Danger of Explosions

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1921, Page 4

Danger of Explosions

THE NEW REGULATIONS. WELLINGTON, April 21. The amended regulations under the Coal Alines Act, gazetted to-day, make provision for adequate ventilation in Ike mines, and for precautions against coal dust and; the spontaneous combustion of coal. The regulations provide that in every mine in which permitted explosives are required to he used, sn adequate amount of ventilation shall be produced continuously during the whole time the mine is being worked, notwithstanding any temporary cessation of work at night or on Sundays, or at any other time, and that at ail other mines all mechanical ventilation appliances shall be started and continuously run to their usual running capacity for not less than two hours bolero any person enters the mine, and continuing during the whole time any person may be in the mine. The procedure for testing dust in any part of tiie mine is laid down, and it is provided that if any dispute arises as to the test which should be applied, it shall he determined by the Chief Inspector, and that representative tests shall he made b.v the management at intervals of not less than six months, and the results shall be posted at the mine-mouth or'pit-head. No dust is to he used for the purpose of complying with these regulations of a kind which may he prohibited by the .Minister of .Mines on the ground that it would he injurious to the health of persons working in the mine. This part of the regulations is not to come into force until September 30th. 1921, provided that if it is shown that it has not been practicable hv that date to obtain the ncces-

sarr plant for carrying out. the regulations, the Inspector may, subject to such conditions as ho thinks fit, allow such an extension of time as shall appear to him to be reasonably required. Precautionary regulations regarding siientnneons combustion will apply to that part of a mine in which safety lamps are required by Section 10 of the Coal Mine* Act, as amended to bo used and to any other mine where the Minister of .Mines directs that they shall apply. In view of the conditions existing in that mine they provide, inter alia, that on the appearance in any part of the mine of smoke or any other sign indicating that fire has broken out below ground, every workman other than those necessarily engaged in dealing with such emergency, shall be withdrawn from the ventilating districts affected. Before any workman is readmitted, the manager or under-viewer, accompanied by the fireman and deputy, shall examine and make a full and accurate' report of the condition of the districts. No workman shall be readmitted unless the manager or underviewer making the examination, reports tlie mine to be sale. While the fire is being dammed off, every workman in the mine, except the men engaged in the work of damming oil the fire, shall he withdrawn from the mine ami shall be re-admitted after the completion of the work. Until an examination has been made and the mine reported safe, such means as may he approved by the Minister of Mines for the purpose, shall be taken to render harmless the coal-dust in all accossable parts of the mine immediately contiguous to the seat of the fire.