Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1920-09-10
IN
METAL MINES

quate ventilation of metal mines than
OF coal mines. The latter require air
currents to remove explosive gases
and the fumes of explosives but metal
mines, In addition to the need of re-
moving fumes of explosives and occa-
sionally explosive gases, frequently
nave need of removing dusts danger
GUS to health, reduction of high tenn
peratures and high humidity, and re-
moval Of inert, but unhealthful cases."
The main features affecting metal
mine ventilation as outlined in part
by Mr.. Harrington. are:
Movement of Ar-This involves eff
fects Of air movement at various tenn
peratures, humidities. and with GER
tain gases present, and the advisable
velocity of current to use.
Temperature-The temperature of
the air In a metal mine is influenced
by the outside air temperature. under
ground rock and water temperature
oxidation of ores and timbers, mine
fires, friction of air due to velocity of
flow. movement of ground, firing of
shots, quantity of air circulating, heat
from breathing Of men and animals.
heated air from other mines, heat from
electric motors and other machinery
Humldity-The humidity Of mine air
depends on the relative humidity of
surface air, wetness Of shafts and
workings, the yelocities, quantities,
and temperatures of the air circulated.
Where small fan units are employed
to force air through galvanized iron
or canvas tubing. these also affect the
humidity through absorption or depo-
sltion of moisture.
Mine gases and dusts-The intake
air Is usually pure. except In rare In
stances where smoke or dust from sur
face works may be present The air
In the mine changes through breathing
of men and animals, burning of lights,
oxidation of ore or timber, gases issu-
Ing from strata gases from mine fires,
fumes from explosives, gases from
compressed air. gases from operation
OF machinery, dusts from drilling.
blasting, shoyeling and other work
Studied by Experts.
The writer says that the bureau OF
mues and the United States public
health service, in conjunction with the
investigation Of mine dnsts and gases
are studying effects Of temperature
and humidity on workmens health and
efficiency.
Few mines having humid hot work
ing places with no circulation have es
capped without one or more fatalities
from heart failure which Is really
heat prostration." says the writer. vet
proper air circulation would make
these mines endurable
in some mines where gases such (
nitrogen or carbon dioNide issue from
the strata, fatalities and many cases
of eassing lave occurred from made.
quate ventilation; tile remedy is force
or pressure ventilation with constant
vigilance. Many lives have been lost
as well as much property, from fires
In metal mines because no yentilatinp
equipment arranged to control the air
currents In such an emergency had
been provided.
Miners consumption probably kills
at least 1000 metal miners annually
In the United States. and causes n loss
of time aggregating millions of dol
lars; the misery and suffering to min.
ars and their families cannot be est
mated. Yet the causes Of this disease
could be reduced 75 per cent, II not
wholly eliminated by proDor nrpyentivn
measures on the part Of operator and
miner, one of the most potent mems.
ures, as previously mentioned. Is ade-
qunte ventilation"