Prevention and extinction of mine fires

• Pages: 59-62

CHAPTER XV

PREVENTION AND EXTINCTION OF MINE FIRES

REGULATION 51. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Mine Fires

1.

In the installation and operation of mines the necessary

precautions shall be taken for the prevention of fire.

2.

(1) Every mine employing more than a number of persons

to be specified in national laws or regulations, unless it is naturally

wet throughout and not liable to spontaneous combustion, shall

have at its disposal a fire-fighting organisation for fire prevention

and fire control.

(2) The manager shall draw up a plan and shall enforce rules

for the organisation and conduct of fire-fighting work and of fire

drills.

3.

Combustible material shall be avoided as far as possible

for stowing, or in the building of packs, and not be left in the goaf

in greater quantities than absolutely necessary.

4.

The head frame, pit-head buildings and underground

haulage rooms shall be kept reasonably clear of highly flammable

material such as grease and coal dust.

5.

In pit-head buildings and adjacent structures every pre-

caution shall be taken to obviate the risk of fire.

Spontaneous Combustion of Coal

6. In mines subject to spontaneous combustion, the manager

shall draw up, subject to any provisions required by the competent

authority, special regulations relating to the precautions to be

taken, and in particular relating to the methods of working, stowing,

supplies of adequate material for stoppings and sealings, and the

provision of water mains.

7.

Special inspections shall be carried out regularly, especially

on days following idle days, before work is resumed, with a view

to ascertaining whether there are any spontaneous fires or heatings.