Suggested rules for recovering coal mines after explosions and fires by Garforth William Edward

Author:Garforth, William Edward
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mine accidents, Coal mines and mining
Publisher: London, The Colliery guardian co., limited; New York, D. Van Nostrand co.
Published: 1910-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

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much earlier than the rest. As soon as any member of the party has used about half his supply of oxygen, the whole party must consult, or indicate by special signs, as to the advisability of returning to a place of safety. Should any man's apparatus not be working satisfactorily he must return imimediately to a place of safety accompanied by at least one other man. If the party should by this means be reduced to less than four, risk is involved, and the whole party should return.

38* The same precautions as mentioned in Rule 16 (c) as to leaving two men at the pit bottom to give signals, &c., must be strictly observed when men are using life-saving apparatus.

39. Each party should carry two or three pocket thermometers for the reasons already stated, also a light sheet iron stretcher provided with sledge nmners (these rimners have been foimd useful in passing over falls). Not only will it be found of service for carrying men, but also for transporting restoratives, food, brattice cloth, tools, &c.

40. During preliminary explorations, the party should not be away from safety for more than about one hour; this time may afterwards be extended, especially if the party is in telephonic commimication with the base of operations.

41. As soon as possible, stations or bases should be established in the pit, where the ventilation has been restored, from which extended explorations may be made, and at which the apparatus can be re-charged, thus saving the time, oxygen and chemicals which would otherwise be necessary to enable the men to return to the surface. These stations should be in telephonic communication with the pit bank.

42. Parties wearing apparatus will act chiefly as scouts advancing ahead of the ventilation to prove the existence of and to deal with fires. Their principal and foremost duty will be, however, to relieve survivors cut off from the pit by afterdamp. When certain of the roadways have been made

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passable for travelling without apparatus, the most convenient arrangement would be to divide each exploration party into men with and without the apparatus; the former would lead and inspire confidence in the latter, as they would be able to rescue them promptly should they be overcome by after^ damp, whilst, if the air is breathable but the roadway obstructed by heavy falls, the latter would help to make it passable and expedite the work of recovery.

43. Extra electric lamps should be taken by some members of the party for use in case any of the other lamps get damaged.

44. A relay of men with the apparatus all ready for finally connecting should be in attendance near the pit head, to save time in the event of a sudden call or signal from below ground for further assistance. A further niunber of men, sufficient to make up two more parties, should also be at hand ready to put on the apparatus immediately the first relay is called upon. Each of these parties would thus in their turn act as chief exploration party.

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