the old | anairpocketin ahigh | without food and in workings caved and the | place of the mine, | complete darkness. accumulated rain water (rainfall | were discovered and | Dewatering was 1250 inches on 25th Sept. and | rescued after | delayed duc to delay 5.58 inches on 26th Sept.) rushed | pumping of water. | in gelting pumps. in through the subsidence cracks}(2) Ratibatl Cotllery Four loaders were | Attempt to clear the (1Sth March 1969) rescued 125 hours | fall by forepoling after they were | failed. rapped inbye a four Oral communi- way junction in | cation was estab- development | lished 10 hours after workings due to fall | the accident by ‘of roof atthe junction | drilling a 19.2 m tong and flowing of | $ cm dia borchols running sand | through the pillar by (mixture of sand and | Burnside Boring water) completely | Machine, choking the junction. Oxygen and liquid food (milk, horlicks and tea in 10 [Depth from surface 20 m. em. dia cylindrical Presence of running sand was not |. ~ containers) were known in the area 0.9 m coal was supplied through a 12 left in the roof. Development was mm dia iron pipe dor: by CCMs] placed' in ‘the hole. Increased percolating water was drained off by drilling 5 cm dia boreholes. Miners were rescued by a ‘main’ (mool) diivage made through the pillar, (3) Industry Colliery 51 brs. after | The trapped miner inundation inundation, a trapped | had climbed a cog (17th Aug. 1978— 4 killed) miner was rescued | and tied himself to it after partial | with his ‘gamchha’, [1.5 m thick barrier with | dewatering. He was rescued Bhagatdih section workings on the on infiated car tubes. rise side failed and 10.2 m head water, that had accumulated against the barrier due to failure of pumps in Bhagatdih section, rushed in} (@ Mahabir Colliery 65 workers were | Contact with trapped inundation rescued ..hours afier | persons could be (13th Nov. 1989— 6 killed) they were trapped | made soon after the tug. as the outlets to | accident over the the surface (A&B) | CDS telephone. pits) were cut off due ‘An existing BH. to rise of water in the | was reumed to 20 em [say | sat ret 13ee [The development workings jof miners were directed Narain Kuri seam were inundated (through the CDS (after a blasting) by overlying telephone) to waterlogged workings of Nega assemble below this seam 24m above it] borehole. ‘The miners were rescue? one by one by a steel capsule borehole drilled. The capsule was hoisted first by a winch and later by a craac. Steps for speedy location 1, Telephonic communication should be provided in all u.g. workings at strategic places. 2. Modern techniques of Geophones and mini-transmitters should be introduced in Indian mines. Geophones are used in the U.S.A. The noise produced/signal given by trapped miners is detected by Geophones at the surface and plotted by computer to determin’ the location of trapped miners, Mini-transmitters are used in Polish mines. The electro-magnetic waves emitted by mini-transmitters fitted in caplamps are received by radio bearing receivers like remote transis- tors. 3. The miners should be trained to give signals by striking a stone, pick rod etc. against any pipeline or rail passing through the area. Measures for early rescue 1. A Disaster Management Plan should be prepared for every mine, necessary infrastructural facilities should be provided and all concerned should be trained in its effective execution. Mock rehearsals should be held at regular intervals. 2. Rescue stations should be connected to mines by radio telephones/wireless for speedy intimation of emergency. 3, Rescue stations should be provided with— (a) large diameter boring machines and capsules like 14Mahabir capsule; rescue workers should be trained in their use. diving sets for under-water operations through flooded parts of the mine by trained rescue personnel.” (b) (c) mobile winders. @) special protective clothing, gloves and fireman's boots for work in hot and humid atmosphere after a mine fire. a liquid nitrogen tankers with facility for pouring liquid nitrogen into fire areas through borcholes. © 4. A set of submersible pumps should be provided in the rescue station or kept available at a central place in the company. 5. Workers and supervisors should be educated about the network of mine workings and ventilation as also safe escape routes so that in the event of workings getting filled with smoke or noxious gascs, they do not panic and can come out safely or can withdraw to the nearest fresh air zone (Workers should also be trained in the procedure of conserving their energy and caplamp lights and conducting themselves to keep up morale of one another). Safety Features of Heavy Earth Moving Dumpers Q.7. Enumerate essential safety features of heavy earth moving dumpers. Ans. Essential safety features of heavy earth moving dumpers are listed below:— 1, Wheel brakes — asezvice brake for reducing the speed of dumper and for stopping it. : — a parking brake to be applied when the machine is parked. It is applied after machine has been brought to a stop by the service brake. Both the brakes apply automatically when the air pressure rs trapped due to flooding of part of escape * ish mine in 1982 two mine! Wn ear o reat I J in three hours by drivers who had to cover ® roadway upto roof level were rescued distance of about 25 metres)required for application of the brake is less than the standard (brake lock). 2. Blast horn” for giving warning before moving the dumper forward or backward. 3. Front lights; Rear lights for reverse movement and for viewing the field while dumping the material. 4. An Audio Visual Alarm (AVA) for giving warning of reverse movement. © 5. Emergency steering system with red light which glows when the emergency steering system is in use. It is used for preventing accident of the dumper when steering fails. 6. Emergency engine shut of (a push button) to stop the engine in case of emergency, ” 7. Side and rear view mirrors. . . . 2 For poston aan fe COAIMINING. in — a baffle plate between the turbo charger and exhaust pipe to prevent the diesel falling on hot exhaust pipe. — asbestos covering an exhaust pipe and manifold to “\prevent fire due to dripping of leakage cil on it. — portable fire extinguishers suitably located; or a provision of automatic fire detection and suppression arrangement with manual/automatic application of fire suppressant. 9. Canopy— to protect the cabin and operator from materials failing from the bucket of the loading equipment or from the fall of bucket itself, 10. Baffle plate at either side of the canopy over the cabin doors to deflect the material falling from above thereby giving a protection to the head of the operator. 11. Seat belt for the operator, 12. Key switch— which serves as a locking device for the engine and prevents unauthorised operation of the equipment. 13. Radiator fan guard, es * Two blasts horn for forward movement and th: i ree blasts f wis the Indian Standard convention, Srastens movenen___ Large size sophisticated dumpers also have a panel of lights for giving warning of defects in the various systems of the dumper. The details vary with dumper model. Management Actions for Preventing Roof & Side Falls Q.8. What actions can be taken by the mine management to prevent accidents due to roof and side falls in underground coal mines? Ans. Almost 45% of the total fatalities and 50% of those in underground coal mines are duc to falls of roof and sides. The matter was considered in the various safety conferences and actions were initiated. However, the incidence of such accidents continues to be high. The following actions can be taken to reduce such accidents:— 1. Preparation of Support Plan on the basis of RMR and support of freshly exposed roof— As provided in the amended Reg. 108 of Coal Mines Regulations 1957, the manager of every mine should prepare and enforce a Support Plan for the mine making provision, amongst others, for support of the freshly exposed roof within 9 m of the working faces. Roof strata should be classified as per the geo-mechanics classification using Rock Mass Rating (RMR) as suggested by the Pal Committee and Support Plan made accordingly. | | The support system should be such that freshly exposed roof can be supported with least possible delay and the sequence of face operations so arranged that the last row of supports is not more than 1.8 m from the face at any time. The support system should also be such that the supports are not dislodged duc to blasting. 2. Introduction of roof bolting— Roof bolting should be intro- duced in about 20% of the mines in each Area every year to reduce accidents taking place in the ‘green roof area’. Recommendations of the Pal Commitice regarding roof bolting as well as regarding uld be followed. Till full confidence monitoring of its performance sho some conventional timber props is generated in this system of support, may also be used as indicator props. p by each mining company to A task force may be sct uj t bolting in seleci/promote development of suitable drills for roof 7different types of strata. The task force may also oversce introduction of steel supports. 3. Supervision— There is no substitute for good supervision. In this overman has a vital role to play. Under Reg. 43, ang with other duties, the Overman should be given specific duties in regard to strata control. He should supervise and ensure systematic support of freshly exposed areas, should provide necessary guidance to mining sirdars, shotfirers, timber gang, dressers, etc. and timely warning to loaders engaged in depillaring faces, Quality of inspections by overmen should be improved. Quality of inspections by Under Managers and Asstt, Managers should also be improved. 4. Training— Special courses should be conducted for updating the knowledge of Overmen, Under Managers, Asstt. Managers and other executives in modern methods of roof support. Dressers, timber gang, mining sirdars, etc. should also be given taining in such supports. The skill of roof support personnel in the new technology of roof bolting and steel supports should be upgraded and they should be made conversant with the use of appropriate tools and tackles. They should be provided with illustrated written instruc- tions in local language. Visits should be organised to mines which have successfully introduced roof bolting, roof stitching, steel supports with face mechanisation. 5. Mechanisation of loading operations— The coal loading operations at the face should be mechanised by introduction of SDLs (Side Discharge Loaders), LHDs (Load Haul Dumpers) and scrappers to reduce the number of persons exposed to ‘green roof’. 6. Planning— For the desired production sufficient number of working faces should be made available so that adequate time is. available for proper dressing and support of roof and for other operations. There should be advanced planning of districts for two years and the-same should be reviewed from time to time. Permission from the Directorate of Mines Safety should be taken in due time and replacement districts should be Prepared in advance. Before starting any new district it should be checked by an officer of Internal Safety Organisation against a check-list, Production per district should be increased to reduce the total 18Fequirement of working districts thereby reducing strain on back up services, support materials, materials supply, supervision, haulages, requirement of manpower etc. 7. Activising Pit Safety Committee and Workmen Inspectors— Persons who have maximum involvement in accident prone operations should be included in Pit Safety Committee. The PSC should mect regularly after inspection of the mine and recommendations made should be promptly attended to. The role of Workmen Inspectors should be made constructive. Co-operation of the trade unions should be taken to enforce safety provisions. 8. Monitoring— There should be area and company level monitoring of infrastructure, adequacy of matcrials, scientific inves- tigations, actions on the findings of the pit safety committees and implementation of decisions of the management. Also a strata control cell should be set up in every company for scientific investigations. Restricted Earth Neutral System Q.9. (a) What points of an electrical system are required to be earthed as per the Indian Electricity Rules 1956? (b) What is ‘restricted earth neutral system’ and why is it used in all large opencast' mines today? Ans. Points to be earthed— As per the Indian Electricity Rules 1956, the following points of electrical systems have to be earthed:— (i) The neutral point of the supplying transformer. Gi) The continuous earth wire provided on top of overhead transmission lines at intervals, which also effectively earths metal supports. (iii) Frames of all electrical equipment, stationary and portable motors, bodies of transformers and other apparatus used for controlling and regulating energy. (iv) The armouring of armoured cables and the sheath and special earth electrodes of cables. (v) Conduits, casings and pipes of electrical system, (vi) Lightning arresters, shiclding wires and lightning mat. Restricted earth neutral system— The neutral of the transformer 9i} | | | secondary can be connected to carth (a) directly, when it is called “Direct neutral earthing system’ or ‘solidly grounded carthing system’, or (b) through a resistor fitted between the neutral point of the transformer and the carth point, when it is called ‘Restricted Earth Neutral System’ or ‘Resistance grounding system’. The restricted neutral earth system eliminates the following disadvantages of solidly grounded neutral system:— (a) Very high magnitude of carth fault current at the fault point and consequent risk of fire; (b) Dangerous electrical shock because of high potential between equipment casing and the earth at the time of an earth fault. Restricted earth neutral system is a must in opencast mines where equipment is operated at voltage of 3.3 or 6.6 KV and the magnitude of earth fault current could be of the order of a few thousand amperes. The grounding of system neutral through a resister limits the fault current to 50 Amperes or even less. This is the system insisted upon for mines by the Directorate of Mines Safety. Safety Audit & Vulnerable Mines Q.10. (a) What is Safety Audit? What items should be included in such audit of u.g. mines? (b) Write a short note on management of ‘Vulnerable mines’. Ans, Safety Audit of a mine is an objective and comprehensive indepth examination and evaluation of the existing situation in the mine to locate potential dangers, deficiencies in implementation of laws and causes and circumstances of Accident Proneness of the mine. One of the important functions of the Audit team is to recommend remedial measures. The subject of Safety Audit HAs once again assumed importance after New Kenda Colliery disaster (January 1994) when it was felt that there is necessity of in-depth systematic examination of all mines and committees of retired DGMS officials and CMDs were appointed for such audits. The items to be included in Safety Audit could be as follows:— 2021, . Determination of RMR and design and enforcement of Support Plan. . Lag in supports. . Stowing done properly or not. .Ventilation—any lag in ventilation stoppings; arrange- ments for reversal of ventilation. . Danger of fire. . Danger of inundation. . Isolation stoppings—shortage, leaking fire stoppings, regularly and effectiveness of inspections, . Design of sectionalisation stoppings, . Fire fighting—availability of water, availability of hydrants, availability of fire extinguishers, . Occurrence of blackdamp, occurrence of CO more than 50 ppm in district returns, - Standard of maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment, operation of clectrical protections. - Quality, quantity and regularity of supply of safety materials; shortage of gas CO, CO2 and CH4 detectors, caplamps and flame safety lamps. . Self rescuers—shortage, checking of workability. . Surface and u.g. telecommunication systems. . Shortage fo safety supervisory staff, .. Shortage of rescue trained persons. . Incidence of unsafe occurrences, . Emergency plan and mock rehearsals, . Functioning of PSC and Workmen Inspectors. . Adequacy of precision survey instruments, standard of maintenance of plans, Maintenance of statutory records and registers. Management of Vulnerable Mines Mines vulnerable to major accidents or disasters have been termed ‘Vulnerable Mines’. Such mines should be placed under the 21immediate charge of Executives of proven competence and they should be assisted by a team of competent executives. Overmen and Mining Sirdars attached to these mines should be suffi ‘iently experienced and carefully selected. They should be given appropriate training and be made accountable under the provisions of the safety legislation. Copies of important communications from the DGMS regarding safety should be given to all supervisory staff. Such communication and implemen. tation of the safety measurcs should be a standing item for discussion at every monthly meeting of the Pit Safety Committee. A high level safety committee may be constituted with senior members of the trade unions for periodic review of implementation of important safety measures. Requirement of safety items for such mines should receive special attention of the management. Random surprise checks should be conducted. Sliding of Overburden Dumps Q.11.(a) Explain the phenomenon of sliding of overburden dumps in opencast mines under the actica of water. ‘What measures should be taken for proper drainage of OB dumps in dragline mines? (b) What factors other than presence of water affect the stability of the OB dumps? Ans. Effect of water on stability of OB dumps As a result of interaction between force of gravity (disturbing force) and the internal friction (stabilising force), the material of the OB dump will at first form a slope whose angle will be somewhat greater than the angle of internal friction i.e. the angle of slope will be greater than the angle of repose. Presence of water reduces the internal friction and consequently the angle of response of the material. The angle of repose of dry sand is 32°-34" whereas the angle of repose of wet sand is low as 22°. The angle of repose of clay reduces from 37° for loose dry clay to 20-25" in wet clay. With time, the material of the dump becomes more packed squeezing out the water which scts up a hydro-dynamic pressure. Since the material in the dump is maintained in position by forces of friction 2that exceed the disturbing force by 3 to 4 per cent only, the hydro-dynamic pressure head may become large enough to destroy the condition of equilibrium and cause a slide or fall of the dump. Further, water has adverse effect on stability of the ground and it also forms surfaces of weakness which may cause a slide or fall of the dump. Actions for drainage of OB dumps in dragline mine The actions to be taken will vary from mine to mine and may include: w . Provision of garland drains to divert all surface water from the OB dumping area. . Provision of garland drains and drainage ditches to lower the ground water level and discharge afl the water that percolates through the OB dumps fiom the surface. . Where required, a system of a wells may be made for lowering the ground water level by means of deep-well pumps. . Wherever possible, providing bottom layer of hard rock overburden to permit drainage of water. . Leveling out hollows, low areas and humps and creating a natural slope for rain water to flow down to the sump rather than accumulate and get absorbed by the dump. .. Keeping the sump adequately advanced and maintain- ing proper slope for self drainage of faces/OB dumps, Other factors influencing OB dump stability Ll Characteristics of the material ie. its size, hardness, density, composition, nature etc. . Height of the OB dump. The height should be designed for the particular mine considering physical and mechanical properties of the material, method of dumping or casting and topography of the OB dump area, As height increases, slope is to be flattencd, 23coalmining.in 3. Sequence in which the material is deposited in the dump. If matcrials of different characteristics are dumped in the same dump, it will not settle and consolidate uniformly. The most unfavourable condi- tion is created when alluvium or other soft material, or clayey material is dumped at the bottom of the dump. Such material has a property for holding the water within itself for substantial period, which causes unstable condition for the dump. 4. Softness/slipperiness of the floor. 5. Vibrations caused by blasting and dynamic loading caused by playing of HEMM. 6. Slope of the floor of the OB dump. Pit floor dipping towards the seam is particularly harmful. 7. Amount of rainfall in the area. Use of Nitrogen in Fighting Fires U.G. Q.12. Write a note on use of nitrogen in dealing with fires in coal mines belowground. Ans. Use of nitrogen in dealing with mine fires is now a proven technique the world over and it has been used successfully in several cases in the recent past in our country also. Liquid nitrogen is transported from the nitrogen plant to the mine in special cryogenic tankers (vacuum insulated uansport tankers— VITT) of 5000 to 13000 Itrs capacity and nitrogen is vaporised” bya vaporiser installed at the pit-top. Nitrogen can also be produced at the mine in mobile plants. Vaporised nitrogen is conducted through the existing pipe range in the shaft and through ug. pipe lines to the affected area. Nitrogen absorbs heat from the fire area and also creates an inert atmosphere giving an opportunity for using other methods for tackling the fire. In shallow mines liquid nitrogen may be poured into the fire area through a surface borehole also. By using nitrogen, a blazing u.g. fire was extinguished and normal operations resumed in 125 days in Godavari Khan No. 9 Incline * Liquid nitrogen cannot be pumped through i i i inks prwree Pumped through m.s. pipe ranges which become brittle royof Singareni Collicrics Co, Lid. in 1986, The method was used successfully in Moonidih Colliery (a degree II mine) in Aug 93 to salvage powered support longwall face equipment worth Rs 75 crores. Use of Nitrogen also helped in controlling a conveyor roadway fire in Churcha Colliery of SECL in Oct 93. It was also used in Sijua Collicry of TISCO. Introduction of nitrogen has also been effective in containing the spread of fire which broke out on 25th Jan 1994 within 15 metres of No, 2 pit of New Kenda Colliery of ECL. The fire was sealed off in a very limited area within a short period of 21 days. Success of the method depends on speed of introduction of nitrogen. The rate of flow of: liquid nitrogen from the tanker in Moonidih was 350 to 600 Itrs/hour. A quantity of 16.5 lakh ltrs was used at a cost of about Rs 16 lakhs. Nitrogen cools only the surface of coal and it does not completely extinguish a deep seated fire for which it is to be used in conjunction with direct fire fighting or scaling methods. Purpose & Design of Isolation Stoppings Q.13.(a) What is the purpose of construction of isolation stoppings in a coal mine belowground? (b) What points should be considered in selecting the site of isolation stoppings? (c) Give details of the standard of construction of isolation stoppings? Ans. Purpose of isolation stoppings Isolation stoppings are required to be constructed in a mine: (a) To seal off an area when heating is detected (CMR 119) with a view to extinguish the fire. (b) To seal off an area where fire exists (CMR 122). (©) Around every panel under extraction, so that the arca could be sealed off expeditiously in emergency i.c. upon appearance of signs of heating, or after comple- tion of extraction to prevent breating of air into the goaf and thereby prevent heating (Preparatory stop- 25pings)’ OR to seal off goaved out areas [CMR 100(4)/118A(1)(a)) For the purpose of sectionalisation of the mine or to isolate disused workings where the removal of fallen coal is not practicable [CMR 118(A)(1)(b)], as well as to better utilise the available ventilating air in the mine and to obviate the constant efforts required to deal with coal dust problems. Selection of site coalmining.in 1, As far as practicable the site should be free from cracks, slips and other disturbances. 2. Site should be such that the stopping will not be affected by extension of falls in goaf or by crushing/spalling of the comers/sides of coal pillars containing the stoppings. For this purpose the stopping may be sited atleast 3 m away from the pillar comer on the inbye side. @ 3. Sufficient space should be available on the outbye side to enable the stopping to be— (a) reinforced, if it fails to contain the fire, or (b) converted into explosion-proof stopping, subsequently, still leaving about 3 m distance between the second stopping and the pillar corner on the outbye side. Design of construction 1 rick in lime/cement mor 2. Thickness Extraction by | With Remarks caving stowing Deg. HI | Two stoppings each | Im* | *Ifanareaonly 1 m thick and 4.5 m partly extracted apart, the & stowed is intervening space sealed off packed solid with prematurely incombustible due to heating material, or otherwise, * For details of emergency door seals and details of construction of isolation stoppings see author's ‘Fires in Coal Mines’.the stoppings shall be reinforced as in case of extraction by caving method. Deg. 1 & I Im 0.5m | In gassy seams to be reinforced as of only I in case of deg. II, if degree, 0.3 mit inflammable gas built of R.C.C. behind the stoppings exceeds 2% Brick in cement/lime mortar R.CC. 3. Depth of —in coal (One metre ‘50 em locking —in shale roofffloor 30cm 30cm in sst roofifloor 15. cm 15 em |. Plastering “The exposed face of the stopping as well as the roof, floor and sides of the gallery on outbye side, for a distance of atleast 1 m therefrom, shall be plastered with sufficient thickness of lime or cement to prevent leakage (Lime mortar is better because it does not crack on getting heated). The comers at the junction of the stopping with roof and sides should be rounded off to form an even surface for ‘ease in detection of cracks. 3. Fittings | (a) Water Scal—Where water is likely to accumulate behind the stopping. (Seal should drain the water without permitting any leakage of air or gas). (b) Test Pipe—In a few strategically Yocated stoppings including atleast one or rise side. —25 or 50 mm dia (preferably 50 mm) extending atleast 3 m inbye of the stopping and fitted with suitable sluice valve or cap for drawing samples of atmosphere in the sealed off area. —Some of the sampling pipes should be placed within 30 cm of the roof. (© Number plate (6) Signature plate {© Platform/ladder in case of high stoppings to facilitate ‘maintenance and inspection. 6. White washing | To enable fine cracks to be detected. 7. Approach roads To be kept well supported, ventilated and free from obstruction. @ Safety of | Pillars containing isolation stoppings shall not be extracted or pillars reduced. 9, Bleeding | In deg. Il or IIT mines, while sealing off disused workings, large off pipes | dia pipes (say 45 cm) with suitable valves/flanges may be provided in some of the isolation stoppings both on the intake & retum sides 4 when required.Inspection of Isolation Stoppings Q.14, By whom are isolation stoppings to be inspected and how frequently? To what points should attention be paid in such inspec- Ans. Every isolation stopping is required to be inspected bya Competent person not below the rank of an overman atleast once in every seven days. Points to be noted are— (@) Any cracks in and around the stopping. Cracks may be detected by soot marks on the plaster, or by any hissing sound, or by smoke tube method (glass tube with silica gel impregnated with titanium tetra chloride). Check should be made Particularly in corners and around pipes, rails etc. fitted in the stopping. (b) Any looseness.of plaster by striking stick against it. (©) Condition of roadway sides & supports; any signs of spalling or weighting. (@) Whether water seal, sample pipe, checkboard etc, are O.K.; whether the valves are properly closed. Any rise in temperature of the stopping; temperature of the water flowing out of the water seal; any rise in temperature and humidity outside the stopping. (f) Presence of carbon-monoxide or blackdamp at the stopping. Any obstruction in the approach road to the stopping; any accumulation of water, © ) Note: 1. Once atleast in every 30 days, the atmospheric air behind the stopping shall be drawn and analysed, 2. Inspection record should be maintained stoppingwise. 3. The Overman inspecting the stoppings should carry with him flame safety lamp, a Cage containing birds and self rescuer, and should be accompanied by one assistant, 28First-aid & Medical Centre, Types of Ambulance and Triage Q.15. Write short notes on: (a) First Aid/Medical Centre at the site of disaster (b) Type A, B and C ambulances (©) Triage. Ans. (a) First aid/medical centre at the site of disaster—Disaster Management Plan of every mine should provide for a first aid/medical centre for use in emergency. All casualties would be registered here and given first aid. Minor cases would be discharged; uncomplicated cases would be referred to nearest hospital and the complicated cases to the ‘central’ /referral hospital. The centre should have facilities for first aid and minor treatment, resuscitation, ambulance and transport. The equipment may consist of oxygen cylinders, respirators, suction apparatus, splints, local anaes- thetics, suturing and dressing sets, disposable syringes, adequate number of stretchers etc. It should also have proper telephone/wireless set for quick communication with hospitals where the cases are to be sent. The centre is to be properly manned as it is a very useful and sensitive relief centre. f (b) Type A, B and C ambulances—Ambulances are of three types. Type A ambulance is a simple ambulance for transporting patients. Type B ambulance has all first-aid and resuscitation facilities like oxygen cylinder, respirator, suction apparatus, splints, dressing and suturing sets, disposable syringes and emergency drugs so that treatment can be commenced from the accident site itself. Type C ambulance is a sophisticated ambulance having all facilities of operation theatre for life saving surgery and is accom- panied by a doctor and a nurse. Collieries should be provided with type B ambulances. (c) Triage—Triage means sorting out of casualtics or allotment of priority for treatment and evacuation of casualties. After a major accident, when a large number of injured people are brought at short interval at the first-aid centre, cases are sorted gut into the following 29categories: (a) those who must be sent to nearest hospital, (b) those who must be referred to central hospital, and (c) those who are to be given attentic.. at the spot. This process is called ‘Triage’. Off-site Emergency Q.16. What is meant by off-site emergency? Ans. An accident at the mine involving workmen is an ‘onsite’ emergency. Subsidence, ground movement, release of gases from mine fires, drying of wells and tanks etc, due to mining activity affecting the general population in a built up/populated area is an ‘offsite’ emergency. The number of offsite emergencies is gradually increasing, At such sites there is a panic, rescue operations become difficult, and law and order and relief and rehabilitation become key issues-needing tactful and humane handling of the situation, Illumination of open cast mines Q.17. What is the advantage of good illumination in open cast mines ? Briefly mention the system of lighting of opencast mines and give the functional requirements of an effcient light fitting, Ans. Good illumination in the opencast mines offers several advantages: — better safety because of better attentiveness, — higher output as equipment is Operated at optium speed. — reduced nervous strain on the operators and conse- quent better health of workmen and better work attitude. ‘The amount of money spent on illumination is paid back in a short span of time by better Production and better efficiency of Operations. Having spent thousands of crores on HEMM, a little expenditure and attention on illumination in Opencast workings will 80 a long way in improving the performance of opencast mines. 30standard ottghing COAIMINING.IN The minimum standard of lighting for the opencast mines has been laid down by the DGMS which is summarised below— sl. Location Minimum Level In which No. iMumination —HMlumination Is to (Lux) he provided. 1. Operational area of draglines and 5 Horizontal shovels 10 Vertical 2. Operational area of drills 10 Vertical « 3. Operator's cabin of shovel, 30 Horizontal dragline & drills etc. 4. Dumper haul road 05 10 3.0 Horizontal 5. OB and coal dumps 3 Horizontal Roadways & footpaths from bench 3 Horizontal to bench 7. Coal Handling Plant, Workshop and Service building As per the BIS specifications System of illumination The illumination system of mine may consist of : (a) general lighting of the quarry area and overburden and coal dumps, and haul roads. (b) local lighting of the operational areas of equipment viz. shovel Grills, dragline etc. Experience has shown that instead of providing a large number of conventional flood lights at number of points it is far more convenient and economical to have smaller number of high projection lamps fitted on high towers with reduced chances of damage by blasting, lesser need of shifting and better attention because of fewer lamps. HEMM has ofcourse to be provided with individual lights for local lighting. Haul roads can also be illuminated with high projection lamps fitted on high towers with multiple fittings, System is to be designed for cach mine according to its size and extent, level of mechanisation, life etc. Types of lamps—Lamps could be (a) incandescent lamps (commonly tungsten carbide lamps), (b) flourescent lamps, (c) high 31pressure mercury vapour (HPMY) lamps, (d) high pressure sodium vapour (HPSV) lamps and (e) halogen lamps. Whereas 240V, 250/400W HPSV lamps may be found most suitable for high projection lamp, 240V 250/400V HPSV lamp will be useful as equipment light for shovels and draglines, and 24y halogen lamps may be found useful for diesol drills, loaders and dozers etc. For cabin lights twin tube 11V flourescent lamp may be found useful. The system is to be properly designed by experts of illumination engineering and the amount spent on the expertise is well its worth. Functional requirements of light fittings The biggest problems in opencast mine are chances of damage of light fittings by blasting projectiles, damage by vibrations and necd ‘0 shift the location of the lamps every now and then, Because of jerks and vibrations the lamp fuses in 10-12 days. The functional require- ments of light fittings suitable for opencast mines may be enumerated as follows :— 1. The light fittings should be of high intensity and long reach type giving required illumination from a distance of about 100 m or So, so that they do not get damaged by blasting projectiles and the Jong towers are not required to be shifted frequently with the progress of quarry. 2. The fittings should be vibration Proof incorporating vibration isolators to cut down the shocks and vibrations because of operation of equipment and blasting. The fittings should be fitted with well Polished effcient reflectors whose Performance is not affected by ingress of dirt and moisture. Stainless steel reflectors may have long life and they are capable of being reused after Polishing, Anodised aluminium reflectors provided in the ordinary flood light get casily Corroded with ingress of moisutre which affects their performance severely, 3. The fittings should be weather and dust Proof to prevent entry of dust and moisture into the fittings. 4. The fittings should be energy efficient to keep the energy consumption to the minimum and avoid overloading of transformer and resulting voltage drop, Energy efficient lamps can be used with lower size cheaper cables, 325. They should have pilferproof bolting system to minimise chances of pilferage of costly lights and fittings. 6. The fittings should be so designed that. temperature rise inside the fitting is within the permissible limit as per the relevant IS specifications. 7. The light fitting is to be provided with toughened front glass and stainless stecl bolts. In case of high projection lamp it should be possible to change the angle and direction of the light. 8. There should be appropriate arrangement for carthing. 9. All lights of shovel etc. should not be in the same circuit so that if something goes wrong with the circuit atleast some of the lights will be on. Iumination-Definitions Q. 18. Define Brightness, Candle Power, Lumen, luminous Flux, Lux, Watt input. Ans. Brightness—The apparant brightness of the surface deter- mines the case with which it can be seen, It depends on the amount of light falling on the surface and its reflecting power. Brightuess Mlumination X Reflection factor. Candle power—Candle power is the unit of measurement of illuminating power of < source of light. A light has certain candle power means that the intensity of its light is so many times that of the standard candle. Lumen—Lumen is the unit,of measurement of total light energy (Luminous Flux) given by a source. A Lumen is the amount of light faliing on a surface 1 Sq. ft in area every point of which is ata distance of 1 foot from a light source of 1 candle power. 1 food candle = 1 fumen per sq. ft. Luminous Flux & Lux—The total quantity of light radiated by a light source per unit time is luminous flux. The unit of illumination in SI units is Lux. A Lux or candle- metre is an illumination of 1 lumen per sq.ft of plain surface 1 m from a standard candle. Watt input—Watt is a measurment of electrical energy. A 40 watt bulb means a bulb which take an clectical input of 40 Watt, Its 33