Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Publication: Methods for Controlling Explosion Risk at Coal Mine Working Faces
Keywords: Coal mining Degasification Faces Ignitions Ventilation monitoring systems
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: September 2007
Authors: FN Kissell, JC Tien, ED Thimons
Conference Paper - September 2007
Download PDF Document (0.24 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032685
In: Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference of Safety in Mines Research Institutes, 28-29 September 2007, Beijing, China. Beijing, China: National Center for International Exchange & Cooperation on Work Safety (SAWS), 2007; :161-168
At coal mine working faces, simultaneous application of three basic elements reduces the methane explosion hazard: (1) adequate ventilation, (2) regular monitoring of gas concentrations, and (3) the elimination of ignition sources. This paper reviews the application of these elements in a manner relevant to Chinese coal mines. Adequate ventilation is provided by using the mine entries to convey air for the long distances between the mine portal and the working sections (main ventilation systems) and then using line brattice or ventilation duct (face ventilation systems) to convey air the last hundred meters to the working face where coal is broken and removed. The air quantity provided is enough to safely dilute methane and the air velocity is enough to prevent layering. Gas concentrations are regularly monitored in accordance with regulations using knowledge of the circumstances under which the highest concentrations are likely to be found. Ignition sources are eliminated by ensuring that electrical equipment does not ignite methane, that sparking from cutter picks is minimized, and that smoking by workers is strictly forbidden. Risk-reduction studies using fault-tree analysis have shown that large reductions in explosion risk only result from multiple preventive actions. For example, a ventilation upgrade or a methane monitor upgrade by itself offers risk reductions under 50 pct. A risk reduction of 90 pct. or more would typically require much more. Other studies have shown that the everyday vigilance of those working underground is as important as engineering design.
Image of publication Methods for Controlling Explosion Risk at Coal Mine Working FacesConference Paper - September 2007
Download PDF Document (0.24 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20032685
In: Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference of Safety in Mines Research Institutes, 28-29 September 2007, Beijing, China. Beijing, China: National Center for International Exchange & Cooperation on Work Safety (SAWS), 2007; :161-168
See Also
A CART Technique to Adjust Production from Longwall Coal Operations under Ventilation Constraints
Coal Mine Methane: A Review of Capture and Utilization Practices with Benefits to Mining Safety and to Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Degasification and Production of Natural Gas From an Air Shaft in the Pittsburgh Coalbed
Explosion Prevention
Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations
Historical Development of Technologies for Controlling Methane in Underground Coal Mines
Methane Control by Isolation of a Major Coal Panel - Pittsburgh Coalbed
NIOSH Research for Monitoring and Controlling Methane at U.S. Underground Coal Mining Operations
Prediction of Longwall Methane Emissions and the Associated Consequences of Increasing Longwall Face Lengths: A Case Study in the Pittsburgh Coalbed
Rotary Drilling Techniques Used in the Beckley Coalbed
Use of Surface Joint and Photolinear Data for Predicting Subsurface Coal Cleat Orientation
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue