Miners proficiency in donning SCSRS.
Authors
Cole-HP; Vaught-C; Kellner-HJ Jr.; Chafin-E
Source
Paper in Tram Training Resources Applied to Mining Proceedings 1986 :149-166
Abstract
Immediately after an explosion in an underground coal mine, the local atmosphere is oxygen deficient and frequently contains 5 to 8 pct carbon monoxide. Under such toxic conditions, nearby miners have approximately 45 to 60 s to isolate their lungs from the mine atmosphere. Longer periods result in unconsciousness. Therefore, rapid and flawless donning of the oxygen-generating, self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) is imperative. Miners located at some distance from a fire or explosion may have more time to don an SCSR. However, the mine ventilation system can quickly sweep deadly levels of smoke and carbon monoxide into areas where miners are working. Miners ought to be sure that, should it become necessary to use an SCSR, they have easy access to a unit in good working order. Each person should also be aware of what to expect when breathing with the unit so there would be no doubt as to whether the SCSR were functioning correctly. Additionally, all underground workers should be proficient in donning the device because in an emergency they will have little time to get the SCSR on once the decision is made to do so.
Keywords
Respiratory-protective-equipment; Respirators; Personal-protective-equipment; Personal-protection; Self-contained-self-rescuers; Self-contained-breathing-apparatus; Mine-fires; Mine-escapes; Mine-rescue; Underground-miners; Underground-mining
Document Type
OP; Conference/Symposia Proceedings
Source Name
Paper in Tram (Training Resources Applied to Mining) Proceedings 1986. WVU 1986