INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE
ILO Library
SAFETY IN COAL MINES
VOLUME II
LEGISLATION
GENEVA
1955
STUDIES AND REPORTS
New Series, No. 33
PUBLISHED B Y T H E INTERNATIONAL L A B O U R OFFICE
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
Published in t h e United K i n g d o m for t h e INTERNATIONAL LABOUE OFTICE
b y Staples Press Limited, London
PRINTED B Y " IMPRIMERIES RÉUNIES " , L A U S A N N E , SWITZERLAND
CONTENTS
Pages
INTRODUCTION
1
CHAPTER I : Registration of Mines: Plans of Operation
6
CHAPTEB I I : General Provisions
1. General Safety Rules
2. Boundary Pillars
3. Procedure in Circumstances Endangering the Mine . . . .
CHAPTER I I I : Means of Access and Egress
1. General
2. Ladderways
CHAPTEB IV : Mine Plans and Surveyors
1. Mine Plans
2. Surveyors
CHAPTER V : Explosives
44
1. General
2. Transport
3. Handling and Storage
CHAPTEB VI : Shot
firing
1. General
2. TJnexploded and Partly Exploded Shots
3. Fiery and Dusty Mines
4. Airdox, Cardox, Hydrox
5. Shotfirers
CHAPTER V I I : Supports: Roof Control
CHAPTEB VIII : Haulage of Materials on Roads and Inclines
1. General
2. Locomotive Haulage : General Provisions
3. Petrol Locomotives
4. Diesel Locomotives
5. Compressed-air Locomotives
6. Trolley Locomotives
7. Battery and Cable Reel Locomotives
8. Rope and Chain Haulages
9. Conveyors
10. Inclines
CHAPTEB I X : Travel of Workers on Roads and Inclines
1. General
2. Mechanical Passenger Haulage
CHAPTER X : Winding of Materials and Men
1. General
2. Examination and Testing of Winding Plant
3. Shafts
4. Winding Engines
5. Cages
6. Suspension Gear
8
8
16
18
22
22
32
38
38
42
44
51
57
71
71
105
112
125
131
136
. . .
153
153
164
172
174
189
191
205
208
212
216
220
220
225
230
230
234
238
247
259
264
IV
SAFETY IN COAL MINES
Page
7. Ropes
A. General
B. Examination and Testing
C. Registers
8. Signalling Appliances
9. Winding Operations
10. Winding Staff
267
267
274
282
283
291
306
CHAPTER X I : Ventilation
311
1. General
2. Supervision
3. Main F a n s
4. Auxiliary Fans
5. Ventilation Doors and Brattice
6. Air Measurements and Analysis
7. Ventilation Plans and Registers
CHAPTER X I I : Precautions against Firedamp
1. General
2. Detection and Measurement of Firedamp
CHAPTER X I I I : Precautions against Goal-dust
1. General
2. Stone-dusting
311
327
327
334
337
341
344
346
346
360
369
369
371
CHAPTER X I V : Lighting
385
1. General
2. Portable Electric Lamps
3. Servicing of Lamps
CHAPTER X V : Precautions against Inrushes of Water
CHAPTER X V I : Prevention, Extinction, etc., of Mine Fires . . . .
1. General
2. Fireproof Construction
3. Fire-extinguishing Equipment
4. Storage of Flammable Materials
5. Procedure in Case of Fire
CHAPTER X V I I : Precautions against Pneumoconiosis
CHAPTER X V I I I : Shaft Sinking
1. General
2. Winding of Materials and Men
3. Shotfiring
385
397
400
404
411
411
416
419
422
425
429
439
439
442
450
CHAPTER X I X : Electricity
453
1. Authorisation Procedure
2. General Rules
3. Earthing
4. Conductors
5. Communication Systems
6. Lighting Systems
7. Fiery and Dusty Mines
8. Operation and Maintenance
9. Electrical Staff
CHAPTER X X : Machinery and Miscellaneous Plant
1. General
2. Boilers a n d Pressure Plant
CHAPTER X X I : Managing Officials
1. Qualifications and Appointment
2. Powers a n d Duties
453
455
481
483
495
499
502
512
520
525
525
528
530
530
539
CONTENTS
V
Pase
CHAPTER X X I I : Appointment, Qualifications and Duties of Various
Grades of Mineworkers
1. Medical Examination of Personnel
2. Subordinate Supervisory Officials
3. Miners
CHAPTER X X I I I : Notification and Investigation of Accidents, etc.
CHAPTER XXTV : First Aid and Rescue
1. First Aid
2. Rescue
CHAPTER XXV : Mine Safety Organisation
CHAPTER X X V I : Miscellaneous
1. Telephones
2. Carrying of Matches, Smokers' Materials, Lighters, etc.. . .
3. Protective Equipment
4. Employment of Women and Juveniles Underground. . .
5. Shaft Maintenance and Repairs
6. Precautions against Falls of Persons and Objects . . . .
7. Checking of Workers
8. Abandonment of Mines and Workings
9. Unauthorised, Sick and Intoxicated Persons
10. Solitary Employment
11. Posting Up, etc., of Regulations
12. General Registers
13. Exemptions
14. Other Rules
APPENDIX : List of Laws and Regulations
INDEX
546
546
548
561
571
576
576
582
593
597
597
599
601
603
605
606
608
609
611
613
614
615
617
618
620
637
INTRODUCTION
This second volume of Safety in Goal Mines presents, in analytical form, the most important safety provisions of the mining laws
and regulations of a number of countries. It thus complements
the first volume, which provided statistical material showing the
incidence and chief causes of underground accidents in coal mines,
together with a description of administration and inspection and
of general safety activities in nine coal-producing countries and at
the international level.
The total quantity of coal-mining safety legislation is so
enormous that it has been possible to deal here only with
a limited selection. In the first place, the selection has been
confined to Belgium, Canada, France, the Federal Republic of
Germany, the Netherlands, the Union of South Africa, the United
Kingdom and the United States. The omission of other coalproducing countries must not, of course, be taken to imply that
their safety regulations are necessarily inferior to those reproduced here : it is for purely material reasons that many of them
have not been included.
Similarly, it would have been impossible to include the entire
mining legislation of several of the countries selected : in Canada
safety in coal mines is exclusively a matter for the provinces and
in the United States largely a matter for the states. Since it was
not practicable to reproduce the safety regulations of all the coalproducing provinces and states—over 30 in number—the Office
has selected one Canadian province (Alberta) and three American
states (Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania 1 ). These territories
have been chosen as offering some of the best examples of mining
safety regulations in North America. In the United States the
mining legislation of the various states is supplemented by two
sets of federal legislation—the regulations of 1937 applying to
leased lands on the public domain, and the Federal Mine Safety
Code of 1953, in which is incorporated the Federal Coal Mine Safety
Act of 1952.2 Both these sets of regulations are dealt with in the
1
Pennsylvania has two codes of regulations, one for bituminous mines and one
for anthracite mines. Only t h e bituminous regulations are dealt with in the present
volume.
2
Provisions of t h e Act are printed in italics in the Code.
2
SAFETY I N COAL MINES
present volume. Finally, in the Federal Republic of Germany
the General Mines Act (Prussia) of 24 June 1865, which still applies
to the most important coalfields (situated in former Prussian territory), contains only general provisions ; the detailed technical provisions concerning safety are to be found in the regulations of the
divisional mining offices. As these regulations are very largely
identical, those of the Dortmund division have been used almost
exclusively.1
Even for the few territories selected it has not been possible
to reproduce in full all regulations bearing on safety in coal mines.
Some have been summarised ; others have been only briefly mentioned or omitted altogether.
As a general rule technical provisions have been reproduced
in full but it has been necessary to omit a number of voluminous
regulations relating to the design and construction of mining
equipment such as electrical equipment, locomotives and lamps.
Provisions of an administrative character, such as those relating
to the qualifications and duties of various classes of officials and
workers, have been summarised. Provisions of a purely legal
character, such as those defining legal procedure in cases of offences,
and the procedure of examining boards and law courts have usually
been omitted, as have penal provisions. Provisions defining the
circumstances and the conditions in which exemptions may be
granted in specific cases have either been omitted or summarised
according to their importance. It may be reasonably argued,
however, that the provisions omitted, while of importance from
the safety standpoint in the country concerned, are not essential
for the purposes of an international comparison of safety regulations
undertaken with the primary aim of providing all coal-producing
countries with a general review of the most advanced legislation
on underground safety in coal mines.
A few words may be added about the arrangement of the
subject-matter. An attempt has been made to classify the provisions of various regulations by subject. Accordingly, the volume
has been divided up into a number of chapters and sub-chapters
(which have been called divisions). Where the same provisions
relate to more than one chapter or division, cross-references have
been inserted.
1
The electrical regulations, however, are largely those of t h e Association of
German Electrical Engineers (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker),
and apply
uniformly throughout the Federal Republic.
INTRODUCTION
3
Texts quoted in full appear T7ithin quotation marks ; in summarised texts numbers have been inserted in parenthesis indicating
the relevant articles, sections, etc., of the legislation in question.
In both cases the texts
rule, followed by an abbreviated
reference at the right-hand margin indicating the legislative text
quoted or summarised and referring to the Appendix, where
a complete list of the laws, regulations, etc., included in this volume
will be found classified in groups corresponding to the chapter
headings.
For convenience the following abbreviations are used :
A
D
FMC
IGR
MI
MO
MR
O
R
RO
VDE
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Act.
Decree.
Federal Mine Code.
Inspector-General's Regulations.
Ministerial Instruction.
Ministerial Order.
Mines Regulations.
Order.
Regulations.
Royal Order.
Regulations of the Association of German Electrical
Engineers (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker).
CHAPTER I
REGISTRATION OF MINES : PLANS OF OPERATION
BELGIUM
All workings in a mine must be made in accordance with a general
plan of operation, which must be communicated each year to the divisional
director of the coalfield.
This programme must be communicated before 1 December of each year,
accompanied by the plans and sketches required to facilitate understanding
of it.
Any considerable alteration made in the programme must have been
previously notified to the same official ; in urgent cases this notification
must be made within eight days of the alteration (7B).
(RO 5.5.1919)
CANADA
Alberta
(1) No person may commence any mining operations or recommence
any mining operations at an abandoned mine or a mine at which rnining
operations have been discontinued for a period of more than twelve months,
unless and until a permit has been issued by the Director of Mines.
(2) Where a change of ownership takes place, the Director of Mines
and District Inspector must be forthwith notified, and all mining operations
must be discontinued after ten days from the change of ownership unless
a permit has been issued by the Director of Mines.
(3) The Director of Mines may not grant any permit unless and until
he is satisfied that proper provision has been made for the conduct of the
proposed operations in conformity with the provisions of the Act.
(4) Every applicant for a permit must submit to the Director of Mines
with his application a programme prepared by a person holding a first-class
or second-class certificate of competency or who is a registered professional
mining engineer setting out with sufficient particularity the proposed
operations for the development of the mine.
(5) I n any case where mining operations at any mine have been commenced or recommenced after the issuance of a permit under this section,
the owner, agent or manager of the mine must not depart from or go beyond
the programme of operations submitted with the application unless and
until notice of intention to do so, with particulars of the proposed departure
or extension, prepared by a person who is the holder of a first-class or
second-class certificate of competency or who is a registered professional
mining engineer, has been submitted to the Director of Mines and he has
consented in writing thereto.
(6) When any change occurs—
(a) in the name of any mine ; or
(b) in the name of the owner, agent, manager, assistant manager, or
overman of a mine ; or
(c) in the officers of any incorporated owner ; or when
(d) any working is commenced for opening a mine or seam ; or
(e) any mine is abandoned or the working thereof discontinued ; or
6
I. REGISTRATION OF MINES : PLANS OP OPERATION
(f)
the working of a mine is commenced after an abandonment or discontinuance for a period not exceeding two months ;
the owner, agent or manager of such mine must within ten days advise
the Director of Mines and the District Inspector thereof in writing (102).
(A 1945)
FRANCE
Before undertaking the regular operation of a mine, the mineowner must
communicate to the district inspector of mines, together with the necessary plans and other drawings, a statement describing the proposed method
of working. A fresh statement must be communicated for every appreciable
change made in the method of working (6).
If the district inspector of mines considers t h a t the proposed workings
may occasion some ofl the abuses or dangers referred to in Part V of the
Act of 21 April 1810 (as amended) he must communicate his observations
to the mineowner within a month. If the mineowner receives no observations within this period he may proceed with the operations.
I n the contrary case the mineowner may not begin the operations that
have formed the subject of observations on the part of the district inspector
of mines until he has informed the inspector of the measures proposed to
meet these observations. If the mineowner does not take the necessary
steps to remedy the defects notified to him the prefect, on the report of the
district inspector of mines, informs him of his objection to all or part of
the operations and these may then only be carried out on the basis of a
new scheme t o which no objections have been made.
The mineowner may appeal to the Minister against the prefect's adverse
decision (7).
If necessary, the prefect, on the proposals of the inspectors of mines,
specifies the safety pillars to be left in each seam or deposit ; these pillars
may only be holed or removed in the conditions specified by the prefect ;
the whole without prejudice t o any special provisions in the terms of the
concession (9).
v
'
(D 14.1.1909)
GERMANY
Before beginning mining operations the mineowner must notify the
mining authorities in writing a t least four weeks in advance.
The operation of the mine must conform to a plan examined and approved
by the mining authorities. Examination of the plan by mining authorities
must cover—
safety of the workings ;
safety of the life and health of the workers ;
protection of the surface in so far as concerns the safety of persons and
public traffic ;
protection against injury to public interests by the mine (67).
If unforeseen events make immediate alterations in the plan of operations
necessary, it suffices for the manager to notify them within a fortnight
to the mining authorities (69).
I n the event of offences against the regulations as regards the plan of
operations, the mining authorities are empowered to close the mine (70).
(A 24.6.1865)
NETHERLANDS
(1) As regards both activities preparatory to the working of the mine
and the working itself, nothing may be done otherwise than in conformity
with plans of operation which must be communicated in advance to the
Inspector-General of Mines in writing.
1
Part V oí the Act of 1810 deals with the supervision of mines by the Mines Administration.
KEGISTRATION OK MISTES : PLANS OF OPERATION
7
(2) Through the Minister more detailed rules may be laid down concerning the items to be included in the plans of operation.
(3) The plan of operation must be sent to the Inspector-General of
Mines before 1 December of each year and is valid from 1 J a n u a r y to
31 December inclusive of the following year ; if the Inspector-General of
Mines considers it necessary, the plan of operation must be adequately
explained or clarified by drawings (12).
Every alteration or addition to the plan of operation must be notified
in advance to the Inspector-General of Mines except in unforeseen circumstances, in which case the Inspector-General must be notified of the alteration
in writing within eight days (13).
(MR 1939)
UNITED KINGDOM
The mineowner must, within two weeks, notify the district inspector of—
(a) the beginning of operations for the purpose of opening a mine or a
seam or vein in a mine, the abandonment of a mine or a seam or vein in
a mine, the expiration of a period of two months from the day on which
a mine or a seam or vein in a mine was last worked, and the resumption of
the working of a mine or a seam or vein in a mine after abandonment ; and
(b) the beginning of operations for the purpose of driving a new shaft
or a new outlet, the abandonment of the use of a shaft or outlet, the expiration of a period of two months from the day on which a shaft or outlet
was last used, and the resumption of the use of a shaft or outlet after abandonment (139).
(A 1954)
UNITED STATES
Federal
Before regular mining operations begin, the lessee must submit t o the
district mining supervisor for approval a preliminary plan, together with
vertical sections to indicate, as far as is known, the position, dip and thickness of each coal bed. The plan must show, inter alia, the proposed entries,
airways, shafts and structures, including fans, and the proposed method of
underground development and ventilation, with a description thereof (22).
The lessee must develop and mine the coal in accordance with plans
approved in advance so far as natural conditions permit ; if radical changes
are required he must immediately submit modified plans with an explanation to the district mining supervisor for approval (23).
(R 23.12.1937)
New Mexico
Each coal mine or ruining operation must register with the state mine
inspector annually before the first of August of each year or upon start
of operations the name of the operation, post-office address, name of operator or person in charge and character of operation (501).
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
The operator or the superintendent of every mine must within
30 days thereafter, send to the inspector notices of the following occurrences :
First. When any work has commenced for the purpose of opening
a new mine.
Second, When the working of a mine is resumed after an abandonment
or a discontinuance for a period exceeding two months.
Third. When any change occurs in the name of a mine, or in the name
of the operator of a mine (8).
(A 9.6.1911, art. Ill)
CHAPTER I I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. GENERAL SAFETY RULES
BELGIUM
" 7 1 . Every worker who by insubordination or disobedience disturbs the
arrangements made by the mine management for the safety of persons and
things shall be prosecuted and punished, according to the seriousness of
the circumstances, in accordance with the provisions of the present regulations and without prejudice to any penalties to which he may be liable
under sections 418 and following of the penal code.
The arrangements made may be set out in rules to be submitted to the
Permanent Committee (Deputation permanente) * after consultation of the
mine inspectors."
(R 28.4.1884)
CANADA
Alberta
"149
Rule 5. No person shall wilfully damage or without proper authority
remove or render useless any fence, fencing, casing, lining, guides, means
of signalling, signal, cover, chain, flange, horn, brake, indicator, ladder
platform, steam gauge, water gauge, safety valve or other appliance or
thing provided a t the mine.
Rule 7. Before commencing work in or about any mine every person
shall personally attend a t the office and be registered in accordance with
the provisions of this Act.
Rule 8. Every person shall a t all times obey the lawful demands or
orders of the person under whose charge he m a y be.
Rule 9. No person occupying a position of trust shall delegate his
work to another person without the sanction of the person under whose
charge he is and n o person occupying a position of trust shall absent himself
from duty without a legitimate cause or without having previously obtained
permission from t h e person under whose charge he is.
Rule 10. Where work is carried on continuously for more than one
shift, no person having charge of other persons, machinery, signals, or
ventilating apparatus shall leave work until relieved, unless authorised
b y the person under whose charge he is.
Rule 11. No person in or about any mine shall commit an act likely
to cause danger t o the mine or to himself or to any person.
_ Rule 12. (a) Any person receiving personal injury in or about any
mine shall, if able, before leaving the mine, report the same to the manager,
overman, examiner or outside foreman.
1
A provincial executive authority.
1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES
9
(b) All accidents occurring in or about any mine must be reported in
detail by the examiner in whose district tho accident occurred, or by tho
outside foreman if the accident occurred on the surface of the mine, as soon
thereafter as practicable, and a special book shall be kept a t the mine for
that purpose in which the reports shall be entered.
Rule 13. When any person becomes aware of any contravention of
this Act, he shall as soon as possible report it to the manager, overman,
examiner or outside foreman.
Rule 15. No person without proper authority shall interfere with any
notice, timber, door, fence, air-course, brattice, stopping or other appliances,
nor shall he leave open any door which he found shut, nor shall he do anything
to interfere with the ventilation of the mine, impede the working thereof,
or damage the property of the owner.
Rule 16. No person shall enter or remain in any place in or about any
mine where he is not absolutely required by duty to be.
Rule 20. (a) All persons employed underground shall be subject
generally to the control of the manager, overman, examiner and any other
person properly appointed.
(d) Every person in charge of a working place shall—
(i) before commencing work satisfy himself that the same is in a safe
condition to work in ;
(ii) inspect his working place carefully at frequent intervals during his
shift ;
(iii) set sufficient timber to safely support the roof and sides of his working
place, and remove or renew the same when necessary and take down
all dangerous or doubtful pieces of loose material, but if he finds it
impossible to make the said place safe, he shall fence it off and at
once report it to the manager, overman or examiner and shall a t no
time leave his working place until it is made safe or fenced off.
(f) Any person in charge of a place shall see that the work is done
therein according to the directions or orders of the manager, overman or
examiner.
(g) When any person discovers any stoppage or disarrangement of
ventilation, damage to any air-crossing, cloth, door, stopping, brattice or
air pipe, or observes any obstruction in any air-course, weakness in the
roof, deficiency of timber weight or creeping of roof in any working place
or roadway, accumulation of gas or water or any other danger, he shall
immediately give notice to every person exposed to danger and t o the
manager, overman or examiner.
Rule 29. No person shall attempt to go on or across the uncovered
space of the shaft bottom except for the purpose of working in the shaft
bottom and no person shall be allowed to work in the bottom of the shaft
unless the cages are stopped."
(A 1945)
" 1 . Each owner, agent, manager, assistant manager, overman, assistant
overman, examiner, electrician and mine surveyor, shall carry out and, to
the best of his ability, enforce the provisions of all regulations, rules and
orders made under The Coal Mines Regulation Act, and every person shall
comply with the provisions of such regulations, rules and orders.
10. No person shall, unless authorised to do so by the manager, overman
or examiner, pass beyond any fence or danger signal."
(R 1945)
10
II. GENERAL PROVISIONS
FRANCE
Mines may only be operated under an act of concession which has beon
considered by t h e Council of State (5).
If the prospection or operation of a mine is liable to be prejudicial to
public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety and health of the
miners, the preservation of means of communication, etc., the necessary
steps must be taken by the prefect (50).
214 ^
Every mine m u s t keep a register and a plan showing the daily advance
of the workings and any operational circumstances that it may be useful
to record. The inspector of mines must see the register and the plan in the
course of every visit ; he must enter on them the report of his visit and his
observations on t h e operation of the mine. Whenever he considers it useful
he must enter written instructions in the register indicating the precautions
to be taken for t h e safety of men and things (6).
\JJ o.1.1813)
The prefect of each département must determine, by way of order, the
technical conditions to be satisfied in the erection and maintenance of
mining installations and equipment, and the operation of the mine as regards
public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety and health of the
miners, the preservation of means of communication, etc. These orders
are not executory until they have been approved by the Minister of Public
Works after consultation with the General Mines Council (4).
The name of t h e chief of service responsible for the technical direction
of the operations must be notified by the mineowner to the district inspector
of mines. The number of employees for the conduct and supervision of
the operations, under the authority of the manager, must correspond to
the nature and extent of the workings (5).
Before opening or re-opening a main shaft or road leading to the surface,
the mineowner m u s t notify the district inspector of mines at least one month
in advance (6).
Every person who enters a mine for whatever reason must comply with
the provisions of statutory regulations and instructions, and with any
instructions given him by the manager, engineers and officials with a view
to ensuring the safety of the mine and the health of the workers (15).
(D 14.1.1909)
"127. The work shall be so organised that—
(a) all the workers in any party understand one another, if necessary
through the intermediary of one of them ;
(b) every person in charge of a workplace or party and every worker
working alone understands his supervisor.
Further, French shall be understood by all the supervisors and by
workers employed on jobs affecting the general safety.
128. Every workplace shall be visited by a supervisor at least once
in every shift.
129. I n case of danger, the person in charge of the workplace or the
party or, failing him, the eldest worker, shall have the supervisors immediately warned ; without awaiting their arrival he shall have the danger
zone evacuated, and guard it, or have it guarded or bar the approaches
to it."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
" 1 . (I) All plant and equipment that serves to maintain the safety
of the undertaking and the safety of life and health shall be kept in a safe
and working condition.
(2) Such plant and equipment shall not be damaged, tampered with,
improperly used, removed, altered or rendered inoperative or useless.
1. GENERAL SAFETY RULES
11
2. (1) Safety devices shall be used.
(2) If for imperative technical reasons they have to be temporarily
put out of action they shall be restored to working order as soon as possible ;
in the meantime, other precautions shall be taken.
3. Anyone who notices a danger to life or limb or to the undertaking,
or damage or irregularities in plant or equipment, shall immediately warn
the persons endangered and report to the nearest available supervisory
official.
309. Workers shall only be engaged when they know sufficient German
to understand properly and repeat the oral instructions of their superiors
and fellow workers.
310. On work on the performance of which the life and health of other
persons particularly depend only such workers shall be employed as can
speak, read and write German."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"2. The provisions of the present regulations shall also apply to electrical equipment, unless the contrary results from the special provisions
for electrical equipment.
3. (1) Mine managers and master sinkers shall be bound to enforce
the rules concerning safety, health and work issued in or in virtue of the
present regulations.
(2) A similar responsibility shall rest on the supervisory staff in so far
as the manager has made them responsible for enforcing rules that have
been communicated to them.
(3) The responsibility of managers or master sinkers and supervisory
staff mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) shall be discharged when they have
given the necessary instructions, provided the necessary means, and exercised the necessary supervision to ensure compliance with the rules. I n
such circumstances everyone to whom such instructions have been given
shall be responsible for compliance with them.
(4) The workers shall be bound to comply with the rules concerning
safety, health and work given them in, or pursuant to, the present regulations.
4. (1) All rules made for special cases shall specify the time limit
within which they must be complied with.
(2) All authorisations and exemptions may be made dependent upon
conditions and may be revoked.
(3) All authorisations, exemptions, rules and other decisions issued in
virtue of the present regulations shall be communicated in writing to the
mine manager or the master sinker and shall be dated. Rules and other
decisions shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons for them.
5. Whenever the present regulations prescribe t h a t anything must be
'safe', 'suitable' or 'adequate', or that any measure must be carried out in
a 'safe', 'suitable' or 'adequate' manner, the Inspector-General of Mines
shall be empowered, after consulting the mine manager, to issue more
detailed rules in the matter.
6. (1) All books, registers, lists, rosters and plans required under the
present regulations shall be maintained in a n adequately legible manner
and be available at a place to be approved by the Inspector-General of
Mines.
(2) Unless a longer period is prescribed, they shall be kept available
for at least one year.
2
12
H . GENERAL PROVISIONS
(3) Our Minister shall be empowered to prescribe models of the documents mentioned in subsection (1).
7. All documents mentioned in section 6 and all acts mentioned in
section 4 shall, upon request, be sent at any time for inspection to the
officials of the State Mines Inspectorate and, in so far as the InspectorGeneral of Mines shall require, to the workmen's inspectors authorised to
inspect the mine.
9. The Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately notified in
writing by the mine manager or master sinker of—
(a) every appointment and dismissal of a manager or master sinker or
a member of the supervisory staff of the mine or the sinking pit ;
(b) all instructions for the personnel, as referred to in section 3, subsection (3).
10. (1) Duties and supervision on the satisfactory performance of
which the safety and health of those employed in the mine or the sinking
pit depend to a n y considerable extent shall only be performed by persons
who possess the necessary physical and mental qualities, technical knowledge and trustworthiness. The duties imposed on them shall not be more
extensive or more difficult than they can reasonably be expected to perform.
(2) In the case of evident incompetence or untrustworthiness, these
persons shall immediately be relieved of such duties or such supervision.
(3) The members of the supervisory staff shall be able to express
themselves adequately in Dutch and be able to read and understand the
provisions of the present regulations.
(4) In special circumstances the Inspector-General of Mines may
grant exemptions from the provisions of the preceding subsection.
38. The underground workings and the installations therein shall
satisfy the requirements of safe work.
39. The use of open fire in the underground workings without the
authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines shall be prohibited.
70. (1) Before beginning his work, every worker shall satisfy himself
as to the safety of his workplace and shall be given an opportunity to do
this.
(2) In the event of danger of complete or partial collapse of a workplace or other imminent danger, the work shall be immediately stopped,
the workplace evacuated if necessary, and the circumstances immediately
notified to the responsible supervisor. Where persons are in danger, the
necessary measures shall be taken to remove the danger as far as possible.
(3) The charge-hand of a party shall, when being relieved, notify the
charge-hand of the following party of any special incidents that have
occurred or have been noticed during his spell at that place and are liable
to affect safety. As far as possible these notifications shall be made on the
spot.
(4) If, after the end of the shift of one party, work is not immediately
taken over by another party, the notifications referred to in the preceding
subsection shall be made to the responsible supervisor, who shall take care
that they are communicated to the charge-hand of the next following
party.
197. Whenever two or more persons perform work as a group, one of
them, shall be appointed as charge-hand to be responsible for all measures
for the prevention of accidents."
(MR 1939)
1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES
13
SOUTH AFRICA
" 5 . ( 1 ) T h e m a n a g e r of a m i n e m a y m a k e special rules, n o t i n c o n s i s t e n t
w i t h t h i s A c t or a n y r e g u l a t i o n , for t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of order a n d discipline,
a n d t h e p r e v e n t i o n of a c c i d e n t s in a n y s u c h m i n e . T h e rules, w h e n m a d e ,
shall b e s u b m i t t e d t h r o u g h a n i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s t o t h e G o v e r n m e n t M i n i n g
E n g i n e e r , w h o shall s e n d t h e s a m e t o t h e Minister for his a p p r o v a l , a n d w h e n
a p p r o v e d b y h i m t h e y shall t a k e effect after t h e y h a v e b e e n p o s t e d u p i n a
conspicuous place a t t h e m i n e for 14 clear d a y s .
(2) T h e Minister if he considers a n y such r u l e u n r e a s o n a b l e , u n n e c e s s a r y ,
or otherwise u n d e s i r a b l e , m a y disallow it, or a t a n y t i m e r e q u i r e i t t o b e
.altered.
(3) A n y objection t o s u c h rules m a y be lodged a t t h e office of t h e inspect o r of m i n e s , a n d shall b e f o r w a r d e d b y h i m t o t h e G o v e r n m e n t M i n i n g
E n g i n e e r , w h o shall s u b m i t t h e s a m e , w i t h h i s r e m a r k s t h e r e o n , t o t h e
Minister, w h o m a y either confirm or a l t e r t h e rule r e g a r d i n g w h i c h t h e object i o n m a y h a v e b e e n lodged.
(4) All s u c h rules, w h e n a n d so long as t h e y a r e p o s t e d u p a n d a r e
legible, shall, u n t i l so disallowed a n d s a v e in so far as t h e y a r e so a l t e r e d , h a v e
t h e s a m e force a n d effect a s t h e r e g u l a t i o n s . . . . "
, _, , .„..,.
°
(A 15.4.1911)
X o m e m b e r of a g a n g m a y w o r k a t a n y place w i t h a n i n c l i n a t i o n of m o r e
t h a n 45° if t h e r e is a risk of sliding down, unless he is secured b y a lifeline
or otherwise safeguarded.
X o p e r s o n m a y e n t e r a n a c c u m u l a t i o n of w a t e r u n d e r g r o u n d unless
a d e q u a t e p r e c a u t i o n s a r e t a k e n t o ensure his safety (103).
W h e n a working place b e c o m e s d a n g e r o u s , t h e ganger m u s t r e m o v e
all persons in his c h a r g e from s u c h place, a n d m u s t m a k e it safe before
r e - a d m i t t i n g t h e m , or else fence i t off (105).
A t each shaft h e a d or c h a n g e h o u s e t h e m a n a g e r m u s t p r o v i d e a r e c o r d
b o o k in w h i c h persons m a y e n t e r a n y c o m p l a i n t s t h a t t h e y wish t o b r i n g
t o his n o t i c e . T h e b o o k m u s t be open for inspection b y t h e I n s p e c t o r of
Mines. A n y defect i n a n y a p p l i a n c e s p r o v i d e d for t h e h e a l t h o r s a f e t y of
persons w o r k i n g u n d e r g r o u n d m u s t b e recorded in t h e r e c o r d b o o k b y
a n y e m p l o y e e h a v i n g k n o w l e d g e of such defect i m m e d i a t e l y o n c o m i n g
off shift.
A n y p e r s o n a w a r e of a n y conditions prejudicial t o h e a l t h or s a f e t y m u s t
similarly record t h e m a t t e r w i t h o u t delay in t h e record b o o k .
I n a d d i t i o n , w h e r e v e r p r a c t i c a b l e , defects a n d defective c o n d i t i o n s m u s t
be r e p o r t e d v e r b a l l y t o a shift boss o r o t h e r official (143).
No p e r s o n m a y d a m a g e a n y e q u i p m e n t for t h e p r o t e c t i o n of t h e m i n e
or for t h e s a f e t y or h e a l t h of t h e w o r k m e n , or interfere w i t h a n y a r r a n g e m e n t s for s u c h p u r p o s e s (172).
X o p e r s o n m a y d e p u t e a n y o t h e r p e r s o n t o do his w o r k w i t h o u t p r o p e r
a u t h o r i s a t i o n (173).
W h e r e a n y w o r k m a n is u n a b l e t o r e a d t h e r e g u l a t i o n s , t h e p e r s o n i n
charge m u s t see t h a t h e is m a d e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h those c o n c e r n i n g h i m or
his p a r t i c u l a r o c c u p a t i o n a n d d u t i e s (178).
1
^
'
'
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
I t is t h e d u t y of t h e o w n e r of every m i n e t o m a k e such financial a n d o t h e r
provision a s m a y r e a s o n a b l y b e calculated t o secure—
(a) t h a t t h e m i n e is m a n a g e d a n d w o r k e d in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e
provisions of t h e A c t a n d r e g u l a t i o n s a n d orders m a d e u n d e r it, a n d is
so p l a n n e d a n d laid o u t as t o e n a b l e t h e s e r e q u i r e m e n t s t o b e r e a d i l y c o m
plied w i t h ; a n d
(b) t h a t all t h e provisions of t h e A c t a n d orders a n d r e g u l a t i o n s m a d e
u n d e r it, a r e d u l y complied w i t h . I n p a r t i c u l a r , h e m u s t give t o a n y p e r s o n s
14
H. GENERAL PROVISIONS
appointed by him for carrying out his responsibilities under the Act, or orders
and regulations made under it, written instructions defining the matters with
respect to which the person is charged with carrying out the owner's responsibilities (1).
A person employed a t a mine who contravenes—
(a) any transport or support rules ;
(b) any directions given to him by or on behalf of the owner or manager
of the mine, or any rule made by the manager for regulating either the
conduct of all persons employed thereat or any class of persons so employed
to which t h a t person belongs, being directions given or rules made for
securing compliance with the Act or regulations, orders and rules made
under it or securing the safety or health of persons employed at the mine,
is guilty of an offence (89).
A person employed a t a mine who negligently or wilfully does anything
likely to endanger the safety of the mine or the safety or health of persons
employed at the mine, or negligently or wilfully omits to do anything
necessary for securing the safety of the mine or the safety or health of
himself or other persons employed at the mine is guilty of an offence.
A person other t h a n a mine official who without permission removes,
alters or tampers with anything provided at the mine for the purpose of
securing the safety or health of persons employed at the mine is guilty of
a n offence (90).
The Minister may make regulations for any purpose for which regulations
may be made under the Act and for prescribing anything which by the
Act is required or authorised to be prescribed, and generally for making
provision with respect to any matter or thing with respect to which it appears
to the Minister requisite or expedient to make provision for the purpose
of preventing the occurrence of accidents at mines, securing the safety,
health or welfare of persons employed at mines, or maintaining proper
discipline amongst them, and otherwise for carrying the Act into effect (141).
(A 1954)
Workmen must examine their working place before commencing work
and before resuming work after shotfiring or after any interruption (5).
If any person notices any source of danger, he must either remedy it
or report it to a superior official ; if he is working a t the place endangered
he must cease work (7).
No person m a y without authority pass beyond any fence or danger
signal or open any locked door (9).
Every workman a t the face must try a t all times to leave a free passage
for the air current and also try to leave his workplace in a safe condition a t
the end of the shift. If he finds this impossible he must fence it off and
report as soon as possible to a supervisory official (17).
Every person passing through any door, canvas screen, etc., must carefully close it (18).
No person m a y attempt to go on or across the uncovered space of the
shaft bottom except for the purpose of working there, and no person may
be allowed to work there unless the cages are stopped (22).
No person m a y throw any stone or other missile or fight or behave
in a violent manner (28).
Every workman who receives an injury must report this as soon as
possible to an official, and, if required by the official, must immediately
go for first-aid treatment (29).
The manager must keep posted up at the pit-head a sketch plan of the
mine showing the main roads, the means of egress, and the telephone stations underground (31).
No person m a y engage any helper, drawer, or other assistant without
due permission (33).
(R 10.7.1913)
1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES
15
UNITED STATES
Federal
Where practicable the available coal in the upper beds must be worked
out before the coal in the lower beds is mined ; otherwise the workings in
the upper coal bed must be kept in advance of those in each lower bed.
The decision as to practicability rests with the mining supervisor. Where
more than one coal bed is known to exist, the lessee must not remove the
pillars in any lower bed before mining the available coal in each workable
upper bed. The mining supervisor must decide whether or not extraction
of the pillars in the lower workings will have serious results on the upper
beds.
Where mining operations are in progress in a bed t h a t lies either below
or above another bed in which mining has been or is being carried on, the
lessee must, if the room-and-pillar system is employed, superimpose pillars
in the respective beds. Modifications of this provision may be necessary
in steeply dipping beds and may be approved by the raining supervisor
where conditions make them advisable (24).
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article XII.
General Safety Conditions
3. Reporting of dangers, (a) Any employee of a mine who discovers
an unsafe condition at the mine shall immediately report such unsafe
condition to his immediate supervisor."
(FMC 1953)
New Mexico
The mine operator must at any time, upon the mine inspector's written
request, furnish any reasonable information or data desired by the mine
inspector (503).
Every mine employer must furnish such employment and such place
of employment as are reasonably safe for the employees therein, and furnish
and use safety devices and safeguards, adopt and use methods and
processes reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of
employment safe, and do every other thing reasonably necessary to
protect the life, health, safety and welfare of such employees (601).
Mine employees may not remove, displace, damage or fail to use safety
devices, safeguard notices or warnings, interfere in any way with their
use by any other person, interfere with any method or process for the
protection of any mine employee, or disobey safety orders issued by the
mine operator or the mine inspector. They must also do everything else
reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of
employees (701).
No underground coal-mine employee or other person may obstruct or
throw open any airway or open a door or regulator and not immediately
close the same ; carry matches, pipes, cigars, cigarettes, or any device
capable of producing fire except as otherwise provided in this Act ; carry
into any mine or parts of any mine any other explosive than permissible
explosive except as otherwise provided in this Act. An underground
coal-mine employee must use or provide for use only incombustible
tamping ; he may not drill or pick out or attempt to drill or pick out any
missed shots, refuse or neglect to procure his check or deposit it as provided in this Act, neglect or refuse to securely prop the roof in his working
place or to sprag the coal when necessary, or unlock any safety lamp
underground (702).
I I . GENERAL PROVISIONS
16
N o m i n e r o r o t h e r p e r s o n m a y c a r r y i n t o a m i n e i n t o x i c a t i n g liquors
o r alcoholic b e v e r a g e s or e n t e r t h e m i n e u n d e r t h e influence of i n t o x i c a t i n g
liquor ; o r d e s t r o y a n y p a r t of t h e m a c h i n e r y o r e q u i p m e n t of t h e m i n e ;
n o u n a u t h o r i s e d p e r s o n m a y e n t e r a n y p a r t of t h e m i n e against a d a n g e r
sign or t r a v e l a n y h a u l a g e w a y in a m i n e w h e r e a m a n w a y is p r o v i d e d
(703).
I n e x p e r i e n c e d m e n in u n d e r g r o u n d m i n e s m u s t a t all t i m e s be u n d e r
t h e s u p e r v i s i o n of a n experienced m i n e r or m i n e official (807).
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" R u l e 4. N o inexperienced p e r s o n shall be e m p l o y e d t o m i n e
pillars unless i n c o m p a n y w i t h one or m o r e experienced m i n e r s .
out
R u l e 5. E v e r y w o r k m a n e m p l o y e d in t h e m i n e shall e x a m i n e his
working p l a c e before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k , a n d after a n y s t o p p a g e of w o r k
d u r i n g t h e shift h e shall r e p e a t such e x a m i n a t i o n .
R u l e 7. All e m p l o y e e s shall notify t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or t h e a s s i s t a n t
mine f o r e m a n of t h e unsafe condition of a n y w o r k i n g place, h a u l i n g r o a d s ,
o r t r a v e l l i n g w a y s , or of d a m a g e t o d o o r s , b r a t t i c e s or s t o p p i n g s , or of
o b s t r u c t i o n s i n t h e air passages, w h e n said conditions a r e k n o w n t o t h e m .
R u l e 12. All p e r s o n s a r e forbidden t o m e d d l e or t a m p e r in a n y w a y
w i t h a n y electric or signal wires, or a n y e q u i p m e n t in or a b o u t t h e m i n e .
R u l e 27. N o p e r s o n shall go i n t o a n old or a b a n d o n e d p o r t i o n of
a n y m i n e , or i n t o a n y o t h e r place t h a t is n o t in a c t u a l course of w o r k i n g ,
w i t h o u t p e r m i s s i o n from t h e m i n e f o r e m a n .
R u l e 28. W o r k m e n a n d all o t h e r p e r s o n s a r e expressly f o r b i d d e n t o
c o m m i t a n y n u i s a n c e s , or t h r o w i n t o , d e p o s i t or leave coal or d i r t , s t o n e s
o r o t h e r r u b b i s h , i n t h e a i r w a y or r o a d , so as t o interfere w i t h , p o l l u t e ,
or hinder t h e air passing into and through the mine.
R u l e 3 3 . I f a n y p e r s o n shall receive a n y i n j u r y in or a b o u t t h e m i n e
a n d t h e s a m e s h a l l c o m e w i t h i n t h e k n o w l e d g e of t h e m i n e f o r e m a n , a n d
if he shall b e of t h e opinion t h a t t h e injured p e r s o n requires medical or
surgical t r e a t m e n t , h e shall see t h a t s a i d injured p e r s o n receives t r e a t ment . . . . "
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
2.
BOUNDARY
PILLARS
BELGIUM
" 7 A . A l o n g t h e b o u n d a r y of e v e r y concession a n d t o t h e full h e i g h t
of t h e d e p o s i t t h e r e shall b e r e s e r v e d a n u n w o r k e d m a s s or b o u n d a r y
pillar a t least 10 m t h i c k . I n t h e e v e n t of sub-leasing, t h e pillar shall
b e b r o u g h t t o t h e b o u n d a r y of t h e p a r t sub-leased.
T h e divisional d i r e c t o r of t h e coalfield m a y a u t h o r i s e t h e working of a
specified p a r t of t h i s pillar. T h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n t h u s given shall p r o v i d e
for t h e m e a s u r e s of p r o t e c t i o n d e e m e d necessary, a n d shall b e notified
t o t h e n e i g h b o u r i n g concession holders, w h o m a y a p p e a l against t h e a u t h o risation t o t h e M i n i s t e r h a v i n g t h e m i n e s u n d e r his a u t h o r i t y . "
(RO 5.5.1919)
2. BOTTiTOABY PILLARS
17
CANADA
Alberta
"144. (1) I t shall be obligatory on the owners of adjoining coal
properties, to leave or cause to be left, a pillar of coal in each seam of coal
worked by them, along the boundary line of any adjoining property, of
such width that, taken in connection with the pillar to be left by the
adjoining property owner, it will be a sufficient barrier to ensure the safety
of the employees in a mine on one such property in case a mine on the other
property is or may at any later date be abandoned and allowed to fill with
water, such width of pillar to be determined by the engineers of the
adjoining property owners together with the District Inspector of the
district in which the mines are situated and the surveys of the face of the
working along such pillars shall be made in duplicate and shall be in
substantial agreement. A copy of the duplicate surveys shall be certified
and filed with the owners of the adjoining properties and with the District
Inspector of the district in which the mine or property is situated."
(A 1945)
GERMANY
"10. (1) Within a distance of 20 m measured at right-angles to the
boundary line and the concession boundary, workings shall only be driven
and prospecting boreholes sunk with the approval of the District Mining
Office.
(2) As regards approval for driving workings and sinking prospecting
boreholes at mine and concession boundaries that are at the same time
boundaries of mining districts, the Divisional Mining Office shall be competent."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"15. (1) At the boundary of every mine there shall be left intact a
boundary pillar at least 10 m thick.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered to grant
exemption from the provisions of subsection (1) and also by means of a
reasoned decision to prescribe a greater thickness for the boundary pillar
in special cases.
(3) An application for an exemption referred to in the preceding subsection shall be submitted at least two months before the removal of the
part in question of the boundary pillar is begun.
(4) Without prejudice to the exemption referred to in subsection (2),
the workings of adjacent mines shall remain completely separated. No
underground connection of any kind shall be established or made possible
without the special authorisation of Our Minister."
(MR 1939)
SOUTH AFRICA
Inside the boundary lines of every coal mine continuous safety pillars
must be left standing, and their width must not be less than 50 ft. measured
perpendicularly to the boundary line.
In certain circumstances the Inspector of Mines, or the Government
Mining Engineer, may allow the pillars to be partially worked, weakened
or cut through (13).
(R 11.8.1937)
H . GENERAL PROVISIONS
18
UNITED STATES
Illinois
I n no case m a y the workings of any mine be driven nearer than 50 ft.
to the boundary line of the coal right pertaining to an abandoned mine
except for the purpose of establishing an underground communication
between contiguous mines, or except by mutual agreement in writing
between the adjoining owners (24 (a)).
(A 6.6.1911)
Pennsylvania
As a general rule the superintendent may not permit the mining of coal
in any seam the entire distance to a property boundary line, when on
the adjoining property there are mine workings in the seam within 3,000 ft.
of the boundary line, but must leave a barrier pillar, from the operation to
the property boundary line, of not less than 10 ft. plus 2 ft. for every foot
or part of a foot of thickness of the bed measured from the roof to the
floor, plus 5 ft. for each 100 ft. or part of 100 ft. of cover over the bed a t
the boundary line. The thickness may be increased if the inspector or
either of the two superintendents concerned considers it necessary (5).
(A 9.6.1911, art. Ill)
3. P R O C E D U R E I N CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE M I N E
BELGIUM
When the general safety of a mine, the solidity of the workings or the
safety and health of the workers may be imperilled for any reason, the
operator (exploitant) or his representative must notify the local authorities
and the divisional director of the coalfield, who must immediately report
to the government of the province, and propose suitable measures for
eliminating the danger (1).
After hearing t h e operator or his representative, the Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council (Deputation permanente du Conseil provincial) must, by means of an order, determine the measures to be taken.
This order does not come into force until it has been approved by the
Minister of Industry, Labour and Supply, after consultation with the Mines
Council.
In emergencies, the divisional director of the coalfield must mention
the urgency in his report, and the Permanent Committee may have its
order temporarily enforced (2).
In case of imminent danger, either underground or at the surface, the
mines inspector, a t his discretion and under his responsibility, must give
the necessary orders for removing the danger.
The Governor of the province and the District Commissioner are responsible for the execution of the inspector's orders ; they must take all steps
to see that they are carried out at once, and for this purpose the inspector
may make use of the police and the gendarmerie (4).
When a part or the whole of underground workings is in a state of dilapidation or decay such that there is or may be danger to life and limb, and
the chief inspector of the mining district does not consider it possible to
carry out suitable repairs, this official must report to the Governor of the
province, who will thereupon hear the operator or his representative.
The Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council may order the workings
to be closed and t h e necessary steps to be taken for public safety.
The Minister of Industry, Labour and Supply decides the owner's appeal
without prejudice to the provision of the last paragraph of section 2
concerning emergencies (5).
3. PROCEDURE IN CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE MINE
19
If the owner refuses or delays the execution of the works ordered under
the above provision, or under other regulations, the necessary steps must
be taken under the direction of the chief inspector of the mining district,
or his representative, and under the supervision of the mayor of the commune concerned (6).
(RO 5.5.1919)
CANADA
Alberta
" 8 . (1) In every case which is not expressly provided for in this Act,
if an inspector finds in any mine or any part thereof any matter, thing or
practice in or connected with any mine to be dangerous or so defective as
in his opinion to threaten or tend to the bodily injury of any person, he
shall forthwith give notice in writing thereof to the owner, agent or manager
of such mine and shall state in such notice the particulars in which he
considers such mine or any part thereof or any matter, thing or practice
to be dangerous or defective and require the same to be remedied ; and he
may direct the men to be withdrawn from the mine or part thereof until
the same is remedied, and unless the same is forthwith remedied he shall,
unless he is the Director of Mines, report the same to the Director of Mines.
(2) Every direction by an inspector for the withdrawal of men under
this section shall be obeyed in accordance with the inspector's written
instructions.
(3) If the owner, agent or manager of the mine objects to remedying
the matter complained of in the inspector's order or direction, he shall
within 48 hours after the receipt of such notice from the inspector, forward
his objections in writing stating the grounds thereof to the Director of
Mines, and in the event of the failure of the owner, agent or manager and
the Director of Mines to settle the matter in dispute, the same shall thereupon
be decided by arbitration."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
When the safety of the workings or of the workers may be imperilled
for any cause, the mineowner must inform the local authority, and the
inspector of mines, as soon as he is aware of the situation, must report to
the prefect and propose such measures as he thinks fit for the removal of
the danger (3).
The prefect, after hearing the mineowner or his authorised representatives, must prescribe suitable measures by way of an order, which will be
submitted to the Director-General of Mines.
In urgent cases the prefect may require his order to be provisionally
complied with (4).
If an inspector of mines, in the course of a visit of inspection, discovers
a cause of imminent danger, he must on his own responsibility make the
necessary requisitions to the local authorities so that precautions can
immediately be taken in such manner as the inspector thinks fit (5).
When a part or the whole of underground workings is in a state of
dilapidation or decay such t h a t there is or may be danger to life or limb,
and the inspector of mines does not consider it possible to carry out suitable
repairs, this official must report to the prefect, who will thereupon hear
the owner or his representatives. If the party concerned admits the danger,
the prefect must order the workings to be closed. If he contests the danger
three experts must be appointed to undertake the necessary investigations.
One is nominated by the prefect, the second by the owner and the third
is the local workmen's inspector, or failing him, is appointed by the
magistrate. The experts' report on their investigations must be submitted
to the prefect, who will forward it with his observations to the Minister.
20
n . GENERAL PROVISIONS
A decision m a y be taken by the Minister in the light of the observations
of the prefect and the report of the Director-General of Mines, subject to
the right of appeal to the Council of State. The above provisions are
without prejudice to those of section 4 concerning cases of urgency (7).
(D 3.1.1813)
When in t h e course of operations anything occurs t h a t is likely to be
prejudicial to public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety or
health of the miners, the preservation of the means of communication,
etc., the mineowner must immediately notify the inspector of mines.
The prefect, on the proposals of the inspectors of mines and after hearing
the mineowner (or without hearing him if he does not submit his observations
within the required time), orders the necessary measures to be taken.
Operations t h a t have been ordered and have not been carried out within
the time limit fixed by the prefect may be carried out ex officio by the
inspectors of mines, without prejudice to the application of Part1 X of the
Act of 21 April 1810 and section 8 of the Act of 27 April 1838 (10).
(D 14.1.1909)
GERMANY
"198. If in a mine the dangerous condition occurs in connection with
the matters referred to in section 196 2, the Divisional Mining Office shall
take suitable measures by means of an order, after consultation with the
mineowner or his representative.
199. (1) If the danger is imminent, the district inspector shall immediately, and without prior consultation with the mineowner or his
representative, take the necessary measures to eliminate the danger, but
shall a t the same time so notify the Divisional Mining Office.
(2) The Divisional Mining Office shall by an order either confirm or
annul the measures taken, but before doing so shall consult the abovementioned persons.
200. (1) Notification of the measures taken under sections 198 and
199 to the mineowner or his representative shall be effected by communicating the order of the Divisional Mining Office or the instructions of the
district inspector.
(2) Notification to the mineowner and the mine officials shall be effected
by the district inspector or on his instructions by an entry in the mine
register, which for this purpose shall be kept at every mine.
(3) I n so far as notification to the workers is necessary, this shall be
effected on instructions from the district inspector both verbally and by
posting up at the mine.
201. (1) I n the case referred to in section 199, a beginning shall be
made without delay in carrying out the measures ordered by the district
inspector without regard to subsequent confirmation or annulment by the
Divisional Mining Office.
(2) The carrying out of these measures shall not be stayed by the
entering of an appeal.
202. If the measures ordered under sections 198 and 199 are not carried
out in the prescribed time-limit by the mineowner, they shall be carried out
b y the district inspector at the mineowner's cost.
1
Part X of the Act of 21 April 1810 deals with the legal procedure in the case of offences,
and section 8 of the Act of 27 April 1838 refers to the closing of illegally operated shafts,
roads,
1 etc.
Section 196 enumerates the matters in respect of which mining is subject to the
supervision of the mining authorities ; these matters include safety of the workings and
the safety and health of the workers.
3. PROCEDURE IN CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE MINE
21
203 As soon as a dangerous condition arises in a mine in connection
with the matters referred to in section 196, the mineowner or, if he is
prevented, the mine official representing him, shall notify the district
inspector."
(A 24.6.1885)
NETHERLANDS
"170. (1) Whenever the public safety or safety in or about the mine
or a t a sinking pit is threatened in any way, or one or more persons are in
immediate danger of their lives, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be
so notified immediately.
(2) A similar notification to t h a t referred to in the preceding subsection
shall be made to the workmen's examiner authorised to inspect the mine
whenever one or more persons in the underground workings are in immediate danger of their lives.
171. (1) Whenever the public safety or safety in or about the mine
or at a sinking pit is threatened, such measures for removing the danger
shall be taken as are prescribed by the Inspector-General of Mines, after
consulting the mine manager or the master sinker.
(2) If the danger is imminent the measures prescribed by any official
of the State Mines Inspectorate shall be immediately taken. The measures
prescribed by officials subordinate to the Inspector-General of Mines shall
be immediately confirmed, altered or revoked by him."
(MR 1939)
UNITED KINGDOM
See Chapter X I I , Division 1.
UNITED STATES
Pennsylvania
See Division 1 of this chapter.
CHAPTER III
MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS
1.
GENERAL
BELGIUM
" 1 . All the -workings of every mine shall communicate with the surface
by two distinct means of egress of solid construction (shafts or roads) and
both shall be easily accessible to the persons employed in the workings.
These means of egress shall be provided with equipment that allows
the workers to travel, and as far as possible is protected against any destructive agency.
Their surface openings shall not be in the same building.
They shall be kept in a state such t h a t the health of the persons having
to travel in them cannot be imperilled.
I n all new installations the two means of egress shall be of large crosssectional area throughout and be separated by a t least 25 m of rock.
These requirements shall also apply to all work of deepening, except
the direct deepening of existing means of egress in so far as concerns the
condition relating to the 25 m of rock.
2. I n fiery mines these means of egress shall both be sunk to the lowest
depth at which workings
are in operation, in the case of mines of the first
and second categories 1 ; and to the lowest depth at which there are any
workings, in the ease of mines of the third category.
5. The engines for the transport of the workers in each of the two
exits from the same mine shall be driven from separate power supplies
unless there are effective means of ensuring the travel of workers in the
event of an accident to the power supply.
8. Competent officials specially appointed by the managers shall
satisfy themselves by means of weekly inspections t h a t the ladders are in
good condition, a n d a t least every fortnight that the appliances serving the
exits provided for in section 1 and not in constant use are in good working
order.
14. Access from the outside to shaft and road openings on the surface
that are not permanently guarded shall be effectively prevented.
15. If a shaft ceases to be used, the mine management shall so inform
the Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council a t least one month in
advance, and the Committee on the advice of the Mines Administration
shall frame the regulations that it considers suitable for the safety of persons
and things."
(RO 10.12.1910)
1
For the classification of mines as regards dangers from firedamp see Chapter XII.
1. GENERAL
23
CANADA
Alberta
"63. (1) The owner, agent or manager of a mine shall not employ
any person therein, nor permit any person to be therein for the purpose
of employment unless the following conditions respecting outlets t o the
surface are complied with, that is to say :
(a)
every seam which is for the time being worked shall have a t least
two outlets to afford proper means of egress available to the persons
employed in the seam ;
(b) such outlets shall not a t any point be nearer to one another than 100 ft.
and there shall be between such outlets a communication road not less
than 5 ft. wide and 5 ft. high, and every airway and travelling road
shall be of the size herein specified unless exempted in writing by the
District Inspector ;
(c) proper apparatus or ladders for the descent and ascent of persons a t
such outlets shall be kept on the works belonging to the mine and
such apparatus or ladders shall be in good repair and constantly
available for use ;
(d) every part of a mine in which ten or more persons are employed
at the same time shall be provided with at least two ways affording
proper egress to the surface ; but this provision shall not apply
when the same is exempt by written order of the Director of Mines ;
(e) in any shaft or slope where the same is liable to freeze, adequate
precautions shall be taken to keep the same clear of ice a t all times.
65. (1) The foregoing provisions of this Act with respect to outlets
shall not apply to—
(a) a new mine or seam being opened ;
(b) any working for the purpose of making a communication between
two or more outlets ;
(c) any working for the purpose of searching for or proving minerals ;
(d) any proved mine which is exempt by order of the Minister on the
ground either—
(i) that the quantity of coal or other mineral proved is not sufficient
to repay the outlay which would be occasioned by sinking or making a second outlet, or by establishing communication with a second
outlet in any case where such communication existed and has
become unavailable ; or
(ii) that the workings of any seam of the mine have reached the boundary
of the property or the extremity of the mineral field of which that
seam is a part, and t h a t it is expedient to work away the pillars
already formed in course of ordinary working notwithstanding
that one of the outlets may be cut off by so working away the
pillars of the same ;
(e)
any mine, while an outlet is being made therefrom, or where one of
the outlets thereof has become, by reason of some accident, unavailable
for the use of the persons employed in the mine, so long as the mine
is exempt by order of the Minister.
(2) The provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of subsection
(1) shall only apply so long as not more than 20 persons are employed
below ground at any one time in the whole of the different seams in connection with a single outlet."
(A 1945)
24
IH. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS
FRANCE
"56. Except during the preparatory period, no work shall be done in
a mine unless it has at least two means of communication with the surface
by which the workers employed a t the various workplaces can travel a t
all times.
The surface entrances to these means of communication shall be at
least 30 m apart, and shall not be in the same building.
58. (1) The entrances, both on the surface and underground, to shafts
and roadways having a dangerous gradient, and the places where other
roadways lead into such workings, shall be protected by an effective enclosure
when they are not in use.
I n the case of roadways not having a dangerous gradient, the surface
entrances, if they are neither in use nor attended, shall, unless an exemption
is granted by the local inspection authority, be closed by a door which,
while it can be freely opened from the inside, can only be opened from the
outside by means of a key.
(2) The entrances both on the surface and underground of shafts
and roadways having a dangerous gradient and the places where other
roadways lead into such workings shall, while they are in use, be provided
with barriers so arranged as to prevent the fall of men and material.
(3) I n every shaft equipped with guided cages the landings in use
shall be provided with devices such that the closing of the barriers is ensured
automatically or b y interlocking whenever the cage is not at the landing.
Nevertheless, if a landing is only little used, automatic closing or closing
by interlocking shall not be compulsory, provided t h a t the barriers are
padlocked and are operated exclusively by a workman personally appointed
for this purpose, which workman shall ordinarily keep them closed and
shall be permanently stationed at the landing throughout the hours of
work.
These provisions shall apply to underground balances and hoists, except
balance cages.
59. (1) Workers engaged in operations between the barriers and the
shaft, or at the edge of a shaft from which the barriers have been temporarily
removed, shall be provided with safety belts furnished b y the operator.
(2) In shafts without guides every landing both on the surface and
underground shall be equipped with a strongly secured metal bar which
can serve to support the onsetter or banksman during the operations.
(3) All the landings, including the surface landings if necessary, shall
be well illuminated by fixed lighting even if little use is made of them."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
" 6 . (1) From all workplaces underground (except for the duration
of shaft sinking a n d the necessary development operations) there shall be
accessible a t all times two separate travellable means of egress to the surface.
(2) These means of egress shall be provided with transport equipment
that is suitable for the conveyance of persons and is constantly maintained
in working order. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Mining
Office.
7. On every level in operation, at all intersections of the main roads,
there shall be indications of the roads to, and the level and direction of, the
usual exit shaft and the emergency exits."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
1. GBÍÍEBAL
25
NKIHERLANDS
"37. (1) The underground workings shall be connected with the surface
by at least two shafts.
(2) These shafts shall throughout be at least 30 m distant from each
other and equipped for the transport of persons in such manner t h a t the
downcast shaft from the lowest loading level upwards shall be equipped
for the transport of persons from all levels. Suitable precautions shall be
taken to ensure that all persons in the underground workings are able, in
the case of interruption of traffic in one shaft, to reach the surface safely
a t all times through the other.
(3) Our Minister may grant exemptions from the provisions of subsection (1).
(4) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant partial or complete
exemption from the provisions of subsection (2).
44. (1) The compartment containing the ladders shall be separated from
other compartments in an adequate manner.
(2) The openings that give access to the compartments shall be adequately protected.
(3) I t shall be prohibited to render inoperative the protective devices
referred to in the preceding subsection.
(4) I t shall be prohibited so to deposit materials or other objects near
the mouths of shafts, staple pits and raises that danger can arise.
59. (1) In default of an exemption granted by the Inspector-General
of Mines, it shall be prohibited to begin mining operations at a new level
before at least two connections that lead to another level and can be reached
from all workplaces have been established.
60. (1) The underground workings shall be so installed and the work
so performed that it is possible for the workers a t all times to leave the
workplaces immediately and reach the main roads safely.
(2) At crossings of main stone drifts, district stone drifts and bottom
roads suitable signposts shall be installed.
(3) The numbers of the staple pits and raises shall be indicated in an
adequately clear manner at the shaft insets concerned."
SOUTH AFRICA
"46. (1) In connection with every mine, except as provided for in
regulation No. 48, there shall be a t least two shafts or outlets to the surface
such that every person employed in such mine shall have at least two
separate means of ingress and egress available to him ; provided t h a t it
shall not be necessary for such shafts or outlets to be situated in the same
mine.
(2) Such shafts or outlets must not lead to the surface in one and the
same shaft-shed, and must not a t any point be nearer to one another t h a n
30 ft.
(3) Every communication with such shafts or outlets for the purposes
of this regulation shall be not less than 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. high.
(4) Every main travelling road made after 1 October 1930 shall be
maintained a t a height of at least 6 ft., unless exempted by the Inspector
of Mines.
47. (1) I n any case in which the two outlets or part of them do not
belong to the same mine, the managers of the respective mines shall be
responsible for the outlet or part of it in their several mines being kept in
26
HI. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGKESS
proper repair, and if any obstruction arise in any such outlet, or anything
occur in the mine to jeopardise the safety of the outlet, the same shall be
immediately reported to the manager or managers of the other mine or
mines. If either of the two outlets or part of them be situated in an abandoned
mine or mines, the manager or managers of the working mine or mines
shall be jointly and severally responsible for the proper maintenance and
repair of such outlet or outlets.
(2) Proper arrangements to enable workmen to descend and to ascend
from the mine shall be provided a t each such shaft or outlet, and kept
constantly available for use, and shall be examined and reported upon a t
least once a week by a competent person.
48. [Exemptions from the provision of regulation No. 46 (1) as regards
small mines, shaft sinking, etc., and procedure for granting exemptions.]"
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
As a general rule no persons may be employed underground in a coal
mine unless there are available, affording them alternative and ready
means of ingress and egress, two shafts or outlets which are at no point separate from each other by less than 45 ft. (22).
As a general rule, so long as in a coal mine more than one shaft or outlet
is available for ingress or egress to any persons employed below ground,
there must be provided and maintained between each entrance on each
shaft or outlet, and some point or points on another shaft or outlet, a communication following a reasonably short and reasonably convenient route.
Subject to certain exceptions, the height of every such communication
provided must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be maintained throughout
at not less t h a n 5 ft. and the width a t not less than 4 ft. (23).
As a general rule not more than nine persons may be employed at any
time below ground in a coal mine in a place from which there are not two
ways, each of which leads to a different shaft or outlet, is entirely separate
from the other, is traversable with safety and reasonable convenience, and
has clearly marked on it the shaft or outlet to which it leads at each junction
with another way, and is of a height or width, or both, not less than may be
prescribed. Further, not more than nine persons in the aggregate may be
employed in two or more such places if from none of them there is egress to
the surface otherwise than by traversing a common junction (24).
As a general rule it is unlawful for a number of persons greater than
the permitted number to be employed a t any time in a shaft or outlet,
including insets, a t a coal mine.
The permitted number is 20 or such greater number as an inspector
may determine (25).
If an inspector is of opinion, with respect to a working face at a coal
mine, that in the interests of safety it is necessary or expedient to provide
thereat a greater number of ways out therefrom, he may require the manager
to provide such additional roads as he may specify (27).
For every shaft and unwalkable outlet provided at a coal mine for
purposes of ingress and egress, there must be provided apparatus for carrying
persons between the top of the shaft or outlet and the entrances therefrom
to the workings and between those entrances themselves. Such apparatus
must comply with such requirements as the Minister may impose for securing
the safety of persons, must be properly maintained, and when not in use
must be kept constantly available for use (28).
Regulations m a y impose upon owners of mines such requirements with
respect to the provision and maintenance of the prescribed machinery and
apparatus for the purpose of their being available for use in the event of
failure of apparatus for carrying persons through shafts or outlets as may
appear to the Minister requisite or expedient for securing the safety of
such persons (29).
1 . GENERAL
27
UNITED STATES
Federal
(See also Chapter XI.)
" 3 1 . (a) In every mine the lessee shall provide an escapeway or second
means of egress to the surface, which, if a drift, slope, or tunnel exit, shall
be separated at the surface from the first exit by not less t h a n 50 ft. of
rock or coal in place ; if either is a shaft or both are shafts, the exits shall
be not less than 200 ft. apart.
( b) During the course of development of a shaft mine not more t h a n
ten men shall be employed underground on any shift until connections are
made to the second exit.
(c) If the escapeway is a slope and more than 25° from the horizontal,
steps or a stairway shall be provided. If the floor is slippery or wet, steps
may be required where the dip is less than 25°.
32. (a) In every shaft mine, unless escape is available by drift, tunnel,
or slope, one shaft shall be equipped with hoist and cage suitable for hoisting
or lowering men : Provided that if less than ten men are employed underground and the shafts are less than 50 ft. in depth, a well-maintained ladder
in each shaft will suffice as a means of entering and leaving the mine.
(b) Where the main shaft and escape shaft are less than 300 ft. in
depth, one shall be equipped for the hoisting and lowering of men and t h e
other shall be equipped with a substantial stairway of approved design.
The pitch of the flights shall not exceed 45°, the flights shall have suitable
landings at each turn, and the hand rails and stairs shall be maintained
in good order.
(c) The escape shaft and main shaft, if more than 300 ft. in depth, shall
each be provided with an adequate hoist and cage suitable for hoisting and
lowering men, an efficient signalling system, and a qualified hoistman who
shall be available on appropriate signal. The hoisting equipment and
cages in each of the two shafts shall have sufficient capacity, independently
of each other, to hoist out of the mine all persons on any shift in 30 minutes
and with due regard to safety."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article XI.
Miscellaneous
4. Mine openings and escapeways. (a) Every underground mine shall
have at least two separate surface openings except as provided for in subsections 4 (e) and 4 (f) of this section.
(b) The distance between shafts a t any mine opened after the effective
date of this Code shall be not less than 150 ft., and the distance between
drift or slope openings a t such mine shall be not less than 50 ft.
(c) New shafts and partitions therein, made after the effective date of
this Code, shall be fireproof ; provided, however, t h a t buntons and guides
may be of wood.
(d) Mine openings shall have adequate protection against surface fires,
fumes, smoke, and water from floods entering the mine.
(e) Not more than 20 persons shall be allowed a t any one time in any
mine until a connection has been made between the two mine openings, and
such work shall be prosecuted with reasonable diligence.
(j) When only one main opening is availablo, owing to final mining of
pillars, not more than 20 persons shall be allowed in such mine at any one
time ; provided, however, t h a t the distance between the mine opening and
workings shall not exceed 500 ft.
3
28
m . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGBESS
(g) There shall be at least two separate and distinct travellable passageways to be designated as escapeways from each working section to the surface
of every mine. Such escapeways, one of which may be the haulageway, shall
comply with the following provisions—
( 1) they shall be kept in safe condition for travel and reasonably free from
falls, standing water, and other obstructions to the extent that men
can escape quickly in an emergency ;
(2) one of such escapeways shall be ventilated with intake air.
(h) Where the designated escapeways are shafts—
( 1) they shall be equipped with hoist and cage or with travellable stairway
or ladders maintained in good repair and in safe condition. . . .
(j) Direction signs shall be posted conspicuously at all points of intersections with other passageways to indicate manways and designated
escapeways."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
" 9 . (a) F o r every coal mine in this state, whether worked by shaft,
slope or drift, there shall be provided and maintained, in addition to the
hoisting shaft or other place of delivery, an escapement shaft or opening
t o the surface, or an underground communicating passageway with a contiguous mine, so t h a t there shall be at least two distinct and available means
of egress to all persons employed in such coal mines.
(b) In mines sunk after the passage of this Act, the first escapement
shaft shall be separated from the main shaft by such extent of natural
strata as may be agreed upon by the inspector of the district and the owner
of the property, but the distance between the main shaft and the escapement
shaft shall not be less than 500 ft. nor more than 2,000 ft. : Provided that
in mines employing ten men or less the distance between the hoisting shaft
and the escapement shaft shall not be less than 250 ft.
(c) I t shall be unlawful to employ underground, at any one time, more
men than in the judgment of the inspector are necessary to complete speedily
the connections with the escapement shaft or adjacent mine ; and said
number must n o t exceed ten men at any one time for any purpose in said
mine until such escapement or connection is completed.
(d)
If any escapement shaft, a t the time of the passage of this Act, be
equipped with a cage for hoisting men, such shaft, cage and all equipment
used in connection therewith must conform to the requirements of this Act
in reference to the hoisting and lowering of men.
Where an escapement way is connected to a compartment in which coal
is hoisted in such manner t h a t men using the escapement way are endangered
by falling coal or by themselves falling into such hoisting compartment,
t h e state mine inspector shall have power to order suitable protection against
such dangers.
(e) Such escapement shaft or opening or communication with a contiguous mine as aforesaid, shall be constructed in connection with every seam
of coal worked in such mine, and all passageways communicating with the
escapement shaft or place of exit, from the main hauling ways to said place
of exit, shall be maintained free of obstruction a t least 5 ft. high and 5 ft.
wide. Such passageways must be so graded and drained that it will be
impossible for water to accumulate in any depression or dip of the same
in quantities sufficient to obstruct the free and safe passage of men. No
passageway to an escapement shaft shall pass through a stable. At all
points where t h e passageway to the escapement shaft or other place of
exit is intersected by other roadways or entries, conspicuous signboards
shall be placed indicating the direction it is necessary to take in order to
1. GENERAI
29
reach such place of exit. New shafts and partitions therein... shall be
fireproof. Buntons and guides may be of wood.
Mine openings at isolated locations, where there is danger of fire entering
the mine, shall have adequate protection against surface fires entering the
mine.
There shall be a t least two travellable passageways, t o be designated
as escapeways, from each working section to the surface whether the mine
openings are shafts, slopes, or drifts. They shall be kept in safe condition
for travel and reasonably free from standing water and other obstructions.
One of the designated escapeways may be the haulage road : Provided,
however, that one of the escapeways shall be ventilated with intake air.
At mines now operating with only one free passageway to the surface,
immediate action shall be taken to provide a second passageway.
If a designated escapeway is a slope of not less than 20° nor more
than 45°, it shall be equipped with a stairway or adequate walkway with
cleats. If the slope is more than 45°, stairways shall be installed.
All shafts by which men enter or leave the mine and the passageways
leading thereto shall be carefully examined throughout at least once each
week that the mine is operating and the date and findings of such an
examination entered promptly in the books kept at the mine for that
purpose. A daily visit to the bottom of all such escapement shafts shall
be made by the mine examiner, and if obstructions to the free passage of
men are found, their location and nature shall be stated in such report.
Such obstructions shall be promptly removed.
(f) When operators of adjacent mines have, by agreement, established
underground communications between said mines as an escapement outlet
for the men employed in both, the intervening doors shall remain unlocked
and ready at all times for immediate use.
When such communication has once been established between contiguous
mines, the operator of either shall not close the same without the consent
of the operator of the contiguous mine and of the state inspector of the
district : Provided that when either operator desires to abandon mining
operations the expense and duty of maintaining such communication shall
devolve upon the party continuing the operations and using the same."
(A 0.8.1911)
Kew Mexico
"901. Every underground coal mine shall have two or more ways of
escape to the surface so arranged and equipped that men can escape quickly.
In coal mines hereafter opened such ways of escape shall be spaced by at
least 50 ft. of ground unbroken, save by crosscuts, throughout their length
in drifts or slopes and by at least 200 ft. in shafts so that damage
to one from any source shall not thereby lessen the effectiveness of tne
other as a means of escape. If escapement is wholly from shafts over 300 ft.
in depth (vertical or inclined from the vertical more than 35°) and the mine
employs more than ten men underground on any one shift, in addition to
the regular man-hoisting equipment in one shaft there must be emergency
equipment in at least one other shaft for the handling of men. If such
shafts are less than 300 ft. in vertical depth the second shaft serving as an
escapeway may be provided only with a substantial stairway with landings
or platforms not over 30 ft. apart measured vertically : Provided t h a t a
ladderway may be used in lieu of a stairway if the restricted size of the
shaft does not afford sufficient place for a stairway.
902. Not more than ten men shall be employed in any part of a mine
on any one shift until a second way of escape has been provided from that
part of the mine."
(A 16.3.1033)
Pennsylvania
" 1 . I t shall not be lawful for the operator, superintendent or mine
foreman of any mine to employ any person to work therein, unless there
are at least two openings or outlets to the surface from every seam of coal
30
i n . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS
actually being worked, and available from every entry thereof, which
openings or outlets shall have distinct means of ingress and egress available
a t all times for the use of the employees. The distance between two shafts
shall not be less than 200 ft., and the distance between the openings to the
surface of slopes shall not be less than 150 ft., and the distance between
drifts shall not be less than 50 ft. : Provided that the distances between
said openings shall apply only to mines opened after the passage of this
Act : And provided further, that the distances specified may be less with
the written consent of the inspector. The passageways between said two
shafts shall a t all times be maintained in safe and available condition for
the employees to travel therein, and the pillars in entries between said shafts
shall not be removed without the consent of the inspector, in writing, to
the superintendent.
The foregoing requirements shall not apply to the openings of a new
mine, nor to the openings of a new entry of a mine that is being worked for
the purpose of making connection between said two outlets, as long as not
more than 20 persons are employed a t any one time in making the connection or driving the second opening ; nor shall said requirements apply to
any mine in which the second opening has been rendered unavailable by
reason of the final robbing or removing of pillars, as long as not more than
20 persons are employed therein a t any one time.
2. The cage or cages or other safe means of egress shall be available a t
all times for the persons employed in any mine t h a t has no second outlet
available.
3. There shall be around the side, at the bottom, of every hoisting
shaft (and similarly around the side of such shaft at any intermediate
point where it intersects any entry) a passageway, not less than 5 ft. high
and 3 ft. wide in the clear, which passageway shall be either cut through
the solid strata or constructed of masonry, and shall be kept open at all
times, so as to enable persons to pass around said shaft in going from one
side thereof to t h e other.
4. Every mine generating explosive gas in quantities sufficient to be
detected by an approved safety lamp, opened after the passage of this Act,
shall have at least four main entries, two of which shall lead from the main
opening and two from the second opening into the body of the mine: Provided
that every new gaseous mine, where approved lamps are used exclusively,
projected to open up a large acreage with main entries 5,000 ft. or more
in length, shall have at least five main entries, two of which shall lead
from the main opening and two from the second opening, into the body
of the mine, and the fifth (which may be connected with an opening to the
surface or with t h e intake airway a t or near the main intake opening) shall
be used exclusively as a travelling way for the employees.
Every non-gaseous mine opened after the passage of this Act shall have
a t least two main entries, one of which shall lead from the main opening
and one from the second opening, into the body of the mine : Provided t h a t
in every new non-gaseous mine, projected to open up a large acreage with
main entries 5,000 ft. or more in length, the operator shall either haul the
employees into a n d out of the mine a t the beginning and end of each shift,
or provide at least three main entries, one of which shall lead from the main
opening and one from the second opening, into the body of the mine, and
one (which may be connected with an opening to the surface or with the
intake airway a t or near the main intake opening) shall be used exclusively
as a travelling way for the employees.
Should any mine opened as a non-gaseous mine become a gaseous mine,
and in every gaseous mine opened prior to the passage of this Act, where
approved safety lamps are used exclusively, having less than five main
entries that have reached 5,000 ft. or more in length and are to be extended
2,000 ft. or more, the superintendent shall have a new opening of ample
dimensions made from the surface, if the inspector of the district and two
additional inspectors appointed by the Secretary of the Department of
Mines deem such additional opening necessary for the proper ventilation
1. GENERAL
31
of the mine or the safety of the miners. The main entries and the travelling way shall be extended from this opening t o the face of the workings :
Provided, however, should the inspector of the district be of the opinion
that any mine is in need of an additional opening from the surface into
the interior of the mine for the proper ventilation thereof or the safety of
those employed therein, regardless of the number or length of main entries
from the main opening of the mine, he shall so notify the Secretary of Mines,
who shall appoint forthwith a committee of not less than five inspectors,
including the inspector of the district, to immediately investigate and
consider the alleged conditions making an additional opening necessary.
[Procedure for appealing against decision of committee of inspectors.]
The intake and return entries shall be kept drained, and free from refuse
and obstructions of all kinds, so that persons may safely travel therein
throughout their whole length and have a safe means of egress from workings
in case of emergency. Said entries shall be separated by pillars of coal of
sufficient strength and shall not be driven more than 200 ft. beyond the
last cut-through, except for exploratory purposes.
When the main entry of a non-gaseous mine, or both main entries of a
gaseous mine, used for intake for air, are also used for mechanical haulage,
a separate travelling way, leading into the body of the mine, shall be provided for the use of the employees in going to and from their work, or the
employees shall be hauled into and out of the mine at the beginning and
end of each shift.
I n all mines where the coal seam is less than 3 % ft- i n height, such
travelling way shall be at least 4 % ft. in height ; in all mines where the
coal seam is 4 ft. in height, such travelling way shall be a t least 5 ft. in
height ; and the width shall not be less than 6 ft. All such travelling
ways shall be well drained, kept free from refuse of all kinds, and free from
smoke, noxious gases, and electric wires, unless said wires are so placed and
protected as not to endanger life and are kept in safe condition.
5. I n every slope with workings on both sides, an overcast or an undercast, not less than 6 ft. wide and 5 ft. high, shall be provided as a passageway
for the use of employees to cross from one side of the slope to the other.
Said overcast or undereast shall connect with available passageways leading
to the workings on both sides of said slope. The intervening strata between
the slope and the overcast or undereast shall be of sufficient strength a t all
points to ensure safety to the employees : Provided, however, t h a t if it is
impracticable to drive an overcast or an undereast in the solid, an overcast
or an undereast, if substantially built with masonry or other incombustible
material, will be deemed sufficient.
7. After the passage of this Act, when a mine is operated by a shaft
more than 100 ft. in depth, the persons employed therein shall be lowered
and hoisted by means of machinery, unless the second opening is a drift or
a slope. When the employees are lowered into or hoisted from the mine at
the main shaft opening, the second opening, if a shaft, shall also be supplied
with a stairway,
constructed in the manner hereinbefore designated in
section 6 1 of this article, or with suitable machinery for safely lowering and
hoisting persons in case of an emergency.
8. At any mine where one of the openings hereinbefore required is a
slope, and is used as a means of ingress and egress by the employees, and
where the angle of descent of said slope exceeds 15°, and its length from
the mouth of the opening exceeds 1,000 ft., the employees shall be lowered
into and hoisted from the mine, a t the beginning and end of each shift, a t a
speed not to exceed six miles per hour ; and a t every such mine where the
angle of descent of said slope averages from 5° to 15°, and where its length
1
See Division 2 of this chapter.
32
IH. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGBESS
exceeds 3,000 ft., the employees shall be lowered into and hoisted from the
mine, a t the beginning and end of each shift, at a speed not to exceed six
miles per hour : Provided, however, t h a t when a separate travelling way
is provided a t a n y such slope, the owner or operator may, a t his, their or
its option, be exempt from the requirements of this section, if the angle of
said travelling way does not exceed 20°."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VI)
2.
LADDERWAYS
BELGIUM
" 6 . From t h e commencement of operations ladders shall be installed
in all new shafts, including staples, used for the travel of workers. This
shall also apply t o extensions of existing shafts.
7. Ladders alone shall not be deemed sufficient to ensure the travel of
workers in an exit shaft when the distance to be covered on the ladders
exceeds 1,000 m.
8. Competent officials specially appointed b y the managers shall
satisfy themselves by means of weekly inspections that the ladders are in
good c o n d i t i o n . . . .
18. The ladders intended to serve as habitual means of travel or as
means of rescue in one of the exits provided for in Chapter 1 1 shall be
sloped a t an angle not exceeding 80°.
This provision shall not necessarily apply in shafts in course of sinking
or in staples, provided that these shafts or staples do not exceed 50 m in
depth and t h a t t h e ladders are so arranged as to afford continuous support
to the worker's back.
19. For all ladders landings shall be installed not more than 10 m apart.
Every ladder shall extend a t least 80 cm beyond the landing ; otherwise
fixed hand-grips shall be placed a t the same height.
The ladders shall be so installed that travel is easy and safe.
20. If the shafts are used for a number of purposes the ladderway
shall be suitably enclosed."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Aíierta
"82
(3) Any ladder used permanently for ingress or egress in any such
escapement shaft shall be set a t an angle of not more than 45°, and shall be
provided with handrails and with platforms or landings a t each turn of
the stairway."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"65. ( 1 ) I n a t least one of the means of communication with the surface
provided for in section 56 \ ladders shall be installed from the lowest level
to the surface unless the workers can leave by the roadways, or two of
these means of communication are provided with independent means of
conveyance by rope constantly kept in working order.
1
See Division 1 oî this chapter.
2. LADDERWAYS
33
(2) All shafts used for the ordinary travel of workers by rope shall be
provided either with ladders or with a second means of conveyance or with
an emergency rope conveyance independent of the principal conveyance.
(3) I n shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel of personnel and provided with a sump, ladders shall be installed from the lowest
landing in use to the bottom of the sump.
66. (1) The ladder compartment shall be separated by a partition from
the winding compartment.
As an exception, in shafts with a small cross-section, the ladders may
be placed in the winding compartment, b u t no winding shall take place
while men are travelling on the ladders.
(2) Ladders placed in the main return airways of fiery mines or mines
liable to spontaneous combustion shall not be used for the ordinary travel
of personnel.
(3) In shafts over 10 m deep, the slope of ladders shall not exceed 80°
unless an exception is granted by the district inspector of mines ; rest
landings shall be installed at intervals of not more than 10 m.
Every ladder shall extend at least 1 m above its upper landing ; failing
this, hand-grips shall be fixed at a suitable height above this landing.
Ladders placed in sumps shall not be subject to the provisions of the
present subsection.
(4) The ladders and also the dividing partition provided for in subsection (1) of the present section shall be periodically inspected and
maintained in good condition.
69. (1) When moving on ladders it shall be prohibited to carry in the
hand any heavy tools or objects, except for lamps ; such tools or objects
shall be attached to the body or carried in a bag firmly fastened to the
shoulders.
(2) If the ladders are out of use, measures shall be taken to prevent
anyone from travelling on them except to repair them."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"78. (1) Shafts and inclines used for haulage shall have separate
compartments for the travel of workers unless a special man-winding shaft
or a special travel incline (Fahrüberhauen) is available. Exceptions for
haulage inclines may be allowed by the District Mining Office.
(2) Man-winding shafts shall always be provided with ladderway
compartments, but shafts with two man-winding installations need only
have such ladderways in the part t h a t is not directly reached by both
installations.
79. (1) I t shall be possible to travel in the travel compartments, travel
shafts and travel inclines when wearing anti-gas equipment.
(2) Travel compartments shall be shut off from the winding or haulage
compartments. Travel compartments with an inclination of over 75°
shall be so shut off from the neighbouring compartments that men cannot
put their heads through the separation. I n main shafts more than 300 m
deep the travel compartments need not be enclosed to the depth of levels
that can be reached with the winding installations of other main shafts.
(3) Travel compartments of main shafts that are not used for regular
travel need not be shut off if the clear distance between the buntons does
not exceed 1.50 m.
(4) Also in the cases referred to in subsections (2) and (3) the travel
compartments shall be shut off from the winding compartments a t the rest
platforms.
34
HT. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS
80. In travel compartments, travel shafts and travel inclines with an
inclination of over 75°, rest platforms shall be provided a t distances not
exceeding 10 m .
81. (1) The slope of the ladders shall not exceed 90°. They shall be
so arranged t h a t they cover the manholes of the rest platforms.
(2) The ladders shall extend a t least 1 m above the platforms and the
bank, or else fixed hand-grips shall be fitted.
(3) Every ladder shall be separately fixed in position.
82. When travelling on ladders, mine lamps and tools shall be
carefully secured against falling. Tools shall only be carried by persons
who have to work in the shaft or inclined workings concerned.
84. Sections 78-83 1 shall also apply to other vertical and inclined mine
workings with carriage or t u b haulage, except face workings."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 4 3 . (1) Every shaft, staple pit and raise shall throughout from the
bottom to the mouth be provided with fixed stout ladders which shall be
placed in a suitable manner.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to carry bulky equipment on the ladders
unless it is required for shaft repairs.
(3) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemptions from the
provisions of subsection (1)."
(MR 1939)
" 1 . Ladders in shafts, man-winding staple pits (tusaenschachten) and
other staple pits (opbraken) shall not be placed a t an angle steeper than
80°, and a t vertical intervals of not more than 10 m shall be provided with
rest platforms above which the ladders shall project 1 m.
2. Failing a n exemption granted by the Inspector-General of Mines
the rest platforms referred to in the preceding section shall provide adequate
space for the passage of a person equipped with a rescue appliance.
3. At places where it is not practicable to make the ladders project
1 m above the rest platforms, hand-grips shall be installed up to this height.
4. The ladders shall be so placed t h a t the opening in each rest platform
is covered by the ladder standing on it ; if this is not possible then the
opening shall be fenced or closed by a hatch t h a t swings open.
5. The ladder compartments of shafts, man-winding staple pits and
other staple pits shall throughout be so separated from the transport compartments t h a t n o space is left open large enough for a person to put his
head through it.
6. For other staple pits being driven it shall suffice to make the
separation as far as the safety platform.
7. Where between the ladder compartments referred to in section 5
and the other shaft spaces not intended for transport no sufficient separation is made, the rest platforms in the ladder compartments shall be continued to the shaft wall.
8. The ladder compartments of man-winding staple pits and other
staple pits that are not in use and therefore serve only as air shafts and
consequently are not used for the movement of persons shall, in order to
protect persons against falling, be provided a t the platforms either with
1
For section 83 see Chapter X, Division 1.
2. LADDEBWAYS
35
a separation a t least 1 m high or with a toe-board 18 cm high, provided
t h a t the shaft buntons between the ladder and the transport compartments
are not spaced at intervals exceeding 1 m."
(IGR 21)
SOUTH AFRICA
"49. (1) (a) At every mine where... a single shaft shall be allowed
to afford the only means of ingress and egress to the persons employed
underground, such shaft shall be provided with a proper ladderway.
(b) Under special circumstances exemption may be granted with the
written consent of, and under conditions laid down by, the Government
Mining Engineer.
(2)
(b) In shafts and winzes having an inclination of not less than 35° and
not more than 70° from the horizontal, chains or chain ladders shall be
provided from the end of such ladderway to the bottom of such shaft or
winze, or where such winze is not provided with a permanent ladderway,
chains or chain ladders shall be provided from the top to the bottom of such
winze.
(c) In shafts or winzes having an inclination of more than 70° from the
horizontal, chain ladders or wire rope ladders shall be so provided.
50. (1) (a) I n ladderways exceeding 60 ft. in depth and having an
inclination of more than 70° from the horizontal, resting places (platforms)
shall be provided at distances apart of not more than 30 ft.
( b ) The ladders shall be so placed as to cover the manholes of the resting
places.
(2) No ladder shall be erected at an inclination of more than 80° from the
horizontal, except with the written permission of the Inspector of Mines.
(3) No ladder shall be fixed in an overhanging position in a travelling
way.
(4) Ladders having an inclination of more than 15° and less than 70°
from the horizontal shall not be so constructed as to be continuous over a
greater distance than 50 ft.
(5) Ladders constructed before the date of the coming into force of these
regulations in accordance with any regulations previously in force may be
exempted from any of the provisions of this regulation by the Inspector of
Mines.
51. (1) Every ladder used in a mine shall be—
(a) of strong construction ;
(b) securely fastened to the timbering or wall of the shaft, winze, or
stope, and
(c) maintained in good repair.
(2) Every ladder shall project a t least 3 ft. above the mouth of the
shaft or winze, and above every resting place therein, except when strong
handrails are fixed at such mouth or resting place.
52. I n vertical shafts and shafts having an inclination of 45° or upwards,
any compartment regularly used as a foot travelling way shall be securely
bratticed off from the other compartments. I n shafts having a n inclination
between 10° and 45° such compartment shall be securely bratticed to
a t least the height of the handrail and railed off above the bratticing to a
height of a t least 5 ft. from the ladder by means of rails spaced not more
than 9 in. apart, provided t h a t shafts not used for winding purposes may
be exempted from the provisions of this regulation by the Inspector of
Mines.
53. (1) No person shall enter or leave a mine except by means of the
travelling way or ladderway specially set apart for the purpose ; provided
36
l u . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS
always that this regulation shall not apply to any person lawfully engaged
in making an inspection or in effecting repairs.
(2) Wire ropes or strands of wire ropes shall not be used or allowed to
be used for climbing purposes in any mine if they are frayed or have projecting broken wires.
54. No person shall carry or be permitted to carry any drill, tool or
any loose material on a ladderway in a vertical or steeply inclined shaft
or winze, except so far as may be necessary in executing repairs."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"32
(c) . . . A stairway or emergency ladderway of approved design, shall be
provided in a t least one of the shafts. If a ladderway is constructed it shall
be provided with landings not more than 20 ft. vertically apart, and the
pitch shall not exceed 80°."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article XI.
Miscellaneous
4. Mine openings and escapeways
(h) Where the designated escapeways are shafts—
(1) They shall be equipped with hoist and cage or with travellable stairway
or ladders maintained in good repair and in safe condition. No shaft
more than 30 ft. deep sunk after the effective date of this Code shall
be equipped with ladders.
(2) Stairways shall be of substantial construction, set at an angle not
greater t h a n 45° with the horizontal, and equipped on the open side
with a suitable handrail ; landing platforms shall be at least 2 ft.
wide and 4 ft. long and shall be railed properly.
(3) Ladders shall be anchored securely.
(4) Permanently installed ladders that are more than 10 ft. in length
and that are set at an angle of 60° or more with the horizontal shall
be provided with substantial backguards, and all ladders shall be
maintained in good repair.
(5) Where ladders or stairways set a t an angle greater than 45° are now
installed, their use may be continued provided they are of substantial
construction, with platforms at intervals of not more than 30 ft., and
equipped with suitable handrails in the case of stairways.
(i) If a designated escapeway is a slope of more than 19° and less
than. 46°, it shall be equipped with a stairway or adequate walkway with
cleats. If the slope is more than 45°, stairways shall be installed."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"9
(d) The escapement shaft a t every mine opened after the passage
of this Act shall be equipped with a substantial stairway, set at an angle
not greater t h a n 45°, which shall be provided with handrails and with
platforms or landings a t each turn of the stairway : Provided that, in all
coal mines more than 200 ft. in depth, opened on or after 1 July 1919,
the escapement shaft shall be equipped with both a cage and stairway :
Provided, further, t h a t if the coal mine is equipped with a stairway in the
main shaft, no stairway shall be required in the escapement shaft."
(A 6.6.1911)
2. LADDEBWAYS
37
New Mexico
"1001. All underground ladders shall be of substantial construction
and maintained in good condition and free of loose rock. The distance
between the centre of the rungs shall not exceed 12 in.
1002. Every permanent ladderway hereafter installed and all other
ladderways so far as practical with an inclination of more than 45° from
the horizontal shall have substantial platforms at intervals of not more
than 30 ft. measured vertically. Where the inclination of any ladderway
installed exceeds 60° the sections of this ladder shall be staggered at each
platform.
1003. No ladders inclining backward from the vertical shall be installed.
1004. The run of a ladder shall not be less than 4 in. from the wall,
or other obstruction behind it.
1005. (a) Ladderways or stairways shall be provided in all manways
steeper than 35° from the horizontal hereafter driven.
1006. I n shafts of more than 10O ft. in vertical depth and used for
hoisting purposes all ladderways and stairways shall be partitioned off
completely, if possible, from the hoistway compartments.
1007. Ladders shall be extended a t least 3 ft. above every ladderway
platform, unless convenient and secure handholds are fixed at such places."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 6 . I n mines opened after the passage of this Act, if the opening or
outlet other than the main opening is a shaft not more than 100 ft. in depth,
and is used by employees for the purpose of ingress to or egress from t h e
mine, it shall be kept available and in safe condition, free from steam,
dangerous gases and all obstructions ; and shall be fitted with safe and
convenient stairways, with steps of an average tread of 10 in. and a rise
of 9 in., not less than 2 ft. in width and not to exceed an angle of 45° with
landings not less than 2 ft. in width and 4 ft. in length, at easy and convenient distances. These stairways shall be made safe by having handrails of suitable material placed on one side or on both sides when requested
by the inspector, and shall be inspected every 24 hours by a competent
person employed for that purpose. Water that may come from the surface
or from the strata in the shaft shall be conducted away so that it will not
fall on the stairways or on persons while descending or ascending t h e m . "
(A 9.6.1911, art. VI)
CHAPTER IV
MINE PLANS AND SURVEYORS
1. MINE PLANS
BELGIUM
Every owner of a mining concession must keep a separate plan and
register showing, separately for each seam or deposit, the monthly advance
of t h e workings, the lie and nature of the deposits and any other circumstances t h a t may be usefully recorded in the interest of the mine or of the
safety of the workers (1).
The plans and registers must be kept a t the pit-head or a t the offices
of the mine if they are not too far away ; copies must be communicated
to t h e Mines Administration (2).
If the plans and registers are not properly kept up or not supplied to
the authorities within the prescribed time, the mines inspectors must
report this to the provincial authorities, who will have them made up a t
the owner's cost without prejudice to other penalties (4).
Topographical work underground for the purposes of plans may only
be done by sworn mine surveyors (5 (a)).
(R 28.4.1884)
CANADA
Alberta
Section 92 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1945 requires the owner,
agent or manager to appoint in writing a mine surveyor who is the holder
of a n Alberta Mine Surveyor's Certificate. A correct plan of t h e mine,
showing the workings on a scale of not more than 200 ft. to the inch must
be kept a t the mine office. The details to be shown on the plan are specified
by the Act. A similar plan must be made to show the workings of every
seam on which operations are conducted.
The owner, agent or manager must post in. some conspicuous place a t
the mine a plan showing the principal ways of ingress and egress to and
from the various outlets, together with the travelling roads leading to them.
On demand t h e plan of the workings must be produced to an inspector
and brought u p to date.
FRANCE
Independently of the plans of the underground workings required b y
section 6 of t h e Decree of 3 January 1813 1 the operator must keep u p to
date a surface plan t h a t can be superimposed on the underground plans.
Copies of all the plans must be sent to the inspector of mines and renewed
at least once a year.
1
See Chapter II, Division 1.
1. MINE PLANS
39
The prefect, on a report from an inspector of mines, may have correct
plans made when any plan has been found to be inaccurate or not in conformity with the regulations (12).
(D 14.1.1909)
In every mine for each deposit or seam, or for each bench, there must
be drawn up a plan of the workings oriented to true north and correlated
with the surface. The plan must be on a scale of 1 m m to 1 m . The particulars to be entered on the plans are specified in the regulations.
I n addition, there must be a general plan for the workings on a scale
of 1 m to 2,500 m or 5,000 m (324 and 325).
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
The mineowner is bound to have a mine plan prepared in duplicate
a t his own cost by a licensed mine surveyor and to have it brought up to
date at such regular intervals as the Divisional Mining Office may prescribe.
One copy of the plan must be given to the mining authorities for their own
use and the other must be kept at the mine or, if there is no suitable place
there, kept by the manager (72).
(A 24.6.1865)
On the mine plan required by section 72 of the General Mines Act the
mine workings including preparatory and development workings must be
brought up to date a t least every quarter. Any things on the surface that
have to be taken into account in operating the mine must be brought up to
date on the plan a t least once a year (300).
The following must be entered on the plan immediately :
(a) safety pillars and the safety zones prescribed in mining regulations ;
( b) explosives magazines above and below ground, existing or suspected
bodies of water, water stoppings, burning districts and fire stoppings ;
(c) any other data required by the District Mining Office (301).
For the protection of workings a t the mine boundary the owner of the
neighbouring mine must allow such of his workings as are within. 100 m
of the boundary to be entered on the plan of the other mine (303).
Workings may only be driven at the boundary and near prescribed
safety pillars under the special direction of the surveyor (305).
The manager must inform the surveyor in writing of all the data that
have to be entered on the mine plan.
Whenever an addition is made to the plan the manager must satisfy
himself t h a t the addition is complete (306).
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
Under section 109 of the Mines Regulations, 1939, mine managers are
required to see t h a t in each mine there exist and are regularly kept up to
date—
(a) a surface plan showing the general situation and also buildings,
roads, railways and waterways ;
(b) a general horizontal plan including all main roads, shafts, staple
pits, stone drifts, etc. ;
(c) a horizontal plan of each seam ;
(d) a general section of all the underground workings ;
(e) a survey register containing all measurements.
40
IV. MINE PLANS AND SURVEYORS
SOUTH AFRICA
A t every mine where more than 200 persons on an average are employed
underground, the manager must appoint a duly certificated surveyor and
report his appointment to the inspector of mines. The surveyor is responsible for the accuracy of all statutory mine plans.
At mines in which less than 200 workmen on an average are employed
underground responsibility for the plans may be assumed by the manager.
If the inspector of mines considers any plan unsatisfactory he may
order a new one to be made (108).
At every coal mine there must be kept a general surface plan and an
underground plan. The underground plan must be up-to-date to within
three months (109).
( R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
Regulations may require the manager to keep a t the office of the mine
or at another place approved by an inspector (a) accurate plans of specified mine workings, and (b) accurate sections of the seams or veins being
worked and, so far as practicable, of all the strata overlying them (17).
(A 1954)
Note: The particulars to be shown on plans are specified in the Coal
Mines (Surveyors and Plans) General Regulations of 20 October 1952
and the Coal Mines (Plans) Rules made on 9 December 1952.
UMTED STATES
Federal
New workings must be accurately surveyed and mapped at least every
six months. Before any mine or section of a mine is abandoned, it must
be surveyed, and the survey recorded on the map.
Maps must show certain particulars specified in the regulations.
Where the dip of the coal bed exceeds 45°, vertical cross-sections, not
more than 1,000 ft. apart, must be made on the same scale as the mine maps.
Blue prints or duplicates of the maps and drawings prescribed in the
regulations, and such other maps as may be required, must be submitted to
the district mining supervisor annually, or, if he so requests, semi-annually
(28).
If the lessee fails to furnish the maps required, the supervisory authorities must employ a competent mine surveyor to survey and map the
mine at the lessee's expense.
If any map is found to be substantially incorrect, the cost of the necessary
new surveys and maps falls on the lessee (29).
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article XI.
Miscellaneous
1. Mine map. (a) An accurate map of the mine shall be posted
in a place accessible to employees. Such map shall be brought up to date
a t least every six months at mines producing 500 tons a day or more and
a t least annually a t all other mines."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
The operator of every coal mine must have an accurate map made of
the mine to a scale of not more t h a n 400 ft. to the inch (7 (a)).
1. MINE PLANS
41
The particulars to be entered on the maps of the underground workings
are specified in section 7 (c).
Similar maps drawn to the same scale must be made of each seam worked
(7 fd)).
The mine surveys must be extended every 12 months and the results
entered on the maps (7 (hj).
The state inspector or the Department of Mines and Minerals may
order a survey to be made of the workings of any mine in addition to the
regular annual survey whenever the safety of the workmen, the safety
of an adjoining mine, unlawful injury to the surface, etc., so requires.
Additional surveys may also be required if there is reason to believe
that any mine map is inaccurate or imperfect (7 (j)).
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
The owner of every underground coal mine must have made by a competent surveyor a clear and accurate map or maps showing the surface plant
and the underground workings of the mine, and the map or maps must be
extended and corrected every year. One copy must be kept at the mine
office and one sent to the mine inspector (603 (a)).
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
The operator or the superintendent of any bituminous coal mine must
make, or have made by a competent mining engineer or surveyor, an accurate map of the mine showing certain specified particulars (1).
When the workings of a mine are within 300 ft. of the boundaries
of adjacent mines the operator or the superintendent must apply to the
inspector for information as to the proximity of the workings of such adjacent mines and if these workings are within 300 ft. of the boundary the
operator must have the adjacent workings surveyed and shown on the map
of his own mine (2).
A copy of the map must be kept in the mine office for the use of the
mine officials and the inspector, and for the inspection of any person working
in the mine whenever such person may fear that any working place is
becoming dangerous by reason of its proximity to other workings that
may contain dangerous accumulations of water or noxious gases (3).
At least once every six months the operator or the superintendent of
the mine must have the map brought up to date.
When in the opinion of the inspector a portion of the mine is approaching
accumulations of water or noxious gases the operator or the superintendent
at the inspector's request must order that portion to be surveyed and
entered on the map. Whenever any of the workings or excavations are
driven to their destination the operator or the superintendent must have
all the surveying work checked so that he can certify that the map is correct
The operator or the superintendent must furnish the district inspector
with a correct copy of the original map and bring it up to date every six
months.
When more than one seam of coal is being worked in any mine the inspector must be provided with a separate map of the complete workings of
each seam.
When one mine is working a seam of coal under another mine with a
different operator, the two operators must exchange copies of their mine
maps (5).
If the inspector has reason to believe that any map is inaccurate or
imperfect, he may order a survey and have a new map made (7).
(A 9.6.1911, a r t . i n
42
IV. MIKE PLANS AND SURVEYORS
2.
SURVEYORS
BELGIUM
The qualifications required of mine surveyors are specified in a Royal
Order of 22 November 1939, amended on various occasions, regulating the
use of the title and the exercise of the profession of mine surveyor. The
title may only be used by persons who have passed the examination provided for in the order. Candidates must possess specified surveying
diplomas or certificates. The examination comprises the following subjects :
cosmography ; mining geology and operations ; levelling and topography
and their application to underground surveying ; vertical sections ; and
regulations concerning mine plans.
CANADA
Alberta
Under section 40 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945, no person
may be granted a certificate of competency as a mine surveyor unless—
(a) he has had two years' practical experience in the underground
STirveying of coal mines ; or
(b) he has had one year's practical experience in the underground
surveying of coal mines and two years' practical experience in surveying
with an Alberta land surveyor or a Dominion land surveyor ; or
(c) he is the holder of a diploma or degree in scientific and mining
training after a course of study of at least two years a t an educational
institution or university approved by the Minister ; or
(d) he is a n Alberta land surveyor or a Dominion land surveyor
who has had three months' experience in mine surveying under a mine
surveyor in Alberta.
Section 42 provides that no certificate of competency as a mine surveyor
shall be granted to any person who does not produce to the examining
board satisfactory evidence of his sobriety, experience and general good
conduct.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Commission of Examiners for a mine surveyor's certificate of
competency consists of the Government Mine Surveyor or his deputy
(Chairman) and four certificated mine surveyors.
An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination
unless he has satisfied the Commission that he is of a sober and generally
good character, and t h a t he has had at least one year of practical underground surveying experience satisfactory to the Commission.
A certificate may not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that,
t o the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the candidate
possesses a sufficient knowledge of surveying, mathematics, mine valuation, geology and the relevant portions of the mining laws of the Union
of South Africa.
An applicant who can satisfy the Commission t h a t he possesses certain
specified qualifications may be qualified to receive a certificate of competency, if he further satisfies the Commission that he has a sufficient
knowledge of mine valuation, geology and the relevant portions of the
mining laws of the Union of South Africa (303).
(R. 11.8.1937)
2. SURVEYORS
43
UNITED KINGDOM
No mine may be worked unless there is a surveyor appointed by the
owner and having such qualifications as may be prescribed. A mine
surveyor has such responsibilities in relation to plans and other documents
as may be imposed under the Act (11).
J
r
(A 1954)
Regulations of 20 October 1952 lay down t h a t a surveyor shall be
appointed by the mineowner a t every mine, and t h a t the surveyor shall
be responsible for the preparation of the prescribed plans, sections and
drawings. The appointment of a surveyor must be notified to the divisional inspector in writing.
Surveyors must hold a prescribed certificate and have had a t least
three years' experience in work relating to surveys in mines.
Detailed provisions concerning the qualifications of surveyors and
examinations for surveyors' certificates are set out in the Mining Examinations (Surveyors) Rules of 1952.
4
CHAPTER V
EXPLOSIVES
1.
GENERAL
BELGIUM
"318. Explosives of all kinds, detonators and fuses shall only be issued
by the employee in charge of the key of the explosives magazine.
The quantities issued shall not exceed the estimated requirements of
the shift.
Every worker and each of the persons mentioned in section 321 shall
return directly to the employee issuing them any explosives and detonators
not used.
319. Explosives in general, detonators and fuses shall be issued near
the shaft or slope giving access to the mine in the case of underground
workings, or near the workplace in the case of open workings.
320. Powders may be distributed directly to the workers responsible
for using them. These persons shall carry them in hermetically closed
receptacles.
321. Dynamites and non-sensitive explosives (explosifs difficilement
inflammables) (high explosives detonating in the open-air) as well as
detonators shall only be entrusted, for use in any workings whatsoever,
to specially appointed persons (overmen, foremen, under-foremen) who
alone shall carry them in the workings.
Nevertheless in workings in mines and underground quarries, explosives,
except detonators, may be carried by a person other than the specially
appointed person mentioned above, but on the latter's responsibility.
The keys of the cartridge pouches shall remain in the hands of the specially
appointed persons.
These persons shall be present at the loading and firing of shots made
u p of one of the explosives mentioned above. They shall sign a receipt in
the magazine register mentioning the number of detonators and each of the
cartridges of dynamite or of non-sensitive explosive that they have received.
They shall also enter in a note-book the number of detonators used
and the number and nature of the cartridges used at each workplace.
I n addition t h e employee responsible for issuing explosives shall every
day sign a receipt in the above-mentioned note-book mentioning the total
number of detonators or of non-sensitive explosives not used and returned
to the magazine.
The magazine register shall be balanced every day. . . .
322. I n all workings dynamites and non-sensitive explosives shall be
carried to the place of use in leather cartridge pouches in a good condition,
carefully closed, a n d containing no detonators.
In mines, the provisional storage and the use of the above-mentioned
explosives shall be subject to compliance
with sections 52 to 56 of the
mines regulations of 28 April 1884 x and subject to the condition that the
explosives are out of the workers' reach.
1
The provisions oí the 1884 regulations as regards explosives have been replaced
by the Royal Order of 24 April 1920 (see below).
1. GENERAL
45
323. I n mines and similar workings (minières) the explosives distributors and the specially appointed persons mentioned in sections 318 1 to 321
shall be notified as such to the checking staff required by section 68 of the
above-mentioned2 mines regulations and by section 27 of the Decree of
3 January 1813 on mines and similar workings.
324. Verification of the consumption of dynamites, non-sensitive
explosives and detonators shall be effected by a comparison of the registers
and notebooks required by sections 237 2 and 321.
325. Exemptions from the provisions of the present chapter may be
granted by the Permanent Committees after consultation with the mine
inspectors in the case of mines or similar workings . . . . "
(R 29.10.1894)
" I . Explosive substances shall only be brought into mines and their
ancillary establishments by employees (shotfirers) of recognised competence,
who satisfy the necessary requirements in respect of order and character
and are appointed by the manager, who shall draw up such precautionary
instructions as he considers necessary.
These employees shall comply with the present regulations and with
the provisions of sections 318 and following of the general regulations of
29 October 1894 concerning explosives. Nevertheless, they shall themselves
load, tamp and fire shots when the charge is dynamite or a non-sensitive
explosive.
3. I t shall be prohibited to bring into mine workings dynamites and
similar compositions that have been affected by frost or are not in a perfect
state of preservation.
I n frozen ground, only explosives that are not sensitive to cold shall
be used.
Before delivery electric detonators shall be tested with an ohmmeter
and classified according to the electrical resistance of the priming. They
shall be supplied in packets. Each packet shall only contain priming of
the same resistance. The resistance shall be indicated on the wrapping of
the packets.
The mine operator shall periodically verify the resistance indicated by
the manufacturers.
These verifications shall take place at intervals not exceeding three
months and whenever required by the mine inspector."
(RO 24.4.1920)
CANADA
Alberta
"73. (1) No machinery, equipment, tool or appliance operated otherwise than by hand and no explosive or machinery shall be taken into any
mine or used underground in any mine unless such machinery, equipment,
tool, appliance or explosive is of a kind and description approved by the
Director of Mines.
(2) The Director of Mines may, if he thinks fit upon application being
made to him for the purpose, issue a special permit authorising the applicant
to install and use below ground for demonstration or experimental purposes
at such time, during such period or periods and subject to such conditions
as he may prescribe, any specified machinery, equipment, tool, appliance
or explosive which is not of a kind or description which has been approved
by the Director of Mines.
2>
See Chapter XXVI, Division 7.
Not reproduced.
46
V. EXPLOSIVES
(3) Any such machinery, equipment, tool or appliance may be operated
at the working face by a demonstrator who is not the holder of a miner's
certificate if the demonstrator is accompanied by and is under the direction
of a person who is the holder of a miner's certificate, and not otherwise,
and whilst the demonstrator is at the working face he shall obey the directions of the holder of the miner's certificate accompanying him.
(4) Any such explosive may be used for the purpose of blasting by a
demonstrator who is not the holder of a third class certificate, if the demonstrator is accompanied by and under the direction of a person who is the
holder of a first, second or third class certificate of competency and not
otherwise, and the demonstrator shall obey all directions given to him by
such person.
145. (1) No explosives shall be stored in any mine.
(2) No explosive shall be taken into or used in any mine, except explosives provided by the owner and permitted by the regulations made pursuant to this Act."
(A 1945)
" 1 . 'Permitted explosives' mean such explosives as are named and
defined from time to time by the Director of Mines ; provided t h a t where
the composition, quality or character of any explosive is defined by him,
any article alleged to be such explosive which differs therefrom in composition, quality or character by reason of deterioration or otherwise, shall not
be deemed to be the explosive so named and defined ; provided further,
that an owner, agent or manager shall not be responsible for the composition, quality or character of an explosive if he shows that he has in good
faith obtained a written certificate from the maker of the explosive that
it complies with the terms so named and defined, and that he has taken
all reasonable means to prevent deterioration of the explosive while stored.
3. No explosive other than 'permitted explosives' shall be taken into
or used in any anthracite or bituminous coal mine or other mine where
explosive gas has been found in dangerous quantities during the preceding
12 months, unless expressly authorised to do so by the Director of Mines.
4. No person shall, without authority from the manager, overman or
examiner, have in his possession in any mine any explosive and, if any
explosives remain in his possession at the end of his shift, he shall bring
the same out of the mine and return the same at once to the place of storage
provided for that purpose, and the owner, agent or manager shall appoint
some person to take charge of the explosives and put them back into storage
immediately.
5. Every person authorised to use explosives shall use the greatest
precaution in the care and handling of them ; when handling a cartridge
he shall not keep an open flame lamp on his head, nor have a pipe, cigarette
or cigar in his mouth, and he shall place all open lights a t least 4 ft. away,
and at a point where the air will carry a spark away from him.
6. No explosives shall be taken underground except in cartridges and
in a secure case or canister containing not more than 6 lb., and such case
or canister shall be kept closed until immediately before the charging of a
shot-hole, and shall be closed immediately after and no person shall have
in his possession at any one time more than one of such cases or canisters,
and if, by reason of two or more persons working together in the same
working place, more t h a n one case or canister is in any one working place,
they shall be kept as far apart as possible, but for the driving of a rock
tunnel, or where shotfiring in coal is done at a time when the ordinary
working of the mine is not being carried on, a sufficient amount of explosives may with the consent in writing of the Director of Mines, be taken
into the mine by one or more persons in secure cases or canisters containing
not more than 25 lb. in each case or canister.
1. GENERAL
47
7. On any longwall face, or other place where mechanical loading and
cutting is being carried on, it shall be permissible for one or more persons
to take into such a place a sufficient amount of explosives in secure cases
or canisters containing not more than 5 lb. in each and not in excess of
5 lb. for each and every 25 ft. in length of the longwall face, or places where
mechanical loading and cutting is being carried on, all such explosives
being kept until about to be used in secure cases or canisters, and each
case or canister shall be kept as far away from any other case or canister
as is reasonably practicable.
17. No explosive shall be thawed in any mine underground and, when
it is necessary to thaw any explosive at any mine, a proper thawing apparatus on the surface shall be provided by the owner of the mine.
18. No black powder shall be taken into or used underground in any
mine unless the same is compressed and made up in stick form.
22. No explosive, detonator, shell or heater shall be improperly used
or improperly applied in any way by any person."
(Explosives Regulations)
FRANCE
"210. (1) The provisions of the present p a r t 1 shall apply to explosives
and detonators and devices for firing explosives.
(2) The use of substances, appliances and means intended to produce
effects similar to those produced by the explosives and appliances referred
to in the preceding subsection shall be regulated by a Ministerial Order.
211. Within the scope of the requirements laid down in sections 2132 4 1 2 below, internal rules approved by the district inspector of mines
shall—
(a) regulate the organisation of the transport and distribution of explosives
and ignition devices and also the keeping of them at or near the workplaces ;
(b) lay down the precautions to be taken in loading, priming, tamping,
firing, returning to the workplace after firing and arranging substitute shots ;
(c) determine the conditions for the examination, maintenance, and
supervision of exploders ;
(d) specify the conditions for collecting unused explosives a t the end of
the day ;
(e) indicate the precautions to be taken with respect to defective or
suspect explosives especially greasy or frozen dynamites ;
(j) regulate the organisation of the accountancy of explosives used in
the workings and for the supervision of their use.
The rules shall define the duties assigned to the shotfirers and their
assistants.
213 (1) I t shall be prohibited to bring into or use in the mine explosives, priming and ignition devices, ohmmeters, current detectors and
tamping rods other than those furnished by the operator.
Ño defective or suspect explosive and, in particular, no greasy or frozen
dynamite, shall be brought into the mine or distributed.
(2) Except on the express orders of the operator it shall be prohibited
to take explosives or detonators away from the mine or its pit-head.
1
2
Part X, Explosives.
For sections 215-241 see the subsequent divisions of this chapter and also Chapter VI.
48
V. EXPLOSIVES
214. (1) Explosives shall only be used in the form of cartridges prepared
outside the underground workings.
(2) Exploders, ohmmeters and current detectors shall be of a type
approved b y the Minister.
(3) Tamping rods shall be made entirely of wood."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
A Police Order of the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and the
Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour concerning the authorisation of explosives and ignition appliances for mines, dated 13 December
1934, lays down that only explosives and ignition appliances authorised
by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour may be sold to mines.
Ignition appliances (Zündmittel) include electrical igniters, electric exploders, current detectors, fuses and fuse igniters.
Special regulations are laid down for explosives for rock blasting and
permitted explosives. These deal with the nature of the explosive (powders,
high explosives), and packing and marking (cartridges, packets, cases).
The divisional mining offices are empowered to allow the use of nonauthorised explosives or ignition appliances for limited periods for testing
purposes. Other exceptions to the regulations may also be allowed by
the Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour.
The Order is accompanied by detailed instructions concerning its enforcement.
The following rules are those of the Dortmund Division.
"168. (1) Only such shot firing material (Sprengmittel) shall be used
as has been authorised by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport
of North Rhine-Westphalia.
(2) The maximum charges of permitted explosives of class I shall be
fixed at 1,600 gm and of class I I at 2,500 gm.
169. The manager shall have permanently posted up the maximum
charge of permitted explosives.
170. [Cost of testing.]
171. Taking delivery, conveyance, storage, issue and return of explosives shall b e effected by the manager or b y persons expressly appointed
by him for these purposes. These persons, unless intended only as occasional helpers, shall be made responsible by the District Mining Office, and
their names shall be permanently posted up.
172. I t shall be prohibited to bring into the mine other explosives
and ignition appliances than those provided by the mineowner and, without
authorisation, to take away any explosives and ignition appliances issued.
173. (1) Any explosives or live detonators that are found shall be
immediately handed to the nearest available supervisory official. The supervisory official shall promptly see that the explosives or live detonators found
shall be properly taken in charge by a person authorised to fire shots, and
handed over to the explosives issuer (section 171) before the end of the
shift. In addition, the supervisory official shall inform the manager.
(2) The manager shall immediately notify the District Mining Office.
(3) Explosives or live detonators detected in the borehole or found in
the loose material after shotfiring need not be reported to the District
Mining Office. The shotfiring overman shall decide as to their further use."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"138. (1) I t shall be prohibited to bring into the mine or to use explosives and ignition devices other than those furnished by the mine manager
and approved by the Inspector-General of Mines.
1. GENBBAIi
49
(2) I t shall be prohibited to have explosives in the mine or to take
them away when leaving the mine otherwise than under instructions from
the mine manager or the person appointed by the mine manager for this
purpose.
(3) I t shall be prohibited without the concurrence of the InspectorGeneral of Mines to use explosives for drilling or other mining exploration
from the surface.
148. The explosives shall not be issued or used except in an unfrozen,
unspoiled and properly usable condition.
149. (1) Frozen explosives shall not be used before they have been
thawed at a place appointed for this purpose, by means of a source of heat
with a maximum temperature of 50° C and by a person appointed for the
purpose.
(2) Explosives that appear to be spoiled shall be removed as quickly
as possible to the surface where they shall be rendered harmless by a person
appointed for the purpose a t an open place appointed for the purpose and
in a safe manner."
(MR 1939)
SOUTH AFRICA
"98. I n every fiery mine or in collieries which in the opinion of the
Inspector of Mines are so dry and dusty as to render an explosion from coal
dust probable, no person shall use explosives
other than the 'permitted
explosives' specified in the first schedule 1 to these regulations, b u t the
Minister may at any time prohibit the use of any one or more of such 'permitted explosives', and he may permit the use of any other explosive not
on the said list if he is satisfied that such explosive has passed the requisite
tests."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
Regulations may prohibit or restrict the supply, storage or use at mines of
blasting materials and devices, or any class thereof, and in particular
prohibit or restrict the use of such materials and devices, or any class thereof,
in a part of a mine at any time a t which the amount of inflammable gas in
the general body of the air in t h a t part exceeds the prescribed percentage
by volume and in such other circumstances as may be prescribed.
In specified cases the Minister may by order impose prohibitions or
restrictions on the use at mines, or any class of mines, of any blasting
material or device or any class of blasting materials and devices.
No blasting material or device may be taken or used below ground other
than one provided by the owner of the mine (69).
(A 1954)
"PART
Types of Explosives
II
and Detonators, and Their Storage and
Conveyance
Types of Explosives and Detonators.
2. (1) No explosive (which expression does not in the provisions contained in this order include a detonator) shall be taken or used below ground
in any mine, unless it is in the form of a cartridge.
1
Not reproduced.
50
V. EXPLOSIVES
(2) No explosive other than a permitted explosive (as defined in this
order) shall be—
(a) taken below ground or used in any mine in any part of which safety
lamps are required to be used ; or
(b) taken into or used in any part of a mine, being a part which is dry
and dusty or in which safety lamps are being used as a temporary
precaution.
(3) No explosive other than a permitted explosive shall be used in a
main intake airway or coal transport road in any mine.
(4) Any dispute between the manager of a mine and the inspector of
the division whether a part of the mine is dry and dusty shall be determined in
manner provided under the Act for settling disputes ; and, until so determined otherwise, t h a t part shall be deemed to be dry and dusty.
3. (1) No detonator shall be used in firing a round of shots electrically,
unless—
(a) it is a low tension detonator or a delay detonator ; and
(b) it has copper leading wires.
(2) No delay detonator shall be taken or used below ground, unless the
period of delay (which shall not exceed five seconds) is clearly marked thereon.
(3) I n any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are
required to be used—
(a) no detonator shall be used, unless it is an electric detonator with a
copper t u b e ; and
(b) no delay detonator shall be used, except in a stone drift or sinking pit."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"82
(e) Thawing of explosives, when necessary, shall be done in a magazine
a t least 300 ft. from the storage magazine, mine openings, or structures.
No explosive of any kind shall be thawed, kept or stored in dwellings or
buildings other t h a n magazines.
87. Explosives shall be issued to miners only by authorised persons,
and, if they are distributed underground, distribution shall be made as
soon as they are taken into the mine. No smoking shall be permitted in the
vicinity of explosives either in storage or in transportation.
89. (a) Only permissible explosives shall be used in a mine that is
termed gassy under these regulations and due regard shall be given to the
requirements for permissibility."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article IV. Explosives and Blasting
5. Blasting practices, (a) (Section 209 (h) (5)—Title II.) Black
blasting powder shall not be stored, handled or used underground in a mine.
(b) All explosives used underground in coal mines shall be of the
permissible type. . . ."
(FMC 1953)
2.
TRANSPORT
51
All permissible explosives for use in blasting coal must conform to the specifications laid down by the United States Bureau of Mines (1).
State mine inspectors, county mine inspectors and the accredited representatives of the coal operators and coalminers are empowered to sample
permissible explosives (2).
If such persons desire to have the samples tested they must send them
to the United States Bureau of Mines for the purpose (3).
(A 26.6.1913)
Pennsylvania
" 2 . In dusty mines or parts thereof, and in mines in which explosive
gas is regularly or intermittently generated to the extent that it can be
detected by an approved safety lamp, no explosives shall be used except
'permissible' explosives as designated by the Testing Station of the Federal
Bureau of Mines. Each charge shall consist of only one kind of explosive . . . .
No 'permissible' explosive shall be sold for use in bituminous mines,
unless the name of the manufacturer, name of explosive, method of handling,
and full instructions for use are conspicuously displayed on or in the package
containing the explosive.
3
The Chief of the Department of Mines, when satisfied by tests t h a t any
permissible explosive has deteriorated from the standard established by
the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines, and thereby becomes
dangerous, may prohibit the use thereof, either absolutely or subject to
conditions."
(A 9.6.1911, a r t . X V I )
2.
TRANSPORT
BELGIUM
" 2 . In mine workings explosives shall only be transported in the form
of entire cartridges.
Powders, high explosives (explosifs brisants) and detonators, shall be in
separate receptacles that are carefully closed. These receptacles, in the case
of high explosives, shall be leather cartridge pouches in good condition
and locked ; and in the case of detonators, strong boxes also locked."
(RO 24.4.1920)
CANADA
Alberta
"149
Rule 17
(b) No explosive shall be carried in any mine in any conveyance which
is moved by electric locomotive or on any such locomotive unless with the
permission of the Director of Mines in writing and subject to any conditions
he may prescribe.
161. No person shall carry any explosives on a cage in any shaft or
on a mantrip on any slope, level or incline while the men are being hoisted
or lowered and the owner, agent or manager shall make proper arrangements for the safe transportation and distribution of explosives in such
shafts or slopes."
(A 1945)
52
V. EXPLOSIVES
FRANCE
"215. (1) Detonators and explosives shall not be transported simultaneously except in separate containers.
(2) The transport of explosives in shafts shall also be subject to the
following rules :
(a) the speed of the cage shall not exceed t h a t laid down for man winding ;
only the workers responsible for transport and the supervisory staff
shall travel in this cage ; the winding-engineman and the onsetters
and banksmen shall have been previously warned ;
(b) the simultaneous transport of detonators and explosives shall be prohibited ;
(c) detonators and explosives intended for storage in an underground
magazine shall only be transported in their original packing."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"174. When delivered the explosives shall be immediately conveyed
t o the explosives magazine.
175. Explosives shall only be transported as packed by the factory,
and only in tubs (explosives tubs) that are enclosed and recognisable from
the outside as explosives tubs.
176. (1) Explosives shall not be conveyed together with other materials
and tools.
(2) Detonators shall not be conveyed together with other explosives.
177. I n shafts, explosives shall only be conveyed out of man-winding
hours and at not more than man-winding speed. The persons in charge of
them may travel with them. The winding-engineman and the banksmen
and onsetters above and below ground shall be informed beforehand.
178. (1) On level roads, explosives tubs shall only be moved by hand.
They shall be k e p t a t least 10 m apart.
(2) At a distance of 10 m in front of the consignment of explosives
a man shall walk with a lamp. He shall warn any person who approaches
by calling out 'Look out ! Explosives'.
(3) On locomotive haulage roads, while explosives are being conveyed,
haulage shall be stopped within distances of 100 m in front of and behind
the consignment.
179. Loaded explosives tubs shall not be left unattended."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"139. (1) The transport of explosives both on the surface and to the
underground magazines shall be effected in a safe manner under the supervision of a specially appointed person, and shall not be effected otherwise
than in the packing in which the explosives were delivered by the factory.
(2) In the transport referred to in the preceding subsection, it shall
be prohibited to convey explosives together with tools or other objects.
(3) In the transport referred to in subsection (1), it shall be prohibited
to convey detonators together with other explosives.
140. (1) I n shafts and staple pits, explosives shall be conveyed in the
cage and shall be placed in well-blocked tubs in such a manner that the cases
cannot move during transport.
2. TRANSPORT
53
(2) The further transport of the explosives to the magazines in the
underground workings shall be effected in tubs ; these shall be provided
with a lamp throwing an easily visible red light.
(3) The transport referred to in subsections (1) and (2) shall not be
carried on during the conveyance of a shift in the shafts or staple pits.
141. (1) Before the transport of explosives in the shaft or staple pit
is begun, the winding-engineman and the onsetters concerned shall be
informed.
(2) The winding-engineman shall take care to ensure smooth operation
of the winding engine, and the speed shall not exceed that authorised for
man-winding subject to a maximum of 6 m / s e c , and all shocks in the starting and stopping of the cage shall be avoided."
(MR 1939)
" 5 . The transport of quantities of explosives exceeding 20 kg shall be
effected on wheels.
6. The carrying of explosives shall only be permitted to the persons
responsible for shotfiring or persons under their immediate supervision.
7. (1) Explosives shall be carried in a tin shotfiring box which, in
accordance with the provisions of section 12 1 , shall not contain more than
10 kg or 15 kg, respectively, of explosives, and which are provided with an
indelible number and also an efficient lock t h a t cannot be opened by unauthorised persons.
(2) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall always keep the key of
the said lock with them, and shall be responsible for seeing that this key
can never fall into the hands of unauthorised persons.
(3) The transport of shotfiring requisites in a shotfirer's box containing
not more than 15 kg m a y be effected on foot over distances not exceeding
2,000 m ; if transport on foot is over a distance exceeding 2,000 m not more
than 10 kg shall be allowed.
8. Detonators or fuses with detonators shall be transported either in
the special boxes, cases or pouches issued for the purpose, or in a special
compartment of the shotfirers' boxes referred to in the preceding section.
9. (1) The transport of explosives in raises shall only be allowed subject
to compliance with the following provisions :
(a) the detonators or the fuses with detonators shall be conveyed through
the ladder compartment of the raise, not in the shotfirer's box but in
the boxes, cases or pouches referred to in the preceding section ;
(b) during the transport of explosives in the cage no other objects shall
be transported with them ;
(o) before the transport of explosives begins the persons responsible for
shotfiring shall notify the signallers a t the top and bottom of the raise
thereof ; transport shall not be begun before both signallers have
indicated that they have been informed of it ;
(d) during the transport of explosives no person shall be in the ladder
compartment of the raise ;
(e) explosives shall only be put into and taken out of the cage b y the
persons responsible for shotfiring. The cage in which the box with
the explosives is placed shall always be a few metres above or below
the loading or unloading place so long as the person responsible for
shotfiring is not at the place.
(2) If the transport is carried on in a staple pit only the provisions of
subsection (1) (c) and (d) shall apply, and accordingly the persons responsible for shotfiring may be conveyed together with the explosives in their
charge. In this case they shall carry the shotfirer's box by the strap and
1
See Chapter VI, Division 1.
54
V. EXPLOSIVES
the detonators shall remain in the box, case or pouch, or in the special compartment of the shotfirer's box referred to in section 8. Persons other
than the signallers shall not be conveyed a t the same time."
SOUTH AFRICA
" 9 3 . I n no case shall detonators be transported in the same conveyance
or carried in the same receptacle with any other explosives, safety fuses
excepted ; provided that made-up primers may be carried in the receptacle
approved by the Inspector of Mines in terms of regulation No. 91 (4).1
94. Immediately before any person conveys explosives in a shaft by
means of machinery he shall give notice to the engine-driver, banksman,
and onsetter.
95. The engine-driver shall gently lower or raise the cage or other
conveyance containing explosives, and no person shall place in or take out
from the shaft conveyance any explosives except under the immediate
supervision of the person duly authorised thereto by the manager or mine
overseer.
96. (I) Whilst carrying explosives other than detonators, safety fuses,
and fuse igniters underground, unless such explosives be contained in
unopened cases, n o person shall carry any light, unless it is a safety lamp,
or, in a non-fiery mine, an enclosed light, but immediately in front of the
explosives a person shall go with a light and it shall be his duty to give
proper warning of the approach of explosives.
(2) No person shall, when handling or carrying explosives, smoke."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"Conveyance of Explosives.
7. (1) Subject to the provisions of article 8, no explosive shall be
taken into any mine, unless it is in a closed canister stoutly constructed
and containing n o t more than 5 lb. of explosive :
Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict the conveyance
(subject to article 41) 2 of primer cartridges fitted with detonators for the
purpose of sinking operations from the surface.
(2) Every person having any canister of explosives in his possession
or control shall ensure that it is not deposited except in a place of safety.
(3) Unless the shotfirer concerned requires to check the quantity of the
explosive, or the explosive is required immediately for charging a shot-hole,
or the act in question has been authorised by a deputy or a superior official
of the mine, no person below ground shall unlock or open any canister of
explosives or take any explosive from any canister.
8. (1) If a scheme for the conveyance of explosives in bulk (in this
order refered to as a 'scheme of transit') is in operation under paragraph (2)
for any mine or p a r t of a mine, explosives packed at a place appointed as a
store in securely locked canisters of any size may, subject to the provisions
of this article, be conveyed in accordance with the scheme in a special
carriage to one or more reserve stations in that mine or that part.
(2) No scheme of transit shall be operated, unless—
(a) it makes provision adequate for safety to the satisfaction of the
inspector of the division for each of the matters specified in the
second schedule to this order ; or
(b) it has been determined in manner provided under the Act for settling
disputes, to make provision adequate for safety for each of them.
1
See Division 3 oí this chapter.
* See Chapter XVIII, Division 3.
55
2. TRANSPORT
(3) Where any scheme of transit is in operation, a copy thereof shall
be attached to
the copy of this order posted at or near the mine in pursuance
of article 53 l, and a copy of the scheme shall be supplied to each shotfirer
employed at the mine.
(4) The total quantity of explosives conveyed into a mine under a
scheme of transit in any period of 24 hours shaU not exceed the quantity
estimated to be required for use during the period of 24 hours next
following.
(5) No explosives shall, while being conveyed in bulk, be taken nearer
to a working face than the reserve station nearest to that face, unless the
relevant scheme of transit expressly so provides.
(6) The person in charge of the explosives at any reserve station shall,
before the end of his shift, ensure that any of the same remaining unused,
and not delivered by him to a person appointed to have charge of them
during the next following shift, are returned to the store from which they
were taken into the mine.
Second Schedule : Matters to Be Covered by a Scheme of
Transit
1. Reserve stations, location, construction and marking.
2. Explosives carriage, design and construction.
3. Explosives, supervision in transit and at reserve stations (including
custody of keys).
4. Explosives, precautions during transit.
5. Explosives, provision (if any) for conveyance in bulk to the working
face.
6. Explosives, maximum quantities to be held at reserve stations.
7. Explosives, control of issues from reserve stations.
8. Explosives, requirements for return to reserve stations."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"88. Where electricity is used as a source of power and the power
circuit is not complety cut off, explosives shall be transported into a mine
only in a closed powder car or box constructed of electrically non-conducting
material, with no bolts or nails exposed on the inside ; and no person other
than explosives distributors and men necessary to operate the trip shall
ride on a trip carrying explosives in bulk."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article IV.
Explosives and Blasting
3. Underground transportation, (a) Explosives or detonators carried
anywhere underground by any person shall be in containers constructed
substantially of non-conductive material, maintained in good condition,
and kept closed.
(b) When explosives or detonators are transported underground in
cars moved by means of a locomotive or rope, or in shuttle cars, they shall
be in substantial covered cars or in special substantial covered containers
used specifically for transporting detonators or explosives.
1
See Chapter VI, Division 1.
56
V. EXPLOSIVES
(1) The bodies and covers of such cars and containers shall be constructed
or lined with non-conductive material.
(2) If explosives and detonators are hauled in the same explosives car
or in the same special container, they shall be separated by a t least a
4-in. substantially fastened hardwood partition or the equivalent.
(3) Explosives, detonators, Cardox shells, or other explosive items shall
not be transported on the same trip with men ; provided, however, that
explosives and detonators not to exceed one day's supply may be carried
on the same trip with workmen, where this is now the practice, if they
are carried in separate individual containers constructed of substantial,
rigid, non-conductive material.
(4) When explosives or detonators are transported in special cars or
containers in cars, they shall be hauled in special trips not connected to
any other trip ; provided, however, that this does not prohibit the use
of such additional cars as needed to lower a rope trip, or to haul supplies
including timbers ; and provided further t h a t materials so transported
shall not project above the top of the car. Exposed highly flammable
materials such as hay, oil, or grease shall not be hauled on the same trip
with explosives.
(5) Explosives or detonators shall not be hauled into or out of a mine within
five minutes preceding or following a man-trip or any other trip.
(c) Explosives and detonators shall be transported underground by
belt only under the following conditions :
(1) I n the original and unopened case, in special closed cases constructed
of non-conductive material, or in suitable individual containers.
(2) Clearance requirements shall be the same as those for transporting men
on belts.
(3) Suitable loading and unloading stations shall be provided.
(4) Stop controls shall be provided a t loading and unloading points, and
a n attendant shall supervise the loading and unloading of explosives
and detonators.
(d) Neither explosives nor detonators shall be transported on flight or
shaking conveyors, scrapers, mechanical loading machines, locomotives,
cutting machines, drill trucks, or any self-propelled mobile equipment ;
provided, however, t h a t this does not prohibit the transportation of
explosives or detonators in special closed containers in shuttle cars or in
equipment designed especially to transport such explosives or detonators."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"19 (a) No blasting powder, or other explosives, shall be stored in any
coal mine and n o workman shall have at any time in the mine more than
35 lb. of black powder nor more than 25 lb. of permissible explosives :
Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the
operator of any mine from taking into the mine, when miners are not therein,
and in electrically equipped mines, while the current is turned off on roadways through which it is transported, a sufficient quantity of powder for
the reasonable requirements of such mine for the next succeeding working
day. The delivery of powder into coal mines shall be during the interval
after the shotfirers have come out of the mine and prior to the entry of
the day shift into the mine in the morning ; but in the interim, before such
powder is delivered to the men, it shall be kept in a closed receptacle.
Provided, further, t h a t in mechanical loading mines a sufficient quantity
of explosives for the reasonable requirements of such mines for the next
two working days may be stored in and for each location.
Explosives shall not be carried in the same car with tools or other
materials."
(A 6.6.1911)
3. HANDLING AND STORAGE
57
New Mexico
"1308. In coal mines electric detonators shall be transported and
handled in the mine solely by shotfirers ; they shall be carried in separate
containers from other explosives. The leg wires of detonators shall be
twisted together or otherwise adequately short circuited before being taken
into the mine.
1309. The operator may permit men to carry their individual supplies
of explosives into the mine, provided the explosives are carried in nonconducting covered containers, and that these containers are kept in good
repair.
1310. In mines where electricity is not used as a source of power or
in mines electrically equipped if the electric current is cut off from other
than properly installed lighting circuits when explosives are being transported, explosives in bulk may be taken into the mine in an ordinary mine
car when propelled by man, animal or cable. If the electric current is not
cut off from the mine, explosives in bulk must be transported in a properly
insulated car with a t least two empty cars between the locomotive and the
cars containing the explosive."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"1
No black powder, high explosives, or detonators shall be hauled on any
electric motor trip in any mine, or carried by individuals through passageways in mines in which electricity is used or conducted unless the same are
encased in non-conductive boxes or receptacles made of material approved
by the Secretary of Mines."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XVI)
3.
HANDLING AND
STORAGE
BELGIUM
" 4 . Only the quantity of explosives and detonators considered necessary
for the shift shall be taken to any workplace.
5. Explosives that have not been used during the shift shall be returned
to the surface at the end of the shift.
6. Until the moment of use, cartridges of explosives and detonators,
and also fuses, shall be deposited in a safe place to be indicated by the
manager or by his substitute, and placed in a strong chest reserved for
this purpose and locked.
The detonators shall be placed in a special compartment of this chest."
(RO 24.4.1920)
FRANCE
"216 (1) The explosives and detonators shall be distributed separately.
They shall only be handed over to shotfirers or their assistants and only
in quantities corresponding to the day's requirements.
(2) Unused explosives and detonators shall be collected a t the end
of the day under conditions that permit of the verification of daily consumption.
217. Explosives shall not be kept a t or near the workplace except in
chests furnished by the operator and provided with a strong lock; detonators shall be placed in boxes or cases.
I t shall be prohibited to put into the same chest—
(a) detonators and explosives ;
(b) cartridges of which the conditions of use are different."
(R 4.5.1951)
58
V. EXPLOSIVES
GERMANY
"180. Every self-contained mine (selbständige Betriebsanlage) shall
have an explosives magazine for the storage of explosives.
181. (1) The erection of an explosives magazine and the maximum
quantity of the explosives to be stored therein shall have been authorised by
the District Mining Office.
(2) The conditions in which the explosives are stored shall at all times
comply with the terms of the authorisation.
(3) In the magazine and the individual chambers, notices indicating
the nature of the explosive to be stored and the maximum permissible
quantity shall be posted up.
182. Ignition appliances t h a t have to be given out in the explosives
magazine shall be kept in special containers or in recesses in the rooms
authorised for the issue of explosives.
183. (1) Explosives cartridges shall only be stored in the original
packing.
(2) The cases of explosives shall be stored on racks or in piles. The
racks and piles shall not be higher than 1.80 m. The cases shall be so
arranged that air can flow between them.
(3) Various kinds of explosives shall be separated by aisles, and be
indicated by notices.
184. Cases of explosives shall not be opened in any room in which
over 100 kg of explosives are stored.
185. No implements or tools, except pincers and screw-drivers, used
in explosives magazines shall be made of iron.
186. (1) Spoiled explosives shall be immediately destroyed as directed
by the manager.
(2) Frozen explosives shall only be thawed under the supervision of
a supervisory official.
187. The temperature in storerooms for explosives shall not be less
than + 8 ° C or more than + 3 0 ° C.
188. (1) Inflammable substances shall not be stored within 50 m
of the explosives magazine.
(2) E m p t y containers, wrappers and other packing materials shall be
removed daily from the magazine.
189. Explosives magazines shall be kept securely under lock and
key. Admittance to storerooms and issuing
rooms shall only be allowed
to the persons referred to in sections 1 7 1 l and 238 2 and to their superiors,
in the performance of their duties.
190. Explosives shall only be issued at the approved place.
191. (1) Explosives shall be issued in the order in which they were
delivered.
(2) Damp ammonium-nitrate explosives and frozen explosives with
10 per cent, or more nitro-glycerine shall not be issued.
(3) If the explosives are not issued in packets, the individual cartridges
shall be clearly marked by letters or in some other suitable way.
192. (1) Explosives shall only be issued by the persons responsible for
handling them to persons authorised to fire shots. The recipient shall be
personally known to the issuer.
1
See Division 1 ol this chapter.
' See Chapter VI, Division 1.
3. HANDLING AND STOBAGB
59
(2) The quantity of explosives and the number of live detonators t h a t
may be issued in one shift to a person authorised to fire shots shall be
indicated in writing by the shift overman or shotfiring overman, and shall
be limited to the requirements of the shift. Unless otherwise approved by
the District Mining Office, no issue shall exceed 25 kg.
(3) The explosives issuer may issue a smaller quantity than that indicated.
193. (1) Returned powder boxes (Oeschosskästen) shall be kept a t a
place appointed for this purpose in the explosives magazine.
(2) Locked powder boxes that have not been fetched by their owners
within a week shall be opened by the explosives issuer in the presence of
the shotfiring overman. The shotfiring material in them shall be returned
to stock.
194. (1) For every explosives magazine a register on a model satisfying
the requirements of the Divisional Mining Office shall be kept and shall
contain, in respect of each chamber, particulars of the delivery, issue and
return of explosives.
(2) In every case the delivery, issue and return of explosives shall be
immediately entered in the registers. The registers shall be balanced daily
and compared with the stock.
(3) A copy or a duplicate shall be made of every register and kept at
least five years on the surface.
(4) If any quantity of explosive is missing, the District Mining Office
shall be immediately notified.
198. (1) Explosives that have been issued shall only be carried by the
shotfirers themselves and only in locked metal containers (powder boxes)
that hold not more than 25 kg. The powder boxes shall be provided by
the mineowner ; they shall be numbered in a durable manner.
(2) If more than 15 kg explosives is issued to a shotfirer, an assistant
shall help him carry it ; the key of the powder box shall remain in the hands
of the shotfirer.
199. During man-winding, persons carrying shotfiring material shall
not travel together with other persons except supervisory officials and
onsetters employed on man-winding.
200. (1) Explosives for rock work and permitted explosives of classes I
and I I shall only be carried together between the explosives magazine and
the shotfiring chambers (Schiesskammer) (section 201 (1)).
(2) Live detonators shall be kept separate from the cartridges in the
powder boxes.
201. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff who are appointed for a number
of workplaces shall, during the shift, keep explosives and ignition appliances
that they do not carry themselves in a special room for this purpose (shotfiring chamber) that can be securely locked.
(2) For other authorised shotfiring staff a chest (shotfiring chest)
(Schiesskiste) that can be securely locked shall suffice for this purpose. I t
shall be supplied by the mineowner and kept as directed by the shift overman.
(3) Tools shall not be kept in the shotfiring chests.
202. (1) Powder boxes, shotfiring chests and shotfiring chambers shall
be carefully locked so long as they contain explosives or ignition appliances.
The key shall be carried by the authorised shotfiring official.
(2) Empty powder boxes, shotfiring chests and shotfiring chambers
shall not be locked.
203. Detonators that are not left in the powder boxes shall be kept in
special compartments of the shotfiring chests or the shotfiring chambers.
5
60
V. EXPLOSIVES
204. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff shall, at the end of the shift, return
their powder boxes with all unused explosives to the issuing room and hand
them over to the person responsible for collecting them ; they shall keep the
key of the powder box. This shall also apply to empty powder boxes.
(2) The issuer or the recipient of explosives shall keep a list of the
issues and returns of powder boxes.
205. Authorised shotfiring staff shall not hand over explosives to other
persons even if they also are authorised to fire shots.
206. If explosives, live detonators or exploders are mislaid, this shall
be immediately reported to the shift overman and the shotfiring overman.
The manager shall notify the District Mining Office."
6
e
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
The following principles have been adopted by the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office for the approval of underground explosives magazines
and the determination of the maximum quantities to be stored under Section 181 of the Mining Regulations of 1 May 1935.
"I.
Site
(1) The explosives magazines shall be so sited that the surface is protected against the effects of an explosion.
(2) The magazines shall be at least 100 m from the main exits to the
surface and at least 10 m from other mine workings used for travelling or
haulage, both distances to be reckoned in the direction of the air current.
(3) Two or more magazines shall be so far apart that the explosion of
one magazine cannot be propagated to the other.
(4) The magazines shall have a direct connection with the return air
current so t h a t the fumes of any explosion cannot reach occupied mine
workings.
(5) if in a n explosives storage chamber that is not connected to the
return air current more than the requirements of one shift have to be stored,
or the requirements of one shift exceed 500 kg, an application shall be made
to the Divisional Mining Office accordingly.
I I . Arrangement
(1) The roads constituting immediate approaches to the explosives
magazine shall not be in a straight line. At the bends in these roads and
opposite the entrance to each of the explosives chambers blind headings at
least 4 m deep shall be provided.
(2) If separate entrance and exit roads are not provided, the approach
roads shall be so separated by barriers that the workers entering and leaving
do not meet each other.
(3) The individual chambers of the magazine shall be separated from
one another by walls at least 5 m thick.
(4) Chambers in which more than 100 kg explosives are stored shall,
if the explosives are issued from the chamber, have an ante-chamber that
is separated by a wall from the storage space.
(5) For the storage of returned shotfirers' boxes (section 193) either a
special chamber or a special room in the ante-chamber separated from it by
a strong door shall be provided. In magazines in which not more than 100 kg
explosives are stored the shotfirers' boxes may be stored in the storage
space itself.
III.
Installation
(1) All rooms in an explosives magazine shall have a clear height of at
least 2.20 m.
3. HANDLING AND STORAGE
61
(2) The magazine shall be dry.
(3) If the ground is not stable the magazines shall be lined with masonry.
(4) The main entrances to the magazines and also the entrances to the
individual chambers shall be closed by strong doors opening outwards and
provided with box locks. The doors of the explosives chambers shall be
made of iron, or at least of wood faced with iron.
(5) The chambers shall be isolated in a fireproof manner. Openings
required for ventilation shall by special precautions be protected against
the penetration of flame.
(6) The installation of heating equipment shall require special approval of the district inspector.
(7) I n every chamber there shall be a thermometer with a centigrade scale.
(8) I n the storage chambers the temperature shall not exceed 40° C,
and, in storage chambers for dynamite and similar explosives that are liable
to freeze, shall not fall below 8° C.
(9) Fixed lighting shall be provided by fixed electric filament lamps.
The switches and fuses for the filament lamps shall be outside the chambers.
The magazines shall be deemed to be places with fire and explosion risks
within the meaning of the regulations of the Association of German Electrical
Engineers for the installation and operation of electrical heavy-current
equipment.
(10) If the magazine is illuminated by portable lamps, only electric
lamps or flame safety lamps shall be used for this purpose.
(11) On the outside of the main approach doors of the magazine, notice
boards shall be affixed with the wording 'Caution. Explosives. Admission
prohibited to unauthorised persons'.
IV. Quantities to Be Stored
[Specifies the maximum quantities of the various kinds of explosives
and detonators that can be stored in underground magazines.]
V. Taking into Use
An explosives magazine shall not be taken into use until the district
inspector has approved the installation and issued the operation permit
in writing."
NETHERLANDS
"142. (1) I t shall be prohibited to establish, install or use a surface
or underground explosives magazine without the authorisation of the
Inspector-General of Mines.
(2) The application shall be submitted in writing accompanied b y a
clear drawing showing the installation and the situation of the magazine
to be established and indicating the quantity and the kind or kinds of
explosives and ignition devices to be stored in the magazine.
143. The magazine shall only be entered by persons responsible for the
issue and transport of explosives, and for supervision.
144. (1) A register for the issue and reception of explosives shall be
provided and regularly kept up to date.
(2) The register shall contain—
(a) a record of the quantities of each kind and make of explosive and
ignition device received in the magazine and issued from it ;
(b) the times of the above operations ;
(c) the name of the person to whom the issue was made ;
62
(d)
(e)
V. EXPLOSIVES
the serial numbers of the cases and cartridges ;
an indication of the place where the explosives were used.
(3) Every day the register shall be balanced and signed by the person
responsible.
145. The person responsible for the issue of explosives shall issue them
only to the person responsible for shotfiring.
146. (1) The transport of explosives in quantities of 20 kg or more
shall be effected by cart.
147. (1) A t safe places to be indicated b y the responsible supervisor,
there shall be suitable shotfirers' chests for the storage of the explosives,
provided with serial numbers and efficient locks.
(2) The person responsible for shotfiring shall take the explosives into
his custody a n d shall store them in the shotfirers' box issued to him by or
on behalf of t h e mine manager ; unused explosives shall be kept by him
in the shotfirers' chest ; he shall keep the key of the chest and take care
that it is locked against unauthorised persons."
(MR 1939)
" 1. ( 1 ) The magazine shall, whenever possible, be situated in the return
air current. If the magazine cannot be placed in the return air current the
Inspector-General of Mines shall be consulted as to the measures to be taken
for the removal of the air used in ventilating the magazine.
(2) The compartment of the magazine used for keeping the explosives
shall be situated a t least 100 m from the shafts, a t an adequate distance
(at least 50 m) from other store places where explosives are deposited or
kept and at least 10 m from every staple pit, raise, incline, stone drift or
road in use.
(3) If the place where the magazine is to be installed is connected by
a straight road or stone drift with a road or stone drift in which regular
travel or haulage is carried on, the compartment of the magazine used for
keeping the explosives shall not be in the first-mentioned road or stone
drift itself but shall be installed in a place at right angles to it.
2. The magazine shall be kept dry, and the walls and the roof shall
be protected against collapse and crumbling.
3. The magazine shall be effectively closed by a door which may be
provided with a closable window.
4. On the outside of the door the word 'Dynamite' shall be inscribed
in legible and indelible letters, and on the inside of the door the maximum
quantity that m a y be deposited in the magazine shall be indicated in the
same manner.
5. The magazine shall consist of two compartments of which the rear one,
in which only the explosives shall be stored, shall be connected only by a
doorway with the front one, in which the explosives are issued.
6. The explosives shall be so stowed in the magazine that the whole
quantity can be seen at a glance.
7. In the magazine no other explosives shall be stowed than those for
which the Inspector-General of Mines has given his approval.
8. The floor of the magazine shall be made of wood or of another
material to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General of Mines.
9. (1) The doorway referred to in section 5 shall be closable by
means of a door.
(2) The door referred to in the preceding subsection and also the
outside door of the magazine shall be closed by means of a key whenever
no one is inside. The locks shall not be alike.
(3) When t h e said doors are closed it shall not be possible to lift them
from the hinges.
3. HANDLING AND STORAGE
63
(4) The keys shall always be in the possession of the magazine foreman
appointed by the mine manager.
10. The magazine shall be kept in a clean condition and adequately
ventilated.
11. (1) I n the magazine there shall always be a 100° maximum and
minimum thermometer in good order.
(2) The temperature in the magazine shall never fall below plus 8° C
or rise above plus 40° C. These temperatures shall be recorded daily in the
register intended for this purpose. As soon as the temperature rises to plus
27° C or more, or falls to plus 12° C or less, the Inspector-General of Mines
shall be so notified immediately and accurately informed of the temperature recorded.
12. (1) The explosives shall be stowed in the packing in which they
were delivered by the factory.
(2) Cases and drums containing explosives shall not be stacked more
than two tiers high ; between each series of two tiers there shall be a space
of at least 5 cm. The bottoms of the highest cases shall be not more than
1.20 m above the floor. These cases and drums shall not be opened in the
magazine.
13. If detonators are also stored in the magazine they shall be kept
in a separate room, which shall be at least 15 m 3 in size.
14. I t shall be prohibited to enter the magazine with other t h a n closed
safety lamps that satisfy the requirements of safety in all respects.
15. The compartment in which the explosives are stored shall only
be entered with boots or overshoes without nails.
16. I n the immediate vicinity of the magazine either an adequate
quantity of sand in a bucket together with a shovel or some other means
of extinguishing fires shall be kept for immediate use.
17. The magazine shall only be entered by persons responsible for the
issue, transport and supervision of explosives.
18. The names of the magazine foremen shall be notified to the Inspector-General of Mines.
19. The mine manager shall be bound to comply with any instructions
which, in the interests of safety, may be given by the Inspector-General
of Mines concerning magazines for explosives.
20. A magazine shall not be taken into use before it has been inspected
and found in good order by an official of the State Mines Inspectorate."
<IGR 52)
Note: Regulations (No. 53) similar to IGR 52 have been promulgated
by the Inspector-General of Mines for underground issuing magazines
for explosives.
"Underground
Auxiliary
Magazines for
Explosives.
1. (1) I n an underground auxiliary magazine for explosives no greater
quantity of explosives shall be stored than is considered adequate for one
week's consumption, subject to a maximum of 150 kg together with 300
detonators, ignition devices and other shotfiring requisites.
(2) Other objects shall not be stored therein.
2. (1) The auxiliary magazine shall be situated at a distance of a t
least 100 m from the shafts and from the places where shots are fired, and
a t least 10 m from staple pits, raises and rope haulage inclines in which
travel or transport takes place.
(2) Auxiliary magazines shall be at least 100 m apart.
64
V. EXPLOSIVES
3. The auxiliary magazine shall have only one entrance ; the effective
closing device thereof, which shall be opened only by the person authorised
for this purpose, shall not be capable of being lifted off the hinges when it
is closed or easily broken open in any other way.
4. The auxiliary magazine shall, in so far as the Inspector-General of
Mines considers this necessary, be protected on both sides by stone-dusting
the roads.
5. (1) The explosives shall be kept in a well made separate locked
case or in the original packing furnished by the factory (cases).
(2) The ignition devices shall be stored in an enclosed recess in the wall
of the auxiliary magazine or a separate locked case and placed near the
door opening.
(3) The distance between the floor and the recess or between the cases
and the floor of the auxiliary magazine shall not exceed 50 cm.
(4) The detonators shall rest on wooden flooring.
6. I n the auxiliary magazine there shall always be a maximum and
minimum thermometer in good order.
7. The temperature in the auxiliary magazine shall not fall below
plus 8° C or rise above plus 40° C.
8. Only wooden or copper tools shall be used for opening cases or
other packages.
9. The transport of explosives and ignition devices shall be effected
safely and as far as possible when little or no transport is in operation.
10. The names of the responsible auxiliary magazine foremen or shotfirers shall be recorded in a register which shall be kept at a place indicated
by the mine manager and approved by the Inspector-General of Mines.
11. The floor of the auxiliary magazine shall be made of wood or of
another material to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General of Mines.
12. Having regard to local circumstances the Inspector-General of
Mines reserves t h e right to lay down further conditions concerning the
situation, installation and use of auxiliary magazines.
13. The auxiliary magazine shall only be taken into use after inspection
by and with the approval of an official of the State Mines Inspectorate ; he
shall record his findings and his decision in the mine register.
14. If an auxiliary magazine is discontinued in use the InspectorGeneral of Mines shall be so notified immediately in writing."
(IGR 54)
SOUTH AFRICA
"77. Whenever permission for the establishment of a magazine cannot
be obtained in accordance with the Explosives Act, 1911, the Government
Mining Engineer may grant permission for the establishment of underground explosives magazines under such conditions as he may deem desirable
in each case.
78. If a t any time after the issue of any permission granted under
regulations Nos. 77 or 80 the conditions under which it was granted by the
Government Mining Engineer are no longer complied with the permission
may be cancelled by the Government Mining Engineer, and the magazine
or specially sanctioned storage place shall thereupon cease to be used for
storing explosives.
80. For quantities not exceeding 24 hours' probable consumption,
the Government Mining Engineer may sanction the establishment of underground stores subject to such conditions as he may prescribe in writing.
3. HANDLING AND STORAGE
65
82. No naked light shall be taken into an underground magazine or
store, nor shall any light whatever be so taken unless approved by an
Inspector of Mines.
83. No person shall smoke while in a magazine or store, nor shall he
carry in anything which might cause ignition.
84. Explosives shall be stored in regular layers, not more than 6 ft.
high, and so that a good 'turnover' is assured.
85. Applications for underground magazines and for underground
stores to be established under regulations Nos. 77 and 80 shall be made to
an Inspector of Mines.
86. Except as provided in regulations Nos. 77 and 80 not more than
100 lb. of explosives shall be stored at any one place in a mine.
87. (1) Blasting powder in grain shall not be stored in any underground magazine or store in the same compartment as other explosives,
but shall be kept in a separate compartment having its own separate lobby
and entrance.
(2) No scraps or broken portions of cartridges shall be placed in or left
lying on the floor of the magazine or store.
88. Detonators shall not be kept or stored with any other explosives,
safety fuses excepted.
89. (1) Every underground explosives magazine shall be in charge
of a competent person acquainted with the nature of explosives, whose
name shall be entered in a book to be called the 'Explosives Storage Book',
who shall be responsible for the proper receipt, storing, and distribution of
explosives, and shall keep full particulars of all receipts and deliveries in
the said book, which shall be kept in the magazine.
(2) The person in charge of underground explosives shall only receive
and deliver explosives which are in good order and condition ;
(3) and shall not allow explosives to be issued from the magazine unless
upon the written order of an authorised person.
(4) The person in charge of the magazine shall only issue the probable
number of cases of explosives required for 24 hours for each working place.
(5) Daily delivery of explosives to each ganger shall be clearly and
accurately recorded.
90. No ganger shall use at his working places any explosive which is
not supplied to him from the magazine of the mine where he is employed.
91. (1) I n any mine in the Transvaal or Orange Free State, except as
provided in regulation No. 39 ', no person other than a scheduled person or
a person or persons under the direct supervision of a scheduled person shall
handle or be caused or permitted to handle or be in charge of any explosives,
and no person in whose charge explosives have been lawfully left shall
relinquish that charge until some other scheduled person lawfully accepts
charge thereof or unless such explosives have been placed in a box provided
for the purpose and such box securely locked.
(2) No person shall take away or attempt to take away from a mine any
explosive without the written permission of the manager.
(3) No person shall secrete or be in possession of explosives in or about
a mine except as provided for in these regulations.
(4) No person shall convey or cause or permit to be conveyed in or
about a mine any explosives other than fuses, capped fuses, and fuse igniters,
unless such explosives are contained in receptacles approved by the Inspector
of Mines.
92. No person shall use anything, except implements of wood, brass
or copper in opening cases containing explosives, except where cases are
1
See Chapter X, Division 9.
66
V. EXPLOSIVES
screwed down, when an iron screwdriver may be used to withdraw the
screws, b u t for n o other purpose.
97. I n a fiery mine—
(1) no person shall take explosives into any such mine, or store them
a t any place therein except in cartridges in secure cases or canisters
containing not more than 20 lb. each;
(2) no person shall carry or put more than 200 detonators in any one
place underground a t any one time unless the detonators are stored
under authority of the Inspector of Mines.
106. The ganger or miner—
(1) shall as far as practicable use all explosives in the same rotation
as they are issued to him and shall not allow pieces of explosives or
odd cartridges to accumulate in the explosives box ;
(2) shall keep all explosives other than detonators under his charge
in the box provided for that purpose in a dry place at a safe distance
from working places, and shall keep the said box securely locked at
all times when he is not actually placing explosives therein or
removing them therefrom, and shall retain the key thereof in his
possession ;
(3) shall not place in the said box any other materials, implements or
tools ;
(4 ) shall keep all detonators under his charge in a separate box in a dry
place. Only detonators and capped fuses may be stored in the said
box, which he shall keep securely locked a t all times when he is not
actually placing detonators or capped fuses therein or removing
them therefrom, and shall retain the key thereof in his possession ;
(5) shall, underground in a mine, only convey explosives, other than
capped fuses and fuse igniters or an unopened case, in receptacles
approved by the Inspector of Mines ;
(6) shall not allow any naked light to be nearer than 3 ft. to explosives ;
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"Storage of Explosives and Detonators.
4. (1) Every place appointed by the manager as a store for, or as
premises for the keeping of, explosives or detonators shall be on the surface.
(2) For the deposit of explosives and detonators brought out of the
mine a t the end of each shift, there shall be a t least one place so appointed
situated conveniently near to each exit from the mine normally used by
workmen.
(3) The manager shall appoint in writing one or more competent persons
to have charge of each place so appointed, whenever explosives or detonators
are required to be issued or returned.
5. (1) No safety fuse intended to be used for firing shots shall be stored
elsewhere than a t a place appointed under article 4.
(2) No safety fuse shall be capped with a detonator in or about a mine
elsewhere than in a workshop subject to section 47 of the Explosives Act, 1875.
6. (1) All detonators shall be in the sole charge of the manager, or,
during any shift for which the manager has in writing appointed a competent person to have charge of the detonators a t a place appointed under
article 4, of t h a t person.
3. HANDLING AND STORAGE
67
(2) No detonator shall be taken from any place so appointed, except by
the written authority of the manager, or on issue for use as provided in this
order.
Issue and Conveyance of Detonators.
9. (1) No person shall be in possession of any detonator, unless he is
a person to whom it has been issued for use, or a person authorised to be
in possession of it by the manager in writing.
(2) No detonator shall be issued for use except to a shotfirer (as defined
in article l l 1 ) .
10. (1) No detonator shall be taken into the mine except in a securely
locked detonator case provided by the owner of the mine :
Provided that, subject to the precautions specified in article 41 2 , primer
cartridges may be fitted with detonators in a workshop subject to section 47
of the Explosives Act, 1875, and thereafter taken into the mine, for the purpose of sinking operations from the surface.
(2) No detonator shall be p u t into a detonator ease which contains a
detonator of any other type.
(3) No detonator case shall be issued to a shotfirer, unless it is so
constructed and maintained that, when the case is closed, it is impossible
for any detonator, or the leads of any detonator, contained therein to
touch any metal which is exposed outside the case, or is in contact with
any other metal so exposed."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"82. (a) All storage magazines for explosives shall be constructed
and maintained in accordance with the published specifications of the
United States Bureau of Mines in effect at the time of issuance of the lease
and shall be in charge of a competent person or persons designated by the
lessee or his agent and kept securely locked except when an authorised
person is on duty there.
( b) Magazines shall be situated at a distance from active or used mine
openings, buildings, dwellings, and places where persons congregate, proportionate to the maximum quantity of explosives to be stored therein
as specified in the American table of distances, unless natural barriers justify
modification of such distances and approval of such modification is given
by the district mining supervisor.
(c) A suitable underground chamber with wood lining and flooring, so
constructed and maintained that no nails are exposed, may, with the written
approval of the mining supervisor, be used in place of a surface magazine
if such underground chamber is adequately ventilated and has sufficient
cover, surrounding pillars, and strong bulkheads to prevent a dislodgement
should an explosion occur that would endanger life, the mine, or any building or dwelling. The surface entrance to such a magazine and the ventilating ducts shall be guarded by a fence, gates, and appropriate warning
signs. Under no circumstances shall the magazine have any connection
with any part of the mine in which men work. Where the entrance to the
magazine is a drift or slope that points toward any active or used mine
opening or toward any building or highway within the distance specified
in the table of distances for the quantity of explosives stored, an earth
barricade shall be erected opposite and as high as the entrance.
1
See Chapter VI, Division 5.
'- See Chapter XVIII, Division 3.
68
V. EXPLOSIVES
(d) All explosives except those for immediate use shall be kept in a
magazine. Detonators and blasting caps shall not be stored with other
explosives b u t kept in separate magazines.
83. If temporary storage of explosives in a mine is necessary, they
shall be stored in a suitable magazine made in the solid coal or rock, at
least 100 ft. from any shaft or main slope. The magazine shall be provided
•with a strong door kept securely locked except when entered by authorised
persons. N o t more than 200 lb. of explosives shall be placed in any such
magazine and, before each supply of explosives is placed in the magazine,
the magazine shall be cleaned. Not more than a 24-hour supply of explosives,
including any surplus remaining from the previous day, shall be stored
underground.
84. In mines where the miners charge their own blasting holes, not
more than one day's supply of explosives may be in possession of any miner,
or of two or more miners working in the same place.
85. (a) The lessee shall require the miner, or miners working in
the same working place, to keep explosives in portable, tight, wooden boxes,
each box having a lid that laps over the sides and is strongly hinged or
has battens that engage under a strip securely fastened at the back edge
of the box. Battens shall be placed over all cracks in the boxes to protect
the explosives from sparks, flame, and water. Fuse and cartridge paper
may be stored with the explosives, but not detonators or blasting caps,
tools, pieces of metal, matches, or oily material.
(b) The powder box shall be placed in a cross-cut or recess at a sufficient
distance from the working face to prevent its being struck by flying pieces
of coal or rock or being ignited by blown-out shots or electric cables.
86. (a) A proper hard-leather or fibre container shall be furnished to
shotfirers and cap distributors, or to miners who carry blasting caps or
detonators. The caps and detonators shall be taken into the mine in a
separate container not used for other explosives.
(b) Where miners are permitted to charge their drill holes, the caps or
detonators shall be kept in moisture-proof receptacles and placed in a hole
in the rib or in a box at least 10 ft. from any point at which other explosives
are kept a n d where no danger exists of their being struck by flying missiles
from blasting or from a fall of roof."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article IV. Explosives and Blasting
4. Underground storage, (a) When supplies of explosives and
detonators for use in one or more sections are stored underground, they
shall be kept in section boxes or magazines of substantial construction with
no metal exposed on the inside, located at least 25 ft. from roadways and
power wires, and in a reasonably dry, well rock-dusted location protected
from falls of roof. In pitching beds, where it is not possible to comply with
the location requirement, such boxes shall be placed in niches cut into the
solid coal or rock.
(b ) When explosives or detonators are stored in the section, they
shall be kept preferably in separate boxes or magazines not less than 5 ft.
apart ; if kept in the same box or magazine, they shall be separated by
at least a 4-in. substantially fastened hardwood partition or the equivalent.
Not more than a 48-hour supply of explosives or detonators shall be stored
underground in such boxes or magazines.
(c) Explosives and detonators stored near the working faces shall
be in separate closed containers, and shall be in a location out of line of
blast not less than 50 ft. from the face and 15 ft. from any pipeline, powerline,
rail or conveyor ; except that, if kept in niches in the rib, the distance from
3 . HANDLING AND STORAGE
69
pipeline, powerline, rail o r c o n v e y o r shall b e a t l e a s t 5 ft. S u c h explosives
a n d d e t o n a t o r s , w h e n s t o r e d , shall b e s e p a r a t e d b y a d i s t a n c e of a t l e a s t
5 ft.
(d) E x p l o s i v e s a n d d e t o n a t o r s shall b e k e p t in t h e i r c o n t a i n e r s u n t i l
i m m e d i a t e l y before use a t t h e working faces.
(e) O n l y n o n - m e t a l l i c tools shall b e u s e d for opening w o o d e n explosives
c o n t a i n e r s . Tools or o t h e r m a t e r i a l s shall n o t b e s t o r e d w i t h explosives o r
detonators."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
""•
(b)
All explosive m a t e r i a l shall b e s t o r e d in a fireproof m a g a z i n e l o c a t e d
on t h e surface n o t less t h a n 500 ft. from all o t h e r buildings in c o n n e c t i o n
w i t h t h e m i n e , a n d such m a g a z i n e shall b e so p l a c e d as n o t t o j e o p a r d i s e
t h e free a n d safe e x i t of m e n from t h e m i n e in case of a n explosion a t t h e
magazine.
19.
(b) E v e r y p e r s o n w h o h a s p o w d e r or o t h e r explosives in a m i n e shall
k e e p t h e s a m e in a wooden b o x securely locked, w i t h h i n g e d lid, a n d said
b o x shall b e k e p t as far as p r a c t i c a b l e from t h e t r a c k ; a n d all p o w d e r b o x e s
shall b e k e p t a s far as p r a c t i c a b l e from each o t h e r a n d each in a s c h e d u l e d
place. B l a c k p o w d e r a n d high explosives or c a p s shall n o t b e k e p t in t h e
s a m e b o x . D e t o n a t i n g explosives a n d d e t o n a t o r s shall n o t be k e p t in t h e
same box.
(c) W h e n e v e r a w o r k m a n is a b o u t t o o p e n a b o x or keg c o n t a i n i n g
p o w d e r o r o t h e r explosives, a n d while h a n d l i n g t h e s a m e , he shall place a n d
k e e p h i s l a m p a t least 5 ft. d i s t a n t from t h e s a i d explosive, a n d i n s u c h
position t h a t t h e air c u r r e n t c a n n o t convey s p a r k s t o it, a n d n o p e r s o n shall
a p p r o a c h n e a r e r t h a n 5 ft. t o a n y open b o x c o n t a i n i n g a n o p e n k e g of
p o w d e r or o t h e r explosive w i t h a lighted l a m p , lighted p i p e or o t h e r t h i n g
c o n t a i n i n g fire. N o m i n e r , w o r k m a n or o t h e r p e r s o n shall o p e n a n y receptacle c o n t a i n i n g a n explosive e x c e p t b y t h e m e a n s of opening t h e s a m e p r o vided b y t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r thereof, a n d it shall be unlawful for a n y p e r s o n
t o h a v e in h i s possession in a n y m i n e a n y r e c e p t a c l e c o n t a i n i n g explosive
which h a s b e e n o p e n e d in violation of t h i s A c t . "
*
(A 6.6.1911)
Permissible explosives m u s t b e s t o r e d in m a g a z i n e s c o n s t r u c t e d in
a c c o r d a n c e w i t h p l a n s a p p r o v e d b y t h e s t a t e m i n e i n s p e c t o r (6).
E v e r y m a g a z i n e m u s t b e p r o v i d e d w i t h a w o o d e n floor k e p t free from
grit a n d d i r t . I f m o r e t h a n one k i n d of explosive is k e p t in t h e s a m e m a g a zine t h e m a g a z i n e m u s t b e d i v i d e d i n t o r o o m s b y p a r t i t i o n s ; t h e different
k i n d s of explosive m u s t b e k e p t in different r o o m s b u t n o d e t o n a t o r s or
b l a s t i n g c a p s or a n y device c o n t a i n i n g fulminating c o m p o s i t i o n m a y b e
k e p t in t h e s a m e m a g a z i n e w i t h a n y explosive (7).
(A 26.6.1913)
New Mexico
" 1 3 0 4 . I n m i n e s w h e r e t h e explosive is d i s t r i b u t e d t o t h e m i n e r s or
w o r k i n g p l a c e s u n d e r g r o u n d , t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n shall b e d o n e a s soon as t h e
explosive is t a k e n i n t o t h e m i n e .
1307. U n l e s s all explosives a r e t a k e n o u t of t h e m i n e after e a c h shift,
t h e o p e r a t o r shall require t h e m i n e r t o k e e p explosives in a p o r t a b l e , t i g h t ,
covered b o x of wood or o t h e r n o n - c o n d u c t i n g m a t e r i a l . T h e explosives b o x
shall b e k e p t in a cross-cut or recess a t a safe d i s t a n c e from t h e w o r k i n g face
a n d from electric wiring. N o d e t o n a t o r s , tools, pieces of m e t a l or oily
m a t e r i a l shall b e k e p t in t h e explosives b o x . "
r
*
(A 16.3.1933)
70
V. EXPLOSIVES
Pennsylvania
" 1 . No powder or high explosive shall be stored in any mine, and no
more of either article shall be taken into any mine at one time by any one
person t h a n is required in one shift. The quantity shall not exceed 5 lb. ;
provided t h a t in a mine where shotflrers are employed the shotfirers shall
have the right to take a sufficient quantity to complete their work.
Black powder for use in mines shall be put up in 5, 10, 15 and 25 lb.
metallic cans or canisters, or receptacles of equally safe material.
3. Detonators shall a t all times be kept in securely locked cases, separate
and apart from other explosives, until required for use."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XVI)
CHAPTER VI
SH0TÏ1RING
1. GEÎTEBAL
BELGIUM
" 7 . Insertion of the cartridges into the shot-holes and the tamping
of the shots shall only be done with the help of non-metallic tamping rods
having a diameter exceeding by at least 2 mm the diameter of the cartridges,
and without jolting or forcing. For tamping, use shall only be made of
substances not capable of producing sparks on impact.
Explosives shall only be used in shot-holes. For each shot-hole there
shall be only one detonator, placed in the last cartridge inserted, and preferably towards the mouth of the hole.
Nevertheless, in the case of charges consisting of a single cartridge it
shall be compulsory to place the detonator towards the mouth of the hole.
8. I t shall be prohibited to deepen or to scrape shot-holes or parts
of shot-holes that may remain after firing.
9. When shots are fired by electricity—
(1) if a portable exploder is used the shotfirer shall not part with
the appliance without having rendered it inoperative for any person but
himself, and without having disconnected the leads ;
(2) in the case of fixed installations provided with a switch, the switch
shall be so arranged that it can be actuated only by the shotfirer.
In either case this employee shall himself attach the leads to the detonators and be the last to leave the face where the shot is to be fired.
All electric testing of a firing line or a part of a firing line in position
shall be undertaken with the help of appliances, galvanoscopes or ohmmeters—in perfect condition and specially intended for this purpose—
to the exclusion of exploders.
Simultaneous shotfiring shall only be carried out with detonators of
the same manufacture and same electrical resistance.
10. On any working face only shots that are to be fired simultaneously
shall be loaded simultaneously.
Loading shall not begin until all the workers except the duly qualified
workers have withdrawn.
Every loading operation that has begun shall be continued without
interruption.
The use of time detonators shall only be allowed for workings in stone.
These detonators shall be of a type accepted by the Mines Administration.
Instantaneous detonators and delay-action detonators forming part
of the same firing circuit shall be of the same manufacture.
11. No shot shall be fired unless the shotfirers have satisfied themselves
that all the workers are properly sheltered and that the various approaches
to the firing spot are well guarded.
After firing the shot, the shotfirer or the worker appointed by him
for this purpose shall be the first to return to the face concerned to satisfy
himself that no danger exists."
(RO 24.4.1920)
72
VI. SHOTFIRING
CANADA
Alberta
"145
(3) AU shots shall be fixed electrically by a shotfiring device approved
by the Director of Mines, and not in any other manner.
(4) No person shall fire any shot without authority from t h e manager
or overman, and no shot shall be fired except by a shot-lighter who shall
be a certificated examiner appointed for the purpose, except with the written
approval of the District Inspector, and he shall immediately before charging
any shot-hole examine it and see that the shot is properly placed, and the
borehole well cleaned ; he shall also examine the character of the explosive
and regulate the quantity of the explosive to be used in the hole, and it
shall be loaded according to his instructions and under his supervision ;
he shall also examine all places contiguous thereto within a radius of 60 ft.
and shall not fire the shot unless he finds it safe to do so, and no shot shall
be fired if gas is detected in such quantities as to make it unsafe to do so,
and the cables shall not be coupled up either to the detonator or to the
firing apparatus, except by him.
153. (1) The shot-lighter shall be subject to the control of the overman whose instructions shall not conflict with this Act.
(2) Before firing a shot the shot-lighter about to fire it shall see that
all persons are out of reach of danger from the probable effect of such shot
in that or any adjoining place and he shall take such precautions as may
be necessary t o prevent any person inadvertently approaching until the
shot is fired.
(3) When a shot has missed fire, no person shall enter any place where
the shot has missed until the battery has been disconnected and permission
is given for such entry by the person in charge of the firing.
(4) A record of all shots which have missed fire shall be kept in a book
provided at the mine for that purpose.
(5) The shot-lighter shall not be a contractor nor any person in the
employ of a contractor unless permission in writing is first obtained from
the Director of Mines.
(6) After a shot has been fired the shot-lighter who fired it shall, as
soon as practicable thereafter, inspect the place and take all necessary
steps to ensure safety before work is resumed."
(A 1945)
"8. In the process of charging or stemming for blasting, a person shall
not use or have in his possession any iron or steel to be used as a pricker,
charger, tamping rod, scraper or stemmer, and nothing but clay or other
non-inflammable substance or material shall be used for stemming, and
a sufficient supply of such clay or other non-inflammable substance or
material shall be provided by the owner of the mine and kept in each working
place as near the working face as is practicable and in no case shall it be
further from the working face than the nearest cross-cut or other convenient
place in the vicinity thereof.
9. No explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a hole of insufficient size,
and when a hole has been charged the explosive shall not be unstemmed
or unrammed, and no hole shall be bored for a charge at a distance of less
than 12 in. from any hole where a charge has missed fire.
10. No coal face shall be considered prepared for shotfiring unless it
is sufficiently cut, sheared or has an open end across the whole width
1. GENERAL
73
that the shot is intended to dislodge, nor shall the shot-hole be drilled
within 6 in. of the solid and every charge of explosive shall be placed in a
properly drilled shot-hole. I n the case of short holes such holes shall be
tamped to the collar and in all other cases the amount of tamping used
shall not be less than 30 in.
11. Only one class, grade or quality of explosive shall be used in any
one shot.
12. The person firing the shot shall not use a cable less than 60 ft.
in length for the purpose of firing, and such person shall take refuge in
a man-hole or other safe place, or otherwise be at least 60 ft. away from
the place where the shot is fired at the time of the firing of such shot.
13. (1) After a shot has been fired, the shot-lighter shall as soon
as possible thereafter, inspect the place to ascertain if work can be safely
resumed, and if necessary shall take steps to have the place made safe
before any other work is done ; and before leaving a place where a shot
has missed fire, a warning board or fence shall be erected or fixed across
the whole width of the said place either by the shot-lighter or the person
in charge of the working place, whichever person is last to leave.
(2) A blasting cable shall be—
broken and short-circuited and kept short-circuited a t the battery end
until ready to attach to the blasting unit ;
(b) staggered as to length at the detonator end to prevent short-circuiting ;
(c) kept away from track, power wires, pipelines, and other possible
sources of active or stray currents.
(a)
14. (1) The shot-lighter shall make a record of—
(a) the amount of detonators taken into the mine and the amount returned
at the end of his shift ;
(b) the amount of explosives and detonators used in each working place.
The manager shall set the maximum number of shots which m a y be
fired by each examiner or shot-lighter, and a report of same shall be
forwarded to the District Inspector for his approval.
(2) No shot shall be fired in loose rock or coal, except under the immediate supervision of the manager or overman. Detonators shall be kept
under the control of some person appointed in writing by the manager for
the purpose. The person so appointed may issue such detonators to shotlighters or other persons authorised by the manager in writing and no
other person shall take any detonator into a mine. Shot-lighters or other
persons so authorised shall keep all detonators issued to them until they
are about to be used, in a locked case or box of a pattern to be approved
by the Chief Inspector. Explosives and detonators shall not be carried
in the same container.
Provided, however, that the District Inspector upon application being
made to him in writing, may grant permission in writing t h a t such locked
cases or boxes containing detonators may be issued to miners, but a shotlighter shall be the only person in the mine who shall be permitted to carry
or use an electric firer. No person other than a shot-lighter shall carry
or use the key of such cases or boxes of detonators.
15. (1) Not more than two shots shall be tamped or fired in coal
at a working face, and then only if the firing of one shot is not dependent
on the firing of the other.
(2) The one or two shots permitted by subsection (1) shall not be
loaded or tamped until all shots previously loaded a t the 'working face
have been fired.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the
District Inspector upon application in writing may—
74
(a)
(b)
VI. SHOTFIRING
grant permission for the simultaneous shooting of shots in coal subject
to such conditions as he may prescribe in writing ; or
where the inclination of the seam exceeds 20°, grant permission in
writing to t a m p more than one hole before firing.
19. No delay-action fuses shall be used underground for firing shots
in coal.
20. The use of non-permitted explosives and delay-action fuse detonators in the driving of rock tunnels or other rock work in a coal mine is
hereby prohibited except upon the authority in writing of the Director of
Mines and subject also to the following conditions :
(a) The manager shall make an application by registered mail, to the
Director of Mines, of his intention to do such work which shall include
a plan showing in detail—
(1) the point a t which the work is to commence and the distance, inclination and direction it is expected to drive ;
(2) the direction and amount of ventilating current and such information
with respect to auxiliary ventilation for the proposed work ;
(3) the location of all known seams of coal adjacent and expected to
penetrate ;
(4) the dimensions of the rock work to be driven and the nature of the
strata to be penetrated ;
(5) such other information as may be required by the Director of Mines.
(b) The application shall state the maximum number of shot-holes
to be fired for the completion of a round of shots and the maximum number
to be fired at a time and the kind and amount of explosive to be used for
each shot-hole.
(c) Application shall also be made to take into a mine, a sufficient
amount of non-permitted explosives in secure cases or canisters containing
not more than 25 lb. in each case or canister, for each shift on which same
is to be used, a n d the manager shall make provision for the safe distribution,
transportation and daily return of any unused explosives to the place of
storage on the surface.
(d) Shots m a y be fired by a multiple shotfiring battery of the plunger
type.
(e) The shotfiring cable shall be not less than 300 ft. in length and
all persons shall take refuge in a man-hole or be out of the direct line of
the shots and be at least 300 ft. from the shots at the time of firing same.
(f) Gas detector readings shall be taken by the certificated examiner
•with an approved detector, in addition to the flame-type safety lamp test,
immediately before he fires any shots. If the examination shows that there
is one-half of one per cent, or over of methane in the air, at the face or
roadway leading thereto, then no shot shall be fired. A report with respect
to this condition shall be made, on the same day on which it may occur,
to the District Inspector.
(g) Unless authority in writing has been granted by the District
Inspector no non-permitted explosive shall be used within 25 ft. of any
known seam of coal, and after such seam has been penetrated the coal
area shall be rock-dusted.
24. (1) Notwithstanding those provisions of these regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this section, milli-second delay-action
detonators may b e used for firing shots in coal if permission in writing first
has been obtained from the Director of Mines to use such detonators and
to take into the mine sufficient approved explosives for that purpose.
1. GBNBBAL
75
(2) The manager shall submit a written application to the Director
of Mines for permission to use milli-second delay-action detonators for the
firing of shots in coal, which shall show in detail—
(a) the part of the mine in which the detonators shall be used ;
(b) the direction and the amount of the ventilating current, and the
percentage of inflammable gas contained therein ; and
(o) such further information as may be required by the Director of Mines
in considering the application;
and which shall give the tentative details regarding—
(d) the dimensions of the coal faces and the nature of the seam ;
(e) the drilling pattern to be adopted ; and
(j) the amount and type of powder per shot-hole.
(3) The Director of Minea may grant in writing the permission applied
for upon such terms or conditions as he may prescribe, or may refuse the
permission.
(4) The Director of Mines in his discretion at any time by notice in
writing may cancel permission granted pursuant to this section, or may
vary the terms and conditions prescribed.
(5) The multiple shotfiring device used with milli-second delay-action
detonators shall be approved for the purpose by the Director of Mines and
the number of detonators fired at one time shall not exceed the rated
capacity of the machine.
(6) The conductors in the shotfiring cable shall be flexible, rubbercovered, of not less diameter than number 16 gauge, insulated up to 300 volts,
and at least 100 ft. in length.
(7) Every galvanometer and shotfiring device in use shall be tested
daily by a method approved by the Director of Mines, and shall not be
used unless found to be in proper working condition.
(8) The shotfirer shall be trained thoroughly in all phases of millisecond multiple blasting methods, and shall be certified as competent in
the use of such methods by the District Inspector after an examination
which shall include a practical examination under actual working conditions.
(9) Subject to the provisions of section 7 1 of these regulations, explosives used in milli-second multiple blasting shall be taken into the mine
in secure cases or canisters containing not more than 25 lb. for each working
place a t which they are to be used.
(10) Galvanometer tests shall be made—
(a) to the round of shots a t the face before the shotfiring cable is attached ;
(b) to the shotfiring cable on open circuit for leakage before connecting
to detonators ;
(c) at the firing point immediately before firing ; and
(d) at the face after a round is fired if there is any indication of a misfire.
(11) A place where
shots are to be fired shall be rock-dusted in accordance with section 16 a of these regulations, and the shotfirer shall test for
inflammable or noxious gases—
(a) immediately before the holes are charged ;
(b) immediately before the round is fired ; and
(c) immediately after returning to the face following the firing of shots.
(12) Gas-detector readings shall be taken by a certificated examiner
with an approved detector, in addition to the flame-type safety lamp tests.
1
See Chapter V, Division 1.
* See Division 3 of this chapter.
6
76
VI. SHOTFntlNG
(13) If a test or reading prescribed by subsection (11) or subsection (12)
shows t h a t there is a dangerous amount of inflammable gas or dust in the
air, at the face or roadway leading thereto, then no shot shall be fired.
(14) All shots shall be connected in series.
(15) All persons shall take refuge in a place of safety a t least 100 ft.
from the shots a t the time of firing.
(16) No person shall return to the face after shots are fired until the
expiration of a waiting period of a t least four minutes from the time the
shots are fired, a n d no person shall resume work unless it is found safe to
do so.
(17) The District Inspector in his discretion may increase the minimum
waiting period prescribed in subsection (16)."
(Explosives Regulations)
FKANCE
"218. No charge of explosive shall be fired and, save for the exception
made necessary by the use of detonating fuses, no detonators shall be
exploded otherwise than in a properly drilled shot-hole so sealed as to
prevent any untamping.
Nevertheless, the blasting of blocks and, if absolutely necessary, the
blasting of supports may be authorised by the district inspector of mines
in mines that are not classified as fiery or dusty.
219. Shot-holes shall be so sited and given such direction as not to meet
a hole that is already loaded or is being loaded.
220. (1) Before inserting the charge the shot-holes shall be carefully
scraped.
(2) Shot-holes shall not be loaded until the last possible moment before
firing. Failing a n exemption granted by the district inspector of mines for
each particular workplace and subject to instructions previously approved
by him, it shall be prohibited to drill from the beginning of the loading of
the shot-holes to the firing of the shots.
If an emanation of gas is noticeable a t the mouth of a shot-hole, all
loading shall be suspended a t the workplace, and a supervisor shall be
immediately notified.
221. The charge, unless it is a single cartridge, shall consist of a row
of cartridges in close contact ; firing with gaps between cartridges shall
only be allowed with explosives specified by the Minister and in the conditions laid down b y him.
222. I t shall be prohibited—
(a) to cut cartridges ;
( b) t o force t h e m in and crush them ;
(c) to alter their condition except for the purpose of adapting the priming
in the conditions laid down in the internal rules referred to in section 211 1 ; or, when necessary for the removal of the outside envelope.
223. (1) I n any shot-hole there shall be only one primed cartridge
and this shall have only one detonator. This primed cartridge shall only
be prepared a t t h e moment for its use ; the shotfirer shall immediately
separate from its priming any cartridge which has been primed but not
used.
(2) The priming shall be sufficiently powerful to ensure, even in the
open air, the complete detonation of the primed cartridge.
(3) The priming shall be placed at one of the ends of the charge, either
towards the tamping (amorçage antérieur) or towards the bottom of the
hole (amorçage postérieur) to the exclusion of any intermediate position.
»See Chapter V, Division 1.
1. GENERAL
77
(4) Delay-action detonators and detonating fuses shall only be used
in the conditions laid down by the Minister.
224. (1) The sealing of shot-holes shall effectively prevent any untamping. I t shall be achieved either by the careful insertion of suitable materials
to the exclusion of any coal dust, or by means of devices of a type approved
by the Minister ; both the materials and the devices shall be furnished by
the operator.
(2) In the case of sealing by tamping materials the plug of tamping
shall fill the entire cross-seetion of the shot-hole over at least a third of its
total depth, subject to a minimum length of 0.20 m without it being necessary, however, to exceed 0.50 m.
225. (1) I t shall be prohibited to abandona loaded shot-hole without
supervision or without effectively barring off the workplace.
(2) Whether firing has been attempted or not, neither the tamping
nor, if appropriate, the charge of any shot-hole shall be withdrawn. Nevertheless, exemptions may be granted from these prohibitions in certain
circumstances in conformity with special instructions approved b y the
district inspector of mines.
226. (1) The lighting of individual shots, rounds of shots or detonating fuses shall be effected at a distance byx electric firing ; the currents
utilised shall only be those of the first class or miniature voltage.
Nevertheless, lighting by safety fuse may be exceptionally authorised
by the district inspector of mines, who shall specify the necessary measures
and, in particular, the maximum number of shots fired simultaneously.
(2) In any workplace the round fired shall comprise all the shots loaded;
if there is a misfire, the firing of parts of rounds shall be authorised.
227. (1) For firing lines bare wires shall only be authorised for the last
150 m of line unless miniature voltages are used ; they shall be supported
by insulators which in dry places may be simple wooden pegs ; a t no place
shall they be liable to come into contact with each other or with metal
parts of the appliances or of equipment other than the terminals of the
source of current.
(2) In mines where stray currents may be feared and in mines where
firing is done from the surface the firing lines shall, up to the vicinity of
the workplace, consist of insulated conductors.
(3) In sinking pits and, if rounds are fired, also in drop pits in course
of sinking if the gradient exceeds 25 per cent, the firing line shall consist,
up to the vicinity of the workplace, either of armoured cables or of flexible
cables of sufficient mechanical strength or of insulated cables laid on insulators ; the terminal part near the shots shall consist of insulated conductors or conductors kept off the ground by materials of poor conductivity. The circuit shall be tested before firing with a very weak current.
(4) I n no case shall conductors for shotfiring and conductors for other
purposes be laid together in the same conduits or cables.
228. (1) The specifications of the exploders and the conditions of
their use shall be such as to exclude any risk of a misfire occurring owing
to insufficiency of power.
(2) The essential electrical characteristics of the exploders shall be
tested periodically in suitably equipped workshops ; the frequency and the
nature of these tests shall be specified in the internal rules referred to in
section 211.
(3) The operating appliance of the exploder shall be kept by the shotfirer, who shall be responsible for it and shall only put it in place a t the
moment of firing.
' For classification of currents see Chapter XIX, Division 2.
78
VI. SHOTFIRING
229. When t h e current required for shotfiring is taken from the mains
the following measures shall be taken :
(a) I t shall not be possible for the firing lines to come inadvertently
into contact with a conductor of the mains system.
(b) I t shall only be possible to make the firing lines live through a
plug and socket connection and by the operation of a switch so arranged
as to cut off all the lines simultaneously and to keep them cut off except
at the moment of firing. I n particular, one of the parts of the plug and
socket connection and the switch shall normally be in one and the same
box, of which only the shotfirer shall have the key. This part of the plug
and socket connection shall only be connected at the moment of firing
and shall be disconnected immediately afterwards.
(c) I n shafts and drop pits in the course of sinking it shall be verified
before each occasion of firing that the available difference of potential is
at least twice t h a t which would be necessary in a dry environment.
230. The loading and tamping of shot-holes, unless carried out by the
shotfirer or an assistant shotfirer, shall be carried out under their effective
supervision.
The shotfirer or in default an assistant shotfirer shall alone be empowered to prime cartridges and to make the connections between shots
or with the firing line.
Only the shotfirer, or in his presence and under his supervision an
assistant shotfirer, shall be authorised to fire shots.
231. No shot shall be fired unless the shotfirer has made certain that
all the workers belonging to the workplace and also the workers employed
in the vicinity a n d liable to be struck by the explosion have been duly
warned and have taken suitable shelter. The necessary measures shall be
taken to stop in good time any workers who may come too near to the
workplace where the shots are being fired.
The shotfirer shall be the last to leave the workplace."
(R 4.5.1951)
" 1 . The general conditions for the use of delay-action detonators in
the workings of fuel mines shall be determined by the present order without
prejudice to the special conditions laid down for mines or districts classified
as fiery or dusty.
2. Delay-action detonators shall be of a type approved by the Minister
in charge of mines on the report of the Commission for Scientific Research
on Firedamp, Dusts and Mining Explosives.
3. For the storage and distribution of delay-action detonators, the
operator shall take all measures calculated to ensure that they are kept in
good condition and to reduce the risk of interversion.
4. For every type of workplace in the stone and for every working face
in the coal, the operator shall be required to draw up a shotfiring plan
specifying the arrangement and the load of shot-holes of one and the same
round, and for every type of coalgetting workplace, to give all useful instructions to the.shotfirers.
5. With delay-action detonators the priming shall be in the leading
cartridge.
6. The certificate of competency of the shotfirer shall entitle him to
use delay-action detonators.
7. Shotfiring with delay-action detonators shall be prohibited in ground
with loose surfaces liable under the effect of the first detonation to expose
or break up charges not yet exploded.
8. A register kept at the mine office shall indicate for each workplace :
the model shotfiring plan when this is required by section 4 above ; the
79
1. GENERAL
dates of the beginning and t h e end of t h e use of delay-action detonators ;
the total number of detonators used ; and t h e misfires or dangerous
occurrences observed."
(O 3.11.1951)
GERMANY
'Execution of
Shotfiring
General.
207. (1) The various kinds of shotfiring material shall only be used
in accordance with provisions of shotfiring tables I and I I . Under shotfiring table I shots shall only be fired in such mines and parts of concessions
for which there is an authorisation from the Divisional Mining Office.
(2) (a)
8HOTTIBING TABLE I
Shotfiring category
—A
j
-f A
"Working place
2
1
3
(a) Pure rock workings (cross-measure drifts,
lateral roads, drop pits and raises) so long
(b) Rockwork with adjacent i
\
coal (cross-measure drifts, Enclosing rocks
lateral roads, drop pits and •¡Dead rock and >
raises) when a n d so long as Icoal
coal is exposed
\
>
(c) Gate roads, roads in t h e l-r. j
i
j 1
1
'
, ,.
, .
-¡Dead rock and )
seam a n d dip workings
1 ,
1
(Enclosing rocks l
Icoal
2
1 (MO)
4
2 (MO)
4
2 (MO)
4
2 (DMO)
4
2 (MO)
4
2 (MO)
j
(e) D u m m y drifts and enclosing rocks in t h e
(j) Production faces including sides of gate roads
Only instantaneous d e tonators and permitted
explosives of Class I if
shotfiring cannot b e
avoided altogether.
— A = without authorisation. MO
+ A = with authorisation.
DMO =
District Mining Office.
Divisional Mining Office.
VI. SHOTFIBING
80
(b)
SHOTFUtnio T A B L E H
Shotflring category
with normal
gas risk
+ A
Shotflring category
with increased gas
risk (section 207(4))
(a) P u r e rock workings (cross-measure drifts,
lateral roads, d r o p pits and raises with through
ventilation) so long as no coal is exposed. .
1 (MO)
2 (MO)
(b) Raises without through ventilation so long
as no coal is exposed
2 (MO)
4 (MO)
(c) Rook workings with adjacent coal (crossmeasure drifts, lateral roads and drop pits)
when a n d so long as coal is exposed . . .
2 (MO)
3 (MO)
(d) Raises with
through f E n c l o a ¡
rockg.
ventilation when and so < _. ,
,
,
Dead rock and coal
long as coal. is
. exposed. 1( Dead rock and C(
4 (MO)
4 (MO)
5 (MO)
(e ) Raises without through I T , , .
,
1
' ventilation
,., ..
when
,
andj so Enclosing rocks. .
Dead rock and coal
long as coal is exposed
5 (MO)
Working place
(f)
(9)
Roads in t h e seam J Enclosing rocks . . .
a n d dip workings | Dead rock and coal . .
3 (MO)
3 (MO)
Rise workings) S S U S L S S * coal
.
.
(
Enclosing rocks. .
D e a d rock and coal
(i)
D u m m y drifts a n d enclosing rocks in the face zone
(j)
Production faces ineluding sides of g a t e roads
equivalent to production
faces
( If the conditions referred to in section
I 207(4), l(a)-(c) do n o t obtain. . . .
) If the conditions referred to in section
( 207(4), 1(a)-(c) do obtain
(k) I n extensively fractured
ground
— A = without authorisation.
+ A = with authorisation.
/
I
—A
+A
3 (MO)
3 (DMO)
5 (MO)
3 (MO)
5 (MO)
3 (DMO)
5 (MO)
3 (MO)
5 (MO)
Only instantaneous detonators and permitted explosives
of Class I I if shotfiring cannot be avoided altogether.
MO = District Mining Office.
DMO = Divisional Mining Office.
81
1. GENERAL
(3) Shot firing categories—
Category 1 = delayed ignition and explosives for rockwork ;
,,
2 = delayed ignition and permitted explosives of Class I ;
,,
3 = delayed ignition and permitted explosives of Class I I ;
,,
4 = instantaneous ignition and permitted explosives of Class I ;
,,
5 = instantaneous ignition and permitted explosives of Class I I .
With delayed ignition, detonators with which the delay from detonator O
to the last detonator exceeds five seconds shall not be used ; the provisions
of section 168 (1) ' shall apply.
(4) Increased gas risk as referred to in columns 4 and 5 of shotfiring
table I I (subsection (2) (b)) exists—
1. In all workings—
(a) on the inflow of air with a firedamp content of 0.5 per cent, or more ;
ß) when a t the firing place or within a radius of 30 m the emission of
gas is so great that accumulations of firedamp can only be
avoided by special measures ;
(o) 25 m in front of and 6 m behind the passage across known gas carriers ;
(d) within an area measuring 50 m in all directions around coal
islands, active face workings, and faces worked less than six months
previously.
CROSS-SECTION
GROUND PLAN
50m
(
4*\
45°-50m-
-50m-
50m
2. In rock workings and the driving of roads in the seam, if they are
within the zone of influence of old faces or faces being worked. The
zone of influence shall mean the space bounded by—
(a) a roof surface that lies horizontally a t a vertical distance of
200 m above the top edge of the face ;
(b) by side surfaces that are inclined a t 65° to the horizontal and
whose smallest distance from the face edges is 50 m ;
(c) by a floor surface that lies parallel t o the face surface a t a
distance of 50 m below it measured perpendicular to the dip.
CROSS-SECTION
GROUND PLAN
*~~
65°
^
(
1
1
i
•65°0
45°i
i
i
6S°«
t
V.
65°
1
See Chapter V, Division 1.
• —
,
t
...
,-
82
VI. SHOTFIRING
208. (1) The shotfiring overman shall determine the shotfiring
categories to be applied to each working place under section 207 (2) in
so far as these categories are not determined by special authorisation or
authorisation in connection with the plan of operations.
(2) I t shall be permissible to have shotfiring carried out in a higher
category than the one authorised.
(3) If a t any working place changes occur that require shotfiring under
a higher shotfiring category, or exclude shotfiring, the shift overman, if
the shotfiring overman cannot be reached, shall determine the shotfiring
category to be applied under section 207 (2) or shall prohibit the continuation
of shotfiring. H e shall notify the shotfirmg overman as soon as possible.
(4) A t every working place a t which shotfiring is carried on a notice
board shall be conspicuously affixed. The shotfiring overman shall indicate
on this board the shotfirmg category applying to the working place.
(5) I n the case of alteration in operational conditions the supervisory
official referred to in subsections (1) and (3) shall immediately correct the
indications on the board.
209. Shotfirers shall only fire shots in conformity with the category
indicated on the board for their working place. If at the working place
changes occur t h a t require shotfiring under a higher category or exclude
the use of shotfiring altogether (e.g., striking coal or old workings, firedamp
content exceeding that permissible) shotfiring shall be stopped and the
decision of the competent supervisory official (section 208 (5)) shall be
awaited.
210. Shotfiring shall be carried out in accordance with the regulatory
conditions laid down by the Divisional Mining Office.
211. The shotfirer shall not begin shotfiring until he has satisfied himself
that the prescribed stone-dust barriers are present and in good order.
Testing for Firedamp.
212. (1) Immediately before loading one or more shots the shotfirers
shall test the firing place for accumulations of firedamp (section 126).1
(2) Before firing, the firing place and its vicinity within a radius of 10 m
and also to a distance of 30 m in a straight line shall be tested for accumulations of firedamp ; special attention shall be paid to cavities. Further, the
place where t h e exploder is operated shall be tested for firedamp.
213. (1) I f a t or near any workplace an accumulation of firedamp
(section 126) is found, shotfiring shall be prohibited there and in all workings' further along the same air current. The shift overman shall see that
the shotfirers are immediately informed.
(2) The prohibition shall hold until the shift overman finds that the
workings are clear of accumulations of firedamp and authorises the resumption of firing.
Loading, Tamping and Lighting.
214. Only the shotfirer himself shall load the shots, connect them together and to the shotfiring lines and light them. The tamping may be
done under his supervision by other persons.
215. (1) The explosive cartridges shall only be used in the form in
which they are delivered. They shall not be forced into the boreholes or
rammed.
(2) The tamping rod shall be made of wood or of a material authorised
by the Divisional Mining Office.
(3) The charge shall not be larger than the prescribed maximum (sections
168 (2) and 169).2
1
See Chapter XII, Division 1.
• See Chapter V, Division 1.
1. GENERAL
83
216. (1) Shots shall not be loaded until immediately before firing.
(2) The cartridges shall not be fitted with detonators and fuses until
immediately before use.
(3) If a number of shots are loaded together they shall be fired simultaneously.
217. Before loading and firing, persons not employed in these operations
shall withdraw so far that they are safe from prematurely exploding shots.
218. (1) All shots shall be tamped.
(2) The length of the tamping shall be at least 0.20 m for boreholes up to
0.60 m deep, at least one-third of the length of the boreholes for boreholes between 0.60 and 1.50m deep, a n d a t least 0.50 m for boreholes over 1.50 m deep.
(3) The tamping shall be so inserted that it fills the cross-section of the
borehole over its entire length.
(4) When inserting tamping by hand use shall be made of plastic wads
of sandy clay or equivalent clay delivered ready for use on the spot or
made there with suitable tools. For mechanically inserted tamping, finegrained material shall be used.
(5) Tamping with other material and, in particular, combustible
material, shall be prohibited.
219. (1) Shots of which the tamping cannot have the prescribed
depth shall only be fired in the presence of a supervisory official.
(2) TJntamped shots shall only be fired in the presence of the manager.
Only permitted explosives shall be used. The charges shall be completely
buried in stone-dust.
(3) In the case of shotfiring under subsections (1) and (2) shot-dusting
shall be carried out within a radius of 10 m and with 20 kg of stone-dust.
(4) Detonators and ignition appliances shall not be fired alone.
220. Shots shall be fired by means of remote electric ignition.
221. (1) Shotfiring lines shall be insulated even a t the joints.
(2) In workings where there is a risk from stray currents special precautions shall also be taken against premature firing of shots.
222. (1) The shotfirers shall only use the ignition appliances provided
by the mineowner. They shall always have the appliance or its key or
crank in safe keeping.
(2) The efficiency of the exploders shall be tested at the surface at
least once a month.
Protection against Flying Fragments.
223. (1) Before the shotfirer connects the firing line to the exploder,
he shall see that all approaches to the workplace where firing is t o be done
shall be closed off by persons. If there are not enough workers for this
purpose, the unoccupied approaches shall be effectively fenced off by
barriers or the like, and in addition notices with the word 'Shotfiring' shall
be posted u p at these places. The shotfirer shall be the last to leave the
workplace.
(2) Shots shall not be lighted until persons in the vicinity have been
warned by a loud call of 'Shotfiring' and have taken shelter.
(3) The guards and fencing shall not be withdrawn until the shotfirer
has authorised access to the workplace.
224. (1) If two workings approach each other the shift foreman shall
decide at what interval before firing the chargeman hewer shall inform the
men in the other working.
(2) If the neighbouring working is likely to be broken into b y a shot the
shift foreman shall stop work in one of the workings in good time and fence
it off.
84
VI. SHOTFIRING
(3) Mine workings that may be penetrated by a shot shall be fenced off
as required by section 223.
225. Where the workings offer no protection against shots, shelters
(Schiessörter) or other protection shall be provided.
Procedure after
Firing.
226. (1) After shots have been fired the chargeman shall not allow work
to be resumed at the working place until the explosives fumes have dispersed.
If more than one shot is fired the waiting period shall be at least five minutes.
(2) When a shot misfires or there is doubt about this, the working
place shall not be entered until 15 minutes after firing.
(3) The waiting period shall be measured with a watch.
227. After firing the place shall be cleared. During this work only
the chargeman a n d the persons appointed by him shall be at the face.
228. During clearing u p and loading of the material shot down and
also before resuming and during drilling, the chargeman shall search the
working place for misfires and remains of explosives and shall keep it under
constant observation.
Supervision of Shotfiring and the Handling of Explosives.
238. (1) For the supervision of all matters concerned with explosives
and shotfiring a supervisory official who has been trained in accordance
with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office shall be appointed
as full-time shotfiring overman (Schießsteiger) at every self-contained mine.
The manager shall hand him against a written receipt service instructions
approved by the District Mining Office.
(2) The shotfiring overman shall not be assigned other duties."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
Shotfiring with the Use of Heavy-Current
Plant.
(a) For shotfiring, only pressures not exceeding 250 volts to earth may
be used.
(b) The connection of the firing line to a heavy-current line may only
be effected through a switch that is under lock and key and cuts off the
current on all poles. For greater safety a second disconnecting device, also
under lock and key, must be inserted between the switch and the firing
line. One of the disconnecting devices must be so arranged that it is impossible for the current to remain switched on.
(c) Firing lines must comply with certain specifications.
(d) I n shaft sinking only wire that can support its own weight with
a safety factor of a t least five may be used as a firing line.
(e) Wiring used for other purposes must not be used as a firing line.
The firing line m u s t not be combined with other wires to form a multiple
conductor.
(f) The above provisions do not apply to shotfiring when an exploder
is the source of current (26).
(VDE—0118-1937)
Repair and Testing of Electrical Shotfiring Machines.
A Decree of the Minister of Economic Affairs dated 3 November 1936
regulates the testing and repairing of electrical shotfiring machines.
The decree lays down that, in testing flameproofness, opening the
shotfiring machine is prohibited, and that machines which can only be put
right b y opening t h e cover must be sent to the makers or other appropriate
establishment for repair. The repairing establishment must certify, when
returning it, that the machine once more satisfies the official requirements.
1. GENERAL
85
Further, shotfiring machines which despite a satisfactory monthly test
are troublesome in use must be sent to an experimental station for further
examination.
Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued—
Training plan for persons to be entrusted with shotfiring (29 January
1936).
Guiding principles for shotfiring (7 December 1937).
Rules for simultaneous shotfiring (20 April 1938).
Principles concerning shotfiring with sheathed permitted explosives
(15 February 1939).
Instructions (dated 1 July 1953) concerning shotfiring in mines and parts
of mines to which shotfiring tables I and I I respectively apply ; annexed
to these instructions are directives concerning the creation of mist zones
during shotfiring.
NETHERLANDS
"150. (1) The use, the transport to and from the workplaces a n d the
storage there of explosives and ignition devices shall satisfy the requirements of safety.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines, after consulting the mine manager,
shall make rules concerning the charging of shot-holes, firing, the treatment
of misfires and the control thereof.
151. (1) Before the firing of a charge or, in the case of electric firing,
before connecting the wires to the machine, the person responsible for
shotfiring shall test the workplace and the immediate neighbourhood
thereof with a miner's lamp for the presence of firedamp.
(2) If the lamp shows gas it shall be prohibited to fire the charge.
(3) I n special circumstances the Inspector-General of Mines may
grant exemption from the provision of subsection (2).
152. (1) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered after
consulting the mine managers—
(a) to prohibit the use of certain kinds of explosives and ignition devices ;
(b) to issue more detailed rules for the use of certain kinds of explosives
and ignition devices.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemption from the
provisions of the present chapter as regards the use of certain kinds of
explosives and ignition devices."
(MR 1939)
''General Proviaions
1. The use of explosives shall be exclusively entrusted to persons
specially appointed for the purpose (shotfirers), adequately instructed
charge-hands of parties working in the coal or stone (shotfiring hewers)
and the supervisory staff.
2. Unusable shotfiring requisites shall be handed in, with an indication of the defects discovered, as soon as possible, and not later t h a n the
end of the shift in which their defective condition was discovered.
3. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to hand in
punctually the shotfiring and measuring appliances for electric ignition
used by them for ignition a t the times and the places prescribed therefor.
4. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall be bound always to
have the present regulations available while they are performing their
work.
86
VI. SHOTFIRING
Keeping of Shotfiring
Requisites
10. (1) The persons responsible for shotfiring may keep shotfiring
requisites sufficient for not more than one week in special locked rooms
specially installed for the purpose and approved by the Inspector-General
of Mines, known as auxiliary magazines, which shall be kept in such condition t h a t they cannot be opened by unauthorised persons.
(2) The mine manager shall issue to the said persons special instructions
concerning the keeping and supervision of shotfiring requisites, and these
instructions shall be communicated to the Inspector-General of Mines
for approval.
11. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall keep the explosives
issued to them in their wooden shotfirer's chest, which shall be a t a safe
place to be appointed by the responsible supervisory official.
12. (1) Explosives to a maximum of 10 kg and ignition devices shall
be kept separately in the compartments of the shotfirer's chest intended
for this purpose unless the shotfirer's box referred to in section 7 l is placed
inside the shotfirer's chest.
(2) I n driving main haulage roads in the stone, explosives to a maximum
of 15 kg and fuses may also be kept in the shotfirers' chests referred to
in the preceding subsection, provided that these chests are placed in special
recesses which, if necessary, shall be adequately timbered.
13. (1) The shotfirers' chests shall be kept in such condition that they
cannot be opened by unauthorised persons.
(2) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall always have the keys
with them, and shall be responsible for seeing that these keys can never
fall into the hands of unauthorised persons.
(3) While no explosives and ignition devices are kept in the shotfirers'
chests, these shall not be closed.
14. I n so far as unused explosives or ignition devices are not handed
over to a subsequent shift on the spot or are not kept in an auxiliary magazine, as referred t o in section 10, a t the end of the shift they shall be returned
in the shotfirer's box to the explosives magazine. The empty shotfirers'
boxes shall also be handed in there.
15. Shotfirers' chests that are out of order or superfluous shall be
removed.
Safety Measures for the Prevention of Firedamp and Coal-Dust
Explosions
16. (1) Immediately before loading and again before igniting the
charge, the person responsible for shoifiring shall satisfy himself whether
any firedamp shows in the miner's lamp.
(2) This test for firedamp shall take place before loading and, if possible,
up to a distance of 10 m from the face where shots are being fired.
(3) I n this connection special attention shall be paid to cavities in
the roof and spaces between the lagging above the timbering.
17. If the quantity of firedamp is such that its presence can be detected
with the help of a petrol safety lamp, shot-holes shall not be loaded or, if
already loaded, shall not be fired, and the responsible supervisory official
shall be immediately informed and shall take the necessary measures.
18. (1) For shotfiring in the coal the use of explosives and ignition
devices other t h a n safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited.
(2) If coalgetting at a working face is mainly carried on by means
of shotfiring the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so informed.
' See Chapter V, Division 2.
1. GENERAL
87
(3) I n the coal a number of shots shall never be fired simultaneously
unless they are entirely independent.
(4) In the adjacent strata of coal seams of which the coal-dust is of
a dangerous character the use of other explosives and ignition devices
than safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited.
The Inspector-General of Mines, subject to conditions to be determined,
shall permit the use of explosives for shotfiring in rock if coal seams
encountered in stone drifts or stone inclines do not exceed 45 cm in thickness.
(5) I n the adjacent strata of coal seams of which the dust is of a nondangerous character, and as an exception from the requirements of subsection
(6) of the present section, use may also be made of dynamite after permission has been received from the mine management.
(6) The use of explosives and ignition devices other than safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited in all coal seams for shooting down
the roof of caving faces. The shots shall be fired by instantaneous detonators.
19. (1) All workplaces where as a result of shotfiring coal-dust can
be dispersed which in a fresh condition contains more than 12 per cent.
by weight of volatile components (reckoned without ash-forming components and without moisture) shall be protected either by stone-dusting or
by effective wetting over distances of at least 10 m measured from the
face.
(2) The stone-dusting or the spraying with water shall be done b y the
person responsible for shotfiring or under his immediate supervision.
20. For the first shot at least 10 kg of stone-dust shall be strewn, and
for each subsequent shot at least 5 kg.
21. Stone-dusting or wetting shall be done before loading.
Loading and
Tamping
22. The loading and tamping of shot-holes shall not be done by a person
other than the person responsible for shotfiring or under his immediate
supervision. All persons whose presence is not necessary shall remove
themselves from the working face.
23. (1) The shotfiring requisites shall only be taken out of a shotfirer's
chest or box immediately before use ; unused shotfiring requisites shall be
put back as soon as possible.
(2) Whenever something is taken out of it or put back, the shotfirer's
chest or box shall be immediately reclosed.
24. The shot-holes shall be so made t h a t the cartridges fit easily.
25. The person responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to verify the
condition and direction of the shot-holes before loading and tamping.
26. Shot-holes that, in the opinion of the person responsible for shotfiring, are likely to have no or insufficient effect shall not be loaded and
tamped.
27. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall determine for each
shot the quantity of explosives to be used.
(2) If by or on behalf of the mine manager the maximum number of
cartridges per shot has been laid down for the explosive being used, it shall
be prohibited to load a shot with a larger number of cartridges of this
explosive.
28. Before the cartridges are inserted in the shot-hole, the hole shall be
carefully cleaned.
29. (1) The cartridges shall be inserted in the shot-hole one by one in
the sheaths in which they are delivered by the factory, and exclusively by
88
VI. SHOTFIEING
means of a wooden tamping rod provided by the mine, and shall be pressed
in without jolting so that the successive cartridges make good contact.
(2) If there is a very large excess of water the safety cartridges intended
for the charge may be inserted in a watertight sheath intended for this
purpose, provided t h a t the cartridges make good contact.
30. (1) With delay-action firing with permitted explosives and also
with firing with instantaneous detonators the primer cartridge shall always
be t h e last cartridge to be placed in the shot-hole.
(2) With delay-action firing with dynamite at places other than shafts,
raises and drop pits the primer cartridge may be placed first in the shot-hole.
(3) The bottom of the detonator shall always face the back of the hole.
31. (1) The primer cartridges shall only be prepared directly before
their use by the person responsible for shotfiring at the place where the
shotfirer's chest or box is situated, b u t not less than 20 m from the point
where shots are to be fired.
(2) If the preparation of the primer cartridges, contrary to the provisions of t h e preceding subsection, is undertaken a t the working face itself,
then all work shall be stopped beforehand and all tools, etc., removed.
Further, the regular and forepoling timbering shall be so arranged that any
danger of falls of ground during the preparation of the primer cartridges
under the regular timbering and the loading of the shots can be deemed to
be excluded.
32. (1) I n making up primer cartridges, before the detonator is
inserted, a n opening shall be made in the cartridge with a wooden or brass
pin suitable for the purpose.
(2) The tube of the electric fuse shall be inserted so far into the primer
cartridge t h a t only the wires project.
33. Charges to be fired simultaneously shall consist of cartridges and
electric fuses of only one kind.
34. Not more shot-holes shall be loaded than the exploder available can
safely fire.
36. (1) For tamping shot-holes use shall be made only of clay or loam
or soft stone which does not generate sparks when rubbed, or water. Tamping with coal shall be prohibited.
(2) I t shall b e prohibited to use iron tamping rods when tamping shotholes.
(3) Whenever required, efficient tamping material shall always be made
available.
36. (1) The greatest care shall be taken in tamping the shot-hole.
(2) If the shot-hole is tamped with loam, clay or soft stone, the tamping
shall be 15 cm t o 20 cm deep.
37. During t h e loading and tamping of shot-holes, apart from the supervisory staff, only the persons responsible for the work shall be a t the working
face.
Ignition
38. (1) The ignition of shot-holes shall only be effected by the person
responsible for shotfiring.
(2) H e shall see that no damage can be done by the explosions to
material, air pipes, electric cables, etc., or the timbering of the workplace.
(3) While shotfiring operations are going on someone shall always be
present near the person responsible for these operations.
39. (1) Shot-holes that are loaded simultaneously a t a workplace shall
also be ignited simultaneously.
1. GENERAL
89
(2) The shots shall be fired electrically.
(3) If different shot-holes are ignited simultaneously, adequate measures
shall be taken both to ensure safe ignition and, as far as possible, to verify
that all charges have exploded.
(4) The firing of a whole round of shots a t once by means of time fuses
in stone work shall be prohibited, failing an exemption granted by the
Inspector-General of Mines.
(5) I n highly fragmented or disturbed stone only instantaneous fuses
shall be used.
40. Ignition shall only be effected by means of the shotfiring appliances
provided by the mine.
41. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to take
care that the approaches to the place where the shots are to be ignited are
barred off, and to give instructions concerning the place where the persons
belonging to the working party can safely shelter ; if necessary, a safe place
for this purpose shall be installed.
(2) Before igniting the shots he shall see t h a t the persons belonging to
the working party are at an adequate distance from the place where the
shots are being fired.
42. The persons who bar off the approaches t o the workplace where the
shots are being fired shall be bound to obey the instructions of the person
responsible for shotfiring ; they shall not remove the barriers before they
are authorised to do so by, or on behalf of, the person responsible for shotfiring.
43. Whenever there is a possibility that, by the firing of shots, a workplace will be brought into connection with another workplace or with a
place where travel or transport is carried on, the shots shall not be ignited
before adequate safety measures have been taken. These places shall be
evacuated and barred off and before being barred off shall be tested for
firedamp.
Electrical Ignition.
44. ( 1 ) Both as regards the leads, and the connection between the leads
and the fuses at the place where the shots are, measures shall be taken to
ensure an adequately high resistance between the supply and the return
wire and between these wires and the earth.
(2) The wire ends to be connected shall be rubbed bare and over a
length of about 3 cm shall be effectively wound round each other or connected in at least an equivalent manner.
45. (1) In the case of simultaneous ignition of a number of shots,
these shall be coupled together in series—that is to say, one lead shall be
connected to one of the wires of the first fuse ; the remaining wire of the
first fuse shall be connected to one wire of the second fuse ; the remaining
wire of the second fuse shall be connected with one wire of the third fuse,
and so on ; the remaining wire of the last fuse shall be connected with the
remaining lead.
(2) Unless an exemption is granted—
(a) before the loading of the shot-holes is begun the leads in their entirety
shall be measured with an ohmmeter, starting from the place where
the shots are to be fired ;
( b) after the ends of the leads have been connected to the fuses and all
persons have p u t themselves in safety, immediately before igniting
the resistance of the entire wiring of all the shots shall be measured
with an ohmmeter.
46. The wires of the leads, which shall be a t least 50 m in length, shall
not be connected to the shotfiring appliance until immediately before
igniting the shots and shall be promptly disconnected after firing.
90
VI. SHOTFIRING
47. The shots shall be ignited from a safe place.
48. Immediately after the shots have been fired, or, if they have not
exploded, immediately after the shotfiring appliance has stopped, the
person responsible for shotfiring shall remove the key or the lever from
the appliance.
49. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall always carry with
him the key or the lever with which the shotfiring appliance is operated, or
keep it in a locked chest of which he keeps the key.
(2) He shall be responsible for seeing t h a t the key or lever can never
fall into the hands of unauthorised persons.
Inspection
57. Both after the shots have been fired and after misfired shots have
been rendered harmless, the workplace shall be carefully searched for
unexploded cartridges and detonators which, after the end of the shift,
shall be handed in to the person at the magazine.
58. The misfiring of shots, the incomplete explosion of charges and all
defects discovered in the explosives, electric fuses and shotfiring appliances
used, shall be reported as promptly as possible to the responsible supervisory official, who shall take care that the information is passed on to the
charge-hand of the next following party.
As far as possible, particulars of the causes and other details of these
circumstances shall be recorded in a register especially intended for this
purpose.
59. (1) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall keep a shotfiring
register on a model approved by the Inspector-General of Mines ; during
their shift they shall always have this register with them so that the unused
explosives can regularly be accounted for by a member of the supervisory
staif and the entries in the register can be initialled.
(2) I n the shotfiring register, the persons responsible for shotfiring shall
indicate directly after the firing of each round—
(a) the number and the kind of the cartridges used at the workplace
concerned, with an indication of the place, the date and the number
of detonators and fuses used ;
(b) the number of shots loaded and the number misfired ;
(c) the defects discovered by them in the shotfiring requisites.
(3) Similar entries to those referred t o in the preceding section shall be
made in respect of all cartridges issued to other persons authorised to fire
shots and taken over from other persons authorised to fire shots."
(IGR 55)
SOUTH AFRICA
"100
(5) No person shall, in any mine whatever, place a light on a box in
which there are explosives.
(6) (a) No person other than a ganger or miner holding a blasting
certificate or p e r m i t . . . or an official authorised by the manager shall in
any mine whatever open or interfere in any manner whatsoever with a
box containing explosives.
(b) The holder of a blasting certificate shall not permit any person
working under his charge to retain any explosive in his possession or to
remove it from the mine to the surface and shall be responsible that all
reasonable precautions are taken so t h a t the explosives in his section are
not so retained or removed.
1. GENERAL
91
(7) (a) No person whilst handling explosives in any mine shall carry a
light unless it is a safety lamp, or, in the case of a non-fiery mine, an enclosed
light.
(b) No person whilst handling explosives or assisting in the preparation
of charges in any mine shall smoke.
(8) (a) No person shall extract or attempt to extract explosives from a
hole which has once been charged, except t h a t the holder of a blasting
certificate may extract such explosives by means of water or compressed
air and water applied through a pipe of design and material approved by
the Inspector of Mines.
(b) No person shall take or use underground a blowpipe for any purpose
whatsoever unless it be of a design and material approved by the Inspector
of Mines.
(9) (a) No person shall deepen or cause or permit to be deepened a hole
which has been left standing ; but the provisions of this subsection shall
not be taken to prohibit the deepening of any holes which are not finished
at the conclusion of a shift and which have not yet been charged with
explosives, provided such holes are clearly described by the ganger or miner
in charge of the shift leaving off work to the ganger or miner in charge of
the shift about to commence work.
(e) No person shall drill a hole in or about a mine unless the exact
position and direction of such hole has been pointed out and where possible
marked with chalk, paint, or other material by the holder of a blasting
certificate or by a scheduled person authorised to do so by the manager,
mine overseer or shift boss and no person shall in drilling deviate from the
position and direction indicated.
(11) No person other than a shift boss or an official of a higher rank
shall, either a t the beginning of a shift or after blasting, enter a working
place until he has received definite instructions or permission so to do from
the ganger or miner who, for the time being, is responsible for the safety
of such working place.
106. The ganger or miner—
(12) shall, before marking off holes with chalk or other material or before
otherwise indicating to the drillers working under him the positions of the
holes to be drilled, remove or cause to be removed all loose or loosened rock,
mineral or ground from the face and immediate vicinity of the working
place, and shall carefully examine such face in its immediate vicinity with a
view to discovering misfired holes and sockets
of holes, provided that special
rules made under section 5 of the A c t 1 having in view the same object as
this section may be substituted therefor ;
(13) shall, before indicating or marking the position of each hole t o be
drilled, plug all misfired holes and sockets of holes with wooden plugs within
a distance of at least 6 ft. from the point to be indicated or marked and
no such plug shall be again removed until he commences to charge the
drill holes a t the end of the shift, except temporarily for the purpose of
inspection.
He may be assisted in this work by persons working under his immediate
supervision ;
(14) shall keep on hand a sufficient supply of wooden plugs for the
purpose of complying with the provisions of subsection (13) ;
(15) shall point out to each driller working under him and, wherever
possible, clearly mark with chalk, paint, or other material the exact position
and direction of any hole to be drilled, and shall report not later t h a n the
1
7
Mines and Works Act, 1911 ; see Chapter II, Division 1.
92
VI. SHOTFIBING
end of the shift to the shift boss of his section of the mine any person drilling
a hole not so indicated or deviating from the position or direction indicated ;
(16) shall acquaint every person working under him of the danger
attending a contravention of regulations Nos. 100, 101 1 ,104 2 , 105 3 , and 106;
(17) shall use no explosives except in the form of cartridges, and shall
not, except in the case of primer cartridges, remove or interfere with the
wrappers round explosives ;
(18) shall not charge up until within a reasonable time of blasting and
until all persons not required to assist him in the charging up have removed
to a distance of a t least 16 ft. ;
(19) shall not when blasting with dynamite or other high explosives
insert the fuse with the attached detonator in the so-called primer cartridge
except shortly before use, shall shake all the sawdust out of the detonator,
and shall attach the fuse to the detonator by means of properly designed
pliers or other instrument so as to prevent the entrance of water into the
detonator ;
(20) shall in making up a charge after the fuse with attached detonator
has been inserted in the primer cartridge securely fasten it to the said cartridge by means of a string or other suitable material so t h a t the fuse and
detonator cannot be inadvertently withdrawn, and shall not insert any
other detonator into the explosive or into the hole except the one attached to the fuse, provided t h a t in wet workings two fuses and detonators may be used, but they must be inserted into the same primer cartridge
and tied as prescribed herein ;
(21) shall not in charging or in stemming holes for blasting use any
implement other than of wood, brass or copper ;
(22) shall not forcibly press any explosive into a hole of insufficient
size and shall not hit, ram or forcibly press any explosive into any hole ;
(23) shall use as tamping for charges of dynamite or other high explosive
only such materials as are supplied or approved for that purpose by the
manager. No tamping material or other non-explosive material shall be
inserted between cartridges ; and in the case of a fiery mine or of a coal mine
which is dry a n d dusty no hole shall be fired unless completely filled with
tamping ;
(24) shall, before firing charges, give or cause to be given due warning
in every direction by shouting 'Fire'. He shall satisfy himself that no
erson, except those required to assist him in firing charges, remains where
e might be exposed to danger from the firing of such charges and shall
take all reasonable precautions to safeguard those assisting him from
accident due to blasting operations ;
(25) shall before firing charges cause all entrances to the place or places
where such charges are to be fired or where the safety of persons may be
endangered by such firing to be effectively guarded so as to prevent inadvertent access t o such place or places whilst such charges are being fired ;
(26) shall use only lighting torches supplied by the manager ;
(27) shall except in the case of firing by means of electricity count in
conjunction with a t least one other person the number of shots exploding,
and unless both he and such other person are certain that all the shots
have exploded shall not enter or allow any person to enter the place or
places in which the shots have been fired until the expiry of 30 minutes
from the time of lighting the fuses.
When misfires are reblasted no person shall enter the working place
until the expiry of 30 minutes from the time of lighting the fuses ;
(28) shall a t change of shift forthwith report any misfire and any other
matter requiring attention to his shift boss or the mine overseer and to
the ganger or miner in charge of the next following shift ;
E
1
See Chapter XVII.
» See Chapter XII, Division 1.
See Chapter VII.
1
93
1. GENERAL,
(29) shall not where firing takes place by means of electricity enter
or allow any other person to enter the place or places where shots have
exploded until he has disconnected the cable of the battery ;
(30) shall after firing holes by electricity and disconnecting the cables
of the battery carefully examine the place in which the charges have been
so fired before permitting men to work therein, and shall instruct those
employed in clearing away the loose rock, mineral, or ground from such
place after such examination to immediately report to him the finding
of any wires in or under such loose rock, mineral or ground ;
(31) shall in the event of the discovery of any such wire as is mentioned
in subsection (30) cause all work in the working place in which such discovery has been made to cease until he has carefully traced such wire to
its terminal in order to determine whether a misfire has occurred ;
(32) shall not after firing has taken place whether by electricity or in
any other manner enter or allow any person to enter the place in which
such firing has occurred until the fumes caused by the explosion shall have
been sufficiently dissipated, unless he or such person is wearing a safety
helmet or other effective apparatus to prevent the inhaling of fumes ;
(36) except as provided in regulation No. 100 (8) shall not withdraw
the tamping from a hole that has once been charged except that in a n y
mine other than a fiery mine he may -withdraw the tamping so far as will
allow of a missed shot being fired ;
(37) shall take reasonable measures to safeguard all persons who
may be working in the same place as himself against accident, whether
they are under his direct supervision or not."
(R 11.8.1937)
TOOTED KINGDOM
(See also Chapter V, Division 1.)
"133. (a) Current from lighting or power circuits shall not be used
for firing shots.
(b) Shotfiring cables shall be covered and protected as provided by
regulation 130 (a) 1 for flexible cables. Adequate precautions shall be taken
to prevent them from touching other cables and apparatus."
(R 10.7.1913)
"PART
Appointment,
III
Qualification and Equipment of Shotfirers
Tools, Apparatus and Equipment.
13. (1) For each shotfirer on duty, there shall be provided—
(a) a tool, made entirely of wood, suitable for charging and stemming
shot-holes ;
(b) a scraper suitable for cleaning out shot-holes ; and
(c) in a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used,
or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary precaution, a break detector of an approved design (subject
to paragraph (2)), which may incorporate the scraper.
(2) The requirement that a break detector is to be of an approved
design shall not apply until the expiry of two years from the commencement
of this order, so however that, after the expiry of six months from the said
" See Chapter XIX, Division 4.
94
VI. SHOTFIRESTG
commencement, no new break detector shall be provided unless it is of an
approved design.
14. (1) No shot shall be fired in any mine except by means of apparatus or fuse provided by the owner.
(2) I n a n y mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are
required to be used, no shot shall be fired (otherwise than in sinking operations) except by means of electric shotfiring apparatus of a type approved—
(a) if shots are being fired in a round, for multi-shot firing with all explosives ; or
(b) in any other case, for single-shot firing with all explosives :
Provided that, where the inspector of the division is satisfied that, for
the time being, no apparatus approved for multi-shot firing with all explosives is available, shots may be fired in a round by means of other apparatus
approved by him.
(3) I n sinking operations or in a part of a mine where permitted
explosives are not required to be used, no shot shall be fired except by
means of—
(a) electric shotfiring apparatus of a type approved—
(i) if shots are being fired in a round, for multi-shot firing with all
explosives or for multi-shot firing with explosives which are not
permitted explosives ;
(ii) in a n y other case, for single-shot firing with all explosives or for
single-shot firing with explosives which are not permitted explosives ; or
(b) subject t o the provisions of article 4 1 1 , a safety fuse as defined in this
order.
(4) The2 two last foregoing
paragraphs are subject to the provisions of
articles 4 4 and 48 2 (which permit shotfiring apparatus of a type
approved for multi-shot firing to be used in certain cases to determine
whether a shot is a single-shot misfire, or to fire shots singly in the event
of a misfire in a round).
(5) If a p a r t of a mine in which permitted explosives are not required to
be used was immediately before the commencement of this order a part
in which they were not required to be used under the provisions which
then had effect, electric shotfiring apparatus shall not in that part be required
to be of an approved type as aforesaid until the expiry of two years from
the said commencement, so however that, after the expiry of six months
from that commencement, no new apparatus shall be provided for firing
shots there electrically unless it is of such a type.
(6) No electric shotfiring apparatus shall be taken or used below ground
unless, a t the last previous test thereof under article 15, it was found to be
in proper order.
(7) Except where a safety fuse capped with a detonator is used, no shot
shall be fired by means of a detonator and safety fuse.
(8) Each shotfirer appointed to fire any shot electrically shall be
equipped with the necessary cable, provided by the owner and being of a
specification approved—
(a) for multi-shot firing, if shots are to be fired in a round ; or_
(b) for single-shot firing, in any other cases :
Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict the use of any
cable which was in use, or was required to be delivered under a contract
made, before the commencement of this order.
15. (1) All electric shotfiring apparatus shall, once a t least in every
three months, be thoroughly cleaned and overhauled by the manufacturer,
1
!
See Chapter XVIII, Division 3.
See Division 2 of this chapter.
1. GBNEKAL
95
or by a competent person appointed for the purpose by the manager in
writing.
(2) All electric multi-shot firing apparatus shall, once at least in every
seven days,
be tested at the surface in the manner prescribed in t h e third
schedule 1 to this order.
(3) If, in connection with the firing of a round of shots electrically,
any misfire in a round after firing occurs (as defined in article 48 2 ), the
shotfiring apparatus used shall be tested in the manner aforesaid before it
is again taken below ground.
(4) The dates of all cleaning and overhauls, and the results of all tests,
carried out in pursuance of this article shall be recorded in a book to be
kept at the mine for the purpose.
PABT rv
Shotfiring (All Minea)
Explosives.
16. (1) No shotfirer shall allow more than one canister of explosives
to be open a t any one time for charging shot-holes for which he is responsible.
(2) Any person having any surplus explosives in his possession a t the
end of his shift shall return the same personally—
(a) if the explosives were issued from a reserve station, to t h a t station,
or to the person appointed under the relevant scheme of transit to be
in charge of the explosives ; or
(b) in any other case, to a place appointed by the manager under article 4 3
as a store for, or as premises for the keeping of, explosives or detonators.
Detonators.
17. (1) Any shotfirer to whom a detonator case has been issued shall—
(a) retain the key of the case in his own possession throughout the period
while he is on duty ;
(b) ensure that, apart from any check sheet of shots fired by him in the
shift then current, nothing except detonators is kept in it ;
(c) keep it separate from any other receptacle containing explosives ;
and
(d) if a t any time it is not on his person, ensure t h a t it is kept in a safe
place, and (unless he remains in the immediate vicinity) in a securely
locked box whieh does not contain any explosive.
(2) No shotfirer shall remove any detonator from the detonator case,
unless it is required for immediate use.
(3) Any shotfirer or other person having any detonator in his possession
a t the end of his shift shall return it personally to a place appointed under
article 4.
Shot-holes Generally.
18. (1) No shot-hole shall be drilled except by means of a drill or drills
whereof the diameter, throughout the drilling, exceeds the diameter of any
cartridge to be inserted by not less than one-eighth of an inch.
(2) No person shall, for the purpose of testing, cleaning out or charging
any shot-hole, use any tool other than the appropriate tool provided for
the purpose by the owner.
1
Not reproduced.
* See Division 2 of this chapter.
' See Chapter V, Division 3.
96
VI. SHOTFIKING
19. (1) No person shall begin t o charge any shot-hole, until it has
been thoroughly cleaned out.
(2) No person shall use compressed air to clean out a shot-hole, unless
he takes reasonable measures for the suppression of dust.
Charging
Shot-holes.
20. (1) So far as is practicable a shot-hole shall be charged and the
shot fired, in the same shift and by, or under the supervision of, the same
person.
(2) No shot-hole shall be charged until the shot is about to be fired.
(3) No person shall begin to charge any shot-hole, unless he has satisfied
himself by taking all reasonable precautions t h a t it is so placed and drilled
as to be safe for the firing of a shot.
(4) Except in the case of shots to be fired in one round . . . or of a
relieving shot for the purposes of a misfire, no shot-hole shall be charged
if there is a charged shot-hole within 30 yd.
(5) No shot-hole shall be charged as one of a round in a stone drift,
heading, ripping or sinking pit, until all shot-holes for that round have
been completely drilled.
21. (1) The charge shall consist of one or more complete cartridges of
the same diameter and the same description of explosive.
(2) The person charging a shot-hole shall to the best of his judgment
ensure that it is n o t overcharged, having regard to the task to be performed.
(3) Except as provided in article 46 1 or 49 * in relation to a misfire, no
charged shot-hole shall contain more than one detonator.
(4) Where a delay detonator is to be used, and the charge is to consist
of more than one cartridge, the primer cartridge shall be inserted first,
with the detonator at the back of the hole.
(5) No person shall remove any external sheathing from a sheathed
explosive.
(6) No explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a shot-hole.
(7) The charge shall be stemmed with sufficient suitable and noninflammable stemming to prevent a blown-out shot.
22. (1) Except where an approved device for pneumatic stemming is
being used, no person shall insert any tool not made entirely of wood into
a shot-hole containing explosive.
(2) No person shall from any charged shot-hole—
(a) remove any stemming otherwise than by means of water or of an
approved device ;
(b) pull out any detonator lead ; or
(c) remove any explosive.
Firing
Shots.
23. No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has satisfied himself, by
taking all reasonable precautions, t h a t it is in a shot-hole so placed and
drilled as to be safe for the firing of a shot, and is charged and stemmed in
accordance with t h e provisions of this order.
24. Each shotfirer shall keep a daily record in a prescribed form of all
shots fired by him.
25. (1) This article shall apply in relation to all shots fired electrically.
(2) No person shall open or interfere with any shotfiring apparatus
below ground.
1
See Dhisioa 2 oí this chapter.
1. GENERAL
97
(3) A shotñrer to whom any shotfiring apparatus has been issued—
shall retain the removable handle or key in his own possession throughout the period while he is on duty ;
(b) shall not place it in position in the apparatus unless he is about t o
fire a shot, and shall remove it from the apparatus immediately after
firing each shot.
(4) No shotfiring apparatus shall be used which is defective ; and if any
such apparatus is found to be defective, or fails t o fire all the shots in any
properly connected round at one operation, the shotfirer shall cause it to be
returned to the surface as soon as practicable, and shall report the circumstances to the manager in writing.
(5) Except in a stone drift or a sinking pit, not more t h a n six shots
shall be fired in any one round.
(6) Detonators in a round shall be connected in series ; no detonator
shall be so connected unless it has leading wires of sufficient length for
any necessary connection to a n adjoining detonator to be made without
the insertion of additional wire.
(7) No cable shall be used for firing shots unless it is cable provided
by the owner for that purpose.
No person shall use for any other purpose any cable so provided.
(8) No cable shall be used for firing shots if its length is less than—
(a) 20 yd., when a single shot (not in a sinking pit) is being fired ;
(b) 50 yd., when a round of shots in coal is being fired ;
(c) 70 yd., when a round in stone of six shots or less is being fired ;
or
(d) 200 yd., when a round in stone of more than six shots, or any shot
in a sinking pit, is being fired.
(9) The shotfirer concerned shall ensure that a cable used for firing
shots cannot make contact with any other cable or electrical apparatus.
(10) No person other than the shotfirer shall couple any shotfiring
cable to the shotfiring apparatus, or to any detonator ; no shotfirer shall
couple a shotfiring cable to shotfiring apparatus for the purpose of firing
any shot, unless the cable has already been coupled to the detonator or
detonator circuit.
(11) No shotfirer shall fire any round unless he has successfully tested
the circuit for continuity by means of an approved testing device, b u t he
shall make no such test unless—
(a) all persons in the vicinity have withdrawn to a place of safety ; and
(b) he is himself either not nearer to the shots t h a n the firing station or
in a shelter placed a t a safe distance from the shots.
(12) I n the event of a test in pursuance of paragraph (11) being unsuccessful, the provisions of the seventh part of this order J (which relates
to misfires) shall apply.
(a)
26. (1) This article shall apply in relation to all shots fired b y fuse.
(2) No shot shall be fired by a fuse shorter, for a single shot, t h a n 3 ft.
or, for a round, than 4 ft.
(3) Not more than one shotfirer shall fire shots at any one time in any
working place, or at any working face which does not exceed 50 yd. in
length.
(4) At any working face exceeding 50 yd. in length, no shotfirer
shall fire any shot within 50 yd. of a charged shot-hole, unless he has
satisfied himself that no other shotfirer is about to fire it.
' See Division 2 oí this chapter.
98
VI. SHOTFIEING
(5) Except where an approved means of firing a round is used, no shotfirer shall a t t e m p t to fire more than four shots at any one time.
(6) The shotfirer concerned shall ensure that—
(a) no person handling any explosive, or charging any shot-hole, either
smokes or allows any naked light to be directly above, or within 4 ft.
of, any explosive or detonator, or within 4 ft. of any shot-hole ;
(b) all surplus explosives are removed from the vicinity of a shot-hole
before a light is brought near to it for the purpose of firing the shot.
Warning and Shelter.
27. I n every case where
the shotfirer concerned shall
in that place ; a n d he shall,
that the period of danger is
a shot may blow through into another place,
cause due warning to be given to all persons
after firing, cause notice to be given to them
ended.
28. (1) Any shotfirer proposing to fire a shot shall, before firing,
determine the danger zone likely to be created.
(2) No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has—
(a) a t each entrance to the zone aforesaid, either posted a sentry or placed
an appropriate fence conspicuously marked with the words 'Danger'
and 'Shotfiring' ;
(b) ensured t h a t all persons have withdrawn from the said zone or have
taken proper shelter ; and
(c) himself t a k e n proper shelter.
29. (1) Every person to whom a shotfirer gives any instruction with
respect to taking shelter shall comply therewith.
(2) No person posted t o be a sentry for the purposes of shotfiring shall
leave the place where he was posted, unless personally authorised to do so
b y the shotfirer concerned.
(3) No person shall pass a danger sign exhibited for the purposes of
shotfiring, or a sentry who has forbidden him to pass, unless authorised
to do so by the shotfirer concerned.
Precautions after
Firing.
30. (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this article,
any shotfirer who fires a shot shall thereupon—
(a) ascertain b y a personal examination whether it is safe for ordinary
working to be resumed in each working place affected by that shot ;
and
(b) ensure t h a t all necessary action is taken to make each such place safe
for such working.
(2) Where shots have been fired in a round—
(a) the examination, aforesaid shall not be made, if it was a round of
six shots or less, before the expiry of five minutes or, in any other
case, before t h e expiry of ten minutes ;
(b) the shotfirer shall, in the course of his examination, examine—
(i) for sockets in the face, and for any explosive remaining in any
such socket ; and
(ii) if he has reason to think t h a t any shot may not have exploded,
for any unexploded charge in the material brought down.
31. After a shot has been fired no person shall enter the danger zone,
determined by the shotfirer concerned for the purposes of shelter, until
authorised by him to do so.
1. GENERAL
99
PAKT V I I I
General
Copies of the Order.
53. (1) A copy of this order shall be kept posted at or near every
mine, in some conspicuous place where it may conveniently be seen by
persons employed at the mine.
(2) A copy of this order shall be supplied to each shotfirer.
Exemptions.
54. (1) The Chief Inspector of Mines, or a deputy chief inspector on
his behalf, may exempt any mine or part of a mine, or any class or description
of mines, from the application of any provision of this order, in any case
where he is satisfied that compliance therewith is not reasonably practicable,
or not requisite in the interests of safety."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"90. Black powder or other non-permissible explosives may be used
for blasting in a non-gassy mine, providing all shots are fired by a shotfirer
after all men except the shotfirers are out of the mine or when this requirement is modified in writing by the district mining supervisor.
91. The depth of holes drilled for blasting coal shall not exceed the
thickness of the coal bed, or, if the coal is undercut or sheared, the depth
of the hole shall be at least 6 in. less than the depth of the undercutting
or shear.
92. All shots t h a t are charged with an explosive shall be stemmed
with non-combustible material and tamped with a copper tip or wooden
bar, such tamped material to extend to the outer end of the hole.
93. (a) If black powder or other bulk explosives are used, the necessary
charge or charges shall be made up at or near the box where the explosives
are kept.
(b) No open light shall be permitted within 5 ft. of any powder box
while explosives are being obtained therefrom or during the process of
filling or preparing the charge or cartridges."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
IV.
Explosives and Blasting
5. Blasting practices
(b) All explosives used underground in coal mines shall be of the
permissible type and shall be used as follows :
(1) Fired only with electric detonators of proper strength.
(2) Fired with permissible shotfiring units, unless firing is done from the
surface when all men are out of the mine.
(3) Where the coal is cut, shots shall not be fired if the blast-hole is drilled
beyond the limits of the cut.
(4) Boreholes shall be cleaned, and they shall be checked to see that they
are placed properly and are of correct dopth, in relation to the cut,
before being charged.
(5) All blasting charges in coal shall have a burden of at least 18 in. in
all directions if the height of the coal permits.
100
VI. SHOTFIRING
(6) Boreholes shall be stemmed with at least 24 in. of incombustible material, or a t least one-half of the length of the hole shall be stemmed if
the hole is less t h a n 4 ft. in depth unless other permissible stemming
devices or methods are used.
(7) I n gassy mines examinations for gas shall be made immediately before
firing each shot or group of multiple shots and after blasting is completed.
(8) Shots shall not be fired in any place where methane can be detected
with a flame safety lamp when tested at a point not less than 12 in.
from the roof, face or rib.
(9) Charges exceeding 1% lb., but not exceeding 3 lb., shall be used only
if boreholes are 6 ft. or more in depth, the explosives are charged in a
continuous train, with no cartridges deliberately deformed or crushed,
with all cartridges in contact with each other and with the end cartridges
touching the back of the hole and the stemming respectively, and Class
A or Class B permissible explosives are used ; provided, however,
that the 3-lb. limit does not apply to solid rockwork.
(10) Shots shall b e fired by certified shotfirers wherever state law requires
such certification. In mines where certification of shotfirers is not
required by state law the managements shall designate competent
persons to fire shots.
(11) Boreholes shall not be charged while any other work is being done
at the face, and the shot or shots shall be fired before any other work
is done in the zone of danger from blasting except that which is necessary
to safeguard the employees.
(12) Only non-metallic tamping bars shall be used for charging and tamping
boreholes. This does not prohibit the use of a non-metallic tamping
bar with a non-sparking metallic scraper on one end.
(13) The leg wires of electric detonators shall be kept shunted until ready
to connect t o the firing cable.
(14) Shots shall not be fired from the power or signal circuit while any
men are in the mine.
(15) The roof a n d ribs of working places shall be tested before and after
firing each shot or group of multiple shots.
(16) Ample warning shall be given before shots are fired, and care shall
be taken to ascertain t h a t all persons are in the clear. Men shall be
removed from adjoining working places when there is danger of a
shot blowing through.
(17) Mixed types or brands of explosives shall not be charged or fired in
any borehole.
(18) (Section 209 (h) (6)—Title II.) Mudcaps (adobes) or other unconfined shots shall not be fired underground in a mine.
6. Blasting cables, (a) Blasting cables shall be—
(1) well insulated and as long as may be necessary to permit the shotfirer
to get t o a safe place around a corner ;
(2) short-circuited a t the battery end until ready to attach to the blasting
unit ;
(3) staggered as to length or the ends kept well separated when attached
to the detonator leg wires ;
(4) kept clear of power wires and all other possible sources of active or
stray electric current."
^
(pMC
Note : Regulations concerning the testing of explosives for permissibility
and suitability, and the testing of blasting devices have been issued by
the Bureau of Mines. These regulations are incorporated in U.S. Code,
Title 30, Chapter I, Sub-Chapter B , Part 16, Explosives Used in Coal Minea,
and Part 17, Blasting Devices. The regulations also appear in various
Schedules of the Bureau of Mines.
1. GENERAI,
101
Illinois
"19
(d) The quantity of powder to be used in the preparation of shots shall
not, in any case, exceed five standard chargers full of powder in coal seams
5 % ft. or over in thickness ; and shall not, in any case, exceed four standard
chargers full of powder in coal seams under 5 % ft. in thickness.
(e) For the purpose of determining the quantity of powder to be used
in the preparation of any given shot, a standard charger is defined and
prescribed to be a cylindrical metallic charger not to exceed 12 in. in length
and not to exceed 1% in. in diameter.
(f) No person shall drill or shoot a dead hole as hereinafter denned.
A 'dead hole' is a hole where the width of the shot a t the point measured
at right angles to the line of the hole is so great that the heel is not of sufficient strength at least to balance the resistance at the point. The heel
means that part of the shot which lies outside of the powder.
In solid shooting, the width of the shot at the point, in seams of coal
6 ft. or less in height, shall not be greater than the height of the coal, and
in seams of coal more than 6 ft. in thickness, the width of the shot a t t h e
point shall, in no case, be more than 6 ft.
I n undercut coal no hole shall be drilled 'on the solid' for any part
of its length.
(g) In no case shall more than one kind of explosive be used in the
same drill hole.
(h) The needle used in preparing a blast shall be made of copper, and
any metallic tamping-bar or scraper which is used for placing explosives
for shots shall be tipped with a t least 5 in. of copper. A scraper shall not
be used for tamping.
(i) Every blasting hole shall be tamped full from the explosive to the
mouth of the hole, and no coal-dust or any material that is inflammable
or that may create a spark, whether the same shall be wet or dry, shall
be used for tamping.
(j) When a squib is used to fire a shot it shall be unlawful to shorten or
oil the match of the squib or to ignite it except at the end.
(k) Before firing a shot the person firing the same shall see t h a t all
persons are out of danger from the probable effects of such shot, and shall
take measures to prevent anyone approaching by shouting 'Fire' before
lighting the same.
(I) Not more than one shot shall be lighted at the same time in any
working place unless the firing is done by electricity or by fuses of such
length that the interval between the explosions of any two shots shall
be not less than one minute, and in no case shall any shot or shots be fired
or lighted which are termed depending or dependent shots, until after the
expiration of ten minutes from the successful firing of the relieving shot
or shots. When successive shots are to be fired in any working place in
which the roof is broken or faulty, the smoke shall be allowed to clear away
and the roof examined and made secure between shots.
(o) Where shotfirers are employed and a fuse is used to fire shots, the
length of the fuse shall be not less than 3 % ft. outside the powder, and
no shots shall be fired unless there is 1 ft. of fuse protruding from the mouth
of the hole."
(A 6.6.1911)
Immediately after the completion of their work the shotfirers must
post a notice in a conspicuous place at the mine giving particulars of the
shots fired and not fired. I n addition they must keep a daily permanent
record of their work ; this record must be kept by the manager and be
available for inspection at all times by parties interested (3).
102
VI. SHOTÏTRING
Shotfirers may not fire any shot until everybody is out of the mine
except shotfirers, mine officials and men required for pumps, stables and
fire-fighting (4).
No one m a y alter any drill hole in any way after it has been approved
by t h e shotfirer (5).
No shotfirer may fire any unlawful shot or any shot which he does not
consider to be workmanlike, proper and practical (6).
(A 1.7.1921)
New Mexico
"815. I t shall be the duty of every shotfirer in coal mines to inspect
all shot-holes before loading and firing any shot or blasts. He shall begin
firing the shots a t such place that he can proceed with the firing in a direction
opposite from t h a t in which the air is travelling. Whenever in his opinion
any of the working places are too dry, dusty or otherwise dangerous, or
that the drill holes are improperly placed, or that the shot-hole is in any
particular defective, or if in the opinion of the shotfirer the exploding of
such shot would be a menace to himself or other persons within the mine,
or would cause undue wreckage of timbers or property, it shall be his duty
to condemn such shot-hole or drill hole, and refuse to fire such shot until
such defective conditions are remedied.
816. The shotfirer shall carry out all of the provisions of this law
regarding1 blasting, including the provision as provided in article 13 (1301
to 1319 ) entitled 'Explosives for Coal Mines'. If in the judgment of the
mine inspector, because of the finding of explosive gas, the shotfirer should
make tests for gas, he shall carry the flame safety lamp and make such tests,
provided, however, t h a t he shall be first duly qualified as a mine examiner.
1311. Only permissible explosive fired electrically by portable battery
or electric firing machine shall be used in the coal mines of this state ; provided t h a t black powder may be used if all shots are fired by electricity
from the surface after all employees are out of the mines ; and provided
that in coal mines non-permissible explosive may be used in rockwork
if permitted in writing by the state mine inspector and under such restrictions as he m a y impose. All shots shall be loaded, tamped, and fired
electrically by shotfirers with portable battery or electric firing machine
when all other persons except shotfirers, officials and necessary company
men are out of the mine, or electrically from the surface with all persons
out of the mine. At least 100 ft. of lead wire shall be used with each shotfiring battery or device ; provided, however, t h a t explosives of permissible
character may be fired within partly or fully mechanised coal mines at
any time though men may be working therein with the approval of the
state mine inspector, who shall direct the kind of explosive to be used and
the manner of its use ; and provided further that the approval of the local
mine committee of any mine seeking such permit must first be obtained.
1312. In coal mines all holes shall be tamped with clay or other incombustible material which shall be furnished and delivered by the operator
to points convenient to working places. Only wooden tamping bars shall
be used.
1313. Shotfirers shall not load or shoot any shot in any mine, if in
their judgment the drill hole for said shot is not properly placed to do the
work it is designated to do, or if the place is dangerous because of explosive
gas or fine dry dust.
1314. After shooting, shotfirers, fire bosses or mine foremen shall,
as soon as it is safe to do so, visit and examine places where shots have
been fired to see t h a t there is no fire or other existing danger.
1
These provisions are reproduced in Chapter V and in the present chapter.
1. GENEKAL
103
1315. The shooting circuit shall be disconnected for at least 15 minutes
prior to returning to a misfired shot on which the attempt to ignite was
by electricity and no misfires of explosives shall be withdrawn.
1316. Holes drilled in coal, except anthracite coal, for explosives
shall not exceed 4 ft. in depth, unless the coal is of greater thickness than
4 ft., in which case the hole shall be of a length or depth not greater than
the thickness of the coal that is being removed, except when the coal is
undercut or sheared, the length or depth of the hole may be greater but
shall be less by 6 in. than the depth of the undercutting or shear. Undercut, centre-cut or overcut coal shall not be blasted untü the coal cuttings
have been completely removed from the kerf."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 14. . . .No holes shall be fired by any person other than a shotfirer.
They shall use none but incombustible material for tamping, which the
mine foreman shall see is provided for them at convenient places inside
the mine. Under no condition shall the shotfirer use coal-dust or any other
combustible material for tamping. All such holes shall be fired b y an
approved electric apparatus, and no person other than the shotfirer shall
connect the wires of or operate the said apparatus.
Each shotfirer shall keep a record of and report to the mine foreman
every hole that he has refused to charge, every blown-out shot, and every
hole that has misfired. I t shall be the duty of shotfirers, and miners who
are permitted by this Act to fire their own shots, to visit and examine the
places where shots have been fired, before leaving the mine, to see t h a t
there is no fire or any other danger existing.
In all mines in which coal is blasted from the solid, all holes shall be fired
when all the workmen are out of the mine except the shotfirers and other
persons delegated by the mine foreman to safeguard property.
Shotfiring by Electricity
Shotfiring Circuits.
87. Electricity from any grounded circuit shall not be used for firing
shots.
88. When shotfiring cables or wires are used in the vicinity of power
or lighting conductors, special precautions shall be taken to prevent the
shotfiring cables or wires from coming in contact with the light, power
or any other circuits.
Shotfirers.
89. Only competent persons, who have the necessary training and
skill and who have been properly instructed in the work and duly authorised
by the mine foreman, shall be allowed to fire shots electrically in any mine.
Electric Detonators.
90. All electric detonators and leads thereto shall be suitable for the
conditions under which the blasting is carried on, and shall be of a type
approved by the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines. Detonators shall be kept in a dry place, and never stored with any other explosive.
Portable Firing Machines and Batteries.
91. Portable shotfiring machines, sometimes called generators, shall
be enclosed in a tightly constructed case when employed in any portion
of the mine. All contacts, when made or broken, shall be within the case,
except that the binding posts for making connections to the firing leads
may be outside.
104
VI. SHOTFIRING
92. Primary or secondary batteries used for shotfiring shall be provided
with a suitable case, covered by rule 91. The batteries shall be constructed
so that, if the wires of the detonator or leads should accidentally or otherwise
come in contact with the binding posts, no current will be discharged.
They shall be provided with a detachable handle, plug, or key, without
which the current cannot be closed, or provided with one or more safety
contact buttons, which are well countersunk or protected by a non-conducting housing. The plugs, handles or keys shall be detached when not actually
in use for firing a shot, and shall not, under any circumstances, pass from
the personal custody of the person commissioned to fire the shots, while
on duty.
93. All portable devices for generating or supplying electricity for
shotfiring, when in a mine, shall be in charge of the person commissioned
t o fire the shots.
94. No firing machine or battery shall be connected to the shotfiring
leads until all other steps preparatory to the firing of a shot have been
completed, and all persons have moved to a place of safety, and no person
other than the shotfirer shall make such connection.
Disconnecting of Leads.
95. Immediately after the firing of a shot the firing leads shall be
disconnected from the supply or source of electricity, and no person shall
approach a shot which has failed to explode, until the firing leads have been
so disconnected by the shotfirer from the device and an interval of five
minutes has elapsed since the last attempt to fire the shot.
Tests of Generators and Batteries.
96. Frequent tests shall be made of all devices covered by rule 93
to insure t h a t their capacity has not been decreased by use or accident.
Special Systems : Equipment and Portable Shotfiring
Apparatus.
97. The use of special electrical shotfiring systems or equipment,
and all portable shotfiring apparatus or devices, including the foregoing,
shall receive before being used in any gaseous mine or portion thereof the
approval of the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines, and all
such equipment shall carry thereon evidence of such approval."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XI)
"1
The use of a 'blasting fuse' for igniting or firing explosives in any mine
is forbidden unless the fuse be ignited electrically."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XVI)
"Rule 21. When a miner or shotfirer is about to fire a blast he shall
be careful to notify all persons who may be endangered thereby, and shall
give sufficient alarm so that any person approaching may be warned of
t h e danger.
Rule 22. Whenever a miner or shotfirer shall open a box containing
powder or other explosives, or while in any manner handling the same,
he shall first place his lamp not less than 5 ft. from such explosive and in
such a position t h a t the air current cannot convey sparks to the explosive,
and he shall not smoke while handling explosives.
Rule 23. I n charging and tamping a hole for blasting, no person shall
use any iron or steel needle. The charger or tamping bar shall be of wood
or tipped with copper.
Rule 24. No explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a hole that is of
insufficient size, and when a hole has been charged the explosives shall
n o t be taken out, except b y a stream of water having sufficient force to
wash out of the hole both the stemming and the charge, and no hole shall
2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS
105
be bored for blasting at a distance of less than 12 in. from any hole -when
the charge has misfired.
Rule 25. In all mines shotfirers or other persons charging holes for
blasting shall use incombustible material for tamping. All holes in any
mine before being fired shall be solidly tamped the full length of the hole :
provided, however, that with the consent of the mine inspector, 'cushion'
or 'air' blasting shall be permitted. Provided further, that for tamping
purposes, any instrument or device approved by the United States Bureau
of Mines may be used, with the approval of the Secretary of Mines, even
though such instrument or device does not completely fill the drill hole
from the collar to the explosives lodged therein. Any person who violates
this rule shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanour."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS
BELGIUM
"12. I t shall be strictly forbidden to untamp a shot even partially,
and even if no attempt has been made to fire it.
If such an attempt has been made and if the shot has misfired, the
shotfirer shall be bound to report this immediately to the overman.
If the misfired shot remains at the end of the shift, the overman shall
inform the overman of the following shift, mentioning the time when the
shot was lighted.
The supervisory officials shall see to the strict application of the following
precautionary measures :
(1) Access to the place where the shot is shall be prohibited from the
moment of lighting—
(a) for six hours in the ease of lighting by fuse ;
(b) for half an hour in the case of lighting by electricity.
(2) After this period the prohibition shall be raised as regards the
workers responsible for organising and carrying out the necessary work for
attempting to explode the misfired shot.
(3) This attempt shall consist in firing shots parallel to the misfired
shot and having holes so arranged that there is at least 20 cm clearance
between these holes and the old charge.
(4) After shotfiring, the fallen material shall be carefully removed
without iron tools in the presence of the overman ; cartridges or fragments
of cartridges and detonators that have not exploded shall be collected by
the shotfirer, who shall have them returned to the magazine."
(RO 24.4.1920)
FRANCE
"232. (1) After firing, as soon as the fumes have sufficiently dispersed,
the chargeman shall alone explore the workplace ; he shall then have it cleared.
(2) In the case of a misfire or a doubtful shot, exploration of the workplace shall begin only five minutes after firing if the shot was fired electrically ; if the shot was fired with a fuse, access to the workplace shall
be prohibited for at least one hour. I n either case the incident shall be
immediately reported to the supervisors.
233. If, in the course of clearing up, the chargeman finds that some
explosive remains in a shot-hole, coalgetting shall only be resumed on the
order of a supervisor.
234. (1) The position of misfired shots shall be ascertained and, if the
misfire is considered irremediable by the supervisor or shotfirer, the shot
VI. SHOTFIRING
106
shall, failing recourse to the exemption referred to in section 225 (2) x , be
disposed of with the precautions set out below :
(2) The shot-hole made to replace a misfire shall be drilled on the instructions of a supervisor or of a shotfirer ; it shall be so sited and given such
direction t h a t there is at least 0.20 m gap between the old charge and any
point in the new hole.
(3) The removal of the debris of the substitute shot shall be undertaken with such precautions as to avoid the explosion of any charges or
detonators that may have been blown out.
The same precautions shall be taken for the removal of debris in the
case of partly fired rounds.
235. (1) Blown-out shots and sockets remaining after the explosion
shall, as soon as they are known to exist, be located by means of wooden
sticks. I t shall be formally prohibited to deepen and scrape them. The
sticks shall be furnished by the operator.
Cartridges or parts of cartridges that have remained in these holes or
sockets shall not be removed from them. Nevertheless, this prohibition
may be disregarded in certain circumstances and subject to following
special instructions approved by the district inspector of mines.
(2) Failing recourse to the exemption referred to in subsection (1)
blown-out shots or sockets shall only be reloaded at least half an hour
after the return t o the workplace and only by a shotfirer ; a ball of greasy
clay shall be inserted in the bottom of the shot-hole, and the new cartridge
inserted very gently.
(3) The drilling of a shot-hole near a blown-out shot or a socket and
clearing up subsequent to firing it shall comply with the provisions of section 234 (2) and (3).
236. When a misfire, a blown-out shot or a socket has not effectively
been rendered harmless before the end of the shift, the workplace shall be
barred off by the chargeman, who shall so inform his supervisor ; the latter
shall on his responsibility take all useful steps to ensure that precise information on the position, length and direction of the hole reliably reaches
the succeeding chargeman.
The same precaution shall be taken when exceptionally a loaded shot
cannot be fired before the end of the shift.
237. Notwithstanding the rules laid down in sections 233, 234 (1)
and 236 concerning ascertainment of the condition of shot-holes after firing
and the location of misfires, shotfiring with weak charges (camouflets)
may, in workplaces or districts strictly specified and regionally defined, be
authorised by the district inspector of mines, who shall require the
observance of all useful precautions and in particular the use of explosives
of sufficient sensitivity fired in a single cartridge."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
" 229. (1) When the chargeman notices misfires and remaining residues
of explosives or, owing to the circumstances, suspects their existence, work
shall be stopped.
(2) Misfires or remaining residues of explosives shall only be rendered
harmless by the shotfirers. During this work only those engaged on. it shall
be at the face.
(3) If the chargeman is not himself entrusted with shotfiring he shall
immediately inform the competent shotfirer. If this is impossible he shall
either inform the relevant chargeman concerning the misfire or the remaining residues of explosives, or fence off the firing place and report to the
shift overman or shotfiring overman.
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS
107
(4) This shall also apply if the shotfirer cannot render misfires or
remaining residues of explosives harmless before the end of the shift.
230. (1) Misfires or residues of explosives shall only be rendered harmless by a procedure authorised by the Divisional Mining Office a n d the
mineowner shall notify this procedure to those concerned.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to scrape out or drill out shots wholly or partly
or to drill farther into or reload sockets (Pfeifen) containing residues of
explosive."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"50. (1) Whenever it can be ascertained by the person responsible for
shotfiring t h a t as many shots have exploded as he could ignite, and whenever
simultaneous electrical ignition is employed, he shall go to the face, after the
shotfiring fumes have completely dispersed, to examine the effect of the shots
and satisfy himself that the coal is not burning and t h a t no firedamp has
been liberated. (Loose pieces of coal or stone shall be brought down.) If he
encounters firedamp he shall cause the supervisory official on duty to be
informed.
(2) The person responsible for shotfiring shall not allow the workplace
to be entered by other persons until he has satisfied himself by examination
that there is no danger.
51. Whenever there is no certainty t h a t all shots ignited by time-fuses
have exploded, and provided t h a t the auxiliary ventilation is working
properly, a t least five minutes shall elapse after firing before the workplace
may be entered for carrying out the examination referred to in the preceding
section. This interval shall be determined by means of a watch.
52. (1) The rendering harmless of misfired shots—that is to say, shotholes in which there is an unexploded or not completely exploded charge—
shall be done by or under the direction of the person who loaded and fired
the misfired shots.
(2) If this is not possible, he shall give accurate indications at the face
to the person who takes over from him concerning the situation, direction
and charge of the shots fired by him.
(3) If the work is not handed over immediately, then he shall give these
indications to the responsible supervisory official. Access to the working
face shall be marked with a cross as long as danger exists. I n this case
misfired shots shall be rendered harmless under the supervision of a member
of the supervisory staff.
53. (1) If the wires of the fuse of a misfired shot still project from the
shot-hole, these wires shall be reconnected to the shotfiring leads a n d then
the shot, after it has been measured with the ohmmeter and the resistance
has been found satisfactory, shall be ignited in the usual manner.
(2) If a misfired shot cannot be rendered harmless in the manner prescribed in the preceding subsection, the procedure shall be as follows :
If there is sufficient room in the shot-hole above the old tamping and the
unexploded part of the charge, a new primer cartridge and new tamping
shall be carefully placed.
Nothing shall be removed from the old charge and the old tamping except
as provided in the following paragraph.
Whenever the tamping can be removed without danger, this shall be allowed
in special circumstances with the approval of the Inspector-General
of Mines.
If the new primer cartridge is placed on the unexploded part of an old
charge, this shall not be done until the stone has sufficiently cooled.
If the new primer cartridge is placed on old tamping and the wires of the
electric fuse project outside the shot-hole, these wires shall be pinched
8
108
VI. SHOTFIBING
off a t least 10 cm from the mouth of the shot-hole and laid against the
stone. Thereafter the new primer cartridge shall be ignited. If by this
means the original charge is not exploded, then if possible the procedure
shall be repeated.
If then the original charge is not exploded, or if in the shot-hole there is not
sufficient room for a new primer cartridge and tamping, the shot-hole
shall be closed with a wooden plug and a new shot-hole shall be drilled
near the old. The distance between the two shot-holes shall be 20 cm
and the direction of the new shot-hole shall be such that it cannot
come into contact with the misfired shot.
54. If from a shot-hole in which there is a misfired shot, wires of an
electric fuse project towards the outside and the shot cannot be rendered
harmless in the manner described in the preceding section, the wires projecting from the shot-hole shall be fastened to timbering or some other
large object by t h e person responsible for shotfiring by means of an iron
wire about 4 m long before this person ignites the charge in the adjacent
shot-hole. After firing and when returning to the place where the shot was
fired, he shall follow the above-mentioned iron wire and carefully remove
the detonator attached to it, if it has not already 1 exploded, and hand it
in in accordance with the provisions of section 2.
55. I t shall be strictly prohibited—•
to clear out any shot-hole, the charge of which has not exploded ;
to drill deeper into a shot-hole, the charge of which has not exploded
or has only partially exploded, or to drill out the remains of an exploded
shot ;
(c) to reload the remains of a shot-hole before the stone has sufficiently
cooled ;
(d) to test a shotfiring appliance otherwise than by the means provided
by or on behalf of the mine manager ;
(e) to be a t the working face with an ohmmeter in one's possession.
56. While misfired shots are being rendered harmless, only the persons
strictly necessary for this purpose shall be at the working face."
(IGR 55)
(a)
(b)
SOUTH AFBICA
"100
(9)
( b) In any mine other than a fiery mine no person shall drill or cause
or permit to be drilled any hole in any shaft, drive, cross-cut, winze, raise,
or other similar confined space where there is a misfired hole until such
misfired hole has been again blasted, or until the explosives have been
extracted from such misfired hole, in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (8) (a) "• of this regulation.
(c) No person shall drill or cause or permit to be drilled any hole within
6 ft. of a misfired hole in a stope.
(d) No person shall drill or cause or permit to be drilled any hole,
unless such hole is placed more than 6 in. from any socket and given such a
direction t h a t it will not come nearer to any socket or the line of direction
thereof than 6 in. Every such socket shall be examined by a miner who
shall ascertain its direction and depth or whether it contains explosives
by means of water tinder adequate pressure or compressed air and water
under adequate pressure applied through a pipe of a design and material
approved by the Inspector of Mines or, where water under pressure is not
available, by means of a scraper of a design approved by the Inspector_of
Mines.
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS
109
(10) No person other than the holder of a blasting certificate shall
remove or attempt to remove the wooden plug with which a misfired hole
or socket of a hole has been plugged, provided that when the miner charges
u p at the end of the shift he may instruct a member of his gang to do so."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"PABT
VII
Misfires
A. Single Shots
Meaning of Single-Shot Misfire.
44. (1) For the purposes of this part of this order, all shots fired by
fuse shall be deemed to be single shots.
(2) A shot being fired as a single shot shall be treated as a misfire (in
this order, referred to as a single-shot misfire), if it fails to explode, in the
case of a shot being fired—
(a) by fuse, after the shotflrer has withdrawn after once lighting the
fuse ; or
(b) electrically, after the shotfirer, having attempted unsuccessfully to
fire the shot, has followed the procedure prescribed in paragraph (3)
of this article.
(3) The said procedure is that the shotfirer shall—
(a) disconnect from the shotfiring apparatus the removable handle or key
and the shotfiring cable ;
(b) after waiting five minutes, examine the cable and connections for
defects, and remedy the same ;
(c) make a further attempt to fire the shot (for which purpose he may,
notwithstanding the provisions of article 14 S use shotfiring apparatus
of a type approved for multi-shot firing for not more than six shots
with the appropriate explosive).
Single-Shot Misfires, General Precautions.
45. (1) In the event of a single-shot misfire, no person shall approach
the shot-hole until, if the shot is being fired—
(a) by fuse, there have elapsed, from the last attempt to fire the shot, not
less than 30 minutes ; or
(b) electrically, the removable handle or key and the shotfiring cable have
been disconnected from the shotfiring apparatus, and there have elapsed,
from the last attempt to fire the shot, not less than five minutes.
(2) The shotfirer concerned shall, if he leaves the working place before
article 46 has been complied with—
(a) cause notice of the misfire to be given to the deputy in charge of the
district ; and
(b) ensure that sufficient fences and danger notices are erected to notify
the misfire to any person approaching the place.
Single-Shot Misfires, Remedial Action.
46. (1) No person shall attempt to remove any part of the charge
from the shot-hole of any single-shot misfire.
(2) I n the event of any such misfire, the shotfirer concerned shall
ensure that either—
(a) the procedure prescribed in paragraph (3) of this article is complied
with ; or
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
110
VI. SHOTÍTRING
(b)
the stemming is removed with water or with an approved device, an
additional primer inserted in the shot-hole with proper stemming, and
the shot then duly fired, as provided in this order.
(3) The said procedure is as follows :
(a) a shot-hole shall be drilled not nearer to the misfire than 12 in., and,
so far as is practicable, parallel to, and of equal depth to, its shot-hole ;
(b) if the misfire contains a detonator, the leads or fuse thereof shall be
attached by a string to the shotfiring cable, or to some distinctive
marker ;
(c) a shot shall be duly fired in the shot-hole aforesaid ;
(d) if the misfire is dislodged, a search, under the supervision of the
shotfirer or of an official of the mine, shall, before any person resumes
work, be made for the detonator (if any) and charge thereof, and, if
any detonator or cartridge is not found, all stone or mineral so
dislodged shall, under supervision as aforesaid, be conveyed out of
the mine separately from any other stone or mineral ;
(e) if the misfire is not dislodged, the procedure herein prescribed shall
be repeated.
B . Shots in a Round
Circuit Not
Continuous.
47. (1) If, when the circuit of a round is tested in pursuance of paragraph (11) of article 25 1, it is found not to be continuous, the shotfirer
shall—
(a) comply with the following procedure, that is to say—
(i) examine the shotfiring cable and connections for defects (after
disconnecting the cable from the shotfiring apparatus, if the
testing device formed part of it) ;
(ii) remedy any defect so found ; and
(iii) subject to the provisions of the said paragraph (11), test the
circuit again for continuity ; and
(b) if he leaves t h e working place before the said test is completed, take
action as prescribed in paragraph (2) of article 45.
(2) If the test aforesaid is successful, the provisions of this part of this
order shall not apply further in relation to that round, unless one or more
of the shots fails t o explode when fired.
(3) If the said test is unsuccessful the shotfirer shall, by individual
tests for continuity (which shall be subject to the provisions of paragraph
(11) of article 25 *), determine the faulty shot or shots.
Meaning of 'Misfire in a Round ', etc., and General Provisions.
48. (1) A shot being fired in a round shall be treated as a misfire (in
this order referred to as a 'misfire in a round'), if—
(a) by the individual tests under paragraph (3) of article 47, it is found
to be a faulty shot (any such shot being, in this order, referred to as
a 'misfire in a round by broken continuity') ; or
(b) when the round is fired, it fails to explode (whether or not all other
shots in the round have exploded) (any such shot being, in this order,
referred to as a 'misfire in a round after firing').
(2) I n the event of any misfire in a round—
(a) no person shall attempt to remove any part of the charge from the
shot-hole ;
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
2. TJNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS
111
(b)
the shotfirer concerned shall, if he leaves the working place before
the remedial action specified in article 49 or 50, as the case may be,
has been completed, take action as prescribed in paragraph (2) of
article 45.
(3) Whenever, in the event of any misfire in a round, any shot forming
part of the round is, for the purposes of remedial action under article 49
or 50, required to be fired singly, it may, notwithstanding the provisions of
article 141, be fired by means of the shot firing apparatus used for firing
the round.
Bemedial Action.
49. (1) I n the event of a misfire in a round by broken continuity, the
shotfirer concerned shall ensure that either—
(a) the procedure prescribed in paragraph (2) of this article is complied
with ; or
(b) the stemming is removed with water or with an approved device, a n
additional primer inserted in the shot-hole with proper stemming, and
the round duly connected up, tested and fired, as provided in this
order.
(2) The said procedure is as follows :
(a) the leads of the detonator of the misfire shall be attached b y a string
to the shotfiring cable, or to some distinctive marker ;
(b) the other shots in the round (excluding, where delay detonators are
being used, any shot having a higher period of delay) shall be duly
connected up, tested and fired, as provided in this order ;
(c) if it has been dislodged, the provisions of subparagraph (d) of paragraph (3) of article 46 shall apply to the recovery and disposal of the
detonator and charge ; and any shots having a higher period of delay
shall thereafter be duly connected up, tested and fired ;
(d) if it has not been dislodged—
(i) if there were any shots having a higher period of delay, they
shall be fired in turn, in ascending order of delay (in each delay
period, the shot which is nearest to the misfire being fired first),
so however that, if it is dislodged before all such shots have been
fired, the provisions of subparagraph (c) of this paragraph
shall then apply ; and
(ii) in any other case it shall be treated as a single-shot misfire.
50. (1) In the event of a misfire in a round after firing—
(a) no person shall approach the shot-hole unless the removable handle
or key and the shotfiring cable have been disconnected from the
shotfiring apparatus ; and
(b) the shotfirer1 concerned shall a t the expiry of the period specified
in article 30 make a personal examination as provided in t h a t article,
whether or not any shot in the round has exploded.
(2) If there was more than one misfire, the shotfirer shall connect
them in series and fire them as a round as provided in this order.
(3) If there was one misfire only, or if one or more misfires, fired as a
round in pursuance of paragraph (2), fails or fail t o explode, the shotfirer
shall fire it, or each of them, as the case may be, singly.
(4) Any misfire, fired singly as aforesaid and failing to explode, shall
be treated as a single-shot misfire.
51. (1) Whenever, in pursuance of this part of this order, in relation
to any round of shots, any shot in the round is fired while one or more
shots already charged remain unexploded, the shotfirer concerned
shall,
in the course of his examination made in pursuance of article 3 0 l ascertain
whether any such shot has been dislodged.
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
112
VI. SHOTBTRING
(2) The provisions of subparagraph (d) of paragraph (3) of article 46
shall apply to t h e recovery and disposal of the detonator and charge of any
shot so dislodged.
C. All Misfires
Misfires to Be Reported.
52. In the event of any misfire the shotfirer shall, before leaving the
mine, report the circumstances thereof to the senior official on duty at the
mine, and shall record the fact of the misfire in his daily record of shots."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article, IV.
Explosives and Blasting
7. Misfires,
(a) Where misfires occur with electric detonators, a
waiting period of at least five minutes shall elapse before anyone returns
to the shot. After such failure the blasting cable shall be disconnected
from the source of power and the battery ends short circuited before electric
connections are examined.
(b) Explosives shall be removed by firing a separate charge at least
2 ft. away from, and parallel to, the misfired charge or by washing the
stemming and t h e charge from the borehole with water, or by inserting
and firing a new primer after the stemming has been washed out.
(c) A very careful search of the working place, and, if necessary, of
the coal after it reaches the tipple shall be made after blasting a misfired
hole, to recover any undetonated explosive.
(d) The handling of a misfired shot shall be under the direct supervision of the mine foreman or a competent person designated by him."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"19.
(m) No person shall return to a missed shot, if lighted with a squib,
until ten minutes have elapsed from the time of lighting the same, or, if
lighted with fuse, until eight hours have elapsed from the time of lighting
same ; and no person shall return to a missed shot when the firing is done
b y electricity unless the wires are disconnected from the battery.
(n) No missed shot shall be withdrawn excepting by the use of coppertipped or wooden tools."
(A 1.7.1921)
New Mexico
"1317. The operator shall cause to be kept a written daily record of
all shots misfired.
1318. No person shall attempt to drill out a misfired hole but shall
drill another hole not less than 12 in. distant from such misfired shot."
(A 16.3.1933)
3. F I E R Y AND D U S T Y M I N E S
BELGIUM
"II.
(I)
Provisions
Applicable
to Fiery Mines and to Certain Dusty
in Coal Mines
Seams
Classification of Seams as Regards Dust.
13. I n non-fiery mines, seams in which the content of volatile matter,
excluding ash, is between 15 and 22 per cent., and in which brushing the
3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES
113
sides of the roads throws coal-dust into suspension in the air, shall be subject to the regulations for mines of the first class 1 in respect of explosives.
In non-fiery mines and in mines of the first class, the seams in which
the content of volatile matter, excluding ash, exceeds 22 per cent., and
where brushing the sides of the roads throws coal-dust into suspension in
the air, shall be subject to the regulations for fiery mines of the second
class.
Nevertheless, if it is found t h a t certain of these seams give off dust
that owing to its physical properties is only slightly dangerous, their assignment to the first class may be requested.
14. The classification of the seams shall be undertaken for each workplace or group of workplaces by the chief inspector of the mining district
after hearing the observations of the mine operator ; the classification
may be altered at any time.
Samples shall be taken by the mine inspector and analyses made through
the Mines Administration at the operator's cost.
(II) Regulations Applicable to All Fiery Mines and to the Dusty Seams
of Non-Fiery Mines Subject to the Bules Applying to Mines of the
First Class.
15. The use of explosives is prohibited—
(1) for coalgetting, including the removal of stone bands ;
(2) for the unblocking of chutes ;
(3) in all workings when they can be presumed to be approaching a
coal seam already worked out, and in general any excavation in which
firedamp may have accumulated.
16. Only permitted explosives defined as such by Ministerial Orders,
within the maximum charge limits and enclosed in safety sheaths of a
type recognised by Ministerial Order shall be used—
(1) in productive workings in the seam with descensional ventilation,
for the roads in which the air descends, and for the roads preceding
the descent over a length of 20 m ;
(2) for the driving of preparatory workings in the seam or in the waste,
with descensional ventilation, or stone workings driven subsequently ;
(3) for the opening up of seams except in the case of ripping in seams
with sudden outbursts, as referred to in section 25 A.
17. Without
prejudice to the provisions of the Royal Order of 29
October 18942, which regulates more particularly the consumption of
high explosives, the use of explosives shall be subject to the following
conditions :
(1) Explosives shall not be inserted in shot-holes—
(a) until it has been meticulously ascertained by inspection with
flame lamps that there is no firedamp in the air around the shotholes and that even outside the zone liable to be affected b y the
explosion of the shot there is no inflammable gas or fissure in the
ground giving off such gas ;
(b) until it has been ascertained that the shot-holes are not giving
off firedamp and they have been carefully cleared of all coal-dust.
(2) Shots shall be carefully tamped so that they do not blow out, and
for this purpose only entirely non-combustible materials shall be used ;
the depth of the tamping shall not be less than 20 cm for the first
100 gm of the charge, with an additional 25 mm for every further
100 gm, but a depth of 40 cm need not be exceeded.
1
For regulations concerning the classification of mines as regards gas see Chapter XII,
Division 1.
» See Chapter V.
114
VI. SHOTBTRING
(3) The shots shall only be fired by electricity by means of appliances
approved b y the Mines Administration ; in productive workplaces
shots shall not be fired during the coalgetting shift.
(4) Shots shall not be fired—
(a) in fiery mines, until it has been meticulously ascertained by
inspection with flame lamps t h a t there is no firedamp in the air
around the shot-holes, t h a t the shot-holes are not giving off firedamp, and that even outside the zone liable to be affected by
the explosion of the shot there is no inflammable gas or fissure
in the ground giving off such gas ;
(b) in dusty seams, until it has been ascertained that in the neighbourhood of the shot or shots as defined above there is no fine
inflammable dust in suspension in the air or deposited in appreciable quantities on the ground, on the timbers or on the sides,
such t h a t the shot could throw it into suspension.
These verifications shall be made immediately before
the lighting of
any shot by t h e employee referred to in section l 1 , who shall not be
concerned in the advancement of the workings.
18. Explosives of different compositions shall not be used simultaneously in a shot-hole, or in the different shot-holes of the same round. In
any one shift the explosives shall be the same in all the roads of a working
face.
19. I t shall be prohibited for a foreman or other employee who has
received explosives for a particular job to give them in exchange or otherwise to any other person responsible for another job.
20. I t shall be prohibited to use black powder and slow-acting explosives and to light shots b y squibs, fuses, or any other means liable to throw
off flames or burning material.
I I I . Provisions Applicable to Mines of the Second and Third Classes and
to the Dusty Seams of Non-Fiery Mines and Mines of the Third Class Subject
to the Sides for Mines of the Second Class
21. The use of explosives for the ripping and repair of roads in the
seam or in the waste shall be subject to the following conditions :
(1) Use shall only be made of permitted explosives, defined as such by
Ministerial Orders, within the maximum charge limits and enclosed
in safety sheaths of a type recognised by Ministerial Order.
(2) The cross-section of the roads shall not be less than 2 m 2 .
(3) I n the active workings of fiery mines the methane content of the air
current shall be verified by monthly analyses carried out on samples
taken during the coalgetting shift (at least two hours after the beginning
of the shift) and outside this shift (at least two hours after the end of
coalgetting) a t each of the places where explosives are used.
Shot firing shall be prohibited if the methane content exceeds 2.5 per
cent, during the coalgetting shift ; provided that if tests made outside
this shift show a content of less than 1.5 per cent, the prohibition shall
be suspended.
The air current shall be measured at least once a month in the upper
road of each working face not more than 10 m from the face. The quantity
shall never be less than 750 litres a second.
For preparatory workings ventilated by pipes the volume as measured
a t the end nearest the face, also a t least once a month, shall never be less
than 150 litres a second.
'See Chapter V, Division 1.
3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES
115
The results of the firedamp analyses and of the various measurements
mentioned above shall be entered in special registers kept at the disposal
of the mine inspector.
22. The firing of shots in any one air current in one and the same shift
shall be entrusted to one and the same man.
23. [Repealed.]
IV.
Special Rules for Mines of the Third Class
24. The use of explosives for driving the roads of active workings
shall be subject to compliance with the following conditions :
(1) Shots shall only be fired when there are no persons a t all in the return
airway of the workplace or between the firing point and the working
face. The shotfirer in charge shall be accompanied by at least one
assistant. The shotfirer and his assistants shall carry electric lamps in
addition to the safety lamps required for the detection of firedamp.
(2) When these employees cannot remain in the intake airway, for the
purpose of firing the shots they shall place themselves, outside the
normal path of the air current of the workplace, in a road from which
they can reach the lower haulage road without entering the ventilation
circuit of the workplace.
25. The use of explosives for driving and repairing roads in preparatory
workings in the seam shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of
the second and third sentences of subsection (1) of the preceding section
and also with the following provisions :
Shots shall only be fired when there are no persons a t all in the various
roads and connections of the return airway of the working in question, u p
to and including the up-cast shaft.
The shot may be fired from the surface or from underground.
When the shot is fired from the surface two multi-pole switches shall
be placed on the line, one a t the bottom landing and the other a t the surface.
These two switches shall not be closed until the moment of firing, and
the one underground shall be closed before the one on the surface.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent the switches from being closed
prematurely or accidentally.
When the shot is fired from underground, the persons firing shall take
shelter in the roads by which the intake air current reaches the working
in question ; the cage shall be kept a t the bottom landing, which shall be
connected to the surface by telephone ; further, cylinders of compressed
oxygen furnished with breathing apparatus equal in number to t h a t of the
persons firing shall be placed within immediate reach of these persons.
25A. The use of explosives for baring, ripping and holing coal (whether
in seams, bands or pockets) shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of section 25 above and also with the following provisions :
Before undertaking any work liable to entail ripping in seams with sudden
outbursts, the operator shall be bound to inform the chief inspector of the
mining district and acquaint him with the essential details of the measures
that he intends to take.
The removal, if possible simultaneously, of the adjacent rock and the
coal itself shall be undertaken by firing rounds of shots (loosening shots)
with time detonators accepted by the Mines Administration.
Shots shall not be fired except on the order of the manager or of a person
—engineer, undermanager, overman—appointed by him.
After each round of shots one hour shall elapse before anyone returns
to the face."
(RO 24.4.1920)
Sheathed Explosives
The requirements to be satisfied by sheaths are set out in a Ministerial
Order of 14 August 1930.
VI. SHOTFmiNG
116
I n mines of the second and third classes and in the dusty seams of nonfiery mines a n d mines of the first class subject to the regulations for mines
of the second class, outside tamping in the ripping and repair of roads in
the coal or t h e waste may be dispensed with when use is made of sheathed
explosives satisfying these requirements.
The requirements relate to the diameter of the cartridges, the composition and weight of the sheath, and to the paper wrapping.
CANADA
Alberta
"16. If the place where the shot is to be fired is dry or dusty, then
the shot shall not be fired unless one of the following conditions is observed,
that is to say :
(a) unless the place of firing and all contiguous and accessible places
within a radius of 60 ft. are a t the time of firing in a wet state from
a thorough watering, or other treatment equivalent to watering in
all parts where dust is lodged, whether roof, floor or sides ; or
(b) in the cases of places in which watering would injure the roof or floor,
unless the explosive is so used with water or other contrivance as to prevent it from inflaming gas or dust, or is of such a nature that it cannot
inflame gas or dust ; and all haulage or other roads that are dry or dusty
shall for a distance of 120 ft. from the place of firing, be watered
sufficiently to allay dust, or other treatment equivalent to watering.
23. No shot shall be fired in the presence of a dangerous percentage
of firedamp or coal-dust. A dangerous percentage of firedamp, for the
purpose of these regulations, shall mean any atmosphere containing 1%
per cent, of firedamp or over.
Provided, however, that this Regulation shall not apply to the method
known as 'Cardox'."
(Explosives Regulations)
FRANCE
"238. (1) No explosive shall be employed in fiery or dusty mines unless
it has been approved by a Ministerial Order, which shall determine the conditions of its use ; if the approval is only valid for work in the rock other than
the ripping of thin places in the seam, the explosive shall be called 'Explosive for Restricted Use'. The use of black powder and of safety fuses shall
be prohibited in such mines.
(2) The above provisions may be extended by the district inspector
of mines to districts that he considers suspect.
239. I n fiery mines and mines considered suspect—
the installation of the firing lines, their connecting pieces and connections shall be so carried out as not to create any risk of sparking ;
(b) exploders and current detectors shall be proof against firedamp ;
(c) indirect priming (amorçage postérieur)1 shall only be allowed for
penetrating rock away from the coal unless wider authorisation is
given b y Ministerial Order ;
(d) no shot or round shall be fired until the shotfirer, by meticulous
inspection made immediately before firing, has satisfied himself of
the absence of any quantity of firedamp sufficient to show in the
flame safety lamp.
(a)
1
See section 223 (3) in Division 1 of this chapter.
3 . FIERY AND DUSTY MINES
117
240. Except for explosives for which the orders of approval define their
use with delay-action detonators, the use of such detonators in fiery or dusty
mines shall only be authorised in the conditions in which explosives for
restricted use may be used.
241. Independently of the requirements concerning the composition,
cartridging and packing of explosives laid down in the General Explosives
Regulations, approved explosives shall not be either delivered to the operator
or accepted by him unless they are accompanied by a notice drawn u p
by the manufacturer or the cartridger giving the following particulars :
(a) administrative designation of the explosive and date of the decision
approving the type for a particular use ;
(b) mention of this use in the form to be specified by a Ministerial Instruction ;
(c) date of manufacture of the explosive ;
(d) name of the factory ;
(e) numbers of the cases."
(R 4.5.1951)
"Permitted
Explosives
1. [As from 6 November 1951 the only explosives permitted for use in
fiery or dusty naine districts are those listed in four groups, namely :
(1) improved explosives for shotfiring in coal ; (2) explosives for shotfirmg
in coal ; (3) explosives for shotfiring in stone ; and (4) explosives for
restricted use.]
The permission shall not apply to explosives cartridged in compressed
unite.
The diameter of the cartridges of explosives of the first and second
groups shall not exceed 30 mm.
The envelope of the cartridges of permitted explosives shall enable
each group of explosives to be easily distinguished a t the workplace ; the
distinctive marking of these envelopes, which shall be the same for all mines,
shall be determined by the Minister.
Without prejudice to the enforcement either of the laws and regulations
on explosives or of Part X of the Decree of 4 May 1951 *, the conditions
of use in fiery or dusty districts of permitted explosives shall be determined
by the present order.
General Conditions of Use
2. The use of explosives of the first and second groups cartridged over
six months and of explosives of the third and fourth groups cartridged
over one year shall be prohibited.
3. (1) Indirect priming (amorçage postérieur) a of the explosives permitted under section 1 shall be authorised in all types of workplaces.
(2) I n shot-holes drilled in coal, it shall be prohibited to load other
explosives than explosives for shotfiring in coal or improved explosives for
shotfiring in coal.
(3) The maximum load per shot-hole for workplaces of the second and
third types as defined below shall be uniformly fixed—
for improved explosives for shotfiring in coal, at 1,500 gm in coal and
2,000 gm in stone ;
for explosives for shotfiring in coal, a t 500 gm in coal, 1,000 gm in stone
in workplaces of the third type and 2,000 gm in stone in workplaces of
the second type;
for explosives for shotfirmg in stone, a t 2,000 gm in stone.
1
General Regulations for Fuel Mines : Part X deals with explosives.
" See section 223 (3) ol the Regulations of 4 May 1951 in Division 1 of this chapter.
118
VI. SHOTFIRING
Conditions of Use by Type of Workplace
4. As regards the conditions of use of the explosives, three types of
workplaces shall be distinguished.
5. (1) Workplaces of the first type are those t h a t satisfy all the following conditions simultaneously :
(a) the line of face does not cut into the coal and no shot-hole for a round
to be fired meets any coal ;
(b) when the district is classified as fiery or suspect from the standpoint
of firedamp—
(i) the working shall be driven horizontally or dipping and away
from faulted zones and areas known to be capable of producing
outbreaks of firedamp ;
(ii) the permanent ventilation shall be such as to keep below 0.5 per
cent, t h e firedamp content as measured daily a t the working
face a n d 100 m behind it ;
(c) when the district is classified as dusty, within a distance of 15 m from
the working face—
(i) there shall be no accumulation of coal, no deposit of combustible
dust, n o workplace in the coal and no haulage road for coal ;
(ii) there shall be no bands or seams of coal or, if there are such, their
aggregate exposed surface shall not be more than one-tenth of
the aggregate exposed surface of the face concerned ;
(iii) if the seams cut are friable, the conditions at the workplace shall
be such that the disturbance resulting from shotfiring cannot
cause a dust cloud to form.
(2) In workplaces of the first type all permitted explosives may be
used subject only to the conditions laid down in sections 1 to 3 above.
6. (1) The third type of workplace comprises those satisfying one of
the following conditions :
(a) a t least one-tenth of the exposed surface of the face is coal ;
(b) a t least one-fifth of the holes drilled for the round to be fired are in
the coal.
(2) I n workplaces of the third type, whether the shotfiring is done in
coal, in a dirt band or in a wall, only the use of explosives for shotfiring
in coal or improved explosives for shotfiring in coal shall be authorised.
7. (1) Workplaces of the second type are those not included in either
the first or the third types.
(2) In workplaces of the second type only the use of explosives for
shotfiring in stone, explosives for shotfiring in coal or improved explosives
for shotfiring in coal shall be authorised.
Delay-Action
Detonators
8. (1) I n workplaces of the first type, shotfiring with delay-action
detonators shall n o t be subject to any special requirement.
In all other workplaces, whatever the explosive used, it shall be subject
to previous notification to the divisional inspector of mines, who may
either prohibit it in certain districts or workplaces or subject it to particular
restrictions.
(2) I n shot-holes drilled in stone in workplaces of the third type, and
in shot-holes drilled in coal in workplaces of the second and third types,
the use of delay-action detonators with explosives for shotfiring in coal
shall be prohibited.
In workplaces of the second type in dusty districts, a round comprising
one or more shots in the coal shall not be fired with delay-action detonators
3. PIBKY AND DUSTY MINES
119
unless it is loaded exclusively with improved explosives for shotfiring in
coal.
I n workplaces of the second and third types in fiery districts, the interval
between the first and the last shot of one and the same round shall not
exceed five seconds.
Stone-Dusting
before Shotfiring
9. In dusty districts no stone-dusting before shotfiring shall be required
in workplaces of the first type ; this shall also apply to workplaces of the
second type when within a distance of 15 m from the working face the
workplaces satisfy simultaneously the following three conditions :
(a) there shall be no accumulation of coal, no deposit of combustible
dust, no workplace in the coal and no haulage road for coal ;
( b) there shall be no bands or seams of coal, or if there are such, their aggregate exposed surface shall not be more than one-tenth of the aggregate
exposed surface of the face concerned ;
(c) if the seams cut are friable, the conditions a t the workplace shall be
such that the disturbance resulting from shotfiring cannot cause a
dust cloud to form.
10. I n dusty districts, in workplaces of the second type that do not
satisfy any one of the three conditions laid down in section 9—
(a) the use of explosives for shotfiring in stone, and, if the district is
also definitely fiery, the use of charges of explosives for shotfiring in
coal exceeding 300 gm per shot-hole drilled in the coal, or 500 gm
per shot-hole drilled in the stone, shall be subject to the carrying out
of effective stone-dusting, immediately before firing or before the
examination for firedamp which precedes it if the examination is a
regulation examination, of all the accessible zones up to a distance
of 15 m from any one of the shot-holes of the round ;
(b) the use with delay-action detonators of explosives for shotfiring in
stone or of explosives for shotfiring in coal (even in non-fiery districts
and irrespective of the size of the charge) shall be subject to the carrying out of effective stone-dusting at the time and in the zone defined
in paragraph (a) above.
11. I n districts t h a t are both dusty and definitely fiery, in workplaces
of the third type the use of charges of explosives for shotfiring in coal
exceeding 300 gm per shot-hole drilled in the coal, or 500 gm per shot-hole
drilled in the stone, shall be subject to the carrying out of effective stonedusting at the time and in the zone defined in paragraph (a) of section 10
above.
12. No stone-dusting shall be required in any type of workplace if
improved explosives for shotfiring in the coal are used exclusively.
13. The practical conditions of stone-dusting before shotfiring as
required in sections 10 and 11 above shall be specified for the various
typical cases by instructions submitted for approval to the divisional
inspector of mines.
Exemptions
14
(2) Exemptions from the provisions of the present order may be
granted by the local inspection service—
(a) when shots are exclusively fired from the surface, the mine being
evacuated ;
(b) in mines with sudden outbursts, for shots fired with only the personnel
necessary for firing them present underground.
(O 2.11.1951)
120
VI. SHOTÏTRXNG
GERMANY
See Division 1 of this chapter.
NETHERLANDS
(See also Division 1 of this chapter.)
"153. Whenever in a mine or part of a mine firedamp is encountered
in such large quantities that unusual danger is to be feared or there is a
danger of coal-dust explosion, the Inspector-General of Mines, after consulting the mine manager may prohibit the use of all or of certain kinds of
explosives and ignition devices."
(MR 1939)
SOUTH AFRICA
"100
(3) No person shall blast or be permitted t o blast any shot in fractured
coal or in a hole if inflammable gas is being given off from such fractured
coal or hole, nor in any place where there is sufficient inflammable gas
present to show a distinct cap on the reduced flame of the safety lamp
ordinarily in use in the mine.
(4) I n any fiery mine—
(a) no person shall blast or be permitted to blast unless there are two
free faces on the coal to be blasted down. The end of the shot-hole
shall be a t least 6 in. in front of the back of the undercut or side holing ;
( b) no person shall blast or be permitted to blast except by means of an
efficient electrical apparatus approved by the Inspector of Mines.
Where such apparatus is provided with a removable handle, the certificated ganger or miner in charge shall retain the same in his possession
a t all times while on duty ;
(c) when extracting coal from pillars no person shall blast or be permitted
to blast within 20 yd. of any goaf edge until he has examined the goaf
edge for inflammable gas with an approved flame safety lamp immediately before firing each shot and found no gas, or within 50 yd. of any
such goaf or any open place which cannot be examined ;
(d) in any development drive, heading, or stall more than 50 yd. in advance
of the general line of workings, no person shall blast or be permitted
to blast except between shifts ;
(e) in any main development or exploration drive, after driving through
a dyke, no blasting shall take place until the manager, the mine overseer, a shift boss, or other duly appointed official, has examined the
place and satisfied himself that blasting is not prohibited under
section (3) of this regulation.
106. The ganger or miner —
(9) shall not blast in any place in any fiery mine, or in any coal mine
which is dry and dusty until he has examined both the place itself where
t h e shot is to be fired and all contiguous accessible places in the same seam
within a radius of 20 yd. and has found such place safe for firing. In a fiery
mine the said examination shall be made with a flame safety lamp ;
(10) shall not blast in any mine where inflammable gas has been reported
to be present during the past 24 hours in the ventilating district in which
the shot is to be fired, until he has examined the place where gas has been
so reported to be present and has found that such gas has been sufficiently
cleared away and that there is not a t or near such place sufficient gas issuing
or accumulated to render it unsafe to fire the shot ;
3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES
121
(11) shall not blast in a eoal mine if the place where the shot is to be
fired is dry and
dusty, unless a permitted explosive as referred t o in regulation No. 98 1 be used or unless the place of firing and all contiguous accessible places within a radius of 20 yd. therefrom are at the time of firing in a
wet state through watermg or other treatment equivalent to watering in
all parts where dust is lodged, whether roof, floor or side."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"PABT V
Shotfiring
(Additional
Provisions, Permitted
Explosives)
Application of Part V.
32. Except where the application of provisions is limited by reference
to the use of safety lamps, this part of this order shall apply to any shot
fired in any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required
to be used.
Shotfirer's Maximum Number of Shots.
33. (1) For each shotfirer firing shots in the regular course of his
employment, the manager shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (3)
and (4) of this article, fix the maximum number of shots which he may
fire in any one hour and in any one shift, being in each case a number
consistent with the requirements of safety :
Provided that the numbers so fixed shall not apply to shots fired in
rounds of more than six shots.
(2) If the manager proposes to fix a maximum exceeding ten for any
one shift for any deputy in charge of a district, he shall give notice in writing
of the maximum proposed to the inspector of the division, on a prescribed
form.
(3) If the inspector of the division, before the expiry of 14 days from
his receipt of a notice under paragraph (2), notifies the manager that in his
opinion the maximum proposed does not comply with paragraph (1), no
maximum exceeding ten shall be fixed for the deputy concerned unless it is
agreed by the inspector and the manager, or determined in manner provided
under the Act for settling disputes, to be consistent with the requirements
of safety.
(4) The inspector of the division may object to any maximum fixed
under this article, on the ground that t h a t maximum does not comply with
paragraph (1) ; and, if, in any such case, the manager does not fix another
maximum for the shotfirer concerned to the satisfaction of the inspector,
the matter shall be determined in the manner aforesaid :
Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to any maximum to which
paragraph (2) or (3) applies, unless there has been a material change of
circumstance since the date of the notice or of the agreement or determination, as the case may be.
(5) Bach maximum fixed under this article shall be notified in writing
to the shotfirer concerned, and shall be recorded in a book to be kept a t
the mine for the purpose.
(6) No shotfirer shall in any one hour or in any one shift fire a greater
number of shots than the appropriate maximum notified to him under
paragraph (5).
Firedamp Content.
34. (1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which safety
lamps are required to be used.
i See Chapter V, Division 1.
122
VI. SHOTFIRIKG
I n this article the expression 'firedamp content' has the meaning
assigned by the Coal Mines (Ventilation) General Regulations, 1947 l
(namely, 'percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the
air') ; and the provisions of regulations 1 to 5 of those regulations 2
shall apply in relation to determinations required under this article, as they
apply in relation to determinations under those regulations.
(2) No shot shall be fired in any ventilation district, unless determinations of the firedamp content are regularly being made in that district.
(3) If, on a n y such determination in any ventilation district, the firedamp content is found to exceed 1% per cent., no shot shall thereafter be
fired in t h a t district on the return side of the place where the determination
was made, except as provided in paragraph (6).
(4) If the deputy in charge of a deputy's district finds that at any place
in a n air current the firedamp content exceeds 1 % P©r cent., or any gas
cap can be seen on the lowered flame of a safety lamp, he shall forthwith—
(a) ensure t h a t no shot is fired, or shot-hole charged, in his district on the
return side of t h a t place, except as provided in paragraph (6) ; and
(b) cause notice of the same to be given to the deputy in charge of each
deputy's district whereof any part is in the ventilation district concerned and on the return side of the said place.
(5) Each deputy to whom notice is given in pursuance of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (4) shall ensure that no shot is fired, or shot-hole
charged, in any part of his district which is in the same ventilation district
as, and on the return side of, the place concerned, except as provided in
paragraph (6).
(6) Any prohibition of the charging of shot-holes or the firing of shots
in places on the return side as mentioned in paragraph (3), (4) or (5) shall
continue until, with respect to any place, the senior official on duty at the
mine has satisfied himself
that the firedamp content in the place has been
reduced below 1^4 P©r cent., and has authorised the resumption there of
shotfiring.
(7) Except where an excess of the firedamp content over 1% per cent.
was caused by a temporary derangement of the ventilation which has been
remedied, the manager shall forthwith give notice to the inspector of the
division of any prohibition operating under this article.
Restriction or Prohibition on Certain Shots.
35. (1) If t h e face of any stone drift is in a seam of coal more than
12 in. thick, or in any goaf, or is known to have approached within
5 yd. of any such seam or goaf, no shotfirer shall in that drift—
(a) use any delay detonator, or
(b) fire any round of more than six shots,
except with the consent in writing of the inspector of the division.
(2) In a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used,
or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary
precaution, no shot shall be fired—
(a) in the roof of a longwall working between the coal face and the waste, or
(b) in any waste.
Precautionary
Examinations.
36. (1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which
safety lamps are required to be used, and to parts of a mine in which such
lamps are being used as a temporary precaution.
(2) No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has at the places and times
specified in this article carried out an examination for general safety, and
1
See Chapters XI and XII.
• See Chapter XII, Division 2.
3 . F I E EY AND DUSTY MINES
123
tests for the presence of inflammable gas. Every such test for gas shall
be made with a locked safety lamp of a type approved for the purpose of
deputies' inspections, an approved methanometer, or other apparatus
approved for the purpose.
(3) No shot shall be fired, or shot-hole charged, if, at any test made with
respect to it under this article, the percentage of inflammable gas present
is found to exceed 1 Yi per cent., or if any gas cap can be seen on the lowered
flame of a safety lamp.
(4) If a succession of shots is t o b e fired singly in coal along a longwall
face, the shotfirer concerned shall arrange the shots in groups of not more
than six.
Paragraph (5) of this article shall apply to each such group as if it was
a round of shots ; and the shotfirer shall fire all the shots in any group
without interruption for duties other than shotfiring.
(5) If shots are to be fired in one or more rounds or groups, the shotfirer concerned shall—
(a) before shotfiring in an area is begun, carry out an examination for
general safety (including tests for gas) over the whole of that area
and the approaches thereto ;
( b) immediately before the first shot-hole of any round or group is charged,
test for gas—
(i) throughout that part of the working which is between the face
and the waste and between the two shot-holes of the round or
group which are farthest apart ;
(ii) in every accessible place within 10 yd. of either of those shotholes ; and
(iii) at the mouth of each shot-hole ; and
(c) immediately before firing any round, or any shot in a group, test for
gas in the vicinity of each shot-hole, and at the edge of any waste
opposite.
(6) I n the case of any other shot, the shotfirer shall—
(a) immediately before the shot-hole is charged, test for gas at the mouth
of the shot-hole and carry out an examination for general safety
(including tests for gas)—
(i) at the place where the shot is to be fired ; and also
(ii) if the shot-hole is in a longwall face but not within 20 yd. of the
end of it, throughout all accessible places within 10 yd. from the
shot-hole, or, otherwise, throughout all accessible places within
20 yd. therefrom ; and
(b) immediately before firing, test for gas in the vicinity of the shot-hole,
and at the edge of any waste opposite.
Preparation and Charging of Shot-holes.
37. Except with the consent of the inspector of the division, no shot-hole
in coal shall be charged, unless the coal has been holed or sheared to a depth
greater than the depth of the shot-hole :
Provided that this article shall not apply in any anthracite mine or
seam, or in a stone drift crossing a seam of coal.
38. ( 1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which
safety lamps are required to be used, and to parts of a mine in which safety
lamps are being used as a temporary precaution.
(2) Any person drilling a shot-hole in coal or in a ripping, and finding
a break along or across it which exceeds one-eighth of an inch in width,
shall mark the hole concerned in some distinctive manner.
No hole so marked shall be charged.
(3) No person shall charge any shot-hole in coal or in a ripping (being
a shot-hole to which the foregoing paragraph does not apply), unless he
has tested with the break-detector provided for the purpose for breaks
9
124
VI. SHOTETRING
running along or across it, and has satisfied himself that no such break
exceeding one-eighth of an inch in width exists.
39. (1) Every shot-hole shall be charged by, and shall be stemmed
by or under the supervision of, the shotfirer concerned or another person
duly appointed to be a shotfirer :
Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict any holder of a
shotfirer's certificate from charging a shot-hole under the close personal
supervision of the shotfirer concerned, if that holder is practising shotfiring
in t h e pit for the purpose of qualification under paragraph (4) of article 12.1
(2) No shot-hole shall be charged with an aggregate weight or length
of explosive exceeding the maximum specified on any cartridge forming part
of the charge.
(3) In a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used,
or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary
precaution—
(a) no person shall begin to charge any shot-hole in undercut coal, or in
a roof ripping within 100 yd. of a coal face, unless he has inserted a
plug of sternming a t the back of the hole ;
(b) no shot-hole shall be charged in a roof ripping within 20 yd. of the
face otherwise than with sheathed explosive."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"89
(b) I n gassy mines a shot shall be fired only after tests with a permissible safety lamp or an equivalent permissible detector have determined the
absence of a gas cap or the presence of less than 1 per cent, of flammable
gas a t or near the working place and an inspection has shown that no dry
flammable coal-dust has accumulated at or near the place of blasting."
(R 23.12.1937)
Pennsylvania
" 1 4 . . . . No shotfirer or any other person shall fire a shot in any working
place or a t any point in any mine if his safety lamp indicates explosive gas,
and he shall n o t be in possession of any other lamp than an approved
safety lamp while performing the duties of a shotfirer. This provision is not
intended to prohibit blasting in entries going into the solid coal wherein
explosive gas is escaping from the coal, provided it is carried off rapidly,
rendered harmless, and diluted below the point of detection on the flame of
an approved safety lamp. I n gaseous mines in which approved safety lamps
are used, he shall fire no holes unless the entries and rooms which are dry
and dusty are so thoroughly wetted as to prevent the existence of any dry
dust for a distance of not less than 80 ft. from the hole to be fired, unless
the dust is rendered inert to explosibility by rock-dust."
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
"Rule 1
When places are liable to generate sudden outbursts of explosive gas,
no miner shall be allowed to charge or fire shots, except under the supervision and with the consent of the mine foreman or the assistant mine
foreman, or some other competent person designated by the mine foreman
for t h a t purpose."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
1
See Division 5 ol this chapter.
4. AIBDOX, CARDOX, HYDROX
125
4. AIRDOX, CARDOX, H Y D R O X
CANADA
Alberta
" 2 1 . (a) The use of the method known as 'Cardox' for the breaking
down of coal in mines in Alberta, may be permitted under the following
conditions :
(1) that authority to use same be first obtained from the Director of Mines
in writing ;
(2) t h a t the conditions pertaining t o its use shall be those laid down as
to its permissibility by the authority under which the certificate of permissibility was issued, and by the manufacturers of the Cardox process ;
(3) such conditions shall be strictly observed at all times by the examiner
or shot-lighter, and other persons engaged in handling the Cardox shells ;
(4) in addition to any other conditions t h a t may be imposed, the following
shall be observed : the transport of primed shells from the charging
station to the places where they are required for use below ground
shall be carried out under the supervision of responsible persons appointed
in writing for that purpose by the manager ; adequate means shall be
taken to prevent shells falling from the cars in which they are transported
below ground or in any other way ; provided, however, the foregoing
shall not apply where the manager has authorised the workmen to take
into their working places a sufficient supply of shells for one day.
(b) The shells shall be placed in a properly drilled and well placed
hole. 'Sprag pipes' or equally effective devices or methods shall be used
to prevent flying shells. Everyone shall be 100 ft. or more from the Cardox
shot and be out of the direct line of the shots a t the time of firing.
(c) The shell shall be fired with an electric battery and by a person
holding a first-class, second-class or third-class certificate.
(d) If a shell misses fire—
(1) the person firing the shell shall not himself approach or allow any
person to knowingly approach the hole until an interval of not less
than ten minutes has elapsed ;
(2) if the person firing the shell has occasion to leave the place, he shall
fence off the place before leaving and attach to each fence a danger
board indicating the presence of a misfired shell ;
(3) the person firing the shell shall, before approaching or allowing anyone
to approach the hole, disconnect the cable and the removable handle
from the shotfiring battery, and shall examine any connections for any
defects ;
(4) after the expiration of the interval of ten minutes, the misfired shell
may be extracted from the hole, provided that the operations shall
be carried out by the examiner in charge. Every care shall be taken in
recovering the shell and same shall be returned as soon as possible to
the person responsible for the charging of the shell."
(Explosives Regulations)
FRANCE
" 2 . Every shell shall bear an identification number and at the time
of its delivery be accompanied by a certificate signed by the Cardox Company
stating that—
(a) it conforms to a type authorised for use in the fuel mines of the country
of origin ; and
(b) after being numbered, it has been tested a t a pressure the amount
of which, at least equal to that capable of being reached during shotfiring, shall be indicated.
126
VI. SHOTETRING
3. T h e l o a d i n g (placing of t h e h e a t i n g e l e m e n t a n d filling) of t h e shell
shall b e c a r r i e d o n in special p r e m i s e s s u i t a b l y v e n t i l a t e d a n d in c o n f o r m i t y
w i t h rules a p p r o v e d b y t h e divisional i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s a n d d e t e r m i n i n g ,
in p a r t i c u l a r , t h e conditions for t h e s t o r a g e of h e a t i n g e l e m e n t s .
Before e v e r y l o a d i n g it shall b e verified t h a t t h e general condition of t h e
o u t s i d e p a r t s of t h e shell is satisfactory ; e v e r y s u s p e c t shell shall b e eliminated.
T h e c h a r g e of c a r b o n dioxide a n d t h e characteristics of t h e disc shall
conform s t r i c t l y t o t h e specifications of t h e d o c u m e n t s m e n t i o n e d in section
1 ' a n d in p a r t i c u l a r fall w i t h i n t h e following limits :
Shell
B 37
F 57
Heating
element
D (gm)
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
D (77.5)
D (115)
540
740
650
900
3.5
5.1
Charge of COa (gm)
Thickness of disc (mm)
|
Maximum
3.7
5.3
A f t e r l o a d i n g , e v e r y shell shall b e verified for t i g h t n e s s b y i m m e r s i o n
in a s u i t a b l e liquid ; n o shell s h o w i n g leaks shall b e t a k e n i n t o t h e w o r k i n g s .
L o a d e d shells shall n o t b e e x p o s e d e v e n for a m o m e n t either t o t h e
s u n ' s r a y s o r t o a n y o t h e r cause of a b n o r m a l h e a t i n g .
4 . S u b j e c t t o t h e conditions laid d o w n a b o v e , general e x e m p t i o n
shall b e g r a n t e d in respect of C a r d o x shells, B 37 a n d F 57, from t h e provisions
of t h e r e g u l a t i o n s o n a p p l i a n c e s u n d e r gas p r e s s u r e .
Transport
and
Use of
Shells.
5. R u l e s a p p r o v e d b y t h e divisional inspector of m i n e s s h a l l —
r e g u l a t e t h e t r a n s p o r t a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of l o a d e d shells a n d t h e
k e e p i n g of t h e m a t t h e face o r n e a r b y ;
l a y d o w n t h e p r e c a u t i o n s t o b e t a k e n i n drilling shot-holes, inserting
l o a d e d shells, firing a n d r e t u r n i n g t o t h e face after firing ;
d e t e r m i n e t h e conditions for t h e e x a m i n a t i o n , m a i n t e n a n c e a n d supervision of e x p l o d e r s ;
d e t e r m i n e t h e conditions for collecting discharged shells ;
i n d i c a t e t h e p r e c a u t i o n s t o be t a k e n w i t h r e g a r d t o d e t e r i o r a t e d
shells o r shells t h a t h a v e misfired ;
r e g u l a t e t h e a c c o u n t i n g of l o a d e d a n d d i s c h a r g e d shells a n d supervision
over their use ;
define t h e functions of shotfirers a n d t h e i r a s s i s t a n t s ;
specify t h e n a t u r e of t h e occurrences t h a t shall b e r e p o r t e d t o t h e
divisional i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s in t h e t i m e limits t h a t h e shall fix.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
6. T h e s p e e d of a cage c a r r y i n g l o a d e d shells shall n o t exceed 12 m / s e c . ;
only t h e w o r k e r s responsible for t h e t r a n s p o r t , a n d t h e s u p e r v i s o r y personnel, shall t r a v e l i n t h i s cage ; t h e w i n d i n g - e n g i n e m e n , o n s e t t e r s a n d
b a n k s m e n shall be notified in a d v a n c e . I t shall be p r o h i b i t e d t o t r a n s p o r t
i n one a n d t h e s a m e cage l o a d e d C a r d o x shells a n d explosive s u b s t a n c e s
other t h a n h e a t i n g e l e m e n t s .
7. I t s h a l l b e p r o h i b i t e d t o a l t e r t h e conditioning of t h e shells a n d t o
h a m m e r t h e m in.
If f i r e d a m p is perceptible a t t h e m o u t h of a shot-hole, t h e insertion
of a n y l o a d e d shell shall b e p o s t p o n e d a t t h e face i n q u e s t i o n a n d a s u p e r visor shall b e i m m e d i a t e l y notified.
1
Descriptive notice, identification cards and drawings.
4. AIRDOX, CARDOX, HYDROX
127
The operator shall take all measures necessary to prevent as far as possible a shell from being blown out of the shot-hole at the moment of firing
and in any case t o prevent it from hitting the personnel.
8. No shell shall be fired unless it has previously been inserted into
a shot-hole.
Firing shall be done from a safe distance.
The wires of the firing line shall not be inserted into the sockets of the
loading head until the moment of inserting the Cardox shell into the shot-hole.
9. The proficiency certificate of the shotfirers shall entitle them t o fire
Cardox.
The insertion of the loaded shell shall be done, and the connections between the sockets, or with the firing line, shall be made, by the shotfirer,
or by assistant shotfirers under his effective supervision.
Ño shot shall be fired unless the shotfirer has made certain t h a t all the
workers belonging to the workplace, as well as all the workers employed
in the vicinity and liable to be struck by flying fragments have been duly
warned and have taken suitable shelter. The necessary steps shall be taken
to stop in good time any person approaching too near the danger zone.
The operating device of the exploder shall be kept by the shotfirer, who
shall be responsible for it and shall only p u t it in the firing position a t the
moment that he himself fires the shot.
10. The firing lines, the exploders, the ohmmeters and other line-testing
instruments and the use of mains for firing shall be subject to the provisions
of Part X of the Decree of 4 May 1951 and in particular its sections 213 (I) 1 ,
first paragraph, 214 (2) S 227 (1), (2) and (4)», 228 (1) and (2) " a n d 229 (a)
and (b).2
Currents used shall only be of the first category or miniature voltage.
11. An examination of the shots fired shall be carried out after firing ;
the air a t the face shall then be swept clear.
If a misfire has been found or a round has been fired, this examination
shall not begin until two minutes have elapsed after firing.
The shells that have misfired shall be withdrawn from the hole under
the supervision of an official appointed by the mine engineer. The time
between the firing and the withdrawal of the shell shall not be less than
five minutes.
Special Provisions for Fiery
Districts.
12. I n fiery districts and districts considered as suspect—
the installation of the firing lines, their connections and terminals
shall be carried out so as not to give rise to any risk of sparking ;
(b) the exploders and the line-testing instruments shall be flameproof;
(c) no shot or round shall be fired unless the shotfirer has immediately
before each ignition meticulously tested the atmosphere of the place
of use with a firedamp indicator giving immediate readings or a flame
safety lamp ;
(d) the rules approved by the divisional inspector of mines as provided
for in section 5 shall make firing depend on the absence of any firedamp detectable by the flame safety lamp.
Nevertheless if the exploders, ohmmeters and other line-testing
instruments and the firing line are intrinsically safe electrically, these
rules need not make firing depend on the absence a t any point of use of
a firedamp content exceeding 2 per cent."
(a)
(O 4.11.1951)
1
s
See Chapter "V, Division 1.
See Division 1 of this chapter.
128
VI. SHOTFIKING
UNITED KINGDOM
"Cardox and Hydrox
Cartridges
This Order regulates the supply, use and storage of Cardox carbon dioxide
cartridges and Hydrox steel tube cartridges, hereinafter collectively called
'the cartridges\
1. I n all mines to which the Coal Mines Act, 1911, applies, the use
of the cartridges shall be governed by this order and not by any Order
made under t h a t Act applying to the use of blasting explosives.
2. The cartridges shall be of types permitted by the Minister of Fuel
and Power for the purpose of this order and shall be in conformity with
specifications prescribed by the Minister.
3. (a) The charging and priming of the cartridges shall be carried
out on the surface in a suitable building or room separated from accommodation used for other purposes. In this building or room no inflammable
materials other than those required for charging and priming and no smoking
shall be allowed, and adequate means for extinguishing fire shall be provided.
(b) A notice shall be kept posted up in the charging room stating
the prescribed weight of charge and type of heater, igniter or initiator
for each type of cartridge in use, and no cartridge shall be charged or primed
otherwise t h a n in accordance with this notice.
4. (a) Adequate means shall be employed to prevent cartridges
from falling out of the cage while being lowered or raised in the shaft,
and they shall be transported below ground only in tubs marked distinctively
to indicate their contents, and used for the time being solely for that purpose.
(b) The number of cartridges which are taken or allowed to be below
ground a t one time shall not exceed the number estimated to be required
for use in the next firing shift. If any cartridges remain unused a t the
end of the shift, they may be stored below ground until the next firing
shift, provided t h a t they are stored in a suitable place specified by the
manager.
5. The cartridges shall only be fired by a competent person authorised
in writing by t h e manager for the purpose.
6. (a) Every cartridge shall be placed in a properly drilled and placed
hole.
( b) The hole shall allow sufficient clearance to permit of the cartridge
being inserted without using undue force.
(c) The manager shall prescribe, and the person firing the cartridge
shall take appropriate measures to ensure, that no cartridge shall be ejected
from the hole in a dangerous manner on firing.
7. (a) No cartridge shall be fired except by means of an efficient
electrical firing apparatus which shall be so constructed and used—
(i) that it can only be operated by a removable handle or plug which
shall not be placed in position until a cartridge is about to be fired,
shall be removed as soon as a cartridge has been fired, and shall be
kept in the personal custody of the person firing the cartridges a t all
times when h e is on duty ; and
(ii) that the firing circuit is made and broken either automatically or
b y means of a push-button switch.
( b) Once a t least in every three months every electrical firing apparatus
in use shall be cleaned and thoroughly overhauled either by the maker
of the apparatus or by a competent person appointed in writing by the
manager.
4. AIRVOX, OABDOX, HYDBOX
129
(c) No person shall knowingly use or allow to be used any firing
apparatus which has become unsafe or defective, and no unauthorised
person shall open or interfere with any electrical firing apparatus.
8. (a) The person firing a cartridge shall not use, for the purpose
of firing, a cable which is less than 20 yd. in length.
He shall himself
couple up the cable to the cartridge and shall do so before coupling the
cable to the firing apparatus. He shall take care to prevent the cable
coming into contact with any power or lighting cables. He shall also himself couple the cable to the firing apparatus.
(b) The person firing the cartridge shall, before doing so, see t h a t all
persons in the vicinity have taken proper shelter, and he shall also take
suitable steps to prevent any person approaching the cartridge. He shall
himself take proper shelter. If he has reason to believe t h a t there is a
possibility of the cartridge blowing through into an adjoining place, he shall
send verbal warning to the persons in that adjoining place to take proper
shelter.
9. The person firing the cartridge shall, after it has been fired, make
a careful examination of the place and see that it is safe in all respects.
10. If the priming charge in the cartridge misses fire—
the person firing the cartridge shall not himself approach or allow
any other person to approach nor shall any person knowingly approach
the hole or attempt to extract the cartridge from the hole until
an interval has elapsed of not less than ten minutes ;
(b) before approaching or allowing anyone to approach the hole the
person firing the cartridge shall disconnect the cable and the removable
handle or plug from the firing apparatus and shall examine the cable
and connections for any defect;
(c) if before the interval of ten minutes has elapsed the person firing the
cartridge has occasion to leave the place, he shall fence off the place
before leaving and attach to each fence a danger board indicating the
presence of a misfired cartridge.
(a)
11. Except in a case in which a cartridge is used in an emergency for
fire-fighting, no person shall use any cartridge, heater, igniter or initiator
in any other way than in accordance with the provisions of this order.
12. I n any mine or part of a mine in which no explosive other than a
permitted explosive is allowed to be used—
(a) the cartridges shall be fired only by an authorised person possessing
the qualifications prescribed for shotfirers ;
(b) every such authorised person shall keep a daily record (in a book
which shall be kept at the mine for the purpose in accordance with
the provisions of section 24 of the Act *) of the cartridges fired by him ;
(c) no cartridge shall be fired except by means of the electrical firing
apparatus which shall be of a type for the time being approved by the
Minister of Fuel and Power ;
(d) except with the permission in writing of the Inspector of the Division,
no cartridge shall be fired in coal unless the coal has been holed to a
depth greater than the depth of the hole ;
(e) no cartridge shall be fired unless, immediately before it is to be fired,
the authorised person has examined the place where it is to be fired
and all contiguous accessible places within a radius of 20 yd. from the
place, and has found them clear of inflammable gas and in all respects
safe for firing. The examination shall be made by means of a flame
safety lamp, with which may be used an electric safety lamp, each
lamp (except in small mines) to be of a type approved for t h a t pur1
Coal Mines Act, 1911, now superseded by the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954.
130
(f)
VI. SHOTPIBING
pose ; or by means of any other apparatus t h a t may be approved by
the Minister of Fuel and Power for the purpose :
Provided that the requirements of this sub-clause shall not apply
to mines in which inflammable gas is unknown.
two or more cartridges, b u t not more t h a n six in all, may be fired
simultaneously provided that they are fired electrically in series by
means of a n apparatus of a type for the time being approved by the
Minister of Fuel and Power for t h a t purpose.
13. A copy of this order shall be supplied to every person authorised
under clause 5 or clause 12 (a), and a copy shall also be kept posted u p in
some conspicuous place at or near the mine where it may be conveniently
read or seen by the persons employed."
(O 9.4.1941)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article IV.
Explosives and Blasting
8. Gardox. (a) The provisions governing the handling, storage, and
transportation of explosives shall apply to the heater elements of Cardox
blasting devices prior to their installation in the shells.
(b) Charged Cardox shells shall, except where transported on rubber
belts, be transported underground in covered insulated cars or in covered
insulated boxes placed in ordinary mine cars or shuttle cars. They shall be
stored on wooden racks or in insulated containers in a cross-cut or idle room
neck a t least 10 ft. from pipelines, powerlines, conveyors, roadways and
haulage tracks, and shall not be removed from such rack or container or
wired until ready to use at the face.
(c) Where Cardox is used for blasting, the following shall apply :
(1) When Cardox is fired all persons in the vicinity, including the shotfirer,
shall be around a second corner or in an equally safe place.
(2) Blasting cables shall be as long as may be necessary to assure the
safety of the shotfirer, attached only after the charge has been placed
in the borehole, and maintained in good repair.
(3) Blasting cables shall be kept clear of power wires and all other possible
sources of active or stray electric currents.
(4) The charge shall be detonated with a permissible shotfiring unit.
(5) Cardox shall not be shot off the solid, over heavy rock binders or
shale, or in a 'tight' shot.
(6) Cardox misfires shall not be approached until after the elapse of
15 minutes and shall be handled under the supervision of a competent
person.
(7) Misfired shells shall be bled off before complete removal from the hole
and marked conspicuously upon such removal.
(8) All protruding wires shall be removed from misfired shells before the
shells are removed from the face.
(9) I n gassy mines, examinations for gas shall be made immediately before
and after firing each shot or group of multiple shots.
(10) Shots shall not be fired in any place where methane can be detected
with a flame safety lamp when tested a t a point not less than 12 in.
from the roof, face or rib.
(11) Cardox shells shall not be heated. This does not apply to heat
generated when the shell is discharged.
5 . SHOTFIRERS
131
9. Compressed-air blasting, (a) Where compressed air is used for
blasting or breaking down the coal, the following shall apply :
(1) Compressed air shall be conducted from the compressor to within a
practical working distance of the face by steel airlines tested to withstand an approximate pressure of 20,000 lb. per square inch.
(2) Airlines shall be grounded at the compressor and, if possible, a t other
low-resistance ground connections along the lines, such as a t borehole
casings. They shall not be connected in any way to tracks, waterlines,
or other electric power return conductors and shall be suitably insulated where they cross electric wires or underneath the track.
(3) Shut-off valves shall be installed every 1,000 ft. in all compressed-air
blasting lines and in all branch lines a t a point near the main lines.
(4) Compressed-air blasting lines shall be protected at places where
equipment passes over, under, or adjacent to them.
(5) Steel, copper, or other lines shall not be handled or repaired when
air pressure is in the line.
(6) Airlines shall be examined periodically for kinks or other weaknesses
and replaced immediately when defects are found.
(7) Copper tubing shall be coiled and uncoiled properly. The part of the
tubing that is affected by frequent coiling and uncoiling shall be
renewed periodically because of the dangers from kinks and crystallisation.
(8) Blow-down valves shall not be less t h a n 45 ft. from the face a n d shall
be around a right angle.
(9) Holes for compressed-air tubes shall be within the limits of t h e cut.
(10) When blow-down valves are opened to discharge the tube, they shall
remain open until time to place the tube in the next borehole except
where shear-strip or shear-pin tubes are used.
(11) After breaking down the coal in any one place, the tube shall be
disconnected a t once from the airline and not reconnected until ready
to be used in the next place.
(12) When a differential-pressure-type tube fails to discharge, the line
leading to the tube shall be disconnected at the blow-down valve,
and the tube shall be dragged by means of the line to an inactive
place, marked with warning signs, and left one hour before any repair
work is done thereon.
(13) All persons shall be removed from adjoining working places where
there is danger of breaking through and shall be at a safe distance
around a right angle while coal breaking is in progress."
(FMC 1953)
5.
SHOTITRERS
FRANCE
"212. No one shall be a shotflrer unless he is the holder of an unexpired
certificate of proficiency in blasting."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"195. (1) Shotfiring shall only be carried out by persons specially
appointed for the purpose (shotfirers), or by supervisory officials. Shotfirers
shall not belong to production teams.
(2) In rock workings and in isolated remote seam workings, the chargeman hewer may be entrusted with shotfiring as a hewer-shotfirer (Schiesshauer), with the approval of the District Mining Office.
132
VI. SHOTFIRING
196. (1) Authorised shotflring staff (Schiessberechtigte) (section 195)
shall have been trained in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional
Mining Office. The manager shall appoint them and, against written receipt,
hand them instructions approved by the District Mining Office. Shotfirers
and hewer-shotfirers shall, in addition, possess a hewer's certificate and
be made responsible by the District Mining Office.
(2) Miners who are being trained in shotfiring may fire shots under
the direction and permanent supervision of the authorised shotflring staff
directing their training.
197. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff shall keep a shotfiring register
and immediately enter all shotfiring in it.
(2) The shotfiring register shall contain information on the number
and description (number of the case and package) of the cartridges received
and used a t the various working places and on the number of detonators.
(3) Shotfiring registers handed in shall be kept at least three years."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
SOUTH AFRICA
(For cancellation or suspension of blasting certificates see Chapter XXII,
Division 1.)
The Commission of Examiners for blasting certificates consists of an
Inspector of Mines (chairman), the holder of a mine manager's certificate,
and the holder of a blasting certificate (320).
Applications for examination must contain a record certified by the
mine manager concerned of the applicant's experience and qualifications
and a statement b y the mine manager that the applicant is a fit and proper
person to be the holder of a blasting certificate.
A blasting certificate may not be issued unless the issuing authority
has satisfied itself that, to the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the applicant is competent to conduct blasting operations and
to perform the duties of a miner in accordance with the Mines Works and
Machinery Regulations. The issuing authority must further satisfy itself
that the applicant has good hearing and has the eyesight to enable him to
detect small percentages of firedamp by means of a flame safety lamp
ordinarily in use (321).
The issuing authority for blasting certificates for non-fiery coal mines
is a Commission of Examiners or an Inspector of Mines. An applicant may
not be accepted as a candidate for examination for a provisional blasting
certificate for non-fiery coal mines unless he has satisfied the issuing authority that he is 20 years of age and has had at least 300 shifts of underground
experience acceptable to the issuing authority, including 25 shifts at the
working-face in a coal mine.
Candidates for permanent blasting certificates must be 20 years of age
and have had at least 600 shifts of underground experience acceptable to
the issuing authority, including 25 shifts at the working-face in the coal
mine (323).
The issuing authority for blasting certificates for fiery mines is a Commission of Examiners, but an Inspector of Mines authorised by the Government Mining Engineer may issue a provisional blasting certificate for
fiery mines.
An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination for
a provisional blasting certificate for fiery mines unless he has satisfied the
issuing authority t h a t he is 20 years of age and has had at least 450 shifts
of underground experience acceptable to the issuing authority, and of this
period at least 45 shifts must have been spent at the working face in a
fiery mine.
An applicant m a y not be accepted as a candidate for examination for
a permanent blasting certificate for fiery mines unless he has satisfied the
5. SHOTFIBBKS
133
Commission that he is 20 years of age and has had a t least 600 shifts of
underground experience acceptable to the Commission, including a t least
45 shifts at the working-face in a fiery mine.
A course in gases and gas-testing based on a syllabus approved by the
Government Mining Engineer and conducted by an institution approved
by the Government Mining Engineer will be accepted in lieu of 30 shifts
in a fiery mine, provided that the applicant has attended at least 75 per
cent, of the lectures and passed the prescribed examination (324).
(R It.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"PAKT
Appointment,
III
Qualification and Equipment
of Shotfirers
Personé to Fire Shots.
11. (1) No person shall fire a shot in any mine unless he has been
appointed to fire shots by the manager in writing (any person so appointed
being, in this order, referred to as a 'shotfirer').
(2) No shotfirer shall fire a shot in any mine by means of a delay detonator, or in a round of more than six shots, unless in his said written appointment he is expressly authorised to do so.
(3) No shotfirer firing shots in the regular course of his employment in
any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to
be used shall be paid by wages depending upon the amount of mineral, rock
or other debris gotten :
Provided that this paragraph shall not apply—
(a) in a part of a mine where permitted explosives are required by reason
only that safety lamps are being used as a temporary precaution ; or
(b) to a master-sinker or chargeman employed on sinking operations.
Qualification.
12. (1) No person shall be qualified to be appointed or to be a shotfirer in any mine, unless he—
(a) is 22 years of age or more (subject to such reduction, not exceeding
one year, in respect of special qualification, as may be approved by
the Minister, or by a person authorised by him in that behalf), and has
had the experience specified in paragraph (2) ; or
(b) is the holder of a service certificate made under paragraph (6).
(2) The experience aforesaid is three years' practical experience below
ground, including not less than 18 months in the aggregate spent in—
(a) getting or cutting coal ;
(b) ripping;
(c) setting or withdrawing supports at the coal face ;
(d) hole boring or packing at the coal face ;
(e) (for not more than six of the said 18 months) driving stone drifts or
repairing or enlarging roads ; or
(f) (in so far as concerns a master-sinker or chargeman employed on them),
sinking operations.
(3) No person shall be qualified to be appointed or to be a shotfirer in
any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to
be used (not being such a mine or p a r t by reason only t h a t safety lamps
are being used as a temporary precaution), unless he is qualified under
paragraph (1) and also—
(a) has the qualification specified in paragraph (4) ; and
(b) has within the last preceding five years obtained a certificate granted
as prescribed in rules made by the Mining Qualifications Board, in
134
VI. SHOTFIBING
relation to the qualification of deputies, in pursuance of section 15 of
the Act, as amended by the Coal Mines (Officials and Inspections)
General Regulations, 1951 l , that he was then able to make accurate
tests for inflammable gas (so far as practicable with a flame safety
lamp).
(4) The qualification aforesaid is t h a t either—
(a) he is the holder of a first-class or second-class certificate of competency under the Act ;
(b) he is the holder of a shotfirer's certificate granted to him by the
Minister (after receipt of a report by the Mining Qualifications Board
that he possesses the necessary qualifications under the Act) and has
spent not less than five shifts in practising shotfiring in a mine under
the close personal supervision of a shotfirer ; or
(c) his service certificate under paragraph (6) states t h a t the mine concerned was a mine to which Part I I of the Explosives in Coal Mines
Order, 1934 2, applied.
(5) No shotfirer shall be appointed to fire shots in any mine by means
of a delay detonator, or in a round of more than six shots, unless he has,
during not less than five shifts, been employed in connection with the firing
of such shots under the close personal supervision of a shotfirer appointed
to fire such shots, who was not then supervising any other person for the
purposes of this paragraph.
(6) A service certificate made under this paragraph is a certificate on a
form provided for the purpose by the Minister, made during the period
beginning on the first day of April and ending on the thirtieth day of June,
nineteen hundred and fifty-three, by the manager of a mine, and authenticated, within 14 days of being made, by the owner of the mine or a representative of the owner superior to the manager, certifying that the holder
is a person who at some time before the said first day of April had regularly
fired shots in the course of his employment in that mine, and who, immediately before t h a t day, was qualified to do so under the provisions which
then had effect.
(7) Any certificate required to be held as a qualification under this
article by any person for the time being employed as a shotfirer a t any mine
shall be kept a t the office of the mine, and shall be produced on demand
to any inspector, or to any person making an inspection in pursuance of an
appointment b y workmen under section 16 of the Act."
(O 17.9.1951)
UNITED STATES
Illinois
" 2 . In all mines in this state which are classified as non-gaseous and
where coal is broken down by the use of explosives, a sufficient number
of first-class miners, who shall be citizens of the United States and be able
to speak and understand the English language, shall be designated and
employed as drillers and shooters or as shotfirers. The duties of drillers
and shooters shall be to prepare all explosives for breaking down coal in
a safe, practical, and workmanlike manner ; and to fire or detonate explosives.
In all mines in this state which are classified as gaseous and where
coal is broken down by the use of explosives, a sufficient number of firstclass miners, who shall be citizens of the United States and shall be able
to speak and understand the English language, shall be designated and
employed as shotfirers. The duties of shotfirers shall be to inspect and do
1
2
See Chapter XXII, Division 2.
Fiery mines ; the order has been revoked.
5 . SHOTFUtEKS
135
all the firing or detonating of all explosives prepared in a safe, practical,
and workmanlike manner.
I n hand-loading mines where the miners drill and prepare their own
shots the practice may continue."
(A 18.5.1905)
New Mexico
"817. A person having mine foreman's papers m a y be employed as
a shotfirer, assistant foreman or mine examiner and a person having mine
examiner's papers may be employed as shotfirer.
818. I n mines employing less than 20 men the mine foreman may
also act as mine examiner and shotfirer."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
I n parts of a mine where explosive gas is generated in quantities detectable by an approved safety lamp and in which approved lamps are used,
the mine foreman must employ a sufficient number of competent and
legally qualified persons to act as shotfirers (14).
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
No person may be employed to fire shots in any mine unless the mine
foreman is satisfied t h a t he can perform the work with ordinary care
(Bule 3).
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
No person may henceforth be employed as a shotfirer in any gassy
bituminous mine, unless he has given evidence of his fitness and competency
to handle and use an approved safety lamp and his ability to determine
the presence of explosive gas. Certificates of competency will be issued
by the Secretary of Mines.
In an emergency the mine foreman may deputise temporarily a competent person or persons to act as shotfirers provided that no certified
shotfirers are available in the mine (1).
(A 25.6.1937)
CHAPTER VII
SUPPORTS: ROOF CONTROL
BELGIUM
" 1 . The provisions of the present order shall apply to all underground
workings in coal mines.
2. Roads of all kinds, including shafts, that are accessible to the
personnel shall be provided with supports capable of preventing any
unexpected fall of ground.
These supports shall be installed as near as possible to the face. If
permanent supports cannot be installed immediately after excavating,
temporary supports adapted to the nature of the work shall be installed.
When the nature of the rocks allows, the manager may decide not to
install supports. His decision shall be communicated to the Divisional
Director of the coalfield.
The sides of unsupported roads shall be regularly inspected by the
supervisory personnel ; the supports of all roads shall be carefully maintained ; stones t h a t threaten to break away from the sides shall be
immediately brought down.
3. The manager shall draw up general rules for roof control for each
face and t h e y shall be adapted to the normal conditions of the deposit
and of operation.
These rules shall in particular specify the nature and the spacing of the
various parts of the supports and if appropriate of the lagging, and also
the methods of stowing and caving.
At faces where caving is practised these rules shall specify the general
precautions t o be taken for withdrawing props and chocks.
These rules shall be brought to the notice of the Divisional Director of
the coalfield and of all supervisory officials and workmen responsible for the
installation of supports and the carrying out of other measures of roof
control.
4. The materials required for supporting faces and roads shall be
furnished in sufficient quantity by the manager or by his representative ;
they shall be stocked a t easily accessible places near the places of use.
5. The overman and the deputies (surveillants) shall enforce strict
compliance with the requirements of section 2 and with the rules governing
each workplace, and shall order the application of such measures of reinforcement as are deemed necessary in the event of a disturbance or an
alteration in the normal conditions of the workplace or the ground
traversed by a road.
Every person working in coal, in rock or on timbering shall be bound to
obey the orders given and to report immediately to the deputy any insufficiency of supports t h a t he may have noticed.
The supervisory personnel and the workers concerned shall as often as
necessary verify the condition of the roof and sides and examine the
supports.
In particular they shall do so at the time of resuming work after any
lengthy interruption.
Workers employed at the face in coal or in rock shall provide themselves
with a suitable instrument for sounding the ground.
The manager or his representative shall place this instrument at their
disposal."
(HO 16.12.1953)
SUPPORTS: ROOF CONTROL
137
CANADA
Alberta
"143. (1) The roof and sides of every travelling road and working
place shall be made secure and a person shall not, unless appointed for
the purpose of exploring and repairing, travel or work in any travelling road
or working place which is not so made secure.
(2) Where props or props and booms or cogs are used to support the
roof at the working face the roof under which any work of getting coal is
carried on shall be systematically and adequately supported and the
props, booms or cogs shall be set at such regular intervals and in such
manner as the manager by notice posted a t or near the entrance of the
mine shall specify.
(3) If the District Inspector considers the system of supporting the
roof and sides adopted in any mine or part of a mine unsatisfactory, either
by reason of the distances between supports being excessive or otherwise,
he may require the manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify
the system.
(4) The requisition shall be in writing under the hand of the District
Inspector and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail to
the manager.
(5) If the manager objects to the reasonableness of the requisition he
may, within ten days after its receipt, send his objection in writing stating
the grounds thereof to the Director of Mines and thereupon the matter
shall be decided by arbitration.
(6) If the manager does not send a notice of objection within the time
aforesaid and does not comply with the order within ten days after the
expiration of the time for objection, or, where the matter has been determined by arbitration, does not comply with any order sustained upon
arbitration within ten days after he is notified of the decision of the
arbitration board, he shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.
(7) A sufficient supply of suitable timber shall be constantly kept in each
working place as near the working face as is practicable and in no case
shall it be farther away than the nearest cross-cut to the working face, or
other convenient place in the vicinity thereof.
(8) I n any part of a mine where any work is being carried out which
necessitates the removal of roof supports, temporary props and other
support shall, in all cases, be set so as to secure the safety of the persons
employed.
(9) Props shall not be withdrawn from the gob or under a roof which
appears to the examiner or overman to be insecure, otherwise than by
means of a safety contrivance and it shall be the duty of the examiner or
overman to examine all roofs from under which props are about to be
withdrawn with a view to determining whether the props ought to be
withdrawn with a safety contrivance.
(10) Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent a workman from
setting timbers in his working place at more frequent intervals than are
specified in any notice, where the same is necessary for safety.
149. The following rules shall be observed as far as is reasonably
practicable, in or about every mine :
Rule 1. During the operation of undercutting coal either by hand or
machinery the working face shall be safely supported by sprags, wedges or
wooden props, or other means of support.
138
Vit. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
Rule 20
Every person in charge of a working place shall—
(i) before commencing work satisfy himself that the same is in a
safe condition to work in ;
(ii) inspect his working place carefully at frequent intervals during
his shift ;
(iii) set sufficient timber to safely support the roof and sides of his
working place, and remove or renew the same when necessary
and take down all dangerous or doubtful pieces of loose material,
b u t if he finds it impossible to make the said place safe he shall
fence it off and a t once report it to the manager, overman or
examiner and shall at no time leave his working place until it
is made safe or fenced off.
(e) When any person finds that he has not sufficient timber or other
material to make his place safe, he shall immediately withdraw from
the place and report it to the manager, overman or examiner."
(d)
(A 1945)
FRANCE
(For rock-bursts see Chapter X I I , Division 1.)
"130. The underground workings shall be provided without delay with
supports and lagging suited to the nature of the ground and regularly maintained as long as the workings are in use.
In ground t h a t experience has shown to be safe, lagging or support
may be dispensed with, but the sides and the roof shall be systematically
observed and cleared.
131. The supports shall be installed in conformity with general rules
laid down in instructions of the operator without prejudice to any special
measures required by the condition of the workplace.
These general rules shall define the characteristics of the supports as
concerns the risk of breakage and overthrow ; if appropriate they shall
specify the method of removing and recovering supports.
132. (1) The parts of the working face near which work is continued
after they have been undercut, shall be suitably spragged. An exemption
from this requirement may be allowed in the case of machine cutting.
(2) Before clearing a fall of ground the neighbouring parts of the
supports shall be suitably reinforced.
(3) On caving faces parts of supports shall only be recovered under the
direction of a supervisor or an experienced worker.
133. The operator shall provide sufficient quantities of the materials
of all kinds required for supports. He shall take all measures to ensure that
these materials are constantly available at predetermined places known to
the workers.
134. (1) Every sectional overman (surveillant de quartier) shall see
to the proper provisioning of his section.
(2) He shall examine a t least once in every shift the condition of the
roof and the sides of every workplace with a view to the correct installation
of the supports. His examinations shall be more frequent in workplaces
where there are special difficulties or risks.
135. (1) Workers employed in the coal, in the rock, or on the consolidation of workplaces and roads shall, each in so far as this concerns him,
erect the supports with due regard to the operator's instructions and the
condition of the ground.
(2) They shall see that their workplace and its immediate vicinity
remain solidly supported throughout the duration of their work and
especially at the beginning and the end of the shift or after shotfiring.
SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
139
(3) They shall renew or Teinforce the supporta in so far as necessary,
or if they cannot do this themselves they shall warn the supervisors.
(4) They shall not leave their workplace without having satisfied themselves of the solidity of the supports ; they shall bar the approaches and
immediately warn the supervisors if they cannot themselves do what is
necessary.
136. (1) Instructions of the operator shall specify, for each method of
working ordinarily employed, the method of treating the area extending
behind the face and the gate roads. The methods prescribed—packing,
caving, or other—shall afford protection against the risks of falls of ground,
prevent the outbreak of fires and ensure the ventilation of the face without
any dangerous accumulation of firedamp in the waste.
(2) The instructions shall be brought to the notice of the district
inspector of mines."
ÍR 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
" 2 1 . (1) All mine workings shall a t the time of their construction be
protected as soon as possible against falls of rock and coal and be maintained in a safe condition for the whole time that they are in use.
(2) For supports in steel and light metal, with the exception of lagging,
use shall only be made of structural parts (e.g., props, lids, arches, anchors)
of a type authorised by the Divisional Mining Office.
(3) In ground that experience has shown to be firm, supports may be
dispensed with unless the District Mining Office requires them.
22. (1) The supports shall be installed in accordance with specific
rules (mine support rules).
(2) In the mine support rules, for every workplace or for every seam,
the nature and minimum dimensions of the supports and the maximum
distance between the various parts shall be specified.
(3) The mine support rules shall be entered in a special register (support
register) or in the shift register.
(4) Notices displaying the mine support rules for the working face shall
be affixed at suitable places underground (support notices).
23. When the ground is bad the supports shall be reinforced.
24. Specially dangerous places shall be secured by special supports.
25. (1) Fissured roofs and loose slabs shall be taken down, or the
roof shall be strengthened by leaving a layer of coal intact (angebaut).
(2) Overhanging coal and sides that threaten to fall shall be supported
against premature collapse.
26. On roads, pot-holes in the roof shall be filled up as far as possible.
27. When changing supports, precautions shall be taken against falls
of rock and coal.
28. In reconstructing fallen-in places the neighbouring supports shall
be specially protected against thrust (e.g., by chocks, horseheads, strong
clamps and bolts).
29. Supports shall be withdrawn only as directed by the competent
supervisory official, and only by experienced workers.
30. The shift overman (Schichtsteiger) shall see that sufficient material
for timbering is always kept near the workplace.
31. (1) In addition to the supervisory official and the chargernan
hewer (Ortsältester), every hewer shall be responsible in his own district for
the prescribed installation of supports and the strengthening of supports if
the ground becomes bad.
10
140
vn. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
(2) The chargeman hewer shall test the roof and sides and the supports
as often as possible, and especially before beginning work after breaks in
the work and after shotfiring."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued the following principles for the prevention of falls of stone and coal.
"Face Workings.
In steep seams diagonal working and extraction downwards have been
found satisfactory. With a bad roof the width of the panel to be extracted,
and the open space between the coal face and the packing, must be limited.
The same applies to extraction upwards in flat seams. If necessary, extraction and packing must be so arranged that, apart from the space being
extracted, only the space between two props is left open.
In flat seams the height of the conveyer faces must be considered. As
a rule excessive height militates against the carrying-out and the maintenance of the packing. Working with dummy roads can only be a makeshift
in thin seams, and there can be no exception to the rule that it requires
authorisation in connection with the plan of operation. I n dummy roads
ripping shots must be fired from the coal face. Where it is possible their
floor and not their roof must be removed. Where experience has shown that
firedamp may occur, shotfiring is not allowed. Special attention must be
paid to supports and ventilation.
When approaching the waste or faults, or if the ground deteriorates,
special care must be taken (danger of rock-bursts and sudden collapse of
large parts of the face workings). If necessary, the method of extraction
must be changed.
Winning.
Coal-cutting machines may not be used under a bad roof. With machine
cutting the width of the intervals between the props depends on the depth
of the cut. The depth of the cut should not be too large. The width of the
intervals between props, measured from centre to centre, should as a rule
not exceed 1.50 m. Accordingly, not only the use of coal-cutting machines,
but also the maximum depth of the cut, must be regulated.
Supports.
Timbering must be systematic, irrespective of whether props and caps
or bars are used. I t must, from the outset, be so strong that it is sufficient
to meet any temporary deterioration in the ground that experience has
shown to be likely in the seam. I t is for the chargehand and the sectional
overman to decide whether the timbering should be reinforced when conditions deteriorate. Only the district inspector may allow the timbering to
be lightened, and he must inspeot the workings beforehand.
The strength of the props, bars and lagging poles must be fixed, and also
the intervals between props. Even with a good roof, the interval in level
and dipping seams should not exceed 1.50 m. Where bars are laid end to
end the ends should not overlap.
Where lagging is done with poles, regular forepoling must be undertaken
with lagging poles and catch props. The permanent timbering must be
installed as soon as there is room for it.
Whether and in what conditions, and subject to what precautions timber
can be robbed, must also be determined.
Steel props, except catch props used in forepoling, cannot be used at
the face if the roof is doubtful. When approaching breaks in the coal,
the waste and faults, and when the roof is crossed by limestone bands, steel
props must not be used. The timbers must not be robbed before the packing
material has been brought in.
When driving headings, as a general rule forepoling must be done with
heavy iron bars.
SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
141
Tipping places must be secured by a heavy horsehead on the side where
tipping is done. As a rule this horsehead should not only be hung but
also supported at both ends by props.
The support rules, including indications of the strength of the timber
and the intervals between props, must be conspicuously posted u p on
painted boards at each heading, and a t the approaches to the face workings.
Packing.
Even under a good roof, packing can not be made tight enough. I n
steep seams with a very good roof over the whole distance, it must not be
more than four times the interval between two props behind the coal face.
If necessary, it must be carried to within 1 m of the face.
In horizontal seams where coal-cutting machines are used, only three
times the interval between two props may be left open. Where machine
cutting is not practised only twice the interval between two props may be
left unpacked. The packing should not slope down towards the coal face
but, by means of a pack wall or packing netting, must be built up vertically
to the roof."
The following extracts from the above principles have been issued as
binding regulations :
" 1 . The operation of coal-cutting machines shall be approved as part
of the general plan of operations.
2. At working faces where lagging poles (Spitzen) are used for lagging,
forepoling shall be done with lagging poles and catch props.
3. Whether, and if so under what conditions and with what precautions,
timber may be withdrawn, shall be fixed in the general plan of operations.
4. At headings where the roof is secured by supports, reliable forepoling shall be undertaken.
5. Tipping places shall be secured by a horsehead."
Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued—
principles for the authorisation, in connection with the plan of operation,
of the packing of dummy roads (8 November 1937) ;
principles for the authorisation of caving in connection with the plan
of operation (31 July 1953).
NETHERLANDS
"Falls
of Stone and Coal
62. (1) The underground workings shall be so safely laid out that
danger of complete or partial collapse is prevented as far as possible ;
they shall be maintained in an adequately safe condition so long as they
remain in use.
(2) The State Mines Inspectorate shall be immediately informed of
extensive falls of ground and other important occurrences whereby safety
may be imperilled.
63. The working faces shall be separated from one another by such
distance that the work a t one face is adequately prevented from causing
danger to persons at other faces."
(MR 1939)
"Whenever the condition of the roof so requires use shall always be
made of forepoling ; in this case when driving and, if possible, when ripping
stone drifts, roads, inclines and dips, two suitable forepoling rails or bars
of adequate length shall always be used."
(IGR 30)
142
vrr. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
"When robbing timbering in stone drifts and roads the following provisions shall be complied with :
(1) The robbing of timbering in stone drifts and roads shall be effected
with the help of a robbing winch or by means of a Sylvester.
(2) At the place there shall be three stout sling chains or slings which,
if necessary, shall be attached to the props or caps to be robbed before a
beginning is made with loosening or releasing the timbering to be robbed.
(3) If some or all of the wooden facing of the timbering has to be removed, this shall be done from a safe place and, if necessary, with the help
of an adequately long wood-cutting chisel fitted on the percussion drill.
(4) In so far a s it is necessary to sever fixed bolts in the timbering,
this shall be done from a safe place and, if necessary, with the help of a
chisel of adequate length fitted on the percussion drül.
(5) To prevent untimely collapse of the last timbering, if necessary,
span chains with swivelling attachments shall be attached."
(IGR 30 a)
"Winning
of Coal Seams by Room and Pillar Working on End or on Face
with Packing
1. The winning of a place shall not be begun before the place preceding
that in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid has been
brought into such a condition that the workers are adequately protected.
2. If for this purpose packing alone is not sufficient then precautions
shall be taken in some other manner such as by constructing stone walls,
chocks or extra timbering.
3. A coal seam that gives rise to spontaneous heating shall be mined
over the entire thickness.
Winning of Coal Seams by the Boom and Pillar Method with Caving
4. The winning of a place shall not be begun before the place preceding
that in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid has been
brought into such a condition that the workers are adequately protected.
5. The length and the manning of the room to be caved shall be such
that the coal face advances at adequate speed and t h a t the ground
pressure has no time to expose to special danger the workers in the space
along the coal face and the space in which the shaker conveyor or the
belt conveyor is laid.
6. So long as t h e roof of a newly attacked room has not broken down
the following provisions shall apply :
(a) as a rule the timbering shall be supplemented by an adequate number
of chocks, if necessary, in more than one row ;
(b) the supports and any breaking-props installed between the chocks
shall as a rule rest on an adequately firm stone floor or, if this is not
available, on a n adequately broad foot or on continuously laid halftimber ;
(c) if the provisions of (a) and (b) are not complied with or the usual
method of timbering is not used or if during winning the coal face
does not advance fast enough, the Inspector-General of Mines shall
be so informed immediately.
7. If it is to be anticipated that the dip of a seam to be won by the
room and pillar method with caving will exceed 20°, the Inspector-General
of Mines shall be so notified in writing immediately and before the pillar
is attacked. A similar notification shall be made whenever during winning
an inclination exceeding 20° is found in a room.
SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
143
8. I n so far as a road below and above the room in the waste is still
used for the intake or return of air, a tight pack of adequate thickness
shall be built along this road so as to ensure an airtight separation unless,
having regard to the risk of firedamp, other measures are necessary.
9. (1) The robbing of the timbering shall be effected in an adequately
safe manner. The workers responsible for this shall be provided with such
tools that they can work from a safe place. The holing of the timber supports shall also be done in an adequately safe manner with adequately
long wood-cutting chisels.
(2) The escapeway in a room to be caved shall, before the last two
remaining chocks are removed or the timbering is robbed, be provided,
if necessary, with extra timbering.
10. Before beginning the winning of the place following t h a t in which
the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid, between the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor and the robbed part adequate protection shall
be installed, which inter alia may consist of non-removable chocks, a t
intervals that as a rule shall not exceed 2 m reckoned from centre to centre,
or of heavy breaking-props at intervals not exceeding 1 m, which props
may also form part of the normal timbering of the place.
11. A coal seam that gives rise to spontaneous heating shall be mined
over its whole thickness."
(IGR 31)
SOUTH AFRICA
"10. (1) Any shaft, drive, stope or other excavation of any kind whatsoever, which is in use in connection with the working of a mine shall be
made and kept safe for the persons working in such mine, and no person,
except for the purpose of exploring or repairing or making safe, shall travel
or work, or be caused or permitted to travel or work, in any such shaft or
working until it is made secure.
The ganger or miner in charge of exploring or repair work or in making
the place safe shall take all reasonable precautions that the persons under
his charge are secured against falling, hanging and other dangers whilst
carrying out such work.
(2) I n addition to such securing as above a sufficient reserve of suitable
timber shall be provided conveniently for the immediate use of the workmen,
together with all other materials and tools necessary for setting props quickly
and efficiently.
(3) All timber, walling material, brattice cloth, and other material or
tools for making any place safe or improving the ventilation, shall be provided free of any charge whatever to the workman.
(4) I n any coal mine or parts of a coal mine where the roof is of such a
nature as to require timbering, the Inspector of Mines, after consultation
with the manager, may require such timbering to be systematic and may
give notice to that effect t o the manager, who shall by notices posted in
conspicuous places at the mine specify the manner in which timbers are to
be set and advanced and the maximum intervals to be observed in roadways
between the timbers and a t the face—
(a) between each set or row of timbers ;
(b) between the last set or row of timbers and the face.
(5) If the Inspector of Mines considers t h a t the system of supporting
the roof and sides adopted in any mine or part of a mine is unsafe either
by reason of the distances fixed being excessive or otherwise, he may require
th6 manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify the system.
(6) Where the hanging is friable all props shall be provided with headboards or with caps between adjacent timbers.
144
vn. SUPPORTS : KOOF CONTBOL
103. (1) The ganger or miner in charge shall take all reasonable precautions against the injury of persons from the falling or rolling of stones
or loose implements or other material. Only square or rectangular blocks of
timber shall be used or permitted to be used for machine blocks in any place
where the dip exceeds 20°.
(2) Before cutting hitches, building pigsties, cogs or packs under dangerous ground, or allowing dangerous ground to be drilled into with the
object of blasting it down, the ganger or miner in charge shall by props or
otherwise adequately safeguard any person carrying out the drilling or work.
105. The following provisions shall apply to coal mines only :
(1) No non-scheduled person shall draw or take down props in collieries
except such particular props as he has been specially instructed to take down
b y a holder of a blasting certificate and after setting a fresh prop as near
as practicable to each prop that is to be drawn.
No person other than a holder of a blasting certificate authorised by
the manager shall give instructions to non-scheduled persons to take down
props, and such holder of a blasting certificate shall not give such instructions
unless he has carefully examined each of the props and decided that the
operation of drawing the props will be free from danger.
(2) The person in charge of a section or district shall be the holder of
a blasting certificate and shall exercise such supervision over coal-cutting
machines as to see that timbers set to the roof or coal are not removed to
make way for such coal-cutting machines without his authority or in his
absence and without first setting himself or supervising the setting of
other timber as near to the timber to be removed as possible and after
satisfying himself t h a t the removal of such timber is not attended with
danger to those employed in the place.
(3) (a) I n the operation in collieries of pillar extracting or broken working, letting down roof or repairing or timbering roads and airways, props
may not be drawn or taken down except by holders of blasting certificates
who have had not less than three years' practical experience in coal mining,
and who are thoroughly experienced in drawing timber in collieries.
( b) I n pillar extraction or broken working a double row of props shall
be set and maintained in good order and condition between all places where
persons have to travel or work and the goaf edge. These two rows of props
shall not be more t h a n 3 ft. apart, nor shall the props in each row be more
than 3 ft. apart, and the ends of each row shall terminate not more than
3 ft. from the solid coal pillar or the working face, as the case may be.
(c) I n the operation of drawing timbers in any mine, the person engaged
in drawing timbers shall stand under the protection of other well-secured
timber or safe ground.
(d) I n addition the manager shall supply, in every section or subsection
of the mine in which timber is to be drawn, the following tools, so that
the person engaged in drawing the timbers may avail himself of any one of
them if he considers it necessary for safety :
(i) axes or hammers with handles not less than 3 ft. long ;
(ii) punch-bars n o t less than 6 ft. long with spikes and hooks ;
(iii) lever and chain prop-drawing machine.
(4) Except where exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines, in
every working place exceeding 6 ft. in width the ganger or miner in charge
of the section shall see that sprags or holding props are set to the coal not
more than 6 ft. apart, so soon as undercutting commences -where the holing
is done by hand, and loose or overhanging coal shall be taken down before
undercutting commences. Where the undercutting is done by machinery,
sprags or holding props shall be set as soon as the machine will permit and
not more than 6 ft. apart. Sprags after having been set for undercutting
coal shall not be removed until immediately before the coal is to be brought
down by blasting or otherwise."
(R 11.8.1937)
SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
145
UNITED KINGDOM
I t is the duty of the manager to take with respect to every road and
working place in the mine such steps by way of controlling movement of
the strata and supporting the roof and sides of the road or working place
as may be necessary for keeping the road or working place secure.
I t is the duty of the manager to take such steps as may be necessary for
securing that he is a t all material times in possession of all information
relevant for determining the nature and extent of any steps t h a t it is requisite
for him to take in order to discharge efficiently the duty imposed by the foregoing paragraph (48).
As a general rule, in every coal mine there must be provided and maintained systematic support for the roof and sides of (a) every place where
any mineral is worked, (b) every roadhead, (c) every junction of two or
more lengths of road through any one of which vehicles or conveyors run,
and (d) every length of road in which persons work otherwise t h a n occasionally or for short periods.
If an inspector is of the opinion that, with respect to a length of road
other than a length referred to in (d) above, systematic support for the
roof or sides or both ought to be provided and maintained, he may require
the manager to provide and maintain it.
Regulations may require, or empower inspectors to require, the provision
and maintenance of systematic support for roof or sides, or both, in such
other cases and to such extent as may be prescribed.
Provision and maintenance of systematic support means provision and
maintenance of support in accordance with a system specified in rules to
be made by the manager (49).
Subject to any exceptions for which provision may be made by regulations, no materials may be used for the support of the roof or sides of any
place in a mine other than materials provided by the owner of the mine.
I t is the duty of the manager to take such steps as are reasonably calculated to secure that a sufficient supply of materials for support is a t all times
readily available where required. Where a sufficient supply of such materials
is not readily available, a workman who needs them must withdraw from
his working place to a place of safety and forthwith report to a mine
official that he has done so ; and, where it appears to a supervisor t h a t such
a supply is not available, the supervisor must cause the workman to
withdraw from the part of the mine concerned to a place of safety. Where,
in accordance with the above requirements, a workman has withdrawn
from his working place, the competent supervisor may not allow t h e workman to return until he is satisfied that a supply of support materials will
be readily available when the workman needs them (51).
No person may withdraw support from the roof or sides of any place
otherwise than by a method or device by which he does so from a position
of safety.
Where it is part of the system of work a t a place to withdraw support
from the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste, no person may
at t h a t place withdraw support otherwise than in accordance with the
system specified in rules to be made by the manager (52).
I t is the duty of every person appointed to carry out inspections to ensure
to the best of his ability that rules made under the preceding provisions
of the Act relating to support are executed and enforced, and t h a t any supports t h a t appear to him to be necessary in addition to those prescribed
are duly set (53).
Kules made under the provisions of the Act relating to support are
referred to as "support rules".
Support rules for a mine must comply with such requirements as to
form and contents as may be prescribed.
146
vn. SUPPORTS : KOOF CONTBOL
If an inspector considers that any support rules in force require modification in any particular, he may require the manager to modify the rules
accordingly.
A copy of all support rules in force must be kept a t the office at the mine
and, where the mine is divided into districts, a copy of the rules for each
district must be posted a t the entrance to the district at a suitable place (54).
(A 1954)
Section 1 of the Regulations of 17 May 1947 has the effect of amending
the Coal Mines Act, 1911, as follows :
"50. (1) Where props or props and bars or chocks are used to support
the roof at the working face, the roof under which any work of getting coal
or filling tubs is carried on shall be systematically and adequately supported,
and the props or chocks shall be set a t such regular intervals and in such
manner as may be specified in the Support Rules.
(2) Holing props or sprags shall be set as soon as practicable, and
shall be set at such regular intervals and in such manner as may be specified
in the Support Rules, and shall not be removed until the coal is about
t o be taken down and before the roof supports (if any) have been advanced
in the manner specified in such Rules.
(3) I n all parts of a roadway in which sets or trains consisting of three
or more tubs are coupled or uncoupled, the roof and sides shall be systematically and adequately supported and in such parts and in all other
parts of the roadway the roof or sides of which require to be supported, if
props or bars are used as supports, such supports shall be set a t such regular
intervals and in such maimer as may be specified in the Support Rules.
(4) The manager shall make rules (in this Act referred to as the 'Support
Rules') specifying, in relation to each seam of the mine, particulars of the
system or systems of controlling and supporting the roof and sides to be
carried out in connection with the face workings, the roadheads and the roads,
respectively, and shall illustrate those particulars by such plans and sections
or diagrams as are necessary to make them clearly and easily understood
by the persons engaged in carrying out any such system.
(4A) The manager shall also specify in the Support Rules the maximum
intervals to be observed—
(a) between the supports on roads where required ;
(b) between the holing props or sprags ; so however t h a t the interval
between such props or sprags shall not exceed 6 ft. ;
(c) in respect of bars or props in a face working or roadhead—
(i) between each row of props ;
(ii) between adjacent props in the same row ;
(iii) between adjacent bars in the same row ;
(iv) between the front row of props and the face at any part of the
face where filling has been completed;
(v) between the front props and the temporary supports set in
advance thereof;
so however t h a t such intervals, unless the Inspector of the Division otherwise authorises in writing, shall not exceed—
(vi) 4 ft. between each row of props, or 6 ft. if bars are used a t
distances not exceeding 4 ft. between adjacent bars in the
same row ;
(vii) 4 ft. between adjacent props in the same row, and, if bars are
required to be used by the regulations, between adjacent
bars in the same row;
(viii) 3 ft. between the front row of props and the face a t any part
of the face where filling has been completed ;
(ix) 3 ft. between front props and the temporary supports set in
advance thereof :
SUPPORTS : BOOS1 CONTROL
147
Provided t h a t the provisions of subparagraphs (vi) and (vii) of this
paragraph shall not apply in respect of roadheads in workings other than
longwall workings ; and
l
Provided also that in places where the use of machinery for cutting
or loading makes it temporarily impracticable to comply fully with the
requirements of the provisions of subparagraphs (viii) and (ix) of this paragraph, those requirements shall be modified to the extent that supports
may be removed, over such limited distance as is necessary, from the path
of travel of the machine, if supports complying fully with those requirements
are set as soon as practicable after the machine has passed ; and
Provided also that if the manager objects to a decision of the inspector
as aforesaid the matter shall be settled in manner provided by this Act for
settling disputes ;
(d) in respect of chocks set systematically in rows in a face working"'or
roadhead—
(i) between each row of chocks ;
(ii) between adjacent chocks in the same row ;
(iii) between the front row of chocks and the face ;
(iv) in advance of the front chocks a t which temporary supports are
to be set.
(4B) The manager shall also, in connection with such particulars as
aforesaid as relate to the roadhead, specify in the Support Rules the method
of supporting—
(a) the roof between the face and the ripping lip, if any, farthest from the
face ;
(b) the roof between the ripping lip, if any, farthest from the face and the
end of the roadhead ;
(c) the face or faces of rippings ;
(d) the roof newly exposed by ripping.
(4c) Where it is part of the system of work to withdraw the supports
from the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste, the manager
shall also specify in the Support Rules the system of withdrawing the
supports and the intervals between the supports which are to be set and
maintained with a view to preventing the roof breaking down over the face
working or in any place other than in the waste.
(4D) A copy of so much of the Support Rules as applies t o each district
of the mine shall be—
(a) posted at the entrance thereto in such a position that it can easily be
read by every person concerned ;
(b) supplied to the fireman, examiner or deputy of the district.
(4B) The Support Rules shall be kept a t the office a t the mine and
a copy thereof purporting to be certified by the manager for the time being
as a true copy shall be received in evidence without further proof.
(5) If the inspector of the division considers that the system of supporting the roof and sides adopted in any part of a mine is unsatisfactory, either
by reason of the distances fixed or any of them being excessive or otherwise,
he may require the manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify
the system, and the manager shall comply with the requisition unless he
disputes the reasonableness thereof, in which case the dispute shall be
settled in manner provided by this Act for settling disputes.
(7) Nothing in this section shall prevent a workman from setting
supports in his working place at more frequent intervals than those specified
in the Support Rules where necessary for safety.
51. Where the work of erecting the supports of the roof and sides of
working places is done by the workmen employed therein, a sufficient
supply of timber or other materials suitable for supports shall be kept at or
within 10 yd. of every working place where, in pursuance of this Act, supports
148
VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
are required to be erected, and also a t the passbye, siding or other similar
place in the mine convenient to the workmen ; and it shall be the duty of
the firemen, examiners, or deputies to see that such sufficient supply is so
kept, and any working place in which such a sufficient supply is not kept
shall not be deemed to be safe for the purpose of the provisions of this Act.
Sufficient timber or other materials as aforesaid, to enable the firemen,
examiners, or deputies to see that the provisions of this section are complied
with, shall be constantly provided.
52. ( 1 ) I n any part of a mine where any work is being carried out which
necessitates the removal of roof supports, temporary supports shall, in all
cases, be set so as t o secure the safety of the persons employed.
(2) Props shall not be withdrawn from the waste or goaf or from under a
roof which appears to a fireman, examiner, or deputy to be insecure otherwise than by means of a safety contrivance, and it shall be the duty of the
firemen, examiners, and deputies to examine all roofs from under which
props are about to be withdrawn with a view to the determining whether
the props ought to be withdrawn by means of a safety contrivance."
The remaining provisions of the Regulations of 17 May 1947 are as
follows :
" 2 . (1) Every prop used as a roof or side support shall be set securely
and on a proper foundation, and whenever it becomes broken or unstable
shall, as soon as practicable, be replaced or made stable.
(2) Every prop set in a face working or in a roadhead, unless set under
a wooden bar or for the express purpose of inducing a roof break, shall
have, between its top and the roof or bar above it, a suitable wooden lid
of adequate thickness and of sufficient size to cover at least the whole of
the end of the prop :
Provided t h a t the Inspector of the Division—
(a) may exempt any mine, or part of a mine, from the application of
the provisions of this paragraph if he is satisfied t h a t the use of such
lids is unnecessary ;
(b) may require lids to be set under wooden bars if and in so far as he is
of opinion t h a t it is necessary in the interests of safety.
3. Every chock which forms part of a system of support shall be well
built on the natural floor, and shall be made tight to the roof ; no round
pieces of material shall be used as members, except in chocks which are
to be left in the packs or waste.
4. The walls of every pack which forms part of a system of support
shall be well built on the natural floor ; and the pack shall be filled with
debris and made as tight to the roof as practicable over its whole area.
5. (1) Bars shall be used to support the roof in all face workings
where machinery is used for cutting, conveying or loading. Such bars
shall be set systematically at such regular intervals and in such manner
as is specified by t h e manager in the Support Rules ; and shall be supported
as effectively as possible by at least two supports.
Such bars and supports shall be set throughout the length and over
the whole width of the face working except in so far as it is impracticable
to set bars in the path of travel of an overcutting machine or is necessary
to remove supports from the path of travel of machinery used for cutting
or loading.
(2) The Chief Inspector of Mines or the Inspector of the Division may
exempt any mine, or part of a mine, from the application of the provisions
of the preceding paragraph if he is satisfied that either the natural conditions of the workings or the method of work in use makes compliance
therewith inexpedient or ineffective.
6. (1) The roof and wherever necessary the sides of every roadhead
shall be systematically and adequately supported by setting supports,
SÜPPOBTS: ROOF CONTROL
149
in addition to the packs (if any), at such regular intervals and in such
manner as is specified by the manager in the Support Rules.
(2) The roof of the roadhead or, in a case in which there is any roof
ripping, that part of the roadhead between the face and the roof ripping
farthest from the face, shall be supported over the whole width by rows
either of bars or of bars and crossbars. Either the bars, or the crossbars,
in each row shall be set not more than 4 ft. apart ; so however that
bars, and crossbars if used, may be set in such manner and a t such distances
apart as the Inspector of the Division authorises in writing.
Where there are any roof rippings within the roadhead, a bar or bars
shall bo set as near as practicable to each ripping lip extending across the
whole width of the ripping.
(3) Each bar in relation to its length and the span between its supports
shall be of adequate strength and shall be kept supported by svipports of
proportionate strength and in such a manner as to ensure its stability.
(4) The face or faces of every roof ripping within a roadhead shall be
supported by sprags or other effective supports.
(5) At any roof ripping, suitable temporary supports specially provided
for the purpose shall be set as soon as reasonably practicable to secure
the newly exposed roof.
7. Wherever roof supports are removed in order to advance or turn
a machine, or to make room for it, long bars shall be used for the purpose
of supporting the roof at that place, and there shall never be less than two
props to each of such bars :
Provided t h a t if an overcutting machine is used, having a jib t h a t
cannot be lowered to permit of long bars being used, and in any other
circumstances in which the manager satisfies the Inspector of the Division
that it is impracticable to use long bars, other temporary supports shall
be set which will serve the same purpose so far as practicable.
Any dispute between the manager and the Inspector of the Division
as to whether or not it is practicable to use long bars shall be settled in
manner provided by the Act for settling disputes.
8. When a fall of roof or side involving the displacement or breakage
of supports has occurred in any place where any person has to work or
pass, any newly exposed roof or sides shall at once—
(a) be dressed, if necessary ; and
(b) be secured by supports ;
before the work of clearing any debris, other than such work as is necessary
to set supports, is begun.
9. (1) If coal or any other mineral or stone is to be got from the waste,
the roof under which any person is to work for t h a t purpose shall be
adequately supported ; and if it is to be got by roof ripping in a n advancing place other than a road or a roadhead—
(a) a bar or bars shall be set as near as practicable to each ripping lip,
extending across the whole width of the ripping, and shall be supported as effectively as possible by at least two supports ;
(b) the face of the ripping shall be supported by sprags or other effective
supports ;
(c) suitable temporary supports provided for the purpose shall be set as
soon as reasonably practicable to secure the roof newly exposed by
the rippings.
(2) Supports shall not be withdrawn from under the roof adjoining
the waste otherwise than by means of a device or method enabling such
withdrawal to be carried out from a safe position.
(3) Where it is part of the system of work to withdraw supports from
the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste such supports shall
be withdrawn in accordance with the system specified in the Support Rules ;
150
VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
and supports shall be set and maintained at the intervals specified in such
Rules with a view to preventing the roof breaking down over the face
working or in any place other than in the waste."
(R 17.5.1947)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"103. The lessee shall at all times provide timber at or near the places
where needed, and shall provide other material and supplies for the proper
and safe conduct of the operation of t h e mine."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article III.
Control of Roof, Face, and Bibs
1. Support standards,
(a) Adequate minimum standards for roof
support suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each mine
shall be adopted a n d followed. Such standards shall show the minimum
number and the location of supports, such as posts, crossbars, or bolts,
that shall be installed.
(b) Before roof bolting is adopted instead of conventional timbering
as a sole means of support, its effectiveness shall be proved by experimental
installations made in rooms or back entries where there is likely to be little
travel after completion. Such experimental installations of bolts shall be
accompanied by adequate conventional timbering. After such experimental
area has been abandoned for regular travel, the timbers may be removed
and the effectiveness of the bolts observed over a period of two months.
On the basis of these observations, the minimum systematic support standards shall be determined.
2. Support supplies and methods. (a) The management shall provide
a t or near the face -workings an ample supply of suitable materials of proper
size with which to secure all working places in a safe manner.
(b) Safety posts, jacks, or temporary crossbars shall be set close to
the face when necessary for safety before other operations are begun and
as needed thereafter.
(a) Roof shall be adequately supported to protect the workmen when
roof material is being taken down, crossbars are being installed, roof bolt
holes are being drilled, and when roof bolts are being installed.
(d) The roof in all underground working places, unless self-supporting,
shall be secured sufficiently to protect employees from falls of roof, face,
or rib. Loose roof and overhanging or loose faces and ribs therein shall be
taken down or supported.
(e) (Section 209 (c)—Title II.) The roof and ribs of all active underground roadways and travelways in a mine shall be adequately supported to
protect persons from falls of roof or ribs.
(f) Supports knocked out accidentally shall be replaced promptly.
(g) Permanent supports in active workings shall not be removed
unless equivalent protection is provided.
(h) Where roof supports are required at the working faces, persons
shall not advance beyond artificially supported roof, except those who
are assigned to install supports or inspect the place.
3. Testing of roof, face, ribs, and roof bolts, (a) The management
shall instruct all underground workmen in the proper testing of roof, face,
and ribs.
(b) Persons exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs shall
examine and test t h e roof, face, and ribs before starting work or before
starting a machine and frequently thereafter. When dangerous conditions
are found, they shall be corrected immediately before work is continued
or any other work is done, or the place shall be vacated.
SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
151
(c) A n y foreman finding a d a n g e r o u s roof, rib, or face c o n d i t i o n i n
a n y -working place shall cause s u c h c o n d i t i o n t o b e c o r r e c t e d a n d shall
order t h e r e m o v a l of persons e x p o s e d t o such d a n g e r from t h e a r e a of
d a n g e r except those r e q u i r e d t o correct such c o n d i t i o n .
(d) A n y d a n g e r o u s roof or r i b condition f o u n d o n r o a d w a y s o r t r a v e l w a y s shall be corrected p r o m p t l y , or traffic t h e r e u n d e r shall b e d i s c o n t i n u e d
u n t i l t h e danger h a s b e e n r e m o v e d .
(e) W h e n t h e r e is d a n g e r of eoal rolling o n a p e r s o n d u r i n g or a f t e r
c u t t i n g , i t shall b e s p r a g g e d b y p l a c i n g blocks i n t h e c u t o r b y b l o c k i n g
w i t h leaning p o s t s .
(f) A b a r of p r o p e r l e n g t h shall b e u s e d t o b a r d o w n loose m a t e r i a l .
(g) Crossbars a n d t h e i r s u p p o r t s shall be well secured t o p r e v e n t t h e m
from being dislodged b y falling or rolling coal or r o c k .
(h) W h e n roof bolts a r e t e s t e d , s u c h t e s t i n g shall b e d o n e b y qualified
persons designated b y t h e m i n e f o r e m a n .
4. Recovery of supports,
(a) R e c o v e r y of roof s u p p o r t s shall n o t b e
d o n e b y inexperienced persons unless such p e r s o n s a r e b e i n g t r a i n e d b y a
qualified person. I n s t a l l e d roof b o l t s shall n o t b e r e c o v e r e d unless a d e q u a t e
t e m p o r a r y s u p p o r t is p r o v i d e d . "
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
T h e m a n a g e r m u s t p r o v i d e a sufficient n u m b e r of p r o p s , c a p s , a n d
t i m b e r s , w h e n d e m a n d e d , delivered o n t h e m i n e r s ' cars a t t h e u s u a l p l a c e ,
i n s u i t a b l e lengths a n d dimensions for t h e securing of t h e roof b y t h e m i n e r s .
W h e r e crossbars a r e set b y t h e m i n e r s t h e y m u s t be f u r n i s h e d in t h e
r e q u i r e d lengths (20 (a)).
E v e r y m i n e r m u s t s o u n d a n d t h o r o u g h l y e x a m i n e t h e roof of h i s w o r k ing place before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k a n d , if h e finds loose r o c k or o t h e r
d a n g e r o u s conditions, h e m a y n o t w o r k in s u c h d a n g e r o u s p l a c e e x c e p t
t o m a k e s u c h d a n g e r o u s conditions safe. I t is t h e d u t y of t h e m i n e r t o
p r o p e r l y p r o p a n d t i m b e r in a skilful a n d w o r k m a n l i k e m a n n e r in o r d e r t o
secure his place for his o w n safety w i t h m a t e r i a l s p r o v i d e d therefor b y
t h e o p e r a t o r s in l e n g t h s as r e q u i r e d b y t h e p r e s e n t m i n i n g l a w . T h e m i n e r
m u s t h a v e t h e necessary tools t o e n a b l e h i m t o c o m p l y w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s
of t h i s section (23 (c)).
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
" 1 5 0 1 . E v e r y shaft, slope, t u n n e l , e n t r y , air-course
i n t h e m i n e shall b e sufficiently t i m b e r e d , if necessary
t h e r e i n from falling coal or r o c k . I t shall b e t h e d u t y
c a r r y o u t a n d enforce t h e provisions of t h i s rule, b u t
herein shall be c o n s t r u e d t o relieve t h e m i n e r from t h e
his o w n working place s a v e as hereinafter p r o v i d e d .
a n d working place
to protect persons
of t h e o p e r a t o r t o
nothing contained
d u t y of c a r i n g for
1502. E v e r y w o r k m a n e m p l o y e d in a m i n e shall e x a m i n e his w o r k i n g
p l a c e a s t o safety from loose r o c k o r coal before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k a n d also
a t f r e q u e n t i n t e r v a l s d u r i n g t h e shift. H e shall t a k e d o w n o r secure loose
r o c k or coal i m m e d i a t e l y a n d shall set p r o p s a n d o t h e r t i m b e r i n g s e c u r e l y
as soon as n e e d e d a n d a s r e q u i r e d b y m i n e t i m b e r i n g r e g u l a t i o n s .
1503. P r o p e r a n d s y s t e m a t i c m e t h o d s of t i m b e r i n g shall b e a d o p t e d
t h r o u g h o u t each m i n e .
1504. Should a w o r k m a n a t a n y t i m e find his w o r k i n g place b e c o m i n g
d a n g e r o u s b e y o n d his control from a n y cause or condition, h e shall a t o n c e
cease w o r k a n d notify t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or his a s s i s t a n t of s u c h d a n g e r a n d ,
u p o n l e a v i n g such p l a c e h e shall place s o m e p l a i n w a r n i n g a t t h e e n t r a n c e
t h e r e t o , t o w a r n o t h e r s from e n t e r i n g i n t o t h e d a n g e r a n d h e shall n o t
r e t u r n u n t i l ordered t o d o so b y t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or h i s a s s i s t a n t .
152
VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL
1505. I t shall b e the duty of the operator to see that all miners in the
mine are supplied with suitable timbers. I t shall be the duty of the miner
t o have such suitable tools as are necessary to keep his working place in
safe condition. For the purpose of this and section 1506 the term 'timbers'
shall be held to include and mean all wood to be used by the miner and /or
steel or concrete material used in lieu of timber.
1506. Every miner when first employed shall be instructed by a
responsible mine official in proper timbering and roof testing practice and
correct practice in barring down loose material."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
The mine foreman must see that every working place is properly secured
by props or timbers and t h a t no person works in an unsafe place unless for
the purpose of making it safe. He must also see that workmen are provided
with sufficient timbering materials, all of which must be reasonably suitable
in size and be delivered to the working places (6).
Every workman in need of roof supports, including wedges, cap pieces
and lagging, must notify the competent supervisory official at least one day
in advance, giving particulars of the type, quantity and sizes required.
I n an emergency any such material may be ordered immediately. If for
any reason the necessary material cannot be supplied when required,
the mine foreman or his assistant must instruct the workmen to vacate
the place until the material needed is supplied (7).
The mine foreman must see t h a t as the workings advance all dangerous and doubtful pieces of coal, slate and rock overhead are taken down
or at once carefully secured against falling on the workmen (9).
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
CHAPTER V i n
HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES1
1.
GENERAL
CANADA
Alberta
" 1 4 1 . (1) No mine ears shall be used in any mine unless the bumpers
are of sufficient length and width to keep the bodies of the cars separated
by not less than 12 in. when the cars stand on a straight level road and the
bumpers touch each other.
(2) No wooden track or wooden turn-table shall be used in any mine
to which this Act applies except for a short set of temporary track next
the working face.
149
Rule 18. Every person shall use great care and precaution in handling
cars so that no injury will occur.
Rule 20
(c) No person in or about any mine shall improperly use or remove
any signal, signal wire or signal apparatus and no person without proper
authority shall give any signal.
Rule 21. (a) Any person in charge of any haulage road, plane or
incline, or any ears or machinery thereon, shall at all times pay strict attention to signals and to any deviation from the regular course of said cars
or machinery and when he finds anything defective, he shall forthwith
stop the cars and the machinery until the defect is repaired or remedied ;
he shall also report to the manager, overman or person under whose charge
he may be, forthwith, any danger, weakness or defect he may find.
( b) Any person whose duty it is to couple any car to any rope or chain
or to any other car, shall see that the couplings are secure, properly made,
in good order and not twisted, and no cars shall be coupled or uncoupled
while the same are in motion.
(c) Stop blocks or some other efficient appliance to prevent cars
from accidentally going down, shall be provided and used at the top of
all self-acting inclines, slopes and shafts.
(d) Where a drag or other appliance is required to be used by the
manager or overman, the person in charge of it shall in all cases attach
the drag or other appliance to the cars before hoisting begins.
Rule 26. No person shall guide any rope on to a drum, sheave, pulley»
wheel or sprocket by hand or with a bar, while it is in motion.
Rule 27. (a) Every road on which a horse or other animal is used
underground, or by which it has to pass or get to its work, shall be of sufficient
dimensions to allow the horse or other animal to pass without rubbing
itself or its harness against the roof or sides.
• For regulations concerning both haulage and winding see also Chapter X.
154
Vin. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KO ADS AND INCLINES
(b) On all horse roads and haulage roads adequate clearance shall
a t all times be maintained between the sides of the cars and the sides of
the roads, and between the top of the car or contents thereon and the roof.
(c) Every haulage and horse road shall be kept clear as far as possible
of obstructions and no one shall place rails, pipes, props or other materials
on one side of a haulage or horse road unless the opposite side at that part
is kept clear of all obstructions.
Rule 31. If the examiner finds any of the ropes, chains, signals, brakes,
McGinty wheels and posts or other apparatus to be in an unsafe condition
he shall stop the use thereof.
Rule 32
(e) Sufficient and suitable sprags shall be provided and every person
shall exercise great care while running or drawing cars and if necessary
shall use sufficient sprags to prevent the said cars from getting beyond
control."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"79. (1) The tubs shall have buffers the projection of which ensures
a clear space of a t least 20 cm between the tub frames when the tubs are
in one straight line. If this is impossible in existing installations, the necessary temporary exemptions shall be granted by the local inspection authority.
(2) The couplings of the tubs shall make it possible to perform the
operations of coupling and uncoupling without going between the tub
frames unless the projection of the buffers allows this to be done without
danger.
(3) The coupling hooks shall be so arranged as not t o become detached
while the tubs are running.
88. In roadways where haulage is carried on by mechanical means
or by animals, and which are not wide enough to allow a person to stand
in safety at the side, shelters in which two persons can take refuge shall
be built in the sides a t intervals of not more than 50 m ; these shelters
shall always be kept unobstructed.
89. At points where the usual volume of traffic justifies it, the haulage
roads shall be provided with adequate fixed lighting.
90. At points where the tubs are usually coupled or uncoupled, there
shall be available to the personnel, on a t least one side of the road, a clear
space sufficient to allow them to reach such points safely.
93. Measures shall be taken to prevent the tubs standing in the roadways from running away, and moving tubs from acquiring a dangerous
speed.
94. (1) I t shall be prohibited to go in front of tubs to slow them down,
and to leave them to run by themselves on gradients except at places
where sets are made u p ; approaches to these points shall be indicated
by a conspicuous signal.
I n low roads drawers shall handle the tubs with the help of devices
protecting their hands from injury.
(2) The tubs of one and the same set shall be securely coupled together.
Hand haulage b y teams of men shall be prohibited failing an exemption
granted by the local inspection authority.
95. I t shall be prohibited to rerail, by hand, a derailed tub before
unhitching the animal, uncoupling the locomotive or detaching the chain
or the rope.
1. GENERAL,
155
If it is desired to use a device that prevents any unexpected movement
of the derailed tub, or a rerailer not fixed in position, the consent of the
driver or the winchman shall be obtained before installing it.
96. Every set shall be equipped with a white lamp in front and a red
lamp at the rear.
Except in roadways provided with fixed lighting, locomotives shall
carry a reflector lamp illuminating the road over a distance a t least equal
to that required to stop the set.
97. The movement of trains or of mechanically propelled vehicles
shall be governed by instructions approved by the divisional inspector of
mines ; these instructions shall also determine the conditions for pedestrian
traffic in the same roadways."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"Underground
Haulage in General
32. (1) Drawers and horse drivers shall so place or carry the lamp
during haulage that the light can be seen ahead.
(2) Horse-hauled sets shall carry a conspicuous red tail-light on the
last tub.
33. (1) Except at landings and loading places and during shunting,
tubs that are moved together shall be coupled.
(2) The couplings shall be so made that they can be safely handled from
the side.
34. On inclined roads stationary tubs shall be blocked.
35. (1) A derailed loaded t u b shall only be rerailed with mechanical
appliances.
(2) In horse-haulage, derailed tubs shall not be rerailed until the horse
has been unhitched.
(3) In mechanical road haulage, before rerailing by hand the haulage
engine shall be stopped.
(4) On mechanical haulage planes derailed carriages, counterweights
and tubs shall not be rerailed by hand until both the carriage or the t u b
and the counterweight have been secured against running away by means
independent of the haulage or braking equipment.
Haulage on Horizontal Roads
Hand-Haulage.
37. (1) In hand-haulage, drawers shall keep their tubs at least 10 m
apart. They shall not allow the tubs to run by themselves. On gradients
the tubs shall be braked.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to the movement of tubs a t landings
and loading places and during shunting.
38. (1) I n horse-haulage only a -walking pace shall be kept.
(2) The driver shall walk by or before his horse, lighted lamp in hand,
when he is not occupied with the tubs. With the permission of the competent supervisory official he may ride on the first t u b ; in this case he
shall drive the horse with reins.
(3) The horse shall not be harnessed to the tubs until they have been
coupled ; it shall be unharnessed before they are uncoupled.
(4) Tubs detached from the set shall only be recoupled to the set after
the horse has been unharnessed.
(5) If the driver leaves the set he shall unharness the horse.
(6) The swingletree shall be so arranged that it cannot scrape along
the ground."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
11
156
VUE. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KOADS AND INCLINES
NETHERLANDS
' 'Hand-Haulage
77. (1) Drawers shall take care t h a t two or more tubs pushed by
them are so safely coupled to each other that accidental uncoupling is not
possible.
(2) Drawers shall take care t h a t in horizontal roads they keep at least
10 m, and in inclined roads at least 25 m, from the drawers in front of them.
(3) Drawers shall take care t h a t their lamp is visible a t all times to
persons approaching, unless general lighting is provided a t the place.
78. (1) Drawers shall so safely block standing tubs that they cannot
start to move accidentally.
(2) Whenever the gradient of a haulage road or stone drift over a
considerable distance is such t h a t the drawers cannot a t all times and at
all places safely stop the tubs, winches shall be employed unless the haulage
roads are so wide t h a t safe passing is possible throughout and braking
devices are used.
79. (1) In descending an inclined road it shall be prohibited to go
in front of the t u b so as to hold it by pushing backwards.
( 2 ) If haulage roads are so low that the drawer's hands can be endangered
when resting on the top of the tub, the tubs shall be provided with suitable
hand grips fitted low, or with other adequate protective devices.
(3) Derailed full tubs shall not be rerailed by a single person, except
with the help of a crow-bar ; for this purpose the responsible supervisor
shall take care t h a t an adequate number of crow-bars are provided a t an
adequate number of places along the haulage roads and face workings.
These crow-bars shall be used by the drawers.
Haulage
Animals
80. (1) With animal haulage on inclined roads care shall be taken
that the sets of tubs can be safely stopped a t all times and at all places.
(2) Roads where animal haulage is carried on shall be so wide and
so high that the animal cannot injure itself.
(3) If no adequate general lighting is provided, the driver shall precede
the set with a brightly burning lamp, or, if he rides on the set, such a lamp
shall be fastened in front of the set or on the animal, so that the light is
visible to all persons approaching.
(4) At the rear end of the last tub or on the last tub, the driver shall
place a lamp that throws a bright red light rearwards.
(5) The driver shall never ride on the animal.
(6) Animal haulage and locomotive haulage shall not take place
simultaneously on the same stretch of road.
81. (1) Haulage animals shall be provided with spacious and properly
ventilated and lighted stables.
(2) Haulage animals shall not be overworked and, as a rule, shall
not be worked for more than eight hours in 24.
(3) I t shall be prohibited to use haulage animals that are crippled
or otherwise unfit for the work.
Mechanical
Haulage
82. (1) Mechanical haulage using locomotives that can give rise to
ignition phenomena shall be prohibited without the special authorisation
of the Inspector-General of Mines.
1. GEKBE.AL
157
(2) Mechanical haulage using shaker conveyors, belt conveyors, scraper
conveyors, locomotives, winches, etc., shall be effected safely.
(3) Haulage shall be stopped whenever such defects are noticed in the
haulage installations as might cause danger to persons."
(MR 1939)
"The sidings near staple pits, inclines, etc., where the arrangements
are such that loose tubs are constantly in movement, shall, during the
period of regular use, be permanently lighted either by electricity or by
miners' lamps, etc."
(IGR 47)
Note : The Inspector-General has also issued regulations (No. 13)
concerning the fastening of haulage ropes on drums.
UNITED KINGDOM
I t is the duty of the mine manager to take, with respect to every length
of road in which vehicles or conveyors run, or is used at the beginning or
end of a shift by not less than ten persons for the purpose of walking to and
from their working places, such steps as may be necessary to secure that—
(a) every such length of road made after the commencement of the
Act is so made and maintained as to avoid sudden changes of direction,
height, width and gradient, except where this is inadvisable or unnecessary ;
(b) every such length of road, whether made before or after the
commencement of the Act is kept free from obstructions and the floor is
kept in good repair and in such a condition that any persons or animals
who use that length of road can tread it with reasonable convenience and
safety.
If an inspector is of opinion t h a t any sudden change of direction, height
or width in a length of road ought to be eliminated he may require the
manager to execute such works as will eliminate the sudden change (34).
As a general rule every length of road in a mine which is used at the
beginning or end of a shift by not less than ten persons for the purpose
of walking to or from their working places in the mine, must, if the length
was made after the commencement of the Act, be not less than 5 ft. 6 in.
in height throughout.
If an inspector is of opinion that such a length of road made before the
commencement of the Act is not high enough or not wide enough he may
require the manager to have the length brought up to a specified height or
width as the case may be (35).
Except for the purposes of specified repair work, the mine manager—
(a) may not permit vehicles to run in any road unless neither the
vehicles nor their loads, nor the ropes to which the vehicles are attached,
nor animals nor their harnesses, rub against the roof or sides, or anything
supporting the roof or sides or both, or anything in the road except control
devices ;
(b) may not permit a conveyor to be operated in any road unless neither
the conveyor nor its load rubs against the roof or sides, or anything
supporting the roof or sides or both, or anything in the road (36).
The manager is empowered to make rules (transport rules) with respect
to the use of vehicles and conveyors and the conditions under which they
may be used, and generally for securing the safe operation of vehicles and
conveyors and the avoidance of bodily injury to persons by reason of the
running thereof, and must make such rules specifying—
(a) a standard height and width with respect to each length of road
in which vehicles run or conveyors operate ;
(b) the maximum loads that may be carried hi vehicles in any length
of road and the maximum number of vehicles loaded or unloaded that may
be coupled together to run as a set or train in any length of road ;
158
VIH. HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(c) the maximum speeds at which vehicles may run in any length of
road ; and
(d) the circumstances in which and the conditions under which
persons may travel in vehicles or conveyors in a road, and the precautions
to be observed when persons so travel.
I t is the duty of the manager—
(a) to frame such of the provisions of transport rules as relate to the
height and width of roads so as to secure the safety of persons who work
and pass through the roads while vehicles are running or conveyors
are being operated therein ;
f b) to frame such of the provisions of transport rules as relate to loads,
so as to secure t h a t each maximum load specified will, in his opinion,
afford a reasonable margin of safety.
I t is the duty of the manager—
(a) to take, with respect to every length of road regarding which a
standard height and width is specified by provisions of transport rules, such
steps as are appropriate for securing t h a t the height and width are at all
times throughout t h a t length of road not less than the specified standard
height and width ;
(b) to secure t h a t all other provisions of transport rules are executed
and enforced.
A copy of the transport rules in force must be kept at the office at the
mine or at a place approved by an inspector, and notices that can conveniently be read, containing a summary of the rules, must be kept posted
in conspicuous places in the mine (37).
Regulations m a y require the provision in prescribed cases of facilities
whereby persons employed below ground may be carried through the roads
whereby they go to and from their working places or through parts of
those roads, being cases where the provision of such facilities appears to
the Minister to be necessary or expedient in the interests of safety or for
the purpose of avoiding excessive fatigue (38).
Subject to certain exceptions, the following provisions have effect
with respect to every length of road in which vehicles are moved otherwise
than by means of hand or animal traction :
(a) during any period in which vehicles are moving on the length of
road no person may pass on foot on the length of road unless the movement
of vehicles is specially stopped for the purpose ;
(b) if the length of road is used at the beginning or end, or both, of a
shift by not less t h a n ten persons for the purpose of walking to and from
their working place in the mine, it is the duty of the manager to fix a period,
or periods, for the purpose of enabling them to do so in safety, and no
person may cause or permit a vehicle to move in that length of road during
a period so fixed.
Except with the written permission of the manager, no person may,
except as provided in the transport rules, accompany on foot a vehicle
which is moving as p a r t of any rope haulage apparatus (39).
Subject to any exceptions for which provision may be made by regulations, the manager m a y not permit vehicles, other than vehicles moved by
hand, to run in any length of road unless, except within 75 ft. of a working
face served by it, it is provided at prescribed intervals and at prescribed
positions with refuge holes of prescribed dimensions and complying with
prescribed requirements.
Every such refuge hole must be kept free from obstruction (40).
So long as vehicles are used in a mine there must be provided, maintained and used, such safety devices as are necessary to prevent the
occurrence of accidents due to vehicles running away ; and every device so
provided must as a general rule be designed to assume automatically the
position in which it operates for the purpose for which it is designed.
1. GENERAL
159
In addition to the provision of such safety devices, the necessary steps
must be taken respecting a person who, otherwise than as a matter of
routine, is at work a t a place through which vehicles run, to protect him
from bodily injury in the event of a vehicle running away (41).
UNITED STATES
Federal
"78. Every mine locomotive shall be provided with an efficient headlight
and a gong or bell, and the front end of every trip of cars in. transit shall
be provided with a light of no less intensity than t h a t of lights used
by miners. A red light shall be displayed on the rear end of every trip in
transit except on the rope end of a trip while being lowered on a slope.
80. (a) In any mine in which more than ten men are employed underground on any shift, all haulageways used for the travel of men, unless
a clearance of 4 ft. or more exists on one side and is kept free from debris,
shall be provided with shelter holes on the side of the roadway opposite the
trolley and power lines, at intervals of not more than 100 ft. The shelter
holes shall be at least 4 ft. wide, 4 ft. deep, and 6 ft. high unless the entry,
tunnel, or slope is of less height, and then they shall be on the same level
and as high as the roadway, and they shall be kept whitewashed and free
from debris. Cross-cuts and room-necks may be used as shelter holes if on
the side used for travelling.
(b) On haulage roads other than slopes, not used as travelling ways,
shelter holes will not be required if the clearance between the mine car and
the rib of the entry is at least 3 ft.
81
(c) Frogs, switch-points, and guard-rails shall be properly blocked and
switch-levers so installed as to prevent men from tripping over them."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
3. Haulage roads, (a) The road bed, rails, joints, switches, frogs,
and other elements of the track of all haulage roads shall be constructed,
installed, and maintained in a manner consistent with speed and type of
haulage operations being conducted to insure safe operation.
(b) All track switches, except room and entry-development switches,
shall be provided with properly installed throws, and, where necessary,
equipped with guard-rails. Room and entry-development switches shall be
provided with properly installed latches and bridle-bars.
(c) Track switches, except those in rooms and in entry development
shall be equipped with properly installed guard-rails wherever necessary.
(d) At least 24 in. of clearance shall be provided a t switch throws for
a distance of not less than 10 ft. on each side of such throws.
(e) Rails shall be secured at all joints by means of plates or welds.
(f) Shuttle-car haulage roads shall be maintained as free as practicable
from bottom irregularities, debris, and wet or muddy conditions t h a t make
it difficult to control the shuttle car.
4. Clearance and shelter holes, (a) Track-haulage roads in entries,
rooms, and cross-cuts developed after the effective date of this code shall
have a continuous clearance on one side of at least 24 in. from the farthest
projection of moving traffic ; provided, however, t h a t this does not prohibit
the changing of the clearance side, should it become necessary, if adequate
160
VU!. HATTLAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
clearance is provided on both sides for a distance of not less than 100 ft. and
warning signs are provided at such locations.
(b) Track-haulage roads in entries, rooms, and cross-cuts developed
after the effective date of this code shall have a continuous clearance on the
'tight' side of at least 6 in. from the farthest projection of moving traffic.
(c) On haulage roads where trolley lines are used, the clearance for
travelling shall be on the side opposite the trolley lines, except where such
lines are 6% ft- or more above the rail.
(d) The clearance space on all track-haulage roads shall be kept free
of loose rock, supplies, and other loose materials ; provided, however, that
not more than 24 in. need be kept free of obstructions.
(e) Ample clearance shall be provided at conveyor-loading heads, at
conveyor-control panels, and along conveyor lines.
(f) Where it is necessary for men to cross conveyors regularly, suitable
crossing facilities shall be provided.
(g) Shelter holes shall be provided at intervals of not more than
80 ft. along all haulage entries driven after 24 July 1946, except conveyor
entries.
(h) Shelter holes made after the effective date of this code shall be
at least 5 ft. in depth, not more than 4 ft. in width, and 6 ft. in height, or
as high as the travelling space if the travelling space is less than 6 ft. high.
Room-necks and cross-cuts may be used as shelter holes even though their
width exceeds 4 ft.
(i) Shelter holes shall be kept clear of refuse and other obstructions.
(j) Shelter holes shall be provided at manually operated doors and at
switch-throws, except where more than 6 ft. of side clearance is maintained
and a t room switches.
(Jc) At each underground slope landing where men pass and cars are
handled, a shelter hole at least 10 ft. in depth, 4 ft. in width, and 6 ft. in
height shall be provided.
(I) Upon the approach of moving traffic, persons not engaged in haulage operations shall take refuge in shelter holes or other places of safety.
5. Haulage equipment,
(a) Locomotives, mine cars, shuttle cars,
supply cars, conveyors, and all other haulage equipment shall be maintained
in a safe operating condition.
(b) Wherever practicable track-mounted self-propelled mobile equipment and shuttle cars for use underground and ordered after the effective
date of this code shall be equipped with safe seating or standing facilities
for the use of the operator while tramming.
6. Safety devices and practices, (a) Locomotives shall be equipped
with proper rerailing devices for the rerailing of locomotives and cars.
(b) An audible warning device and headlight shall be provided on
each locomotive and shuttle car.
(c) A permissible trip-light shall be used on the rear of trips pulled
and on the front of pushed trips and trips lowered in slopes ; provided,
however, that trip-lights need not be used on cars being shifted to and from
loading machines, on cars being handled at loading heads, during gathering
operations at working faces, or on trips pulled by animals.
(d) Pushing of cars on main haulage roads shall be prohibited, except
where necessary to push cars from side-tracks located near the working
section to the producing entries and rooms, where necessary to clear switches
and side-tracks, and on the approach to cages, slopes, and surface inclines.
(e) Backpoling shall be prohibited except a t places where the trolley
pole cannot be reversed or when going u p extremely steep grades and then
only a t very slow speed.
(f) No person, other than the motorman and brakeman, shall ride on
a locomotive unless authorised by the mine foreman and then only when
1. GENERAL
161
safe riding facilities are provided. No person shall ride on any loaded car
or on the bumper of any car ; provided, however, that the brakeman may
ride on the rear bumper of the last car of a trip pulled by locomotive, and
an animal driver and trip-rider of a rope trip shall ride in the safest possible
position on the trip.
(g) No person shall get on or off moving locomotives or cars being
moved by locomotives ; provided, however, that the brakeman may get on
or off the rear end of a slowly moving trip.
(h) Operators of shuttle cars shall face in the direction of travel except
during the loading operation.
(i) All trips and locomotives shall come to a complete stop before
cars are coupled or uncoupled by hand unless a coupling hook is used.
(j) Standing cars on any track, unless held effectively by brakes, shall
be properly blocked or spragged. Cars shall be secured effectively at working
faces.
(k) Positive-acting stop-blocks or derails shall be used where necessary
to protect persons from danger of moving or runaway haulage equipment.
(I) Slides, skids, or other adequate means shall be used on descendingtrips on grades where the locomotive is not adequate to control the trip,
and, where practicable, a drag shall be used on ascending trips.
(m) Material being transported shall be so loaded and protected t h a t
there is no danger to the motorman or brakeman from sliding of equipment
and material.
(n) Where safe seating facilities are provided on self-propelled mobile
equipment, the operator shall be seated while such equipment is being
trammed.
(o) Operators of locomotives and shuttle cars shall sound a warning
before starting such equipment and on approaching curves, side-tracks,
doors, curtains, manway crossings, or any other places where persons are
or likely to be.
(p) Locomotives following other trips shall maintain a distance of
300 ft. from the rear end of the preceding trip or locomotive unless such
locomotives are coupled to the trips.
(q) Where block signals are used, not more than one locomotive, except
pushers, shall operate in any signal block at the same time unless by special
authority.
(r) Where a dispatcher is employed to control trips, traffic under his
jurisdiction shall be moved only at his direction.
(s) Except in emergencies, timbers and other materials not necessary
for, or not incident to, the operation of locomotives, cutting machines,
loading machines, and coal-drilling machines shall not be transported on
such equipment."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"15. (a) On all single-track haulage roads, where hauling is done by
machinery, which roads the persons employed in the mine must use while
performing their work or travel on foot to and from their work, there shall
be places of refuge on one side not less than 3 ft. in depth from the side of
the car, and not less than 4 ft. long and 5 ft. in height and not more than
60 ft. apart. On all such roads constructed after the passage of this Act,
the refuge places shall be placed on the opposite side from the electric power
wire. On rope-haulage roads, means of signalling shall be established
between the haulage engineer and all points on the road. A conspicuous
light shall be carried on the front, and a gong, conspicuous red light or
white signal board on the rear of every trip or train of pit cars moved by
machinery.
162
v m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
Where man-trips are operated there shall be, on one side of man-trips,
where men get on and off man-trips, a place at least 3 ft. from rail free from
obstruction the full distance of man-trips.
(b) On all haulage roads on which the hauling is done by draft animals,
whereon men are obliged to be in the performance of their duties or have to
pass to and from their work, there shall be places of refuge not less than
2 % ft- " i width from the side of the car, and not less than 4 ft. long and 5 ft.
in height, and not more than 60 ft. apart.
(c) Refuge places shall not be required in entries on which room-necks
a t regular intervals not exceeding 60 ft. furnish the required refuge places.
(d) All places of refuge must be kept clear of obstructions and no
material shall be stored or be allowed to accumulate therein.
(e) One side of all haulage roads shall be kept clear of refuse or materials,
except timbering, unless the rib or timbering on such side shall be 2 % ftor more from the rail, but in such case materials or refuse shall not be permitted within 2 % ft. of the rail.
16. (a) When there is a n open hook coupling on either end of the car,
the hook and links must be attached so that, when hanging down, the
coupling will be clear of the ties and rails.
(b) I n mines opened after the passage of this Act all mine cars shall be
equipped with a bumper or bumpers on each end, which shall project from
beyond the end of the car not less than 4 in. in length. This shall not be
held to apply to mines employing ten men or less. "
™'
v J *
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1101. (a) I n any coal mine all entries, tunnels and slopes used both
for the travel of men and for animal or mechanical haulage shall be provided
with shelter holes a t intervals not exceeding 100 ft. ; the shelter holes shall
not be less than 4 ft. high, 4 ft. deep and 4 ft. wide and approximately
level with the road, and shall be kept whitewashed or otherwise well marked
and free from debris. Provided that where the clearance between mine car
or locomotive and the rib is 4 ft. or more, shelter holes will not be required,
provided the clearance space between track and rib is kept free of debris.
And provided t h a t cross-cut or room-necks will answer in lieu of the shelter
hole requirement provided that they are properly accessible and free of
debris and a t intervals not exceeding 100 ft.
(b) On haulage roads hereafter constructed and not used as mantravelling ways there shall be a clearance space between mine car and rib
of at least 3 ft. unless shelter holes or their equivalent at 100 ft. intervals
are provided.
1103. Switch-levers underground shall be installed in such manner so
to avoid danger of men tripping over them. Frogs and guard-rails shall
be properly blocked.
1107. On main haulage the front end of all underground trips or trains
pushed by locomotive or hauled by other mechanical means shall be provided
with an efficient light ; a light shall be displayed on the rear of any trip
or train on main haulage.
1109. Jumping off of moving locomotives to throw switches or open
doors, and the coupling and uncoupling of cars in motion, are prohibited."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 6 . The superintendent shall provide a safety catch, or other safety
device, to be placed on the rear end of the rear car of full trips that are being
1. GENERAL
163
hoisted up slopes, and he shall also provide signals approved by the Secretary
of Mines to be carried on the last car of all trips pulled and the first car of
all trips pushed in the mines by locomotives of any kind. He shall also
provide headlights, alarm bells, and rerailing devices for all locomotives
used in mines, and it shall be the duty of the superintendent to see to it
that such safety devices and signals are placed and used in t h e manner
stated."
(A 9.6.1911, art. Ill)
" 8 . The mine foreman shall see t h a t on all animal hauling roads, in
entries driven after the passage of this amendment ', holes for shelter shall
be cut into the strata, not less than 4 ft. deep and not more than 4 ft. wide,
and level with the road, at least every 30 yd., and kept whitewashed and
clear of obstruction, except in entries from which rooms are driven at
regular intervals not exceeding 90 ft. : Provided t h a t the entrance to each
room be kept clear of obstruction for a distance of 6 ft. On all hauling
roads, in entries driven after the passage of this amendment, on which
hauling is done by machinery, shelter holes shall be cut into the strata,
not less than 4 ft. deep and not more than 4 ft. wide, and level with the
road, and not more than 15 yd. apart ; and said shelter holes shall be kept
whitewashed and clear of obstruction except in entries from which rooms
are opened at regular intervals not exceeding 45 ft. : Provided that the
entrance to such rooms be kept clear of obstruction for a distance of 6 ft.
All shelter holes shall be made on the same side of the entry. All entries
driven after the passage of this Act shall have a clear space of 2 % ft- from
the side of the car to the rib, which shall be made and continued throughout
on one side of the entry, if in the judgment of the inspector the condition
of the roof will permit, and shall be kept clear of obstruction. "
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
"Duties of Driver
Rule 2. When a driver has occasion to leave his trip he must be careful
to see that it is left, when possible, in a safe place, secure from ears or other
dangers, and where it will not endanger the drivers of other trips or other
persons.
He must take care while taking his trip down grade to have the brakes
or sprags so adjusted that he can keep the cars under control, and prevent
them from running over himself or others.
He shall not leave any cars standing where they may materially obstruct
the ventilating current, except in case of accident, which he shall promptly
report to the mine foreman or assistant mine foreman.
He shall not allow any person to ride on loaded mine cars. He shall
not allow any person to drive his horses or mules in his stead. When it is
his duty to open a door for the purpose of passing his trip through he shall
see t h a t the door is immediately closed thereafter.
Duties of
Trip-Rider
Rule 3. The trip-rider shall exercise care in seeing t h a t all hitchings are
safe for use and that all the trip is coupled before starting, and should he at
any time see any material defect in the rope, link or chain he shall immediately remedy said defect, or, if he is unable to do so, he shall detain the trip
and report the matter to the mine foreman or assistant mine foreman.
He shall not allow any person to ride on the full trip. He shall not allow
any person to ride on the empty trip, except by the authority of the mine
foreman, and the speed shall not exceed six mUes an hour. "
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
1
Dated 1 July 1937.
164
VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : G E N E R A L PROVISIONS
CANADA
Alberta
"137. (1) Every locomotive in use underground shall be provided
with proper lamps or headlights and also a whistle or alarm which shall
be sounded when a n y person is ahead and it shall also be sounded frequently
when the locomotive is approaching or working near partings, switches,
curves, doors or landings.
(3) No locomotive shall be operated underground at a speed exceeding
six miles per hour without permission in writing from the District Inspector."
(A 1945)
GERMANY
"40. (1) Underground, only locomotives of a type authorised by the
Divisional Mining Office shall be employed.
(2) Alterations to locomotives, even to individual structural parts,
shall not be allowed. I n maintenance work only spare parts furnished by
the maker or parts equivalent to these shall be used.
(3) Haulage with compressed-air and diesel locomotives shall require
the authorisation of the District Mining Office, and haulage with other
locomotives the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office.
40a. (1) I n main haulage roads newly constructed or reconstructed
for locomotive operation, the clearance between the sides, supports or
piping, if not on t h e ground, and the locomotive profile shall be at least
30 cm. The District Mining Office may authorise exceptions.
(2) Ventilation doors in main haulage roads shall be provided with
mechanical openers and with a conspicuous coating or luminous strips.
406. (1) Only the maximum number of loaded or empty cars fixed
by the manager shall be coupled to the locomotive. This number shall be
indicated on the locomotive in a durable manner.
(2) During the run, on the locomotive a searchlight with a dimming
device shall shine ahead and an easily visible white steady light shall shine
behind. If one or more cars carrying persons are hauled with the set, a
blue light shall also shine in the direction of travel.
(3) Bogies and also tubs loaded with long material shall not be coupled
immediately behind the locomotive.
(4) At the end of every set a red lamp visible on all sides shall be
attached.
40c. (1) Except during shunting operations the locomotive shall
always run at the head of the set. Pushing the set during shunting shall
only be allowed a t a walking pace and if a man walks in front of the set
to warn the locomotive driver and other persons.
(2) Tubs or sets shall only be coupled or uncoupled while the locomotive
is stationary. The locomotive shall only be coupled to the set after all
the tubs have been coupled together. Except in shunting, the tubs and
the locomotive shall be coupled together before they move.
(3) Pushing beams shall not be used in shunting tubs. Chains used
for hauling tubs on an adjacent track shall be equipped with devices
that cannot come away during hauling.
40d. (1) Locomotives shall only be driven by locomotive drivers, and for
purposes of instruction also by supervisors of mechanical operations, and
for testing by persons responsible for maintenance.
2. LOCOMOTIVE HAUIAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS
165
(2) On the driver's seat of the locomotive no one shall ride except the
locomotive driver on duty. Exceptions shall only be allowed for the
training of locomotive drivers.
(3) On the spare seat only persons employed on locomotive operations,
supervisors, sick persons, injured persons and such persons as are authorised
to do so by a supervisor shall ride, but there shall only be one person on
each seat.
(4) Climbing on and off drivers' and spare seats while the locomotive
is moving shall be prohibited.
40e. Shunters, pointsmen and couplers shall give audible or visible
signals for the movements of the locomotive. Audible signals shall be
given with a signal whistle, and visible signals by movements with a lighted
lamp as follows :
[Signal code omitted.]
40/. (1) The locomotive driver shall operate the locomotive from his
seat, and during operation shall keep the road in the direction of travel
constantly under observation. When meeting persons or passenger trains
he shall give a warning by means of an audible signal. The driver shall
also give warning signals before passing through ventilation doors, stations,
junctions and curves partly out of sight, and also whenever he is about
to start.
(2) The permissible maximum speed shall not be exceeded.
(3) At curves, points, stations and stretches partly out of sight, when
passing through ventilation doors and when meeting persons or passenger
trains the speed shall be low.
(4) When meeting other locomotives or persons the locomotive driver
shall dim the lights.
(5) The forcing of points, except spring or snap points shall be prohibited.
(6) The locomotive driver shall carry a portable mine lamp with him.
(7) On trolley-wire roads, in the case of incidents (e.g., derailments,
collisions) the remedying of which involves a danger of contact with the
trolley-wire, the locomotive driver shall immediately make the trolleywire dead by means of the short-circuiting device or other remote circuitbreaker. Before beginning rerailing or clearing-up operations, t h e locomotive driver shall open the nearest road-disconnecting switch in t h e direction of the source of current.
40g. (1) When leaving the locomotive, the locomotive driver, with
the help of the equipment provided for this purpose, shall so block the
locomotive t h a t it cannot be set in motion by unauthorised persons or
start by itself.
(2) Locomotives ready to travel shall only remain unattended in the
locomotive sheds or repair shops.
(3) The locomotive sheds and repair shops shall be closed when persons
are not employed therein. Admittance of unauthorised persons shall be
prohibited.
40/i. (1) Persons entrusted with the operation and servicing of locomotives shall be at least 18 years old and be instructed in their service
obligations in conformity with the requirements of section 40-i. They
shall have been employed at least six months underground, of which a t
least two months on haulage.
(2) Only such persons shall be employed as locomotive drivers as have
been tested by the District Mining Office and made responsible (verpflichtet).
40¿. The manager or a supervisor authorised by him shall instruct
the locomotive drivers and the persons employed in locomotive operations
in their service obligations, and against receipt hand them service instructions approved by the District Mining Office.
166
VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
40;'. (1) Locomotive drivers and other persons employed in locomotive operations shall immediately report all defects noticed on the
locomotives and the equipment used in their operation, and also on the
locomotive roads, to the nearest available supervisor. Supervisors shall
immediately take steps to remedy the defects or shall immediately stop locomotive operation a t the places concerned.
(2) Damaged locomotives and tubs shall be taken out of operation."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
Note : The Dortmund Divisional Office has issued instructional rules
for mine locomotives, dated 11 J u n e 1954.
NETHERLANDS
"Provisions Applying
to Transport by Means of Petrol, Battery, Diesel and
Compressed-air Locomotives
39. (1) The engine-driver's stand shall be so installed that from it
he can see the road to be travelled.
(2) The locomotive shall be provided with a powerful acoustic signalling
device and powerful brakes in good working order.
40. (1) Whenever the locomotive is in operation, it shall carry a
lamp with a reflector throwing a good light forwards and, on the rear end
of the last tub or on the last tub itself, a bright lamp throwing a red light
rearwards shall be fitted. In addition, the motorman shall have in his
possession one of the safety lamps used in the mine.
(2) Except during shunting operations the locomotive shall always run
in front.
(3) Shunting operatings in unlit stone drifts or roads in which the locomotive does not r u n in front shall only be carried out by the engine-driver
in accordance with signals received from the person in charge of shunting
operations.
(4) I n the case of the shunting operations referred to in the preceding
subsection, on the front end of the first t u b , or on the first tub itself, there
shall be a bright lamp throwing a red light forwards.
(5) On the same route, mechanical haulage and animal haulage shall
not take place simultaneously.
41. I t shall be prohibited to ride on a loaded tub.
42. Mechanical haulage may be carried on a t a speed of 4 m/sec. except
in the following cases :
fa) on single-track stone drifts and roads, unless there is an adequately
wide footpath alongside the track, the speed shall not exceed 2 m/sec. ;
(b) whenever on double-track roads there is no footpath and persons are
present, such persons shall on each occasion be passed slowly and at
a speed not exceeding 1 m/sec. ;
(c) on curves and when passing over switches the speed shall not exceed
2 m/sec.
43. The tracks used for mechanical haulage and the timbering, as well
as the roof of the stone drifts or roads in which such haulage is carried on
shall be carefully examined daily by a person specially appointed for the
purpose.
44. The locomotive shall only be started and operated by the qualified
person who has taken his place on the locomotive.
45. (1) The minding and operation of the locomotive shall only be
entrusted to persons specially appointed for the purpose. These persons
shall be adult (the operation of compressed-air locomotives may be entrusted
2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS
167
to persons at least 18 years old) and fully acquainted with their duties, and
equal to their task in all respects.
(2) The engine-drivers shall be instructed in writing in all matters of
importance for safety. These instructions shall be brought to the notice of
the Inspector-General of Mines.
46. (I) The stone drifts and roads in which locomotive haulage is carried on shall, as an general rule, have throughout an adequately unobstructed
cross-section. Where this is not the case—
(a) recesses shall be made in a suitable manner in the side in order to
permit safe passing of tubs ;
( b) measures shall be taken to avoid the harmful consequences of derailment of mine tubs such as knocking down of timbering.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to deposit objects in the recesses referred to
in the preceding subsection.
(3) I n the stone drifts and roads referred to in subsection (1), material
shall only be so deposited that it cannot be caught by the locomotive or
tubs of a passing train.
47. (1) Except with the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines
it shall be prohibited to push ventilation doors open with a locomotive.
(2) If a ventilation door of a single-track stone drift or road is automatically opened, there shall be a separate and suitably laid footpath, unless
an efficient automatic warning device is provided or the approach of the
locomotive is clearly visible.
(3) On a double-track stone drift or road the movement of persons on
foot shall be suitably announced.
48. (1) During the movement of persons on foot and the transport
of persons on the change of shifts no transport of material by means of
locomotives shall take place.
(2) During the time referred to in subsection (1) empty trains running
from the shaft may run at a speed not exceeding 2 m/sec, except on singletrack stone drifts or roads not provided with an adequately broad footpath
along the track, where the speed shall not exceed 1 m/sec.
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply if there is
no movement of persons on foot at the place concerned and the transport of
persons is carried on in special passenger tubs.
49. Where the movement of persons on foot simultaneously with
locomotive transport is prohibited, this shall be made known by a clear
and distinctly visible notice board.
50. If the train has a conductor, the conductor shall be carried in a
manner that ensures his safety."
J
(IGR 42)
SOUTH AFRICA
"42. No person shall be placed in charge of a locomotive engine used on
or in a mine or works whilst used for the conveyance of persons other than
those required for the working of the locomotive or train unless he is the
holder of a locomotive engine-driver's certificate . . . . "
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"Design of Locomotives and Selection of Roads
4. (1) No locomotive for which motive power is supplied by electric
power on the trolley-wire system, or by any internal-combustion engine
other than a diesel engine, shall be used in any mine except with the consent
168
Vin. HAULAGE Oî" MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
of the Minister ; but, save as aforesaid and subject to the provisions of
these regulations, any locomotive mentioned in subsection (1) of section 58
of the Act 1 may be so used with the consent of the Inspector of the Division.
(2) Where any consent of an inspector of a division under the foregoing
paragraph is withheld, or where such a consent is after being granted withdrawn, the manager may refer the matter to be determined in manner
provided under the Act for settling disputes.
5. (1) No locomotive shall be used in any mine unless it is constructed
in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.
(2) The locomotive and each of its accessories shall, so far as practicable, be so constructed of non-inflammable material that no risk of fire is
created ; and any inflammable material shall, unless the Minister approves
otherwise, be shrouded with a substantial metallic covering.
(3) If motive power is supplied by an internal combustion engine,
effective provision shall be made so that—
(a) air entering the engine is cleaned ;
(b) exhaust gases are cooled and diluted ; and
(c) the emission of flame or sparks is prevented.
(4) I n any mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are required
by the Act or the regulations of the mine to be used (otherwise than in an
intake airway more than 300 yd. from the face) any locomotive shall, in so
far as concerns the matters aforesaid and the construction of the locomotive
to prevent the ignition of inflammable gas present in the air, be of a type
approved by the Minister.
6. That part of every storage battery locomotive in which the battery
is carried shall be so designed and constructed as to resist rough usage and
to be properly ventilated.
7. Every locomotive used in any mine shall be provided with—
a braking system which can, whether or not any other device for
applying the brakes is fitted, be applied by direct mechanical action ;
(b) means for applying sand to the rails ;
(c) unless the locomotive cannot develop more than 25 horsepower and
cannot on a level road exceed a speed of eight miles per hour, or was
in use before the date of the coming into operation of these regulations
and cannot reasonably be so provided, a combined-speed-and-mileage
indicator so placed as to be readily seen by the driver ;
(d) a headlight capable of showing any obstruction in the road ahead
within 200 ft. of the locomotive :
Provided t h a t where any locomotive in use at the date aforesaid had
before t h a t date been equipped with a headlight, that locomotive may
with the consent of the Inspector of the Division b e used as so equipped ;
fej an adequate warning signal ;
(f) a suitable portable fire extinguisher ;
(g) a seat for the driver ; and such an arrangement of the controls that
the driver can see ahead without leaning out of the locomotive ;
(h) a portable lamp for use in emergency.
(a)
8. No locomotive shall be used where the gradient exceeds one in 15.
9. (1) The provisions of this regulation shall apply to any road in
which a locomotive is used, so however that the Inspector of the Division
may grant exemption from any of them where compliance is not reasonably
practicable or not requisite for safety.
(2) The track shall be ballasted, and where necessary drained.
' Coal Mines Act, 1911.
2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS
169
(3) The weight of rail per yard of rail shall not be less—
if the road is used only for the carriage or haulage of stores or supplies
for the working of the mine and no locomotive therein exceeds five
tons in weight, than 28 lb. ;
(b) in any other case, than 40 lb. or 10 lb. with an addition of 5 lb. for
each ton of weight on one pair of wheels, whichever is the greater.
(•4) Every track shall be so constructed that—
(a) the distance between the centres of adjacent sleepers does not exceed
2 ft. 9 in. ;
(b) rail joints are secured by suitable fish-plates having a t least four bolts.
(5) Curves shall be of such radius as is safe ; and either or both of the
following precautions shall where necessary be taken—that is to say, raising
of the outer rail and provision of a check-rail.
(6) No locomotive shall be used in any road where there are not, after
allowing for swing of the locomotive and trucks, clear spaces not less in
extent than the following, that is to say—
(a) below the roof or its supports—•
(i) if the locomotive is fitted with a covered cab, 1 ft. ;
(ii) in any other case, so much as to enable the driver to stand upright
in the locomotive ;
(b) on that side of the track on which refuge holes are provided, 2 ft. ;
(c) on the side of the track opposite to the refuge holes—
(i) where there are not more than two tracks, 1 ft. ;
(ii) in any other case, 2 ft. ;
(d) between any two adjacent tracks (if there are more tracks than one)
so much as to afford a clearance of at least 1 ft. between any locomotive
or truck on one and any locomotive or truck on the other of them.
(a)
10. The manager shall—
determine in respect of each road the maximum load to be hauled
by any locomotive and the maximum speed of any train ; and cause
notices specifying the same to be posted a t appropriate places ;
(b) cause warning notices drawing attention to any necessary precautions
to be posted in the roads at appropriate places ; and
(c) give to each driver directions in writing with respect to loads, speed
and all precautions necessary for safe running.
(a)
Ventilation
11. In every mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are required
by the Act or the regulations of the mine to be used, determinations shall
be made in accordance with the provisions of the four next following regulations of the firedamp content in every road or part of a road in which any
locomotive is used :
Provided t h a t the Inspector of the Division may exempt from the
requirements of this regulation any road or part of a road in which he is
satisfied that the normal firedamp content is not such as to make regular
determinations necessary : and
Provided also that in any main intake airway beginning at a shaft or
outlet to the surface, no determination need be made at any point more
than 300 yd. from any face.
12. Determinations shall be made by a competent person appointed in
writing by the manager who shall—
(a) use apparatus of a type approved by the Minister ; or
(b) take samples of air, which shall be analysed within four days of being
taken.
170
VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
13. The points at which determinations are made shall be—
at each end of each road or part of a road in which any locomotive is
used ;
( b) at such other points as may be fixed by the manager ; so however that
the manager shall, if the Inspector of the Division so requires, vary any
point so fixed or fix one or more additional points.
14. (1) Subject to the provisions of the next following paragraph,
determinations at each place shall be made once a t least in every week at
the time when the firedamp content is likely to be greatest, so however that,
•when at any place—
(a) a firedamp content exceeding 0.8 per cent, is shown, determinations at
that place shall be made a t intervals not exceeding 24 hours for so
long as the firedamp content shown at that place exceeds 0.8 per cent.,
and for the seven next following working days ; and
(b) no determination has during the last preceding month shown a firedamp
content exceeding—
(i) in the case of an intake airway, 0.2 per cent. ;
(ii) in the case of a return airway, 0.6 per cent. ;
determinations may be made at that place once in every month.
(2) Where any alteration in any ventilating arrangements is likely to
affect substantially the quantity of air circulating in any road or part of
a road in which any locomotive is used, determinations shall be made therein
as soon as practicable after the said alteration.
fa)
15. Particulars of every determination made shall be recorded forthwith in a book to b e kept a t the mine for the purpose.
16. Where at any place a determination shows a firedamp content
exceeding 1% per cent., or any indication of inflammable gas is shown in
any flame safety lamp—
(a) the person making that determination, or the person using the lamp,
as the case may be, shall immediately inform the official in charge
of the district, who shall after verifying the presence of inflammable
gas as aforesaid discontinue the use of every locomotive in that part
of the road ;
(b) no locomotive shall after the said discontinuance be used in that part
of the road except by direction of the manager when the manager is
satisfied t h a t the firedamp content therein has been reduced below
1/4 P e r cent. ;
(c) the manager shall as soon as practicable report the said discontinuance
to the Inspector of the Division.
Working of Locomotives and
Engines
17. (1) Each haulage road in which any locomotive is used in any mine
shall be placed in the charge of a competent person appointed in writing
by the manager.
(2) Once a t least in every 24 hours each such road shall be inspected
by, or under the supervision of, the person aforesaid with particular
regard to—
(a) clearance and freedom from obstructions ;
( b) the state of t h e track ;
(c) the state of t h e roof and sides ;
(d) ventilation a n d absence of inflammable gas ;
(e) coal dust ;
(fj general safety.
2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS
171
18. (1) Once at least in every 24 hours each locomotive in any mine
shall be examined b y a competent person appointed in writing by the
manager.
(2) Once a t least in every seven days each such locomotive shall be
examined by an electrician and mechanic, appointed in writing by the
manager, who shall ensure that—
(a) every part requiring to be cleaned is properly cleaned ;
(b) the locomotive is in all respects in proper working order.
19. (1) Once at least in every seven days the braking system of each
locomotive in any mine shall be examined and tested by a competent person
appointed in writing by the manager ; and the said test shall include applications of the brakes—
(a) when the locomotive is moving, by direct mechanical action and by
each other means provided ; and
(b) when the locomotive is a t rest with the engine stopped, by a n y means
provided other than direct mechanical action and for a period of a t
least ten minutes.
(2) Immediately after any repairs or adjustment to the braking system
of any locomotive, an examination and test shall be made as provided in
the foregoing paragraph.
20. Any person making any inspection, examination or test in pursuance
of the three last foregoing regulations shall forthwith record particulars
thereof in a book to be kept a t the mine for the purpose.
21. No locomotive shall be used in any mine if—
(a) it has any defect liable to affect its safe running ; or
( b) it is not maintained in proper working order or replenished with all
necessary oil and consumable stores.
22. Any protective device, fitted to an exhaust opening of an internalcombustion engine shall whenever necessary, and in any event not less
often than once in every period of 24 hours during which the engine has
been run (or, if, in relation to any specified device, the Minister has specified
longer periods, not less often than once in every such period), be thoroughly
cleaned or replaced by a like device in clean condition.
23. (1) No locomotive shall in any mine be operated, except for repairs
or tests, otherwise than by an appointed driver, being a person certified
to be competent without supervision to drive a locomotive of the type
concerned, and, if the locomotive is used for the haulage of persons, a
person not less than 21 years of age.
(2) I n this regulation the expression 'appointed driver' means a person
appointed by the manager to be a driver of locomotives ; and the expression
'certified' means certified by the person appointed by the manager to supervise the competence of all drivers of locomotives in that mine.
24. (1) Except during shunting operations—
(a) no locomotive shall be used in any mine for moving any truck otherwise than by hauling from in front ;
(b) no truck containing timber or other materials exceeding in length the
length of the truck shall be coupled next to the locomotive or to any
truck in which any person is being conveyed.
(2) A red light visible a t a distance of 200 ft. shall be attached at the
rear of the last truck of each train in any mine, and at the rear of each
unattached locomotive.
25. Except with the permission of the manager, no person shall be on
any locomotivo in any mine when it is in motion unless he is—
(a) the driver of the locomotive ; or
( b) a person engaged in shunting operations for which the locomotive is
a t the time being used ; or
12
172
VUE. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
a person appointed under regulation 23 of the General Regulations 1 to
accompany a n d have charge of a train drawn by the locomotive ; or
(d) a person engaged in maintaining or testing the locomotive.
26. The driver of a locomotive shall not leave it unattended away from
the place where it is housed when not in use, unless he has ensured that
it cannot be set in motion by any unauthorised person."
(R 24.3.1949)
(c)
TOOTED STATES
Federal
"78. Every mine locomotive shall be provided with an efficient headlight
and a gong or bell.
79. In any mine which is termed gassy or in which more than onefourth of 1 per cent, of flammable gas is found in the moving air current
non-permissible locomotives may be used only in entries or passageways
ventilated by intake air, and for hauling coal from the face to the back or
parallel entry."
(R 23.12.1937)
New Mexico
"1803. No fuel-burning locomotive or engine of any kind shall be permitted underground without a written exemption issued by the mine
inspector."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"Rule 5. The motorman or locomotive engineer shall keep a sharp
look-out ahead, and sound the whistle or alarm bell frequently when coming
near the parting switches or landings, and shall not exceed the speed allowed
by the mine foreman. He shall see that the motors, cables, and controlling
parts are kept clean and in a safe operating condition, and that the headlight is burning properly when the locomotive is in motion. He shall not
allow any person except his assistant to ride on the locomotive or on the
full cars, and it shall be unlawful for any motorman to operate a locomotive
in gathering service without an assistant, except when written permission
is given by the inspector of the district to do otherwise, which written
permission may be modified or withdrawn at the pleasure of the inspector.
Gathering service shall include all shuttling of mine cars before trains are
consolidated on a main parting.
Rule 30. When a steam locomotive is used for the purpose of hauling
coal out of a mine, the tunnel or tunnels through which the locomotive passes
shall be properly ventilated and kept free as far as practicable of noxious
gases, and a ventilating apparatus shall be specially provided by the operator t o produce such ventilation."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
3. P E T R O L LOCOMOTIVES
NETHERLANDS
" 1 . The transport of petrol underground shall not take place otherwise
than in tank cars specially constructed for the purpose and possessing
adequate strength, or in adequately strong tanks fixed on transport cars.
• See Chapter IX, Division 2.
3. PETBOL LOCOMOTIVES
173
The petrol containers in such cases shall be so locked that they cannot be
opened by unauthorised persons except with the use of force.
2. Every opening towards the exterior in the petrol containers shall
be provided either with an adequate number of metal gauze sheets which
shall have a mesh area not exceeding 0.25 m m 2 and be made of metal wire
of a uniform thickness between 0.30 and 0.42 mm, or with other devices
whereby the propagation of flames to the exterior is adequately prevented.
During transport all these openings, irrespective of whether the petrol
container is full or empty, shall be closed airtight.
3. (1) The transfer of petrol underground from the transport cars to
the petrol tanks of the locomotives or, if this is for any reason necessary,
from the petrol tanks of the locomotives, shall not be effected otherwise
than in filling rooms specially equipped for the purpose.
(2) The filling devices shall be so constructed that dripping of petrol
is avoided and in particular the floor cannot be soaked in petrol. I n addition
the construction of the filling devices shall be such that during filling the
escape of petrol vapours in the filling rooms and overflowing of the petrol
tanks of the locomotives are prevented.
4. (1) The filling rooms shall not be entered with a lighted petrol lamp.
They shall be constructed fireproof and explosion-proof, and shall be so
installed that all openings from the outside shall be capable of being closed
without danger to persons. The adjacent roads and spaces shall be fireproof to a distance of 10 m from the approaches to the filling rooms. In the
case of an outbreak of fire all the above-mentioned openings of the filling
rooms shall be immediately closed airtight ; the devices which serve for this
purpose (such as doors, shutters, hatches, etc.) shall be fireproof and of
strong construction. The access doors shall be so installed that they can
only be opened outwards.
(2) At the places where the locomotives and transport cars stand during
the transfer of petrol, pits with impermeable walls shall be installed between
the rails having such capacity that each of them can hold the contents
of one transport car. Devices shall be provided that are capable of removing
safely the gases that may accumulate in these pits.
(3) The filling rooms shall be continuously ventilated in such a way
that no accumulation of petrol vapour can occur. The air used for ventilating
the filling rooms shall be led off by the shortest possible route and shall not
be further used for ventilation purposes. I n every filling room an adequate
quantity of sand in a bucket, and a shovel, shall be kept in readiness for
immediate use. Access to the filling rooms shall be strictly prohibited to
unauthorised persons ; the access openings shall be closed by means of a lock
whenever no one is inside.
5. The places that may be installed for the housing of locomotives and
petrol cars shall comply with the requirements laid down in the preceding
section for filling rooms.
6. The petrol tank of the locomotive shall be so installed t h a t it is, as
far as possible, immune from mechanical damage ; the tank shall be permanently and rigidly connected to the locomotive and be provided with a
gauge glass that is adequately protected against breakage. All openings in
the tank shall, in the manner prescribed in section 2, be provided with
devices that adequately prevent the propagation of flames.
7. The outlets both of the air-intake pipe and of the exhaust pipe shall
be outside the locomotive. These outlets shall, also in the manner prescribed in section 2, be provided with devices that adequately prevent the
propagation of flames. These devices shall be so installed t h a t they can
easily be removed and tested, and are adequately protected against mechanical damage.
8. The ignition of the petrol shall be so effected that the sparks generated by the igniter can only be formed in the motor cylinder and that
174
V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
reaction of the explosion on the contents of the petrol tank is excluded. The
leads used for ignition shall be insulated and in such a manner that nowhere
can a short circuit occur.
9. (1) The regulators for ignition shall be so constructed that the products of combustion contain only harmless quantities of flammable vapours.
(2) The devices for cooling the combustion gases shall be so constructed
and the cooling water shall be so frequently renewed t h a t in normal operation
the combustion products do not develop a temperature exceeding 40° C.
(3) I n the walls of the locomotive casing an adequate number of ventilation openings shall be provided in such a manner t h a t an accumulation of
flammable vapours in the inside cannot occur.
10. Under the motorman's stand, or at another place suitable for the
purpose, a bucket shall be provided in which cloths of tightly woven material
or other equally efficient means for the smothering of any flames t h a t may
occur shall be kept in readiness.
11. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive
shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. In addition,
every locomotive shall a t least once a week be thoroughly examined by an
expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered b y the said expert in a register to be kept specially
for the purpose, and shall be signed.
(2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use if serious defects
of any kind develop, and in particular when leaks occur whereby petrol
can escape, or air or vapours penetrate.
(3) During a temporary stoppage a locomotive that is not in a depot
or a filling room equipped for the purpose shall not be left without supervision.
12. Mechanical transport shall be immediately stopped whenever it is
found that the air in the roads through which the locomotive travels contains
more than 1% per cent, firedamp.
13. The minding of both filled and empty petrol cars underground and
the transfer of petrol to or from the tanks fitted on the locomotive shall only
be entrusted to persons specifically appointed for the purpose. These
persons shall be adult and adequately instructed concerning their duties,
and be equal to their task in all respects. They shall be kept adequately
informed concerning the properties and the dangers of petrol and also concerning the course of action to be taken in the event of a fire. The names
of these persons shall be recorded in the register referred to in section 11,
subsection (1).
14. All stone drifts and roads in which the locomotive travels or remains
shall be included in the system of general ventilation.
15. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers and
regularly removed from the mine.
16. The ignition apparatus of the locomotive shall not be tested in the
mine."
(IGR 42)
4. D I E S E L LOCOMOTIVES
BELGIUM
"Chapter I. Prohibitions—Conditions
of
Authorisation
1. The use of explosion or internal-combustion engines other than diesel
engines shall be prohibited in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries.
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
175
2. The use of mobile or stationary diesel engines 1 shall be subject to the
conditions laid down in the present order.
3. Diesel engines installed or used in the underground workings of mines
and underground quarries shall form the subject of an annual notification
addressed to the Divisional Director of the mining region. This notification
shall indicate the nature, power in kW, use, manufacturer's name, manufacturer's number and, if appropriate, the date and number of the decision
approving each of the types of engine in use or in reserve.
I t shall also furnish a detailed description of the sites of the stationary
engines and the locomotive sheds t h a t will be installed in the course of the
year, and the new routes and extensions of existing routes of the locomotives
in service.
To the annual notification shall be attached detailed plans, on a suitable
scale, of these sites or sheds, as well as a general plan showing the entire
system of roads served by locomotives, with an indication of new routes.
The notification shall give the situation on 31 December of the year and
shall be despatched during the first quarter of the next year; receipt shall
be acknowledged by the Divisional Director of the mining region.
Chapter II. Mobile Engines
Installations.
4. The roads along which the locomotives run shall have a t least a width
of 1.70 m at the height of the top rim of the cars, and a useful height of
1.80 m above the outside rails. They shall be maintained in perfect condition.
All measures shall be taken to ensure that, a t any point along the route of
the locomotives and throughout the entire period of their use, no part of the
locomotive or of loaded rolling stock is less than 25 cm from—
(a) the sides or the supports of the roads ;
(b) the intermediate uprights, if any, of the supports ;
(c) any installation (door frames, ducts, electric cables, piping, etc.)
or any permanent or provisional store of objects of any kind ;
(d) the clearance gauge of another locomotive or of a vehicle coupled or
loaded a t passing places.
5. The dimensions of the rails, their joins and their supports, shall
offer every guarantee of safety having regard to the weight and the speed
of the locomotives.
The switches shall be provided with a control device placed a t a distance
such that the switchman can operate it while keeping entirely outside the
clearance gauge of the rolling-stock.
6. If, on single-track roads, the shortest horizontal distance between
either side of the road and the locomotive or loaded vehicles is less than 60 cm,
there shall be excavated, a t intervals of 50 m, shelters 1.80 m high, 80 cm
wide and 60 cm deep where any person can take refuge.
These shelters shall be solidly supported by props and kept clear.
They shall be conspicuously indicated by signs.
7. The haulage roads shall be ventilated by a regular air current of
which the volume shall be a t least 100 litres per
second per kW of power
used. 3 This supply of air shall be at least 2 m 3 /sec. but shall not exceed
10 m /sec.
The locomotives shall only be used in roads where the firedamp content
of the air current is less then 1 per cent. The Divisional Director of the
mining region may require periodic analyses with due regard to the extent
and the nature of the emanation of firedamp.
If the ventilation is stopped or considerably reduced, the use of the
locomotives shall he immediately suspended and shall only be resumed
after the restoration of normal ventilation.
I.
1
For stationary engines see Chapter XX, Division 1.
176
Vni. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES
8. The locomotives shall be housed in a special shed that is sufficiently
spacious. The walls of the shed shall be lined with incombustible material
t o the exclusion of any other. The sides of all the roads leading to the shed
shall also be lined with incombustible material over a length of 5 m. The
timbering used for the temporary support of these sheds or roads shall
be completely removed when the definitive lining has been applied.
The floor of the shed shall be made impervious and so arranged as to
collect in an oil-tight sump any spillage of combustible oil. The shed shall
be provided with a n inspection pit of dimensions such that examination
of the locomotives can be carried out easily. This pit may be replaced by
a lifting appliance or by any other suitable device.
9. The sheds shall be well lighted by electric lamps. The lighting
installation shall consist entirely of flameproof equipment of approved
types. Portable lamps shall be of a type specified by ministerial decision.
10. The sheds shall be ventilated by fresh air in such a way that any
accumulation of harmful fumes or gases is avoided at all times. If the shed
is branched on to t h e main intake airway of the level, at least one isolating
door entirely of metal and fixed on a masonry abutment shall be provided
on each of the lengths of intake and return airway and as near as possible
to the shed. These doors, which shall be made airtight with particular care,
shall be provided with means of tightening them, preferably by screws,
so that they can be fixed on their frames from the outside.
If the air current t h a t has ventilated the shed returns directly to the
up-cast shaft, only the length of intake airway shall be provided with such
doors.
Normally the doors shall remain open ; they shall only be closed to isolate
the shed in case of fire.
11. Access t o locomotive sheds shall be strictly prohibited to unauthorised persons. This prohibition shall be made known by conspicuous notices.
When no one is in the shed the openings shall be closed by locked doors
other than the isolating doors referred to above, and in such a way that
the ventilation remains unchanged.
12. If the combustible oil is stored underground, it shall only be stored
in the shed and then only in barrels or metal containers that are quite
tight and closed. The quantity stored shall not exceed the consumption of
three working days but may, nevertheless, amount to 200 litres. The
transport of the combustible liquid shall be effected in conditions t o be
specified by the manager.
Arrangements shall be made to avoid any spillage of combustible liquid,
both during transport and during the filling of the locomotive tanks.
II. Use, Construction and
Maintenance.
13. Except at places where sets of cars are made up, locomotive haulage
shall be suspended in roads or parts of roads where transport is effected by
men or draft animals.
14. The only mobile explosion or internal-combustion engines allowed
to circulate in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries
shall be diesel locomotives of a type that satisfies the conditions laid down
b y the Minister and is approved by the Director-General of Mines.
The locomotives shall be provided with the indicator plate prescribed
b y the approved decision, and shall be constantly maintained in conformity
with the type approved.
Every locomotive shall also bear a distinctive serial number if the owner
possesses several locomotives.
(a)
15. Every locomotive shall be provided with the following equipment :
an effective quick-acting brake so arranged that the engine-driver
can operate it easily ;
i. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
(b)
(c)
177
an acoustic warning device ;
two electric lamps in front and two electric lamps a t the rear or one
electric searchlight in front and one electric searchlight a t the rear.
The lamps and searchlights shall be of an approved type.
The equipment of every locomotive shall also include a red lamp or some
other device which shall be placed on the last vehicle of each set. This lamp
or device shall be placed a t a height such that it can be seen, on a straight
length of road, both by the train driver and by any other vehicle driver following the train.
16. Every day the locomotives shall be taken to the shed and examined
there by an inspector. The inspector's examination shall be directed to the
essential mechanisms and safety mechanisms. Any defect in any one of
these mechanisms shall entail taking the locomotive out of use until repairs
have been made.
Every fortnight the head of the maintenance service shall have every
locomotive more thoroughly examined by a particularly qualified employee.
The locomotive shall be placed over the pit provided for in section 8 or
lifted by the device provided for in the same section. The result of the
examination shall be entered in a register kept specially for the locomotive.
17. Periodically, every locomotive shall be taken to the surface and
sent to the workshop to undergo a complete overhaul including the reconditioning of all worn mechanisms. The interval between two successive
overhauls shall not exceed 24 months.
I t shall not be necessary t o take the locomotives to the surface if an
underground workshop is available where dismantling and repairs are
feasible.
Chapter IV.
General Provisions
20. The training of engine-drivers shall be organised systematically.
The definite appointment of engine-drivers shall only be made after
they have passed a probationary period under supervision.
21. The operational measures and the precautions required for compliance
with the present regulations and, more generally, for the safety of the personnel shall form the subject of instructions.
These instructions shall relate in particular to the driving of locomotives,
shunting and signalling, and also to supervision of the working of stationary
engines.
Compliance with these instructions shall be verified by supervisory
officials.
22. The manager shall appoint the inspectors of locomotives and
stationary engines, and also the employees responsible for supervising the
training of locomotive drivers.
The manager shall issue the instructions.
The instructions shall be brought to the notice of the Divisional Director
of the mining region who, if appropriate, shall prescribe additional measures.
23. A sufficient supply of sand or loose earth shall be provided in the
immediate vicinity of locomotive sheds and inside chambers housing stationary engines.
Extinguishers, kept in good working order and easily accessible, shall
be placed inside these chambers and sheds and on all locomotives in use ;
on the locomotives there shall also be a thick blanket or a fireproof cloth
that enables any flames to be promptly smothered."
(RO 19.5.1952)
178
VH£. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
CANADA
Alberta
"Application.
2. These regulations apply to the installation and use of diesel locomotives in coal mines.
Permission to Use Diesel Locomotives.
3. A diesel locomotive shall not be used in a mine without the permission
in writing of the Director of Mines.
4. An application to the Director of Mines for permission to install
and operate a diesel locomotive in a mine shall be made in writing and shall
statefa^ the type of construction of t h e diesel locomotive ;
(b) the districts or sections of the mine in which the diesel locomotive will be
operated ;
(c) the maximum gradient of all proposed diesel haulage roads ;
(d) the quantity of air passing and the percentage of inflammable gas
present in the general body of the air, determined with an approved
gas-testing device other than a flame-type safety lamp on each shift
during a period of not less t h a n six consecutive working days closely
preceding the application, a t each end of a road on which a diesel
locomotive is t o be used and a t every intermediate point where air
from a split enters the road ; provided that, with respect to any main
intake airway commencing a t a shaft or outlet t o the surface, the
percentage of inflammable gas shall not be required to be determined
except within 300 yd. of the face ; and
(e) such further information as m a y be required by the Director of Mines
i n considering t h e application.
5. (1) The Director of Mines, upon considering the application, may
grant in writing the permission to operate a diesel locomotive on any roadway
either on the intake or return of any ventilating district specified in the
application, upon such terms and conditions and subject to such special
rules as he may prescribe, or he m a y refuse the application.
(2) The Director of Mines in his discretion at any time by notice in
writing may cancel permission granted pursuant to this section, or may
vary the terms, conditions and special rules prescribed.
Roadways.
6. (1) The track upon which a diesel locomotive is operated in a mine
shall have adequate strength and rigidity and shall be laid properly and
maintained so t h a t t h e locomotive and its full complement of load will be
supported with the maximum of safety at all times.
(2) Each curve shall be of such radius as is safe, and where necessary—
(a) the outer rail shall be raised ;
(b) a guard-rail shall be provided.
7. The clearance on all diesel-operated roads shall be adequate to prevent
the restriction of air currents and for the prevention of accidents.
Oas.
8. (1) The quantity of air passing and the percentage of inflammable
gas present in the general body of the air at each end of a road on which
a diesel locomotive is operated and a t such intermediate points as the manager or the District Inspector may specify, shall be determined a t least once
every week and in addition whenever any alteration is made in the quantity
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
179
of air circulating ; provided that, with respect to any main intake airway
commencing at a shaft or outlet to the surface, the percentage of inflammable
gas shall not be required to be determined except within 300 yd. of the face.
(2) If the percentage of inflammable gas in a test exceeds 0.75, determination shall be made at intervals not exceeding 24 hours for so long
as the percentage continues to exceed 0.75 and for a t least six working
days thereafter.
(3) The tests required by subsection (2) shall be made by a person
appointed in writing for t h a t purpose by the manager and a t t h e times
when the percentage of inflammable gas is likely to be greatest, and a
written record of the results shall be made to the manager and by the manager
to the District Inspector within seven days.
(4) If the percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body
of the air is found to exceed 1—
(a) the use of the locomotive shall be discontinued forthwith ;
(b) a report of the test shall be made to the manager and by the manager
to the District Inspector immediately ;
(c) use of the locomotive shall be resumed only after—
(i) steps have been taken to improve the ventilation,
(ii) it has been ascertained that the percentage of inflammable gas
present in the general body of the air does not exceed 1,
(iii) the District Inspector approves the resumption, and
(iv) the manager instructs the resumption.
(5) The owner, agent or manager shall report without delay to the
Director of Mines any instances in which the use of diesel locomotives is
discontinued because of the presence of inflammable gas.
Equipment and Maintenance.
9. Every diesel locomotive used shall be of a type and construction
which have been approved by the Director of Mines, and all parts of the
locomotive and its accessories shall be maintained properly in their designed
condition.
10. The exhaust from the engine of a diesel locomotive shall be fitted
with a flameproof trap to prevent the emission of sparks, flames, smoke,
noxious or toxic gases.
11. A diesel locomotive shall be provided with—
(a) a speed indicator so placed t h a t it may be seen readily by the driver,
unless permission to operate without a speed indicator is granted by
the Director of Mines ;
(b) an efficient headlight capable of showing obstructions 200 ft. ahead ;
and
(c) a suitable and efficient portable fire-extinguisher placed within easy
reach of the driver.
12. At least once in every day that a diesel locomotive is used—
(a) it shall be exammed by a capable person appointed in writing for the
purpose by the manager ;
(b) the flameproof trap fitted to the exhaust opening of the engine of the
locomotive shall be detached and replaced by a flameproof t r a p in
clean condition and where necessary the replacement shall be oftener.
13. (1) At least once in every week a diesel locomotive is used, it shall
be examined by a capable mechanic appointed in writing for that purpose
by the manager.
(2) The mechanic shall
(a) see that the locomotive in all respects is in proper working order ;
(b) see that the flameproof trap fitted t o the inlet opening of the engine
is kept clean.
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VHI. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON BO ADS AND INCLINES
14. (1) The braking system of every locomotive shall be maintained
in good working order.
(2) The braking system shall be examined and tested thoroughly by a
capable person appointed in writing for the purpose by the manager—
(a) at least once in every week ; and
(b) after repairs or adjustments have been made.
(3) The test shall include—
(a) an application of the brakes when the locomotive is moving; and
(b) a continuous application of the air brakes for a period of a t least ten
minutes with the engine stopped.
15. A report of each examination or test required by sections 12, 13
and 14 of these regulations shall be entered and signed by the person making
the examination or test in a book kept at the mine for that purpose.
16. A diesel locomotive shall not be used if it has any defects liable to
affect its safe operation.
Operation.
17. The driver of a diesel locomotive shall be trained thoroughly in the
operation of the unit.
18. (1) The manager shall determine—
(a) the maximum load to be hauled by each diesel locomotive;
( b) the maximum speed of trains on each road ; and
(o) all such other matters as are necessary to ensure the safe running of
trains.
(2) The manager shall cause to be posted a notice approved by the
District Inspector setting out the matters determined under subsection (1),
in the roadway wherever special precautions are necessary to ensure safe
operations.
19. A diesel locomotive shall not be overloaded under any circumstances.
20. The engine shall not be kept running while a locomotive is stationary,
unless there is a sufficient amount of ventilation passing to dilute, render
harmless and remove exhaust gases.
21. At least once in every month a sample of exhaust gas shall be taken
from each locomotive and shall be tested for carbon monoxide, and the locomotive shall be deemed to be defective if the undiluted exhaust gas contains
more than two parts per thousand of carbon monoxide.
22. The oil used as fuel in a diesel locomotive underground shall—
(a) have a flash-point of not less than 150° P., as certified by the refiner;
(b) be taken below ground only in sufficient quantity for one day's work,
unless permission to take in a larger quantity is obtained from the
District Inspector of Mines ;
(c) be taken below ground in strong metal receptacles which do not leak.
23. The diesel locomotive oil tanks shall be filled only at filling stations
authorised by the manager and approved by the District Inspector of Mines.
24. An underground filling station shall—
(a) have a floor of smooth concrete ;
(b) be ventilated by a through current of air ;
(c) be constructed of non-inflammable material and provided with fireproof doors opening outward ;
(d) contain adequate fire-fighting equipment in good working order
approved by the District Inspector.
25. (1) Adequate means shall be provided to prevent spillage of oil
during the filling of oil tanks.
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
181
(2) Any oil spilled shall be taken up with sand immediately and
deposited in a fireproof receptacle, and shall be removed from the mine
at suitable intervals not exceeding 24 hours.
(3) All empty oil-containers shall be taken out of the mine daily.
26. A copy of sections 22 to 25 of these regulations shall be kept posted
at each filling station.
General.
27. A diesel locomotive in a mine when not in use shall be housed in a
suitable housing station approved by the District Inspector of Mines.
28. No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other t h a n a locked
flame-type safety lamp or an adequately protected electric lamp or use any
means for igniting inflammable gas, in, or within 30 ft. of, a filling station,
whether above or below ground."
(R 24.8.1953)
FRANCE
"265. The use of liquid-fuel locomotives in the underground workings
shall be preceded by a notification to the district inspector of mines, specifying their conditions of use. Any substantial alterations in these conditions
shall immediately be recorded in a supplementary notification.
266. The fuel shall have a flash-point above 50° C.
The fuel shall only be taken into the mine in metal drums or tank cars
and shall not be stored underground.
Transfer from drums or tank cars to the locomotive tanks shall only be
effected in a filling room and only by means of a pump ensuring direct
transfer.
The lighting of this room shall only be provided by safety lamps or
fixed electric lamps in tight globes.
267. Instructions shall specify the precautions to be taken for the
transport of fuel underground, the filling of tanks and the driving of locomotives, and also the conditions for the periodical inspection and maintenance of the locomotives, and the recording in a special register of the results
of the inspections and of any dangerous occurrences in operation.
268. Every locomotive shall be equipped with a fire-extinguisher of
appropriate capacity, constantly maintained in working order.
269. (1) The ventilation shall be so organised that in any length of
road traversed by the locomotives the carbon monoxide content calculated
in relation to the quantity of this gas liberated by the locomotives in use
along this length and above it shall be less than two one-hundred-thousandths
(2/100,000).
(2) When a locomotive runs in the same direction as the air current
its speed shall be markedly different from that of the air current so that
no plug of toxic gases is formed.
270. I n mines where safety lamps are compulsory, and as an exception
to the provisions of section 124 (I) 1 , the district inspector of mines may
authorise the use of lighting wicks. They shall only be used inside the locomotive depot by an employee appointed by name.
271. (1) In fiery mines the locomotives shall be of a type approved
for use in a fiery atmosphere, and the firedamp content shall is no case exceed
1 per cent, at any point whatever along their route.
(2) The approval of types shall be given by the Minister in the conditions laid down in section 308 (2) and (3).2 The conformity of the locomotives
1
See Chapter XXVI, Division 2.
" See Chapter XIX, Division 7.
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VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
with an approved t y p e shall be certified and their maintenance ensured,
in the conditions laid down in section 309 and section 310 (1) and (2)." 1
(R 4.5.1951)
Note : Rules for the approval of appliances intended to operate in an
atmosphere containing firedamp adopted by the Permanent Commission
for Scientific Research into Firedamp and Explosives on 29 May 1946
contain provisions (Part IV) concerning the construction of diesel locomotives.
GERMANY
The following are among the conditions laid down by the Dortmund
Divisional Office for approval of the use of diesel locomotives underground.
" 3 . Depot
General.
(1) For housing the locomotives and the fuel-tank cars underground
special rooms (depots) shall be provided. Tank cars may be housed in the
locomotive depot or in a room separated from it.
(a)
(b)
Installation.
(2) The depots a n d the adjacent mine places up to a distance of 10 m
from the approaches shall be of fireproof construction.
(3) I t shall be possible to close tightly all approaches to, and openings
in, the depots from the outside without endangering the persons employed
there. The devices for closing (doors, shutters, etc.) shall be strong and
fireproof. I t shall only be possible to open the approach doors outwards
and they shall close automatically.
(4) At places where the fuel is transferred there shall be provided in the
tracks impermeable pits of such capacity t h a t they can hold the fuel content
of one tank car.
(5) Care shall be taken that any accumulation of flammable gases is
securely prevented. On the floor of the depots drain openings shall be
provided. I n the track pits (No. (4)) it shall be possible to sweep away any
accumulations of gases by suitable installations.
(6) The depots shall be provided with through ventilation. The outgoing air shall not be led through occupied workings.
(7) The depots shall have electric fighting complying with the regulations
of the Association of German Electrical Engineers for fiery mine places.
(8) I n the immediate vicinity of the approaches to the depots a telephone shall be provided.
(9) I n the depots and in their vicinity hand fire-extinguishers shall be
kept in readiness.
(c)
Use.
(10) The depots shall be deemed to be mine places with a fire risk.
(11) The admission of unauthorised persons to the depots shall be prohibited.
(12) Greasing a n d cleaning materials shall only be kept in metal containers or closed recesses. Used greasing and cleaning materials shall be
removed daily.
(13) The persons employed in the depots shall be trained in the use
of fire-extinguishing equipment. Instructions for the use of extinguishing
appliances shall be posted up.
1
See Chapter XIX, Division 7.
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
183
(14) If a fire breaks out all approaches to, and openings in, the depots
shall be tightly shut off from the outside. This also applies to the drain
openings provided on the floor.
4.
Ventilation of the Haulage
Tracks
(1) The quantity of air in the roads to be travelled over shall amount
to at least 6 m 3 /min. per locomotive horsepower.
(2) The quantities of air provided in the haulage roads shall be ascertained by monthly air measurements. The results of the measurements
shall be marked on boards at the beginning and the end of the roads.
(3) I n a separately ventilated road not more than one diesel locomotive
shall run. Care shall be taken that in such a road the locomotive does not
stop longer than is absolutely necessary in bringing up empty tubs and
taking away loaded tubs and that shunting is avoided.
5. Fuel and Lubricating
Oil
[Specifications of fuel and lubricating oil.]
6. Transport of Fuel
(1) The fuel shall only be transported in the mine in strong t a n k cars
specially intended for this purpose.
(2) The tanks shall have an opening for equalising the air pressure.
For the prevention of ejections of flames this opening shall be protected
by five layers of wire gauze with 144 meshes to the square centimetre. The
layers of gauze shall not be more t h a n 2 m m apart.
(3) If there is a special discharge opening at the lowest point in the
tank it shall be closed by a cap screw t h a t is secured against working loose.
(4) All openings shall be closed during transport of both full and empty
tanks.
(5) The tank cars shall be so closed t h a t they cannot be opened by
unauthorised persons.
(6) Both full and empty tank cars shall, during transport, be accompanied by reliable persons specially appointed for this purpose.
7. Transfer of Fuel
underground
(1) The fuel tanks of the locomotives shall only be filled in the depots.
(2) The transfer appliances shall be so made that the fuel is not
spilled during transfer and the fuel tanks of the locomotives cannot be
overfilled.
(3) During the transfer the engine shall be stopped.
8. Operating the Locomotive
(1) In fiery mines, for starting up the engine use shall only be made
of ignition paper that, according to a certificate of the testing gallery in
Dortmund-Deme, cannot be made to glow by impact and friction a n d has
an ignition temperature over 140° C. The ignition paper shall only be kept
and used in the depots. The key of the cupboard in which the paper is
kept and the special key for the plugs for inserting the paper in the cylinder
shall only be in the possession of a reliable person appointed by the manager.
(2) When taking over the locomotive the locomotive driver shall
thoroughly examine it and take special care to see t h a t the water tank
is full and that the water bath of the exhaust pipe is in good order. Locomotives with substantial defects shall not be taken into use.
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V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(3) The locomotive driver shall cut off the fuel supply to the engine
during every break in operation in which he leaves the locomotive. The
same shall apply if a fire is suspected.
(4) Locomotives shall only be left unattended in the haulage roads,
even if the haulage is stopped, if the engine cannot be started up by unauthorised persons.
9. Maintenance
and Repair
of Locomotives
( 1 ) The filter in the intake pipe and also the plate protection shall always
be kept clean. The plate protection of the exhaust pipe shall be cleaned
daily or exchanged for a clean set of plates.
(2) The water bath shall be flushed out at least once a week and refilled
with water.
(3) The piping for spraying water shall be flushed out at least once
in every four weeks. On these occasions a test shall be made of the efficiency
of the device that automatically stops the engine when the supply of spraying
water ceases.
(4) The fuel tank of the locomotive shall be dismantled once a year and
cleaned on the surface.
(5) The hand fire-extinguisher on the locomotive shall always be kept
in working order.
(6) The locomotives shall be thoroughly overhauled annually.
(7) Work shall only be done on the locomotives in the depots or in
special repair shops.
(8) The provisions of section 3, Nos. (2) to (14), shall apply to such
repair shops mutatis mutandis. Fuel shall not be kept in them. If the depots
and repair shops directly adjoin one another they need not be separated in
a fireproof manner.
10. Regular
Tests
(1) Once a week the locomotives shall be tested as to their good working
order by a qualified person appointed by the manager.
(2) Once a month the transfer appliances and hoses shall be examined
by a qualified person appointed by the manager.
(3) Once a quarter samples of the undiluted exhaust gases of the locomotive a t the maximum speed of revolution of the engine when running
idle and under full load shall be taken and tested as to carbon monoxide
content by a qualified person having no concern with the operation of the
locomotive.
(4) Once in every six months the locomotive and the associated installations (depots, tank cars, transfer appliances, fire-extinguishing installations, etc.) shall be examined by an expert of the Supervision Association
(Überwachungsverein).
On the occasion of this examination, once a year
while the engine is running a t the maximum speed of revolution both idle
and under full load, samples of the undiluted exhaust gases shall be taken.
They shall be tested as to carbon monoxide content by the iodine pentoxide
process or by another process prescribed by the Divisional Mining Office.
(5) If the carbon monoxide content of the undiluted exhaust gases
when the engine is running idle and under full load exceeds 0.12 per cent.
the locomotive concerned shall be taken out of use. I t shall not be taken
into use again until the irregularities have been eliminated. When the
locomotive is taken into use again, fresh samples of the undiluted exhaust
gases shall be taken in the manner indicated in No. ( 3) and tested as to their
carbon monoxide content.
(6) The test prescribed in No. (4), including the sampling and examination
of the exhaust gases, shall also be undertaken before the locomotives and
the associated installations are first taken into use.
185
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
(7) The report of the tests under Nos. (1), (2) and (3) shall be entered in a
test register by the person making the test and shall be signed by him. The
expert shall draw up a certificate concerning the report of the tests under
Nos. (4) and (6), and this certificate shall be kept at the mine in a special
register for a t least three years. A copy of the certificate shall be furnished
to the district inspector.
11. Operation of Locomotives
(1) Except during shunting the locomotives shall always be a t the
head of the train.
(2) While the locomotive is in operation a bright electric lamp with
a reflector shall be alight on the front of the locomotive, and a conspicuous
red tail-light shall be placed on the last tub of the moving train. I n addition
the locomotive driver shall carry a portable mine lamp with him. If the
reflectors are provided with dimming devices they shall be dimmed in good
time when locomotives are approaching each other or persons are approaching.
(3) The maximum permissible running speed shall be x m/sec. 1
(4) Locomotive and animal haulage shall not take place simultaneously
in the same road.
12. Installation
and Maintenance
of the Haulage
Roads
(1) The superstructure shall be sufficiently strong. The rails shall be
joined together by fish-plates. Their weight shall be at least x kg 2 per
running metre and the distance between the sleepers shall not exceed
0.80 m. On curves the outer line of rails shall be suitably raised.
(2) In all haulage roads installed for single-track operation and also
in double-track haulage roads in which locomotives cross each other, on
one of the sides there shall be a footpath alongside the vehicles a t least 0.60 m
wide and 1.80 m high. On curves of less than 30 m radius there shall also
be, on the crossing side and a t intervals not exceeding 10 m, recesses a t
least 1.20 m deep measured from the locomotive, unless a t such places
there is a footpath at least 0.80 m wide.
(3) The locomotive tracks shall be examined daily as to the good condition of the infrastructure and the superstructure. Any repairs t h a t are necessary shall be carried out without delay.
13. Employees and Service
Instructions
(1) Only persons at least 20 years of age shall be entrusted with the
minding and operation of the locomotives, the accompanying of fuel-tank
cars underground, and the transfer of fuel to the locomotive tanks ; these
persons shall be sufficiently instructed in their duties, the properties and
the risks of the fuel, and the procedure to be followed by them in an outbreak
of fire. The names of these persons shall be entered in the mine register. The
locomotive drivers shall have been employed at least six months underground and have demonstrated their competence to the district inspector.
(2) The persons responsible for transferring fuel and persons employed
in connection with the operation of the locomotives (locomotive drivers,
couplers, road foremen, pointsmen, etc.) shall be handed, against receipt,
service instructions concerning their duties and their mutual service relationships, and approved in writing by the district inspector.
1
For main road locomotives 3 to 4 m/sec. according to the condition of the road and the
superstructure.
2
Determined according to the circumstances, minimum weight 14 kg.
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VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KO ADS AND INCLINES
14. Operation Permit
Locomotive haulage shall not begin until after the expert (section 10,
No. (4)) has undertaken an inspection of all the plant and installations in
use for the operation of the locomotives, and the district inspector has
communicated t h e operation permit in writing."
Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions for the approval of types of diesel locomotives.
NETHERLANDS
"22. The transport of the fuel underground shall not be effected otherwise than in tank cars specially constructed for the purpose, or in adequately
strong tanks fixed on transport cars.
23. The only fuel used shall be mineral gas oil of which the flash-point
shall lie between 55° and 100° C. The flash-point shall be determined with
the Abel-Pensky petroleum-testing apparatus.
24. (1) The fuel shall only be poured into the locomotive tank in the
locomotive shed or a special filling room.
(2) The filling appliances shall be so constructed that during filling the
spilling or dripping of fuel is avoided and the locomotive tank cannot
overflow.
25. (1) The locomotive sheds shall be constructed fireproof and shall
be so installed t h a t all openings from the outside can be effectively closed
without danger t o persons ; the adjacent roads and places shall be fireproof
t o a distance of 10 m from the approaches. The locomotive shed shall be
lit by electricity. The doors of the locomotive shed shall be fireproof and
of strong construction. The access doors shall be so installed that they can
be opened only outwards, unless use is made of sliding doors.
(2) At the places where the transport cars and the locomotives stand
during the transfer of fuel, pits with impermeable walls shall be installed
between the rails having such a capacity that each of them can hold the
contents of one transport car.
(3) I n every filling room an adequate quantity of sand in a bucket,
and a shovel, shall be kept in readiness for immediate use. Access to the
filling rooms shall be strictly prohibited to unauthorised persons ; the
access openings shall be closed by means of a lock whenever no one is inside.
(4) The filling rooms for the storage of fuel and for filling and emptying
the fuel tanks of the locomotives shall comply with the requirements laid
down in subsection (1) for locomotive sheds.
26. The places which may be installed for the housing of locomotives
and fuel cars shall, unless all the fuel has been emptied, comply with the
requirements laid down in section 25 for filling rooms.
27. (1) The fuel tank of the locomotive shall be so installed that it is,
as far as possible, immune from mechanical damage ; the tank shall be
permanently and rigidly connected to the locomotive.
(2) On the locomotive a device shall be provided that stops the fuel
supply when the flow of cooling water stops or the exhaust pipe becomes
overheated.
28. The air-intake pipe and the exhaust pipe shall be so installed t h a t
fresh air is continuously drawn in and the exhaust gases cannot penetrate
into the locomotive.
29. (1) The stone drifts and roads in which locomotives travel or
remain shall be included in the system of general ventilation. The minimum
quantity of air t h a3 t must be provided under other regulations shall be
increased by 50 m /min. for every locomotive present.
(2) I n stone drifts and roads with auxiliary ventilation only one diesel
locomotive shall be present a t a time.
4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
187
30. (1) The regulators for ignition shall be installed in such a manner
that the combustion products contain only harmless quantities of flammable
vapours.
(2) The devices for cooling combustion gases shall be so constructed,
and the cooling water so frequently renewed, that in normal working the
combustion products do not develop a temperature exceeding 70° C.
31. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive
shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. I n addition,
every locomotive shall at least once a week be thoroughly examined by an
expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered by the said expert in a register to be kept specially
for the purpose, and shall be signed.
(2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use if serious defects
of any kind develop, and in particular when leaks occur whereby fuel can
escape, or air or vapours penetrate, or when the exhaust gases have a composition that is dangerous to health.
(3) A locomotive outside the locomotive depot or the filling room shall
not be left without supervision unless the brakes are applied and the
motor stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the
motor.
32. Mechanical transport shall be immediately stopped whenever it is
found that the air in the roads through which the locomotive travels contains more than 1 % per cent, firedamp.
33. The minding of both filled and empty fuel cars underground and
the transfer of petrol to or from the tanks fitted on the locomotive shall
only be entrusted to persons specifically appointed for the purpose. These
persons shall be adult and adequately instructed concerning their duties,
and be equal to their task in all respects. They shall be kept adequately
informed concerning the properties and the dangers of the fuel and also
concerning the course of action to be taken in the event of a fire. The names
of these persons shall be recorded on the register referred to in section 31,
subsection (1).
34. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers and
regularly removed from the mine."
(IGR 42)
UNITED KINGDOM
"27. Every diesel locomotive in any mine shall, when not in use, be
housed in a suitable housing station—
(a) provided with two means of egress ;
(b) ventilated by a through current of air sufficient to render the exhaust
gas harmless while the engine is being run in the housing station ;
(c) constructed of non-inflammable material ;
(d) having a floor of smooth concrete ;
(e) fitted with an inspection pit or other effective means of inspecting
the locomotive from below ; and
(f) kept provided with equipment for extinguishing fire.
28. (1) No diesel locomotive shall be replenished with fuel oil in any
mine except at a filling station appointed by the manager.
(2) The provisions of subparagraphs (a) (b) (c) (d) and (f) of the last
foregoing regulation shall apply to any filling station as they apply to a
housing station, so however that the floor of each filling station shall be
provided with a sill ; and each filling station shall be so equipped t h a t the
spilling of oil is, so far as practicable, prevented.
(3) Any oil spilt shall forthwith be taken up with a non-inflammable
absorbent, which shall be deposited in a fireproof receptacle and as soon
as practicable removed from the mine.
13
188
VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(4) No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other than a locked
safety lamp or an electric lamp adequately protected, in any filling station,
or within 10 yd. of any filling station.
(5) No oil shall b e taken from any container in a filling station while any
internal-combustion engine in the filling station is running.
29. (1) No oil shall be used in any mine for supplying motive power
to any diesel locomotive which does not comply with the standard specified
for Class A fuel in t h e 'British Standard (Fuels for Oil Engines)' as published
by the British Standards Institution.
(2) No oil for use as aforesaid shall be taken below ground except in
an adequate container which does not leak.
(3) No such oil shall a t any time be stored below ground unless—
(a) it is, until transfer into the tanks of a locomotive, stored in a filling
station in an adequate container which does not leak ;
(b) the quantity thereof does not exceed the quantity which with any
oil then in the tanks of the locomotive or locomotives for which it
has been brought below ground will according to the normal user
of those locomotives be consumed within the 48 hours next following.
30. A copy of the two last foregoing regulations shall be kept posted
and clearly visible in each filling station.
31. A diesel locomotive shall be deemed to have a defect liable to
affect its safe running if gas from its exhaust is found to contain more
than two parts of carbon monoxide, or one part of oxides of nitrogen,
per thousand.
32. (1) The engine of a diesel locomotive shall not be kept running in
a mine when the locomotive is stationary except—
(a) during brief halts while in use ; or
(b) while being tested.
(2) No diesel locomotive shall be used in any place where there is
not for the time being a sufficient current of air to render the gas from
its exhaust harmless.
(3) Where in a n y working place or road in which diesel locomotives are
in use there is found in the general air a concentration of carbon monoxide
greater than—
(a) fifty parts per million, immediate steps shall be taken to disperse
the said concentration ;
(b) one hundred parts per million, the operation of every diesel locomotive in the district shall be discontinued until it is determined
t h a t the concentration of carbon monoxide in the general air at that
place does not exceed fifty parts per million.
33. (1) I n the case of each diesel locomotive in use in any mine a
sample of the gas from the exhaust when the engine is being run—
(a) a t maximum speed on full load ;
(b) a t normal idling speed on no load ;
shall be taken and analysed once at least in every three months.
(2) A sample of the general air at each appointed place shall be taken
and analysed once a t least in every month.
(3) In this regulation the expression 'appointed place' means a place
appointed b y the manager, so however t h a t the manager shall, if the Inspector of the Division so requires, vary any appointed place, or appoint one
or more additional places ; and there shall be sufficient appointed places to
ensure that harmful concentration in the general air in any working place
or road in which a n y diesel locomotive is being used shall be detected.
(4) Particulars of the analysis of each sample taken in pursuance of
paragraph (1) or (2) of this regulation shall be recorded in a book t o b e
kept a t the mine for the purpose."
(R 24.3.1949)
5. COMPRESSED-AER LOCOMOTIVES
189
UNITED STATES
Illinois
"14.16. Internal-combustion locomotives used in haulageways in
coal mines must be equipped with a device that eliminates gas given off
by said locomotives, if same is found to be injurious to the health of employees.
14.17. A laboratory shall be established to analyse mine air for gas
and dust content and for flame-propagating characteristics, and qualified
personnel, equipment and space shall be provided."
(A6.6.191D
5. COMPRESSED-AIR LOCOMOTIVES
GERMANY
The following conditions for the use of compressed-air locomotives
underground have been issued by the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office.
"General.
2. (1) The fixed compressed-air receivers underground shall be so
installed at the sides of the roads or in special rooms off the main haulage
roads that, if a receiver explodes, as far as possible no persons shall be
endangered.
(2) For the road system use shall be made only of pipes t h a t have
successfully undergone a hydraulic pressure test a t 1 % times the working
pressure.
Storage receivers in the piping, the main and working receivers and the
reducing valves of the locomotives shall, before first being taken into use,
undergo a pressure test at 1 % times the working pressure.
Equipment and Operation of the Locomotives.
3. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives except that
the maximum speed is fixed at 4 m / s e c ] 1
Equipment of the Haulage Roads.
4. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives.] 1
Supervision of the Haulage System.
5. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be examined daily as to
their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The necessary
repair work shall be carried out without delay.
(2) On every occasion before taking the locomotive into use the locomotive driver shall carefully examine it externally. I n addition a qualified
person (Sachkundiger) shall thoroughly examine the locomotive externally
a t least once a week, and enter a report signed by him in an examination
register ; the register shall be kept for at least three years.
(3) An expert (Sachverständiger) shall thoroughly examine the locomotives and the associated installations before they are taken into use
and thereafter examine them thoroughly externally once a year ; he shall
further thoroughly examine internally every two years the fixed air receivers
on the surface and underground and also the main and working receivers
of the locomotives. In addition all fixed and movable high-pressure and
1
See Division 4 of this chapter.
190
VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS OK BOADS AND INCLINES
working receivers underground and on the surface shall, at least once in
every eight years reckoned from the time of taking into use, undergo a
hydraulic pressure test by an expert at iy2 times the working pressure.
The expert shall draw u p a certificate concerning every test and this certificate shall be kept at the mine in a register for at least three years for
inspection by the mining authorities.
By expert shall be meant an engineer of the Technical Supervision
Association in Essen.
Employees and Service Instructions.
6. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives except
that the minimum age for persons minding and operating locomotives
is 18 years.] l
Operating Permit.
7. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotives.] ' "
Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions
for the approval of the use of compressed-air locomotives (gathering locomotives) underground.
NETHERLANDS
"35. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive
shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. In addition,
every locomotive shall, at least once a week, be thoroughly examined by
an expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered by the said expert in a register to be kept specially
for the purpose, and shall be signed.
(2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use when serious
defects of any kind develop.
(3) A locomotive in service shall not be left without supervision unless
the brakes have been applied, the handle of the controller placed in the
neutral position and the key of the main switch removed. The enginedriver shall be bound to keep this key on him when he leaves the engine.
36. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers
and regularly removed from the mine.
37. (1) The cylinders and pre-heaters shall, on the occasion of every
major repair or at the most every four years, be cleaned internally and
externally and dismantled, rinsed out wiht warm linseed oil and, while being
hammered, undergo an oil-pressure test at a pressure of 1% times the
working pressure.
If the high-pressure and the low-pressure pre-heaters are not provided
with pressure relief valves and the occurrence of a higher air pressure t h a n
the working pressure is possible in such parts of the engine, the test pressure
shall be taken as i y 2 times the highest anticipated air pressure.
The testing oil shall consist of one part linseed oil to one part machine oil.
(2) A record shall be kept of every repair and test.
38. (1) Once in every three months the cylinders of the batteries
shall be examined for the presence of water. Any water present shall be
removed.
(2) The cylinders referred to in the preceding subsection shall once
in every four years be cleaned internally and externally and dismantled,
rinsed out with warm linseed oil and undergo an oil-pressure test at 250-300
atmospheres, while being hammered.
The testing oil shall consist of one part linseed oil to one part machine oil.
(3) A record shall be kept of every repair and test."
.._
• See Division 4 of this chapter.
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
191
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
BELGIUM
" 2 3 . The supply pressure for the locomotives shall not exceed 650 volts.
The trolley wires shall be placed a t a height of a t least 2 m above the
top of the rails ; when the supply pressure is less t h a n 250 volts this distance
may be reduced to 1.80 m. This distance may be reduced when protective
devices prevent any accidental contact with bare conductors.
At the points of suspension the trolley wires shall be at least 0.20 m
from the road lining and 0.40 m from piping. At all other points these
distances shall never be less than 0.15 m and 0.30 m respectively, even
under the pressure of the current collector.
A trolley wire shall not be installed above parts of the track where tubs
are normally loaded.
24. When the trolley wires are not laid on insulators with double bells
of porcelain or other equivalent material, they shall be doubly insulated
from the earth.
Transverse wires of any kind (carriers or tensioners) within hand's
reach shall be doubly insulated from the trolley wire.
The supply conductors or feeders normally at a potential to earth shall
be capable of being disconnected from the source of current and from the
conductors that they supply.
If by means of line-sectionalising switches, the possibility is reserved of
making both the feeder and the adjacent part of the trolley wire dead, it
shall not be necessary to be able to disconnect at the supply centre.
25. The current collector shall be capable of being safely detached
from the trolley wire and being kept in the lowered position.
26. The switch between the current collector and the rest of the electrical equipment of the vehicles shall be so installed as not to extinguish
the lighting.
27. The locomotives shall be provided with an automatic safety switch
for the electric motors. The earth circuit and the electric braking circuit
shall not include fuses ; the latter circuit shall only be cut off through the
controller. The handles on controllers shall be capable of being removed,
but only when they have been placed in the position for cutting off the
current.
A roof of solid metal sheeting shall protect the seat of the engine-driver
and that of the train guard.
28. When the rails are used as return conductors they shall be fish-plated
and so connected that the electrical resistance of the joint between two
successive rails is not higher than t h a t of one rail of normal length. The
resistance of the return circuit shall be verified monthly.
At intervals not exceeding 100 m the rails of one and the same track
shall be connected together by cross-bonding of good conductivity.
The earthing of rails used as return conductors shall be so effected that
they cannot acquire a potential to earth t h a t is dangerous for persons.
Piping, cable armouring and metal signalling wires t h a t cross trolley
wires shall be insulated or electrically connected to the rails at the crossing
places.
In haulage roads there shall not be hanging wires or any other metal
parts detached from their supports.
29. Electric locomotives supplied by trolley wires shall only run in
roads swept by a volume of air of at least 3 m 3 /sec.
In coal mines where dusts constitute an explosion danger, the dusts
shall be effectively neutralised in all roads travelled by electric locomotives
supplied by trolley wires.
30. The trolley wires shall be made dead while the personnel are travelling on foot in the haulage roads a t the beginning and end of each shift.
192
Via. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
When the trolley wires are live, only persons required there by their
duties or authorised by the manager and warned of the dangers of any
contact with live parts shall travel in the haulage roads.
The switching on of the trolley wires shall be indicated by light signals
specially placed a t junctions with other roads whatever their importance.
The lighting of each signal shall be ensured by at least two lamps
supplied in parallel from the haulage current.
31. Installations or parts of installations shall be made dead before
the beginning of any repair work or other work creating a risk of contact
with the trolley wires. The current shall not be restored until the persons
employed on repair work have left the road, with the exception, however, of
qualified electricians appointed to verify the installation."
(RO 7.8.1953)
CANADA
Alberta
"1
(t) Haulage by electric locomotive on the overhead trolley-wire
system or haulage by storage battery locomotive may be used in mines
only with the permission in writing of the Director of Mines.
(1) I n a mine where such haulage is used, its use may not be extended to
other adits, tunnels, levels, drifts, roads, ways or parts of the mine
without the permission in writing of the Director.
(2) The permission of the Director m a y be subject to such conditions
regarding safety as he may prescribe."
(Electricity Regulations)
The conditions for the approval of trolley-locomotive installations are
as follows :
" I n mines where safety lamps are required to be used, the trolley wire
shall be installed only in fresh intake air.
The supply station for the trolley, such as motor-generator set or rectifier, to be installed in fresh intake air and where practical in a fresh-air
split between intake and return air.
The room housing the supply station to be constructed of concrete not
less than 6 in. in thickness, or of brick not less than 8 in. in thickness, or
of steel plate not less than % in. in thickness.
Ample working space to be provided around the equipment. Doors or
ventilators that close automatically in case of fire within the room, to be
provided so as to seal off the fire.
An automatic power release to be installed so that the power supply
to the trolley will be automatically cut off in the event of a stoppage or
reversal of the flow of air in the trolley haulage roadway.
Trolley wire to be supported on insulated trolley-wire hangers, properly
aligned and reliably secured. Hangers to be so spaced t h a t the sag between
supports shall not exceed 3 in. when the height is 5 ft. or less, nor exceed
5 in. when the height is greater than 5 ft.
KTo trolley wire t o be installed at a height less than 4 % ft- above the
rail.
In no case shall the voltage between any conductor of the mine trolleytraction system and ground exceed 300 volts.
Trolley wires to be guarded a t all points where men regularly pass
under, and throughout their length where a height above the rail of 6 % ft.
cannot be maintained.
Trolley wires used in mine traction systems shall have a tensile strength
not less than No. 0 B . & S. gauge hard drawn copper.
Trolley wires shall be placed as far to one side of the roadway as is
practicable, but not less than 6 in. outside of line of rail and on the side
opposite to the manway or travelling way.
6 . TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
193
The ends of trolley wires to be dead-ended by strain insulators a n d fitted
with a suitable device for adjustment of tension.
Trolley to be sectionalised a t least every 2,500 ft. by means of an insulated trolley section and switch.
All branch trolley lines to be provided with trolley frogs at the point
where they leave the main line, with insulated trolley sections and switches
installed close to the frogs by which the trolley branches can be disconnected
from the main trolley line.
All rail joints of the track on which it is intended that trolley locomotives
are to operate, to have each and every joint bonded by an approved rail
bond. The cross-sectional area of the bond to be equal to t h a t of the trolley
wire. At intervals, not greater than 200 linear ft., a cross-bond to be installed.
Special provision to be made for bonding around switches, frogs or other
openings in the track system to ensure a continuous return conductor.
All rail bonding to receive regular routine inspection for the detection
of damaged bonds or other defects in the track return circuit.
Telephone and signal lines to be situated on the clearance side of the
tracks and kept clear of the trolley line.
Locomotives to be equipped with suitable headlights and with a warning
gong, bell or some such audible signal.
Control levers to be so arranged t h a t the lever cannot be accidentally
removed when the power is on.
Guards shall extend a t least 3 in. below the lowest point of the trolley wire.
In open-light mines the location of the trolley supply station and the
trolley haulage roadway to be acceptable to the District Inspector of Mines.
The general requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act as affecting
installations of this nature will apply in all cases.
This equipment may be ordered out of the mine forthwith for cause
at any time by the District Inspector of Mines. "
(R 1949)
FRANCE
(See also Chapter X I X , Division 4.)
"295. (1) I t shall be prohibited to use currents of the second class 1 for
haulage without the special authorisation of the local inspection authority.
(2) The bare conductors used either for the trolley line or for the feeders
installed parallel to it, shall, either by their mechanical strength or by
their conditions of situation and use, avoid the risks of inadvertent breaking,
fire in the timbering and being touched while live by persons. The transverse junction wires shall be insulated conductors.
(3) The pipes, cable armourings and mechanical signal wires t h a t cross
the trolley wires or the feeders shall be electrically connected to the rails
at the crossing point.
296. (1) The bare conductors of the feeder system or of the trolley
line shall be effectively protected wherever the operations and movements
required of the haulage personnel by the performance of their duties are
liable to bring this personnel accidentally into contact with these conductors.
If at certain places this protection is technically impossible, the risks shall
be brought to the attention of the personnel by very conspicuous notices.
(2) While persons are travelling on foot the current shall be cut off
from the bare conductors of the feeder system or the trolley line unless they
are at least 2.20 m above the rail or are effectively protected ; a t crossings
and junctions, if it is technically impossible to achieve this effective protection, the risk shall be indicated by very conspicuous notices.
1
For the classification ol currents see Chapter XIX, Division 2.
194
v m . HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES
The cutting off of the current shall not be compulsory when pedestrian
traffic is carried on in a passageway physically separated from the bare
conductors.
297. The current shall be cut off during repairs to the haulage wiring,
its supports or the roads in which it is installed.
298. Electric locomotives supplied by a trolley line shall be so designed that the driver is not liable to touch the bare live conductors
inadvertently.
299. (1) The live parts of electric locomotives shall be insulated or
protected by covers having sufficient mechanical strength and an effective
insulated lining ; all measures shall be taken to ensure t h a t this insulation
is not impaired by jolting.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to undertake the examination or the repair,
even purely mechanical, of the electrical equipment of the locomotives
without having first cut off the current from them. Nevertheless this prohibition shall not apply t o examinations of the electrical equipment by an authorised and qualified employee.
300. The motors shall be protected against overloads by an automatic
circuit breaker or by fuses."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
Trolley Wires and Accessories.
(a) The standard operating pressures are 220, 440, 550 and 750 volts.
(b) The use of alternating current is only permissible for the transfer
or extension of existing alternating-current tracks.
(c) The height of the trolley wire above the top of the rails must be
a t least 1.80 m with pressures up to 220 volts ; a t least 2.20 m with
pressures between 220 and 550 volts ; and, for the transfer or extension of alternating-current tracks, a t least 2.50 m with pressures
over 550 volts.
(d) The minimum cross-sectional area for trolley wire is 50 mm 2 .
(e) The lateral distance between the trolley wire and metal parts of
supports, and also piping, cables and signal wiring, when bow current
collectors are used, must be 100 nun greater than the utilisable contact
width of the current collector and at least 400 mm.
This does not apply when roller current collectors are used.
(f) Trolley wires must be laid on porcelain insulators.
Suspension or span wires of all kinds must be insulated from the trolley
wire.
For cross connections serving to balance the pressure between the trolley
wires, bare wires m a y not be used.
Rubber core-conductors must be weatherproof.
(g) When use is made of locomotives with more than one bow collector
or more than one roller or drum, a t the end of the trolley wire precautions
must be taken to prevent the road supports or the ground from being made
live if the terminus is over-run.
(h) Disconnecting switches must be placed a t least every 1,000 m
along the road and a t junctions with branch roads over 100 m in length.
The switch position must be visible from the outside. The indicating device
must be such as to ensure t h a t the switch is open when the device is in the
"off" position. The gaps along the road must be such that they cannot
be bridged over by the current collectors of the locomotive.
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
195
(i) For trolley-wire installations that are fed from a number of mutually
independent feeders, an automatic overload circuit breaker must be placed
on every feeder.
(j) Feeders must be disconnectable from the source of current, and
at the feeding points, from the trolley wire. Disconnectability at the feeding
point is not necessary when by means of disconnections along the road it
is ensured that, together with the feeder, the corresponding part of the
trolley wire is also made dead.
(k) When the rails serve as a return wire, the rail ends in both lines
of rails must be efficiently connected together electrically, and at intervals
of not more than 100 m efficient electrical cross-connections must be established between the rails.
The rail ends must be bridged over in such a way that the resistance in
the bridge is not greater than t h a t of a rail length.
Points, crossings and the like must be efficiently bridged over electrically.
(I) At shunting places, crossings and approaches, conspicuous warning
signs must be placed (23).
Locomotives.
(a) For controllers and current collectors, wood may be used as insulating material. For flameproof controllers, wood may only be used as
insulating material inside pressure-resisting enclosures or plate-protected
enclosures.
(b) If bow current collectors are used, the utilisable contact width must
be at least 300 mm. When the direction of travel is changed the bows
must reverse automatically.
(c) Live parts of the collector, u p to the bow and its bearings, must
be protected against accidental contact.
(d) I t must be possible t o lower the collector safely from the driver's
stand and to lock it in the lowered position.
(e) On roads where the occurrence of firedamp is not excluded the
locomotives must be equipped with a t least two bow current collectors
separated by a mean distance of a t least 300 mm. In this case roller and
drum collectors are not permissible.
({) Between the current collectors and the other electrical equipment
of the locomotive a disconnecting device—switch, disconnecting switch or
switch fuse—must be installed. The lighting must not be cut off by this
device.
(g) Trolley locomotives must have short-circuiting switches through
which either the road is made dead by the tripping of the overload circuit
breaker or the voltage drop in the trolley wire up to the short-circuit point
is so great that the remaining voltage is not dangerous.
The short-circuiting device on the locomotives may be replaced by
devices that, by means of a remote release, trip the overload circuit breaker
on the trolley wire.
(h) The handles of the controller must be so constructed t h a t they can
only be removed when they are in the stop position.
(i) Combined trolley-wire and battery locomotives must have an
automatic switch that prevents return current from the batteries from
running into the current collector when the trolley current fails or when
the current collector slips off the wire or is lowered.
On combined locomotives in which the batteries are charged from the
trolley wire, charging must be stopped by an automatic device before gasification begins in the battery cells.
(j) The trolley wires must be protected by overload protectors.
If fuses are used for the protection of copper wiring on a locomotive,
they must comply with the regulation specifications.
196
v m . HAULAGE Oï MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(k) E a r t h wires, and brake leads independent of the power current,
must have no fuses. They must only be disconnectable in the controller.
(1) Brake leads must be at least as thick as the trolley wires.
(m) Insulated wires must be securely fixed and so laid that their
insulation is not exposed to damage from oil, fat, acids, lyes, or the heat
of neighbouring resistors.
Insulated trolley lines running side by side must either be so installed
as a multiple conductor in a common sheath t h a t displacement and rubbing
of the individual conductors are prevented, or laid separately ; and, at places
where they penetrate walls, so protected by insulation that they cannot
be worn through.
(n) On flameproof locomotives standard rubber core wiring is not
permissible.
(o) The rules under (m), paragraph 1, and (n) also apply to the electrical
equipment of non-electrical locomotives (24).
(VDE 0118/1937)
The conditions for the approval of trolley-locomotive haulage underground issued by t h e Dortmund Divisional Mining Office include provisions
based on VDE 0118 /1937 and provisions similar to those for diesel and other
locomotives in so far as concerns construction and maintenance of the
haulage roads, employees and service instructions and operating permits.
Among the remaining provisions are the following :
" Travelling on the Haulage Roads.
6. (1) So long as the trolley wire is live, travelling along the haulage
roads shall only be permitted, subject to the authorisation of the manager
or his representative, to those persons who in the performance of their
duties have to be on the haulage roads while locomotive haulage is in operation. The persons concerned shall be specifically warned b y the manager
or his representative of the dangers inherent in travelling on the haulage
roads while the trolley wire is live and the haulage in operation.
(2) Before repair work of any kind is begun in the haulage roads the
electric current shall be cut off. The current shall not be switched on
again until all the persons employed on the work have left the haulage
road.
Protection against Ignition of Firedamp.
7. (1) Accumulations of firedamp shall be effectively prevented in
all parts of the road by abundant ventilation. I n all haulage roads the
air velocity shall be at least 1 m/sec. in the largest cross-section occurring.
(2) For controlling the proper working of the ventilation system of the
roads, at intervals not exceeding 14 days the quantities of air flowing
through the roads and the resultant air velocity shall be ascertained. The
results shall be inscribed on a board to be placed
a t the measuring station
and also in the register referred to in 11 (2).1
The quantities of air shall be measured at the beginning and the end
of the haulage roads and also a t junctions a t which air flows in or out.
(3) Outgoing air from separately ventilated workings shall only be
led into haulage roads with the special authorisation of the District Mining
Office which shall be given in writing for each individual case. The introduction of outgoing air with a firedamp content exceeding 0.3 per cent.
shall be prohibited.
(4) In all haulage roads air samples shall be taken regularly and a t
least once in every quarter and tested as to their firedamp content. The
results shall be entered in the register referred to in 11 (2).
(5) In addition, air measurements and tests shall be undertaken a t
the request of the District Mining Office.
1
Register for recording tests and examinations.
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
197
(6) Locomotive haulage shall be immediately stopped if it has been
found that the air in the haulage roads contains more than 0.3 per cent.
firedamp.
(7) Pot-holes in the roof shall be packed tight. In so far as the locomotive roads are not lined with masonry or are not supported, the roof
and sides down to the level of the trolley wire shall be tightly lagged (by
tight-fitting boards, sheet metal, etc.). The bottom layer of the filling
over the lagging shall consist of fine dirt, washery dirt, sand, etc., and shall
be a t least 10 cm thick.
(8) At places at which workable seams t h a t have not yet been worked,
or unworkable seams or bands cross the haulage roads the roof and sides
shall be protected against falls of coal and the formation of pot-holes b y
masonry or concrete construction or by tight lagging with fine dirt or
similar filling. The same shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to faults t h a t cross
the haulage road.
(9) After the winning of a seam has been completed the gate roads shall
be shut off from the locomotive roads by stone stoppings a t least 5 m thick
with mortar walling in front of them.
(10) Without prejudice to the provisions of 3 (2) 1 , the trolley wire in
the locomotive roads shall terminate 50 m before the lower road of the seam
being worked at the time. This point may be passed when the winning
operations, measured from the haulage road, have advanced at least 50 m
on both sides and 40 m above the level. The trolley wires shall only be led
up to a distance of 50 m from the last break through to the upper level.
(11) The workable seams shaE, as far as possible, be worked from the
roof downwards to the floor ; as far as possible provision shall be made for
complete extraction.
(12) The right is reserved to prescribe further conditions for protection
against ignition of firedamp.
Warning Notice-Boards and Notices.
8. At all approaches to the haulage roads, irrespective of the further
requirements of* the installation regulations of the Association of German
Electrical Engineers, electrically illuminated warning notice-boards shall
be provided which shall bear in clear type a text strictly prohibiting entering
the haulage roads while the trolley wire is live and also strictly prohibiting
unauthorised climbing upon the locomotives and the cars. This prohibition
with the same indications shall be brought to the notice of the miners by
being posted up at the mine.
Supervision of the Haulage Installation.
9. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be thoroughly examined
daily as to their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The
necessary repair work shall be undertaken without delay.
(2) The electrical parts of the haulage installation shall be examined
daily as to its regulation condition by a person with sufficient electrical
training (electrician). Defects shall be remedied without delay.
(3) The electrical parts of the haulage installation shall, in conformity
with section 273 of the Mining Eegulations of 1 May 1935, be thoroughly
examined at least once a year by an expert. The interval between two examinations shall not exceed 15 months. By expert shall be meant a n electrical engineer of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen and any
other expert recognised by the Divisional Mining Office.
(4) The names of the persons responsible for the daily examinations under
Nos. (1) and (2) shall be entered by the manager in the register referred
to in 11 (2)."
1
Section 3 (2) provides that operation of the system in return air with the zone of
influence of the face workings above and below the level and in specially ventilated workings
shall be prohibited.
198
VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
NETHERLANDS
" 4. Installation
and Maintenance
of the Haulage
Roads
1. The superstructure shall be of adequate strength. The weight of
the rails shall be at least 16 kg/linear m ; the number of sleepers shall be
adequate.
Installation
and Use of Locomotives
3. The engine-driver's seat shall be protected against the draw-bars
of the locomotive.
4. If there is a sheet-iron roof above the engine-driver's seat, parts
of it shall not be cut out.
5. The engine-driver's seat shall be so installed that from it the mine
road to be travelled can be watched without it being necessary for a person
to put his head out of the locomotive. For this purpose, if necessary, a seat
shall be fitted a t both ends of the locomotive.
6. A locomotive that is outside the locomotive depot shall not be
left without supervision unless the brakes are applied and the motors
stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the motors.
7. On every locomotive there shall be an acoustic device. Rules concerning the use of this device shall be included in the engine-driver's instructions.
8. During locomotive transport, in front of the locomotive there shall
be a powerful electric lamp with a reflector and on the last tub of a moving
train there shall b e a red lamp throwing a powerful light rearwards. The
same shall apply to light locomotives. In addition the engine-driver shall
have with him a safety lamp of the kind usually employed in the mine.
9. Except in shunting operations, the locomotive shall always be in
front of the train.
10. (1) Shunting operations in unlit roads in the coal or stone in which
the locomotive is not in front shall only be carried on by the engine-driver
in accordance with signals received from the person in charge of shunting
operations.
(2) I n the case of the shunting operations referred to in the preceding
subsection, on the front end of the first tub or on the first tub itself there
shall be a bright lamp throwing a red light forwards.
11. I t shall b e prohibited to ride on a loaded tub.
12. The speed in the transport of materials shall not exced 4 m /sec.
13. (1) On all single-track haulage roads and also on double-track
roads on which locomotives approach one another in opposite directions,
there shall always be for passing purposes a footpath alongside the vehicles
a t least 0.60 m wide and 1.80 m high, unless it is laid down in the enginedriver's instructions t h a t on double-track roads if persons are present
on the road the engine-driver of the train running towards these persons
shall stop if another train is approaching from the opposite direction.
(2) On track curves with a radius less than 30 m, on the side where
passing occurs and at intervals not exceeding 10 m, recesses at least 1.20 m
deep, measured from the locomotive, shall be installed unless there is a
travellable way a t the place a t least 0.80 m wide.
14. (1) Except with the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines
it shall be prohibited to push ventilation doors open with a locomotive.
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
199
(2) If a ventilation door on a single-track road in the coal or the stone
is automatically opened, there shall be a separate and suitably laid footpath
unless an efficient automatic warning device is provided or the approach
of the locomotive is clearly visible.
(3) On a double-track road in the coal or the stone the movement
of persons shall be suitably announced.
Protection against Ignition of
Firedamp
15. (1) Accumulations of firedamp shall be prevented on all routes
by very copious ventilation.
(2) The air velocity over the whole length of the track shall be a t least
1 m /sec, unless the Inspector-General of Mines has allowed a smaller velocity
in special circumstances.
16. (1) Cavities in the stone roof shall be tightly filled in.
(2) Where excavations have been made previous to the construction
of the track or later, on the installation of transport with electric trolley
locomotives in old stone drifts, and owing to circumstances of operation cannot be tightly filled in but must be packed—for example, with large
pieces of rock, wood, etc., they shall be tightly barred off from the stone
drift by means of masonry, concrete or wood planking. Above this barrier
there shall be a layer of small stones, ash or the like a t least 10 cm thick.
17. (1) The return air current from workplaces with auxiliary ventilation shall not be led off along electric-locomotive routes without the special written permission of the Inspector-General of Mines. This permission
shall be requested separately for each particular case.
(2) The introduction of return air currents with more than 0.3 per cent.
firedamp shall be prohibited.
18. I n such parts of stone drifts with trolley-locomotive haulage as are
indicated by the Inspector-General of Mines, air samples shall be regularly
taken in accordance with his rules and tested for firedamp content. The
results shall be entered in a register specially kept for this purpose and shall
be signed.
19. Locomotive haulage shall be immediately stopped whenever it is
found that the air on the haulage roads contains more than 0.3 per cent.
firedamp.
20. I n roads in the stone or the coal the trolleys shall not be brought
closer than 30 m to the last roads connecting with the upper level.
Inspection and
Maintenance
21. (1) A thorough examination shall be made daily by an official or
a supervisor to see whether the track and its accessories comply with the
regulations.
(2) All necessary repair work shall be carried out as speedily as possible.
Officials and
Instructions
22. (1) The maintenance and driving of the locomotive shall only be
entrusted to persons who are at least 18 years old and have been carefully
instructed in their work. They shall have worked underground at least
six months. The names of these persons shall be recorded in a register.
(2) The engine-drivers shall be able to satisfy the officials of the State
Mines Inspectorate that they can perform their duties properly.
23. Persons employed in connection with locomotive haulage—enginedrivers, trackmen, pointsmen, shunters, couplers, etc.—shall be instructed
200
V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
concerning their duties and mutual service relationships. This shall be done
by means of instructions which shall require the approval of the InspectorGeneral of Mines."
(IGR 39)
The regulations for the establishment of low-tension electrical installations in the underground workings include the following provisions :
"Chapter XI.
Supplementary Regulations for Underground
by Means of Electric Trolley Locomotives
Transport
281. Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapter I 1 , in so far as they
are not modified b y the following provisions, sections 282 to 309 inclusive
shall apply to underground transport by means of electric trolley locomotives.
. 282. Underground transport by means of electric trolley locomotives
shall only be carried on after an authorisation has been obtained from the
Inspector-General of Mines.
283. For the propulsion of electric trolley locomotives, use shall only
be made of direct current with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 volts to
earth.
284. On the locomotives, switches shall be installed by which the rails
and the trolley wires can be short circuited.
285. (1) The devices for collecting the current from the trolley wire
for the locomotives shall be such t h a t sparking on the trolley wire is reduced
to a minimum.
(2) On every locomotive at least two current collectors shall be installed.
This provision shall not apply to locomotives with pantograph current
collectors.
286. (1) If bows are used as current collectors, the effective length of
contact shall be at least 30 cm.
(2) At deviations of about 10 cm from the normal height of the trolley
wire the bows shall continue to collect the current efficiently, and shall
automatically adjust themselves to changes in the direction of travel.
287. The current collectors shall be provided with a device by which
they can safely be taken off the trolley wire and be fastened in the lowered
position.
288. (1) On the locomotives, for the protection of the motors, there
shall be main fuses or overload circuit breakers, the rated capacity of
which shall be identical with the total amperage used by the motors.
(2) Conductors for braking current shall have at least the same crosssection as the leads to one of the motors.
289. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 116 2 , leads to the motors
shall not be loaded with heavier current or be more heavily protected than
indicated in the table in subsection ( 1 ) of the said section for conductors
with the next larger copper cross-section.
290. Conductors on locomotives shall be so installed t h a t the insulation cannot be adversely affected by the heat of adjacent resistances.
291. For insulated conductors lying alongside one another, except for
conductors used for lighting, there shall be provided a common enclosure
which effectively prevents the mutual displacement of any of the conduc• General provisions.
a
Specifies the maximum loads to be carried by various types of cable.
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
201
tors, or rubbing together of any of the conductors, or each of the conductors
shall be installed separately.
At places where conductors are led through walls, they shall be so protected that they cannot be damaged by rubbing against the wall.
292. Conductors for braking current, which do not carry the operating
current, shall not be provided with fuses or overload circuit breakers ;
it shall only be possible to switch them off by means of the controllers.
293. For controllers and current collectors, wood may be used as
insulating material.
294. Handles of the controllers shall be removable ; it shall only be
possible to remove a handle when the controller is dead.
295. Lamp holders shall be fitted in metal lighting fittings which shall
be electrically connected with the metal frame of the locomotive.
Switches, fuses and the like belonging to the lighting installation shall
be installed in boxes of heavy construction or of a t least equivalent construction.
296. If there is a battery for lighting on the locomotives, the cells may
be mounted on wood, provided that they are separated from the wood by
means of a simple intermediate layer of non-hygroscopic insulating material.
297. (1) The copper cross-section of trolley wires shall be a t least
80 mm 2 .
(2) Trolley wires shall throughout be installed a t a height of a t least
1.90 m above the top of the rails.
298. The clearance between the trolley wire and the stone roof or bottom
edge of the roof timbering shall throughout be at least 20 cm.
If, a t the level of the trolley wire there is piping that runs parallel with
the trolley wire, the clearance between them shall be at least 40 cm.
299. Trolley wires shall be doubly insulated from the earth, or suspension or span wires, if there are any—for example, by insulators with double
petticoats.
300. Trolley wires shall be suspended in an elastic manner and so as
to be vertically displaceable.
301. If trolley wires have to be led through ventilation doors, it shall
not be possible for them to come into contact with the wood of the doors,
with brattice cloths, or with other combustible material.
302. (1) At junctions of the trolley wire, gaps in the wire shall be made
in the branch stone drifts and shall be capable of being bridged b y means
of switches. The gaps shall be such t h a t they cannot be bridged by the
current collectors of the locomotives.
(2) All switches for the same junction shall be centrally installed.
(3) I n trolley wires, at intervals not exceeding 1,000 m, gaps shall be
made which it shall be possible to bridge by means of switches placed at
the gaps.
The position of these switches shall be clearly visible ; it shall be possible
to lock them in the open position by means of a special key.
(4) I n the feeder wires of trolley wires that are supplied from different
mutually independent sources of current, overload circuit breakers shall
be installed.
303. (1) I n feeder wires of trolley wires that are supplied through
different conductors, switches shall be installed a t the beginning a n d a t the
place where they are connected to the trolley wires.
(2) I n feeder wires of trolley wires or parts of trolley wires t h a t are
supplied from only one conductor, switches shall be installed at the beginning.
304. Conductors for the connection of switches for the bridging of
gaps of trolley wires and also conductors for equalising the tension in parallel
trolley wires shall be effectively insulated.
202
V n i . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
305. (1) If the track rails have to be used as return conductors for the
current, the rail ends shall be well connected together electrically.
(2) Connections between the rail ends shall be welded by fusion, by
electricity, or by some at least equivalent method.
This provision shall not apply to rail connections in advancing stone
drifts, provided t h a t the resistance of the connections complies with the
requirements in subsection (5) of the present section.
(3) At intervals not exceeding 100 m and also at switches, crossconnections of adequate cross-section shall be installed between the rails.
(4) The ends of rails shall be supported by sleepers.
(5) The resistance of connections between rail ends shall not be greater
than that of a rail length.
306. Between the rails, on the one hand, and piping, cable armouring
and steel used for the construction of the roads, on the other hand, there
shall be no metallic connection.
Return conductors of lamps that are supplied from the trolley wires shall
be connected to the rails and so installed that they cannot come into contact
with pipes, cable armouring or other metal parts.
307. Haulage roads shall be kept clear of hanging wires and the like.
308. The conveyance of persons in open tubs shall only be allowed
subject to the compliance with the following provisions :
(a) at entraining and detraining places a switch shall be installed by
which, during entraining and detraining, the part of the trolley wire
t h a t is above the train shall be made dead ;
(b) to the switch referred to under (a) a number of green lamps shall be
so connected t h a t they are alight while the switch is open ;
(c) to the part of the trolley wire that is above the train a number of red
lamps shall be so connected that they are alight while the wire is live ;
(d) the lamps referred to under (b) and (c) shall be provided in such
number and be so distributed that from every place in the train at
least one red and one green lamp can be seen.
309. At places where shunting is done and where conductors cross one
another, or where other roads give access to the roads with electric haulage,
warning notices shall be placed that clearly show that contact with the trolley
wires is dangerous.
The notices shall be adequately illuminated while the trolley wire is
live."
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article
VIII.
Electricity
4. Power circuits
(g) Where track is used as a power conductor—
(1) both rails of main-line tracks shall be welded or bonded at every joint,
and cross-bonds shall be installed at intervals of not more than 200 ft.
If the rails are parallel with a feeder circuit of like polarity, such
parallel feeder shall be bonded to the track rails at intervals of not
more than 1,000 ft. ;
(2) a t least one rail on secondary track-haulage roads shall be welded or
bonded at every joint, and cross-bonds shall be installed at intervals of
not more than 200 ft. ; provided, however, that rail joints in such
secondary haulage roads need not be bonded where a copper feeder
adequate in size parallels the track and is electrically connected thereto
a t intervals of not more than 200 ft. by cross-bonds ;
203
6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES
(3) t r a c k switches o n entries shall b e well b o n d e d ;
(4) i n r o o m s w h e r e electric e q u i p m e n t o t h e r t h a n locomotives is d e p e n d e n t
u p o n t h e r o o m t r a c k rails as a p o w e r c o n d u c t o r , rail j o i n t s shall b e
secured b y m e a n s of fish-plates, a n g l e - b a r s , or t h e e q u i v a l e n t , a n d a t
least one rail shall b e b o n d e d a t e a c h j o i n t .
(i) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall b e installed o n t h e side
of t h e e n t r y opposite t h e clearance s p a c e a n d s h e l t e r holes, e x c e p t w h e r e
t h e wires a r e g u a r d e d or a r e 6 % ft. or m o r e a b o v e t h e t o p of t h e rail.
(j) Trolley-wire h a n g e r s shall be so s p a c e d t h a t t h e wire m a y b e c o m e
d e t a c h e d from a n y one h a n g e r w i t h o u t c r e a t i n g a shock h a z a r d .
(k) Trolley wires shall b e a l i g n e d p r o p e r l y a n d installed o n i n s u l a t e d
h a n g e r s a t least 6 in. outside t h e r a i l .
(I) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires installed after t h e effective
d a t e of t h i s code shall b e p r o v i d e d w i t h c u t - o u t switches a t i n t e r v a l s of n o t
m o r e t h a n 2,000 ft. a n d n e a r t h e b e g i n n i n g of all b r a n c h lines.
(m)
Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall be k e p t t a u t a n d n o t
p e r m i t t e d t o t o u c h t h e roof, r i b s , t i m b e r s , or a n y c o m b u s t i b l e m a t e r i a l .
(n) Trolley wires, a n d trolley feeder wires unless i n s u l a t e d , shall b e
g u a r d e d a d e q u a t e l y a t b o t h sides of d o o r s a n d a t all places w h e r e it is necess a r y t o w o r k or p a s s u n d e r t h e m u n l e s s t h e y a r e m o r e t h a n 6 % ft. a b o v e
t h e t o p of t h e rail.
(o) (Section 209 (f) (4)—Title I I . ) In a gassy mine, trolley and feeder
wires shall not extend beyond the last open cross-cut and shall be kept at least
150 ft. from pillar
workings.
(p) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall be g u a r d e d , a n c h o r e d
securely, a n d i n s u l a t e d p r o p e r l y a t t h e e n d s .
(q) I n a n y n e w m i n e or a n y old m i n e t h a t m a y b e r e o p e n e d a n d ree q u i p p e d after t h e effective d a t e of t h i s code, trolley wires or o t h e r e x p o s e d
c o n d u c t o r s shall n o t c a r r y m o r e t h a n 650 v o l t s . "
(FMC 1953)
New Mexico
" 1106. All electric locomotives shall h a v e efficient
a n a u d i b l e signal device.
headlights
and
1110 (a) E l e c t r i c trolley locomotives a n d s t o r a g e - b a t t e r y l o c o m o t i v e s
of non-permissible t y p e shall b e u s e d i n coal m i n e s only w h e r e t h e n o r m a l
a i r c o n t a i n s less t h a n o n e - q u a r t e r of 1 p e r cent, of m e t h a n e , a n d shall
n o t b e u s e d b e y o n d t h e l a s t o p e n b r e a k - t h r o u g h in a n y e n t r y , o r w i t h i n
50 ft. of t h e n e c k of t h e first r o o m in w h i c h pillars a r e being d r a w n , o r p a s t
sealed o r open places which give off m e t h a n e a s d e t e c t e d b y a flame safety
lamp.
1712. T h e t r a c k s of all m a i n h a u l a g e s y s t e m s t h a t u s e a rail r e t u r n
shall b e b o n d e d a t e v e r y j o i n t a n d a r o u n d switches a n d frogs. S u c h t r a c k s
shall b e cross b o n d e d . "
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" Transmission
Circuits
and
Conductors
38. After t h e p a s s a g e of this a m e n d m e n t 1, all trolley wires installed
in u n d e r g r o u n d r o a d s shall b e p l a c e d a s far t o one side of t h e p a s s a g e w a y
' Dated 1 July 1937.
14
204
v m . HATTLAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
as is practicable, but not less than 6 in. outside of line of rail, and securely
supported upon hangers which shall not be more than 24 ft. apart, and
efficiently insulated.
39. All other wires, except telephone, shotfiring and signal wires, shall
be on the same side of the road as the trolley wire.
40. At all landings and partings or other places where men are required
to work regularly or pass under trolley or other bare power wires, which
aie placed less t h a n 6% ft. above top of rail, a suitable protection shall be
provided. This protection shall consist of placing boards along the wire,
which boards shall not be more than 5 in. apart, or less than 2 in. below
the lowest point of the wire : Provided that the distance between boards
on curves may exceed 5 in. but shall not exceed 8 in. This does not prohibit
the use of other approved devices or methods furnishing equal or better
protection.
41. All branch trolley lines shall be fitted with an automatic trolley
switch or section insulator and line switch, or some other device, that will
allow the current to be shut off from such branch headings. Switches or
circuit breakers shall be provided on haulage roads to de-energise all trolley
and feeder lines a t intervals not to exceed 2,000 ft.
42. I t is recommended that, where air pipes or water pipes parallel the
grounded return of power circuits, the return be securely bonded to such
pipes at frequent intervals to eliminate the possibility of a difference of
potential between rails and pipes and to prevent electrolysis of the pipes.
The rail return shall be of sufficient capacity for the current used, independent
of the capacity of the pipes. On main haulage roads both rails shall be
bonded, and cross-bonds shall be placed at points not to exceed 200 ft. apart.
Electric Locomotives
77. Electric haulage by locomotive operated from a trolley wire is not
permissible in any gaseous portion of a mine, a gaseous portion of a mine as
used herein being all the workings and roadways traversed by the locomotive
and ventilated by the same continuous air current and in which portion
explosive gas has been generated in sufficient quantity to be detected by an
approved safety lamp within a period of two years, except when the portion
in which the locomotive operates is free of accumulated explosive gas, and
the highest methane content of the air current in which the locomotive
operates is not in excess of five-tenths of 1 per cent., and except where the
air current is so guided and directed that the opening or closing of a door
will not interrupt or seriously diminish the airflow passing into and through
the portion of the mine in which the locomotive operates.
Moreover, it shall be unlawful in any gaseous portion of a mine as defined
in this rule to run or operate a locomotive fed directly or indirectly from a
trolley wire by the open entrances to worked-out places wherein the pillars
have been drawn, or places in which the pillars have not been drawn, but
in which places the roof has collapsed, unless such places are constantly and
thoroughly ventilated and examined as frequently for explosive gas as
active working places are examined.
No open type electric locomotive or open type electric machine of whatsoever name shall be taken into a working place or places in a gaseous portion
of a mine as denned in this rule. Main return airways shall not be used
as haulageways for electric locomotives operated from a trolley wire in
gaseous mines.
78. I n no case shall the potential used in the trolley system be higher
than medium voltage."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XI)
7. BATTERY AND CABLE REEL LOCOMOTIVES
205
7. BATTERY AND CABLE R E E L LOCOMOTIVES
BELGIUM
"32. When the haulage is effected by battery locomotives or locomotives supplied by trailing cables wound on reels, the installations shall in
particular comply with the provisions of sections 26 and 27.1
33. The rooms in which the batteries are charged shall be ventilated by
a strong current of pure air returning directly to the upcast shaft without
passing by any active workplace."
(RO 7.8.1953)
CANADA
Alberta
(See also Division 6 of this chapter.)
The conditions for the approval of battery locomotives for underground
use are as follows :
" I n mines where safety lamps are required to be used, battery locomotives shall be of approved 'permissible' type.
Storage battery charging stations shall be located in a fresh air split
between intake and return air with sufficient ventilation to render harmless
the gases evolved from the charging. The charging apparatus to be installed
on the intake side of the batteries.
The charging apparatus to be installed in a fireproof room constructed
of concrete at least 6 in. in thickness, or brick at least 8 in. in thickness, or
of steel plate at least % in. in thickness.
Doors or ventilators that close automatically in case of fire within the
room, to be provided so as to seal off the fire.
Adequate means for extinguishing fires to be kept at all charging
stations.
Conductors in charging stations, if of such material or so located as to
be liable to corrosion, shall be protected by suitable acid-proof coverings.
Live parts, above 50 volts, in charging stations to be guarded so as to
prevent accidental contact by attendants.
Control levers to be so arranged that the levers cannot be accidentally
removed when the power is on.
All locks, seals, etc., shall be kept in place and in good condition.
Locomotives shall be equipped with a warning gong, bell or some such
audible signal.
In open light mines approved 'permissible' type locomotives will not
be required. The location of the charging apparatus and batteries shall be
acceptable to the District Inspector of Mines.
The general requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act as affecting
installations of this nature will apply in all cases. This equipment m a y be
ordered out of the mine forthwith for cause at any time by the District
Inspector of Mines."
(R 1949)
FRANCE
See Chapter X I X , Division 4.
GERMANY
The following conditions for the approval of the use of electric battery
locomotives (gathering locomotives) have been issued by the Dortmund
Divisional Mining Office.
1
See Division 6 of this chapter.
206
TOI.
"Installation
HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
of the Locomotive, Repair and Charging
Booms.
2. (1) The locomotive depots and charging rooms shall be of fireproof
construction and be provided with through ventilation by a fresh air current.
The adjoining mine workings shall have fireproof supports up to a distance
of 10 m from the approach doors of these rooms.
(2) The locomotive depots and charging rooms shall be provided with
electric lighting complying with the regulations of the Association of German
Electrical Engineers for fiery mine places and approved by the Divisional
Mining Office.
( 3 ) Entering the charging rooms with lighted gas detectors burning petrol
shall only be allowed for the purpose of testing for firedamp. The testing
shall only be done at a time when the batteries are neither charged nor in
a condition of after-gasification.
Equipment and Operating of the Locomotives.
3. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotives.] *
Equipment and Maintenance of the Haulage Roads.
4. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1
Protection against Ignition of Firedamp.
5. (1) Accumulation of firedamp shall be effectively prevented in all
parts of the roads by abundant ventilation.
(2) The batteries shall not be changed in the gate roads and may only
be changed in the intake air current.
(3) The supply of current from the batteries to the motor shall be so
ensured t h a t even after taking out the plug any possibility of misusing the
current is excluded.
(4) The pole connections between the individual cells shall be so
arranged that, as far as possible, sparking is avoided (e.g. cone connections).
(5) The plate protection 2, the cab tire cables and the connection ducts
for the conductors shall be examined weekly as to their good condition by
a person with electrical training, and, if necessary, replaced.
(6) The keys for the device for locking the cover of the battery container
and the key for opening the plate protection cover 2 shall only be in the possession of a person specially appointed for this purpose, who shall see that the
battery container is not opened in the presence of firedamp and that it is
in proper order after being charged and before being taken into use again.
(7) The outside of the battery containers shall be kept free from coaldust ; further, the cells shall at all times be in a clean condition.
(8) The tractive effort of the locomotives shall be so calculated by
determining the maximum number of the cars (dirt, coal, empty) to be
hauled simultaneously, that the controller rheostat casing can in no case
be heated above 200° C. The maximum number shall be determined on the
basis of data of the sElectrical Department of the Technical Supervision
Association in Essen.
Supervision of the Haulage
Installations.
6. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be thoroughly examined
daily as to their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The
necessary repair work shall be undertaken without delay.
1
2
See Division 4 of this chapter.
The words italicised in 5 (5) and (6) are to be deleted if absence of the plate protection on large battery locomotives operating exclusively in main haulage roads with little
firedamp can be justified.
3
Section 5 (8) is to be deleted in the case of locomotive types without controller rheostats.
7. BATTERY AXD CABLE BEEL LOCOMOTIVES
207
(2) The electrical parts of the locomotive shall be thoroughly examined
every six months by an expert. By expert shall be meant an electrical
engineer of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen and any other
expert recognised by the Divisional Mining Office.
(3) The other parts of the electrical installations (locomotive depot and
charging room) shall be thoroughly examined at least once a year by an
expert (see (2)). The interval between two examinations shall not exceed
15 months.
(4) The locomotives and the charging installations, especially the cable
connections between battery and motor, shall be examined as to their regulation condition a t least once a week by an official with electrical training who
shall be recognised by the district inspector for this purpose. Damaged
cables shall, if necessary, be changed immediately.
(5) The electrical parts of battery locomotives shall be examined
daily as to their regulation condition by a person with sufficient electrical
training (electrician). Defects shall be remedied immediately.
(6) The names of the persons responsible for the daily examinations
under Nos. (1) and (5) shall be entered by the manager in the register referred
to in No. (7).
(7) The report of the tests on delivery and the weekly, six-monthly and
yearly examinations shall be entered in a special register, which shall be
submitted to the district inspector on request.
Employees and Service Instructions.
7. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1
Operation Permit.
8. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1 "
Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions
for the approval of combined trolley and battery locomotives.
NETHERLANDS
"17. The places used for the housing of locomotives shall always be
properly ventilated. The air supply shall come from the intake air, and the
used air shall be led off by the shortest possible route and shall not be
further used for ventilation purposes.
18. An adequate number of safety lamps shall be placed lighted in the
places lit by electricity so that, even in the event of accidental interruption
of the current, necessary work can be carried on.
20. The locomotive shall only be used on roads free from firedamp.
At regular intervals air samples shall be taken in these roads for control
purposes and shall be analysed ; if the analysis shows a content of more
than 1 y2 per cent, firedamp the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately.
21. A locomotive outside the locomotive depot or the filling room shall
not be left without supervision unless the brakes have been applied and the
motors stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the
motors."
(IGR 42)
UNITED KINGDOM
"34. (1) No battery of a storage-battery locomotive shall be charged
or changed below ground in any mine except a t a place appointed for t h a t
purpose by the manager.
1
See Division 4 of this chapter.
208
V m . HAUXAGE OF MATERIALS ON BOADS AND INCLINES
(2) Every place so appointed for charging (in these regulations referred
to as a 'charging station') shall be—
(a) constructed of non-inflammable material ;
(b) ventilated by a through current of air sufficient to render gases harmless ;
(c) so fitted that in relation to the said current of air—•
(i) the charging apparatus is on the intake side of the battery racks ;
(ii) the current passes from the battery racks directly into a return
airway ;
(d) so equipped t h a t the spilling of water or electrolyte is, so far as practicable, prevented ; and
(e) kept provided with equipment for extinguishing fire.
35. (1) No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other than
a locked safety lamp or an electric lamp adequately protected, in any charging station, or within 10 yd. of any charging station.
(2) Any water or electrolyte spilt on any battery in a charging station
shall forthwith be removed.
36. A copy of the two last foregoing regulations shall be kept posted
and clearly visible in each charging station."
(R 24.3.1949)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article
VIII.
Electricity
10. Trailing cables
(f) (Section 209 (f) (3)—Title II.)—In a gassy mine explosion-tested
cable-reel locomotives shall be equipped with two-conductor trailing cables."
(FMC 1953)
Pennsylvania
"79. Storage-battery locomotives may be used in gaseous mines, only
when all electrical parts that it is practicable to enclose are enclosed in
flameproof and explosion-proof casings."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XI)
8. R O P E AND CHAIN HAULAGES
CANADA
Alberta
"135. (1) Every underground plane which is self-acting or worked by
an engine, windlass or gin shall be provided, if exceeding 90 ft. in length, with
some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals between
the stopping places and the ends of the plane and every back or counterbalance used for raising or lowering coal or other minerals, if exceeding 90 ft.
in length, shall be provided with some proper means of communicating
distinct and definite signals between the lower end and between the entrance
of every working place thereon for the time being in work and the upper
end thereof. This provision shall apply to all places worked on the McGinty
system or any other gravity system where the loaded car raises the empty car.
(2) Every slope or incline which is self-acting or worked by an engine,
windlass or gin, if exceeding 60 ft. in length and on which persons normally
8. BOPB AND CHAIN HAULAGES
209
travel shall be provided with sufficient man-holes or places of refuge a t
intervals of not more t h a n 60 ft. and in addition to the man-holes so specified
there shall be at the landings on each slope, a man-hole or man-holes to give
protection to any landing tender in the event of any car or cars running back.
(3) Every level, entry or tunnel underground where the produce of the
mine in transit exceeds 10 tons in any one hour over any part thereof, and
where the load is drawn by a horse or other animal, shall, where there is not
standing room of at least 2 ft. between the side of the car and the side of the
road, be provided with man-holes or places of refuge at intervals of not
more than 75 ft.
(4) On every level, entry or tunnel on which persons normally travel
where the haulage is worked by gravity or mechanical power at a speed not
exceeding five miles per hour, and there is not standing room of at least 2 ft.
between the side of the car or locomotive and the side of the road, there
shall be provided man-holes or places of refuge at intervals of not more than
60 ft. ; or where the load is drawn by rope-haulage and the speed exceeds
five miles per hour, man-holes shall be provided irrespective of the standing
room available.
(5) Every man-hole or place of refuge shall be as nearly as possible 3 ft.
in width and not less than 4 ft. in depth and not less than 5 ft. in height.
(6) Every man-hole and place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear
and shall be treated with whitewash or other colour so t h a t the same are
of a colour distinct from the colour of the surrounding walls at all times,
and no person shall place anything in a man-hole or place of refuge so as to
prevent access thereto.
(7) Whenever in the opinion of the Director of Mines the provisions of
this section are not sufficient for the safety of the persons travelling on such
road he may require the owner, agent or manager of such mine to make
such provisions as he may deem necessary for safety, and may require them
to provide a separate travelling road.
(8) No repair work shall be done on any slope or incline where the
haulage is worked b y gravity or mechanical power while the haulage is in
operation unless the place to be repaired is above the points where the cars
are being moved, or if below such point, ample protection is provided to
safeguard the workmen against runaway or derailed cars.
137
(2) On all main and tail rope haulages there shall be displayed a conspicuous light on the front and rear of every trip or train of cars when in
motion in the mine and on any other trips when ordered in writing by the
District Inspector."
(A 1945)
" 2 3 . (a) A notice showing the signals used shall be posted a t the
terniinals and at all intermediate points or landing places on all rope-haulage
systems.
(b) No unauthorised person shall work or interfere with any signalling
apparatus in or about any mine. "
(R 1945)
FRANCE
"80. The winchnian shall not leave the winch without having cut
off the power from the engine and made sure that the brake is effectively
applied.
Measures shall be taken to prevent the winchman at his operating stand
from being struck either by the tubs that he is moving or by the ropes
in motion."
(R 4.5.1951)
210
V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
GERMANY
" 4 1 . (1) I n t h e case of road haulage with stationary engines, it shall
be possible to communicate with the engineman from any point in the road
either by signals or by calling. The engineman shall be able to stop the
engine from his workplace.
(2) This provision shall not apply when the engine can be stopped
from any point in t h e road. Nor shall it apply to haulage on gate roads
with small winches, when the speed does not exceed 1.5 m/sec.
(3) Every haulage winch shall be provided with an automatic stopping
device t h a t prevents persons from being inadvertently pulled on to t h e
rope-drum."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"Underground Horizontal Transport of Material by Means of an Endless
Rope or Chain in Double-tracked Roads or Stone Drifts.
1. Alongside or between the two tracks a separate adequately safe
travelway at least 0.50 m wide shall be installed.
2. I t shall always be possible to send signals with the signalling appliances in the road or stone drift from any point on the track to the personnel
responsible for the operation of the haulage engine, so that haulage can
be stopped at any moment.
3. Haulage shall be stopped during the change-over of shifts.
4. The haulage speed shall not exceed 1 m/sec.
5. Brattice cloths or doors shall not be installed in the ropeway."
(IGR 38)
"Underground Horizontal Transport of Material along Roads and Stone Drifts
by Means of One or More Winches.
1. In so far as transport is not carried on by means of sidings in stone
drifts with adequate permanent lighting, in which case only section 4
shall apply, and sidings in roads, in which case an adequately safe travelway a t least 0.50 m wide shall be provided, the horizontal haulage of material
along stone drifts a n d roads by means of one or more winches shall only
take place subject t o compliance with the following conditions.
2. I n the road or stone drift there shall be a suitable signalling appliance
within easy reach. With this signalling appliance it shall be possible to
signal from any point on the haulageway to the personnel responsible
for the haulage operations.
3. The speed of the trains shall not exceed 1 m/see.
4. The first tub of every train shall be provided with a brightly shining
red safety lamp.
5. If the distance over which horizontal mechanical haulage is carried
on exceeds 100 m a n d if, in the case of smaller distances, the road or the
stone drift winds, at every approach to the part of the road or the stone drift
in which haulage is carried on a notice-board shall be placed with the wording
'Access allowed only after asking permission and receiving an affirmative
answer from the worker operating the winch '.
6. If the distance over which horizontal mechanical haulage is carried
on does not exceed 100 m, and if the road or stone drift is straight, at every
approach to the p a r t of the road or stone drift in which haulage is carried
on a notice-board shall be placed with the wording 'Access allowed only
after the worker operating the winch has been warned by calling or by signalling
with the lamp and has given an affirmative answer and has stopped the haulage '. "
(IGR 40)
8. ROPE AND CHAIÏT HAULAGES
211
SOUTH AFRICA
"43. The following provisions shall apply to underground traction :
(1) (a) Where traction is operated by machinery other than locomotive
a signalling apparatus shall be provided by which distinct signals
can be given to the engine-driver from convenient places along
the tramway.
(b) Where traction is operated by gravity, and the inclined plane
exceeds 150 ft. in length, some efficient means of communicating
distinct signals between the stopping places shall be provided.
(2) (a)
(b)
If persons are allowed to travel on any haulageway or inclined
plane constructed after 1st October, 1930, where traction is
operated by machinery or gravity and where the speed of traction exceeds four miles per hour or where the gradient exceeds 1
in 12, places of refuge a t intervals of not more than 50 ft. shall
be provided if there is not ample room for a person to stand
between the moving trucks and the side of the haulageway or
inclined plane. If the Inspector of Mines requires it, a fenced
travelling way shall be provided.
Every such place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
No mechanically or gravity operated winding or rope-haulage apparatus
a t a mine may be operated on any occasion when persons are carried by
means thereof except by a competent male person at least 22 years of age
appointed by the manager for the purpose, and it is the duty of the manager
to appoint a sufficient number of such persons.
I t is the duty of the manager to make and to secure the efficient carrying
out of arrangements whereby a person appointed under this section is in
attendance to operate the apparatus for carrying persons through a shaft,
outlet or staple pit, as the case may be, so long as any person is in the
mine whom it is intended should come out through that shaft, outlet or
staple pit.
As a general rule no person appointed to operate the apparatus in question may be employed for more than eight hours in any day on which his
duties consist of or include the operation, when persons are carried by
means thereof, of mechanically or gravity operated winding apparatus, and
regulations may provide for limiting the number of hours for which any
such person may be employed in any week (42).
No mechanically or gravity operated winding apparatus may be operated
on an occasion when no persons are carried by means thereof, except by,
or under the constant supervision of, a competent male person who has
attained the age of 21 years.
No mechanically or gravity operated rope-haulage apparatus may be
operated on an occasion when no persons are carried by means thereof
except by, or under the constant supervision of, a competent male person
who has attained the age of 18 years (43).
No conveyor may be operated along a working face except hy, or under
the constant supervision of, a competent male person who has attained the
age of 18 years (44).
There must be provided and maintained—
(a) in connection with every mine shaft provided with winding apparatus where the distance between the highest and lowest entrances in use
exceeds 50 ft., effective means of transmitting audible and visible signals
from each shaft entrance in use to the place at which the winding apparatus
is operated ;
212
VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES
(b) in connection with every unwalkable mine outlet provided with
rope-haulage apparatus where the distance between the terminal surface
entrance thereto and the terminal underground entrance thereto exceeds
60 ft., effective means of transmitting audible and visible signals from each
entrance to the outlet in use to the place at which the haulage apparatus is
operated.
Regulations may require the provision and maintenance of means of
transmitting signals between the entrances of shafts and of unwalkable
outlets.
Regulations m a y require that signals shall be transmitted in a prescribed
code and t h a t the manager shall secure the attendance at prescribed times
of persons for the purpose of transmitting and receiving signals (45).
Where rope-haulage apparatus or a conveyor is installed in a road,
then if the length of the part of the road through which vehicles can move
as part of the apparatus, or through which loads can be carried by means
of the conveyor, exceeds 90 ft., there must be provided and maintained
effective means of transmitting signals from every point throughout that
part of the road to the place where the apparatus or the conveyor is operated
(46).
Regulations m a y provide for excluding or modifying the application of
the provisions of sections 42 to 46 in the case of winding or rope-haulage
apparatus or conveyors whose operation is remotely controlled or is wholly
or partly automatic (47).
(A 1954)
"100. The manager shall, in the case of a mine where there are several
districts, prescribe the additional signals J to be used to indicate the districts ;
and shall fix any other signals that may be required.
101. A notice shall be posted in the hauling engine-house and at each
signalling station, containing the system of haulage signals in use at such
engine-house or signalling station."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article VII. Transportation
1. Hoisting
(g) Any rope attached to a cage, man-car, or trip used for hoisting or
lowering men shall be provided with two bridle chains or cables connected
securely to the rope a t least 3 ft. above the socket or thimble and to the
cross-piece of the cage or to the man-car or trip."
(FMC 1953)
9. CONVEYORS
CANADA
Alberta
"140. (1) Main conveyor roads shall not be less than 4 ft. in height
with a clear space of not less than 2 ft. between the conveyor and one side
of the road.
(2) Persons shall only travel on the clear space on the road and no
person shall travel in a moving conveyor either a t the face or on a roadway
without the consent in writing of the District Inspector and subject to such
terms and conditions as the said District Inspector shall prescribe. The provisions with respect to man-holes shall not apply to conveyor roads.
» The standard code of signals is laid down in section 98 (not reproduced).
9. CONVEYORS
213
(3) On all longwall faces there shall be provided an escape road (or
other road), a t intervals of not more than 450 ft., or a t such less distance as
may be ordered by the District Inspector.
(4) The size of the escape road shall not be less than 4 ft. high and
4 ft. wide to within 20 ft. of the face, where it may be the height of the seam.
(5) Where a face conveyor is used, which exceeds 90 ft. in length, it
shall be provided with some proper means of communicating distinct and
definite signals from any point on the face to the person in charge of the
engine or motor driving the conveyor."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"255. (1) Belt conveyors and their driving heads shall be so designed,
installed, maintained and supervised as to avoid any friction liable to
cause dangerous heating of the belts, neighbouring objects or deposited
combustible dust.
(2) When a driving head of a belt conveyor is not so installed that
while it is in operation the immediate vicinity is frequently patrolled by the
personnel, the supports of the driving head and the timbering within a
distance of 4 m shall be of incombustible or fireproofed material."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"39. (1) Discharge points of belt conveyors at driving and reversing
rollers shall be provided with a protective device or so fenced t h a t no one
can get between the belt and the roller.
(2) Belt conveyors shall be so attended that damage from projecting
wire hooks or bent or damaged plates cannot be caused.
(3) The clearance between the belt support and the ground shall be
at least 30 cm and between the support and the side of the road opposite
to the travelway shall be a t least 20 cm."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"Conveyors in Conveyor Roads
1. If the driving rollers of the engine have a facing with high frictional
resistance that is not eliminated by any heating that may occur, then the
engine so long as it is in operation shall always be under supervision either
by someone who can see the engine or by someone who is on the windward
side of the engine and from the place where he is stationed can stop the
engine immediately.
2. The timbering of the road shall be fireproof on both sides of the
engine over a total length of 4 m, unless the engine has a facing -with high
frictional resistance which is eliminated by any heating that m a y occur,
in which case the main timbering in the road shall be fireproof over the
said distance.
3. (1) In every road an easily travellable footpath shall be provided
alongside each belt conveyor.
(2) From the footpath referred to in the preceding subsection, it shall
be possible to inspect the rollers of the whole conveyor satisfactorily and to
keep the space under the belt properly clean.
(3) Under the conveyor structure there shall be no wood or other
combustible material.
214
VIH. HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(4) Whenever a t places along the conveyor material or mine timber has
to be stacked, this shall be so done that a worker can pass by the stacks
without having to stop the conveyor.
(5) Every 100 m there shall be at least 100 kg of stone-dust on a dry
floor of iron plates or concrete blocks.
(6) By each set of driving machinery there shall be a t least one fireextinguisher."
(IGR 16)
"Chain
Conveyors
1. (1) By chain conveyor is meant transport equipment with which
material is transported by means of a single or double chain equipped with
scrapers and driven by an engine.
(2) For the purposes of the present regulation, chain-haulages in the
neighbourhood of shafts and baffle-plate conveyor pits in face workings shall
not be deemed to be chain conveyors.
2. Man-riding a n d the conveyance of persons on chain conveyors shall
be prohibited.
3. (1) Above or at the side of chain conveyors and extending over
their whole length a trip-wire shall be installed by means of which it shall
be possible to stop the driving unit or units in case of need.
(2) This trip-wire shall not be required a t places where an operator is
continually present by the driving units, and where along the conveyor a
signal-wire or switches or press-buttons have been installed by means of
which light signals can be given to the operator.
(3) The intervals between the switches or press-buttons required in
the preceding subsection shall not exceed 10 m in the case of seams exceeding
60 cm in height or 6 m in the case of seams less than 60 cm in height.
(4) The trip-wire shall also not be required for chain conveyors not
exceeding 25 m in length erected in roads.
4. (1) Chain conveyors equipped with a trip-wire required under
section 3 shall be stopped by means of this wire in case of need.
(2) Chain conveyors that are not equipped with this trip-wire shall
in case of need be stopped by giving the emergency signal after the normal
stop signal.
5. Whenever a chain conveyor is stopped as indicated in section 4
it shall not be started again before first the emergency signal and then
the start signal have been given.
6. Whenever on or near chain conveyors equipped with the trip-wire
referred to in section 3 work has to be done for which the driving unit has
been stopped and inadvertent restarting may cause danger to the persons
carrying out the work, the trip-wire shall be so blocked by the person in
charge of the work that the operator cannot start up the driving unit.
7. Where chain conveyors are used there shall be sufficient space for
walking or crawling along the whole length.
8. The driving units, reversing equipment, guide rollers, etc., shall be
so protected as to offer the greatest possible safety.
9. The dangerous parts of a chain conveyor and also the driving units,
direction-changing rollers, guide rollers, etc., shall only be repaired, cleaned
and greased when t h e driving units are stopped.
10. The valves of compressed-air engines shall be provided with a hand
wheel.
11. The entire chain conveyor shall be constantly maintained in good
and safe condition."
(IGR 16a)
215
9. CONVEYORS
"Protection
of Workers During
Work at the Face
1. The moving parts of the driving machinery of shaker conveyors,
belt conveyors and other means of transport shall, where necessary, be
adequately protected.
2. I n the immediate vicinity of the motor switch a workman shall
be appointed to work and at the same time take charge of the operation
of the motor.
3. On gravity conveyors and shaker conveyors brakes shall, if necessary, be fitted to limit the speed of the material to be conveyed.
4. On activities other than coalgetting and loading in steep rooms
where danger may arise through objects sliding along the conveyor, a
few metres below and above the place where the activities are carried
on adequately strong protection shall be provided so as to retain objects
falling into the conveyors."
(IGR 17)
UNITED KINGDOM
See Division 8 of this chapter.
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article
X.
Fire Protection and Mine
Disasters
1. Fire Protection
(I) Underground belt conveyors installed after the effective date of
this code, unless fire-resistant, shall be equipped with control switches to
automatically stop the driving motor in the event t h a t the belt is stopped
by slipping on the driving pulley, by breakage, or other accident."
(FMC 1953)
Pennsylvania
"Rule 36. All conveyor entries shall be provided with a minimum
width and height of not less than 4 ft. for travel, but in conveyor entries
in which track is installed, the minimum amount of clearance shall not
be less than 2 % ft., which clearance space shall be continuous throughout
the entry. All such travel space and clearance space shall be kept free
of all forms of obstruction under foot, and free from electric wires and
electric cables. A space of not less than 4 ft. in width shall be provided
for travel from the immediate entrance of each working place to the face
thereof, which space shall be kept free of all forms of obstruction underfoot and free from electric wires and electric cables.
Rule 37. At all points where men must of necessity cross conveyors,
the conveyor at the point where the crossing is made shall be so arranged
that men can cross safely and conveniently without coming in contact
with the conveyor.
Rule 38. All conveyors in working places shall be brought to rest
while mine officials are making examinations, and so remain until the
examination is completed.
Rule 39. All electric motors and cables in dry areas, and in gaseous
areas in conveyor sections shall have all coal-dust removed from their
exterior surfaces once each operating shift, and all electric equipment in
areas of the above character shall be thoroughly examined b y a competent
person once each calendar day such equipment is used, and a written report
216
VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
of the condition of such equipment shall be made by the person making
the examination, which report shall also give an identification number
of the piece of equipment so examined. Said report shall be kept in a
book furnished by the operator or superintendent, and shall be preserved
for a period of one year.
Rule 40. All electric wires or electric cables in completed portions of
conveyor entries shall be carried on insulators, and all electric cables constantly kept in rooms or pillars or other working places shall be carried on
suitable supports t o within 70 ft. of the face of each working place."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
10.
INCLINES1
FRANCE
" 8 1 . (1) Access to any incline in operation shall be so barred that the
personnel cannot unexpectedly enter the incline.
(2) The landings shall be so arranged that the tubs can only be set in
motion by a deliberate act.
(3) At all landings of a carriage incline a device shall, in its normal
position, prevent vehicles from unexpectedly entering the incline ; it shall
only be p u t into the off position when the carriage is properly in place at
the landing.
At the top landing and the intermediate landings of other inclines a
device shall prevent tubs from running away before they are attached to
the rope. I t shall not be put into the off position until the tub or tubs have
been attached to the rope and their couplings verified.
If this device is not sufficient to prevent tubs from entering the incline
unexpectedly, this shall be ensured by a second device.
(4) I t shall be prohibited to allow a man to work, even exceptionally,
in an incline, raise or drop pit, without taking all precautions to prevent
tubs above him from running away.
82. (1) I t shall be prohibited to be in the incline or at the foot of the
incline while the tubs are running ; special shelters shall be arranged as
required for the workers a t the landings.
(2) Personnel working or travelling a t the foot of inclines shall be
protected against runaway tubs.
(3) I n drop pits in course of sinking or on inclines being packed measures
shall be taken to stop runaway tubs.
83. (1) The pulleys of self-acting inclines shall be provided with a
counterweighted braking device t h a t is ordinarily kept applied ; it shall be
prohibited to block this device in the off position.
(2) Movable brake pulleys and other braking devices attached to a post
shall be tied to a second post by an independent auxiliary fastening.
84. Unless oral communication is free from any element of uncertainty,
every incline shall be provided with reciprocal means of communication
between the various landings on the one hand, and the brakeman or the
winchman on the other.
The signal code, specified by instructions, shall be permanently and
conspicuously posted at every landing and at the brakeman's or winchman's
stand.
A sound signal consisting of a single note shall always be taken to signify
a n order to stop.
85. (1) Travel on inclines used for haulage shall be regulated b y
instructions approved by the district inspector of mines.
1
For rope and chain haulages see also Division 8 of this chapter.
217
1 0 . INCLINES
The instructions shall specify the conditions under which persons may
cross the incline.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to travel on the tubs or carriages of inclines
or drop pits failing an authorisation from the district inspector of mines
specifying the conditions applicable to such travel. This prohibition shall
not apply to the transport of the sick and injured.
86. When a tub is derailed or is accidentally stopped the brakeman
or winchman shall first be notified. During the operations undertaken to
restore order, no person shall be below the tub before it has been blocked
by an effective device and on the responsibility of an onsetter a t a higher
landing. The tub shall not be restarted until all the men employed in rerailing and handling it are in safety. The instruction referred to in section 85 (1)
shall lay down the rules to be applied for securing compliance with these
requirements.
87. (1) Roads with a gradient exceeding 25° used for the ordinary
travel of personnel shall, if they are not cut in steps or provided with ladders,
be provided with a rope or with a bar serving as a handrail.
(2) If the gradient exceeds 45° these roads shall be cut in steps or provided with ladders ; repair work on these roads shall be undertaken only
on platforms or with a safety belt furnished by the operator."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
For haulage and travel on inclines and in shafts see Chapter X .
NETHERLANDS
"82
(4) In the case of haulage on inclined roads with the use of winches or
brakes, the operators shall satisfy themselves at the beginning of the shift
that the incline is clear."
(MR 1939)
"Transport of Material in Inclines and Dips
1. In single-track rope-haulage inclines and dips, if these can be entered
at both ends only through one entrance, no switches shall be installed.
2. Inclines and dips which a t the bottom run into the road through one
or more curves, and also inclines and dips under construction, shall be
protected at the bottom by means of a bar of adequate strength.
3. The bar, which shall be securely suspended in a recess made in the
roof of the incline, shall be capable of being raised and lowered by means
of a counterweight through the vertical plane passing through the axis
of the track.
4. The bar, which as far as possible shall remain lowered, shall be
capable of being operated from a safe place.
5. The radius of the curve or curves of the incline shall be so small a t
the bottom t h a t descending tubs that arrive at too high a speed will be
derailed.
6. Two or more tubs shall not be sent up or down simultaneously in
inclines unless the tubs are so fastened to one another by extra couplings
that accidental breaking loose is as far as possible excluded.
7. The placing of pumps in completed inclines and dips in 'which haulage
is carried on shall be prohibited ; in either case, subject to the proviso that
if, in special cases, such prohibition cannot be complied with, it shall be
possible to reach the pump or, if appropriate, the switch, from the footpath
running along the incline or the dip."
(IGR 41)
218
Vu!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
SOUTH AFRICA
" 4 3 . The following provisions shall apply to underground traction :
(1)
(c)
(d)
(e)
On every inclined plane one or more effective contrivances shall
be provided and used to arrest trucks or other vehicles should
they run or move out of control down such inclined plane ; provided t h a t this subsection shall not apply to inclined planes where
the gradient is such that trucks cannot run out of control. Where
trucks are to be operated by a rope they shall be properly
attached to the rope before being moved into, or placed in, a position
from which a runaway can occur.
Where the aforementioned effective contrivances are handoperated, every person operating any such contrivance shall be
afforded adequate protection from any truck or vehicle moving
out of control.
The shift boss in the section of the mine under his charge shall
personally appoint every person required to operate a contrivance
such as referred to in subsection (1) (c) of this regulation, and
such shift boss shall personally instruct such person in the
proper a n d safe way of performing his duties ; provided that, in
case of emergency, the miner or ganger may temporarily
appoint a person to operate such contrivance."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
(See also Division 8 of this chapter.)
"26. No person when taking a tub by hand down an incline of which
the gradient exceeds 1 in 12 shall go in front of the t u b ; and in every case
where the conditions are such that a person cannot control the tub by hand
from behind, he shall not take the tub down unless some contrivance is
provided to enable him to control the t u b . "
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"81
(b) Derails or stopping blocks shall be placed in dip entries and rooms
as a protection against runaway cars' injuring men working a t the face, and
all cars must be safely blocked while being loaded or standing on a grade."
(R 23.12.1937)
New Mexico
"1102. At the t o p of any slope or incline used for haulage shall be an
automatic stop-block or spring derail which will stop or derail cars, except
when removed or closed by an attendant while cars are passing under control.
1104. Except while gathering trips an effective drag or mechanical
device shall be used o n all mechanically hauled trips when going against an
average grade of 5 per cent, or more.
1105. Brakes shall be set or sprags applied or cars blocked while standing
or being loaded on grades."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 2 1 . The mine foreman shall direct and see that safety blocks, or some
other device, are constructed for the purpose of preventing cars from falling
10. INCLINES
219
into the shaft or slope, or running away on slopes and incline planes ; and
safety switches, drop logs, or other devices shall be used on all slopes and
incline planes ; and the mine foreman shall see that said safety blocks, safety
switches, or other devices, are maintained in good working order."
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
"Duties
of Hooker-on
Rule 9. The hooker-on a t the bottom of any slope shall be over 18
years of age, and shall be very careful to see that the cars are properly
coupled to a rope or chain, and that the safety catch or other device is
properly attached to the rear car, before giving the signal to the engineer.
He shall not allow any person to ride up the slope on the full trips, other
than the trip-rider.
Ditties of Top
Man
Rule 12
The top man of a slope or incline plane shall be careful to close the safety
block or other device as soon as the cars have reached the landing, in order
to prevent any loose or runaway cars from descending the slope or incline
plane, and in no case shall said safety block or other device be withdrawn
until the cars are coupled to the rope or chain and the proper signal given.
He shall carefully inspect each day all the machinery in and about the
check house and the rope used for lowering the coal, and shall promptly
report to the superintendent any defect discovered, and shall use care in
attaching securely the cars to the rope and in lowering them down the
incline. He shall ring the alarm bell in case of accident, and when necessary
immediately set free to act the drop logs or safety switch."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
15
CHAPTER IX
TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
1.
GENERAL
CANADA
Alberta
"149
Rule 17. (a) No person shall ride on any car or locomotive in, on,
or about any mine without the permission of the manager, overman or
other proper official.
Rule 20
(b) No person shall walk up or down a hoisting slope while hoisting
is in progress without the permission of the manager, overman or other
proper official, and every person in or about a slope or shaft bottom shall
obey the orders of the onsetter or eager."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
" 9 1 . (1) In roadways with chain or rope-haulage, while the haulage
is in operation the personnel shall travel only if there is available to them
a passageway at least 60 cm wide, and if, a t all points on their route, there
is a means of signalling providing communication with the engineman or
winchman, or a remote control for stopping the engine.
Every roadway equipped with a conveyor and used for the travel of
personnel shall have a clear passageway at least 60 cm in width between
the conveyor and one of the sides.
Exemptions from the provisions of the present subsection may be
granted by the district inspector of mines for persons travelling singly.
(2) The signals shall be specified in instructions permanently posted
a t the control station of the haulage system and a t each of the attaching
and detaching stations.
A sound signal consisting of a single note shall always be taken to
signify an order to stop.
125. Workers shall be prohibited from taking, without special permission, other roads t h a n those that they have to follow to reach their workplace or to do their work."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"On Level Roads.
76. I n the case of hand-haulage or horse-haulage on single-track roads
that do not allow of safe passing, passing places shall be arranged every 60 m.
77. (1) On mechanical-haulage roads, notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (3), on one side a travelway with a clear width of
1. GENERAL
221
0.80 m and a clear height of 1.80 m shall be available. This shall not be
required on curves of less than 30 m radius if, a t intervals not exceeding
10 m, recesses, 1.20 m deep and 1.80 m high, are available. With ropeways
and also at landings and loading places the travelway may be in the middle
of the road.
(2) For gate roads with mechanical haulage, subsection (1) shall only
apply if the haulage speed exceeds 1.50 m /sec. ; safe travelling or passing shall,
however, be possible. I n gate roads with locomotive haulage, on one side
there shall be available recesses for passing, or branches of level roads, at
intervals not exceeding 50 m.
(3) On belt-conveyor roads a travelway 0.80 m wide and at least 1.30 m
high shall be available. Places a t which the belt must be crossed shall
be so arranged that safe crossing of the belt is possible. If the travelway
crosses places where there are elevated belts the lower belt shall be fenced
at these places. Places at which the travelway crosses the belt shall be
clearly indicated.
77a. (1) Travelways shall be used.
(2) Trolley-wire roads in which the trolley wire is live shall not be
entered by persons carrying long metal objects.
On Inclined Roads and in
Shafts.
78 to 84. [See Chapter I I I , Division 2 and Chapter X, Division 1.] "
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 7 1 . (1) Whenever the gradient of a travelway is so steep that traffic
is difficult or dangerous, steps shall be cut in the floor or other suitable
precautions shall be taken.
(2) If an incline is used from time to time for transport purposes,
adequate safety measures shall be taken.
(3) I n inclines that are steeper than 45°, safe ladders and, in so far as
necessary, rest platforms with adequate protection shall be provided.
72. (1) I t shall be prohibited, without the authorisation of the
Inspector-General of Mines, to enter or cause to be entered the transport
compartments of shafts, staple pits, raises and rope-haulage inclines.
(2) The prohibition mentioned in subsection (1) shall not apply to
persons who have to work in the transport compartments of shafts, staple
pits, raises and rope-haulage inclines, provided that transport is stopped
before the persons enter.
73. (1) I t shall be prohibited to enter chutes, except on the express
order of the responsible supervisor and subject to observance of suitable
precautions to be indicated by him.
(2) Rope-haulage inclines and chutes shall be adequately protected a t
both ends.
74. In roads and stone drifts wherever animal or mechanical transport
is carried on and the roads or drifts are not closed to travel, if no special
adequately safe travelway is provided alongside or between the tubs, an
adequate number of recesses shall be made in the side in a suitable manner.
I n these recesses no objects shall be deposited.
75. At crossings of roads or stone drifts that are not closed to travel
with roads or stone drifts where mechanical transport is carried on, or
with rope-haulage inclines, adequate safety precautions shall be taken.
76. (1) Parts of the underground workings t h a t are closed to travel
shall be closed by means of bars or otherwise ; where this is not possible
222
IX. TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
for reasons of transport, prohibition to enter such places shall be brought to
notice a t all approaches in a conspicuous and clear manner.
(2) All persons below the rank of supervisor shall be prohibited, without
express orders from a responsible supervisor, from entering parts of the
underground workings t h a t are closed to travel.
(3) Unauthorised persons shall be prohibited from opening barriers
or removing warning signs.
(4) Every person who opens a barrier or finds one open shall immediately close it.
(5) Superfluous warning signs or barriers shall be removed as promptly
as possible."
(MR 1939)
"Separatum
of Lateral Footpaths in Inclines and Dips
1. If use is made of lateral footpaths in inclines or dips, to the posts
placed between the footpath and the rail track (which posts, if they are
wooden, shall be a t intervals not exceeding 1 m) shall be attached rails with the
bottom fastened to the side of the post towards the rail track, and in such a
manner that the middle of the top of the rail is from 25 to 30 cm below
the top edge of the mine tubs that are used on the incline, and the clearance
between the rail a n d the side of the tubs on the adjacent rail track does not
exceed 15 cm.
2. If the mine manager wishes to use another construction than t h a t
prescribed above, the prior approval of the Inspector-General of Mines
shall be required.
3. (a) Inclines or dips in which transport by means of a carriage is
carried on shall be provided with a lateral footpath or shall be installed
in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37. * Precautions
shall be taken such that, if the carriage runs away, it cannot get on the
footpath.
(b) The carriage shall not be filled above the brim.
4. (a) Inclines or dips the gradient of which exceeds 12° and in which
transport is carried on by means of a bucket on conveyors or on rails, or
inclines and dips in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on
the floor, shall, in the case of inclines in which the filled bucket can start
moving by itself, be provided with a lateral footpath or be installed in
accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37.
Precautions shall be taken such that, if the bucket runs away, it cannot
get on the footpath.
(b) On haulage roads of which the gradient is less than 12° and in
which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on conveyors or on rails,
or in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on the floor in the
case of inclines in which the filled bucket cannot start moving by itself,
there shall be an adequately wide footpath, or the road shall be installed
in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37 with the exception
of sections 7 and 8.
(c) The bucket shall not be filled above the brim."
(IGR 18)
"Movement
of Persons in Haulage
Inclines
1. The incline shall be provided with a double system of signalling
appliances by which it shall be possible to send signals both from the bottom
to the top and vice-versa.
1
See below.
1. GENERAL
223
2. All haulage operations in the incline shall be prohibited unless a signal
for the purpose has been received from the signaller at the bottom of the
incline.
3. At the bottom and a t the top of the incline the code of signals shall
be posted up in a clearly legible manner a t a conspicuous place.
4. While haulage is in progress in the incline, there shall always be
a signaller a t the bottom and an engineman or brakeman a t the top of the
incline.
5. The persons referred to in the preceding section shall not remove
themselves to such distance from the incline that a person a t the bottom
or the top can enter the incline without being observed by these persons,
or that a signal can no longer be clearly understood by them.
6. A person desiring to enter the incline shall warn the signaller or the
brakeman before doing so ; the- incline shall not be entered before one of
these persons has given the signal 'Movement of Persons' and the other
has received the signal.
7. While persons are in the incline, or if it may in any way be suspected
that a person is in the incline, the haulage and signalling appliances shall
be out of operation and care shall be taken t h a t tubs standing a t the top
of the incline cannot inadvertently run down.
8. The bottom of the incline shall be so protected that persons in the
road to which the incline leads are not exposed to any danger of being
struck by tubs running down.
9. Sections 2, 5, 6 and 7 shall, in a suitable manner, be brought to the
notice of the workers concerned."
(IGR 37)
Note : The Inspector-General has also issued regulations (No. 43)
concerning the transport of persons underground by means of cycles on rail
tracks.
SOUTH AFRICA
"43
(3) (a)
No person shall travel on or in any truck or on the haulage rope
unless authorised to do so by the manager or mine overseer.
(b) The manager or mine overseer shall not authorise the regular
conveyance of persons in or on any truck or other means of
conveyance on any haulage or inclined plane where traction is
operated by machinery until written permission has been obtained
from the Inspector of Mines, who may impose such conditions
as he considers necessary for the safety of the persons conveyed.
44. Where a main travelling way lies between a double line of rails,
such lines shall be kept sufficiently far apart to allow a clearance of not less
than 2 ft. between any two trucks passing each other on the respective
lines ; provided that this regulation shall not apply to haulageways in which
the speed of the trucks is less than four miles per hour and the grade less than
1 in 12."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
(See also Chapter VIII, Division 1.)
" 4 . Subject to any directions that may be given by any official of
the mine, no workman shall, except so far as may be necessary for the
purpose of getting to and from his work or in case of emergency or other
224
IX. TRAVEL OE WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
justifiable cause necessarily connected with his employment, go into any
part of the mine other than that part in which he works, or travel to or
from his work by any road other than the proper travelling road.
25. (a) No person
except by permission of
tub or other contrivance
(b) No person shall
below ground shall ride upon any animal or,
the manager or undermanager, upon any tram,
drawn by a horse or other animal.
ride on any haulage rope."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"34. The roof and sides of every travelling road and working place
shall be maintained in a safe condition, and no one shall be permitted, unless
appointed for the purpose of exploring or repairing, to travel on or work
in any travelling road or working place which is not in safe condition.
37. The lessee shall arrange, so far as practicable, manways free from
regular haulage for the passage of underground employees to and from
their working places. Such manways shall be maintained in safe condition,
and signs with arrows shall be provided showing direction toward the
escapeways on each side of crossing or intersecting passages. The lessee
shall require his employees to use the manways, so far as practicable, in
going to and from their working places."
(R 23.12.1937)
Illinois
" 2 3 . (6)
(g) No person, except the person necessary to operate the trip or car,
shall ride on any loaded car or on the outside of any car, or get on or off
a car while in motion."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1108. No person other than train or trip crews and authorised officials
shall ride on locomotives and only trip crews on the rear of loaded cars.
No person shall ride on top of loaded cars."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"8
No person except officials or repair men shall be permitted to travel on
slopes, gravity or incline planes while the cars thereon are in motion. . . . "
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
"Rule 8. No person shall be allowed to travel on foot to and from his
work on any hoisting slope, incline plane, duly or locomotive road, unless
no other roads are provided for that purpose.
Rule 9. No person shall ride upon or against any loaded car or cage
in any shaft or slope in any mine. No person, other than the trip-rider,
shall be permitted t o ride on empty trips on any slope, incline plane, or
duly road, except as provided for in other sections of this Act.
Rule 10. No person, other than the driver or trip-rider, shall be allowed
to ride on the full cars."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
"Rule 27. No person . . . shall travel to and from his working place
except by the travelling road assigned for that purpose."
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXVIII)
2 . MECHANICAL PASSENGEB HAULAGE
225
2. MECHANICAL PASSENGEE HAULAGE
BELGIUM
"25. The personnel shall not be conveyed by locomotive except in
special vehicles. This transport shall form the subject of a special instruction."
(RO 19.5.1952)
CANADA
Alberta
"136. I t shall be permissible to run man-trips to convey workmen to
or from their work in mines subject to the written approval of the Director
of Mines, and to any conditions he may prescribe, and in addition thereto
the following conditions shall apply to man-trips on slopes :
(a) On all slopes of 20° inclination or more, on which regular man-trips
are being hoisted, each car or carriage shall be attached to the one
ahead by two or more separate couplings or connections each of which
must be of ample strength to hold any load placed upon it by the
breaking of the other.
(b) The first car shall be secured to the rope socket or capping and in
addition the first car shall be secured by one or more extra cables or
chains securely attached to the rope above the socket or capping ;
(c) The man-trip cars or carriages shall be so constructed and provided
with safety devices t h a t in the event of the rope breaking the trip
shall be brought to a stop.
(d) On all slopes of less than 20° inclination the requirements of paragraph (a) may be dispensed with in the case of a man-trip which is
coupled up in the ordinary manner if the man-trip is provided with
a safety rope which extends from the main rope to the last car or if
the man-trip is equipped with any other approved safety device that
will answer the same purpose.
(e) On all man-trips and other trips being raised on slopes when n o t more
than 15° in inclination, a drag shall be attached to such trip to
prevent cars or carriages running back.
(f) No person shall entrain on or detrain from any man-trip while the
same is in motion."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"98. I t shall be prohibited to ride on tubs.
Nevertheless, the conveyance of personnel by train or single vehicle
may be organised in conformity with instructions approved by the district
inspector of mines. Instructions of the operator shall determine t h e conditions for the conveyance of injured persons, train staff, and supervisory
officials."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
" 8 5 . The use of mechanical haulage on level roads for regular passenger
transport shall only be allowed with the authorisation of the District
Mining Office.
85a. (1) Begular passenger transport in systematic locomotive
haulage shall only take place under the supervision of travel overmen
(Fahraufseher). These shall keep order at the departure and arrival points,
226
IX. TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
give the necessary signals and accompany every passenger train. Their
names shall be made known b y notices a t the passenger stations near
the shaft.
(2) The passengers shall obey the orders of the travel overman. During
the journey they shall so behave t h a t they do not touch the sides or roof
or the trolley wire. Jumping on and off and standing during the journey
shall be prohibited.
(3) In passenger cars only such tools shall be carried with the men as
do not project over the edge of the cars. Tool cars shall be coupled at the
ends of the trains.
(4) Persons authorised to fire shots who carry explosives with them
shall only travel in the last cars of passenger trains.
(5) For regular passenger transport in systematic locomotive haulage
the provisions of sections 406 to 40/ ' shall apply with the proviso that cars
loaded with material, bogies and open cars with long material shall not
form part of the train.
856. (1) On roads for which the District Mining Office has authorised regular passenger transport (section 85) persons may also travel in
empty cars of goods trains.
(2) For this passenger transport the provisions of 406 to 40j * shall
apply with the proviso t h a t the passenger cars shall be coupled directly
behind the locomotive, and bogies as well as open cars with long material
shall only be hauled at the end of the train.
85c. (1) On roads for which the District Mining Office has not
authorised regular passenger transport with locomotive haulage, in empty
cars there may travel persons employed in locomotive operations, supervisory personnel, sick persons or injured persons with the persons accompanying them, and also persons who have the written permission of the
manager.
(2) The provisions of section 856 (2) shall also apply to this
passenger transport.
85d. Travelling on loaded cars shall always be prohibited."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"83. (1) I t shall be prohibited without the authorisation of the
Inspector-General of Mines to use haulage installations for the conveyance
of persons.
(2) Except when necessary for the conveyance of sick or injured persons
or for the carrying out of examinations or repairs, the cages, buckets,
counterweights or tubs in raises and inclines shall not be used or set in
motion for the conveyance of persons without the authorisation of the
Inspector-General of Mines."
(MR 1939)
" Transport of Persons by Trolley Locomotive
2
2. The horizontal transport of persons in passenger trains consisting
of mine tubs or special passenger tubs shall only be allowed subject to
compliance with the following conditions :
(1) Every train shall be under the direction of a person present on the
train a t least 21 years of age and familiar with the arrangements and regula1
1
See Chapter VIII, Division 2.
Allowed only in mine districts situated in the intake air current.
2 . MECHANICAL PASSENGER HAULAGE
227
tions concerning underground locomotive haulage. He shall be in possession
of a shrill-sounding whistle with which he can give signals if necessary.
(2) In case of need the train shall be brought to a halt as quickly as
possible.
(3) The distance between two trains shall always be so great t h a t if
one train suddenly stops the following train can be brought to a halt in good
time.
(4) The greatest speed at which persons may ride shall be specified in
the regulations referred to in subsection (7).
(5) At places where the rails run alongside gutters, measures shall be
taken so that in the event of a derailment there is no danger of falling into
the gutters.
(6) At bends with a radius less than 25 m the rails shall be provided
with guard-rails.
(7) The mine manager shall draw up regulations specifying inter
alia :
(a) the circumstances in which transport may not be carried on ;
(b) the speed a t which passenger transport shall be carried on, to be
specified separately for every route ;
(c) the rules that shall be observed by the personnel with regard to safety
and good order during transport ;
(d) the rules that shall be observed during the transport of sick or injured
persons ;
(e) the nature of the task and the duties of each of the officials concerned
with transport and the duties of the persons to be transported ;
(j) the time during which transport is carried on ;
(g) the meanings of the signals ;
(h) the names of the persons responsible for supervision of the trains and
signalling.
These regulations shall require the approval of the Inspector-General
of Mines.
Each official appointed for transport purposes and the supervisors
appointed to transport duties shall be handed a copy of the conditions
referred to in the present section and of the above-mentioned regulations,
and it shall be possible for every person to acquaint himself with them.
(8) Special authorisation shall be required for each route on which
passenger transport is to be carried on.
(9) For transport in open mine tubs the following provisions shall
also apply :
(a) the train shall not consist of more tubs than the number specified by
the Inspector-General of Mines when approving the route ;
(b) the tubs shall be of the same kind and be in a good state of maintenance ;
(c) the two foremost tubs shall always be unoccupied ;
(d) no more than three persons shall be conveyed together in one tub,
and seating accommodation other than the bottom of the tub shall
be provided.
If tools and materials longer than the ordinary tubs are carried with
persons, they shall only be placed in a tub of such construction that no
part of the tools or material projects.
Lamps shall be kept in the bottom of the tub or hung on the inside edge
of the tub.
Tools that are carried with persons shall be stowed in a separate tub a t
the front or the back of the train.
228
I X . TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES
(10) The distance between the locomotive or the tubs and the side shall
be such that in the event of a derailment danger for the persons travelling
is as far as possible excluded.
If the distance between the edge of the tub and timbering is less than
20 cm, the side up t o tub height shall be so faced that a smooth surface is
obtained.
(11) Entraining and detraining places shall be well lighted over their
whole length."
(IGR 39)
Note : Similar provisions to those in IGR 39 are contained in IGR 42,
Underground Horizontal Transport by Means of Locomotives, Part F,
Special Provisions Concerning the Horizontal Transport of Persons.
UNITED KINGDOM
(See also Chapter VIII, Division 8.)
" 2 3 . Trains run for the conveyance of workmen, whether above or
below ground, shall be under the entire control of a person appointed to
accompany and have charge of the train, and no person shall attempt to
get into or out of the train when in motion nor ride upon the footboard
(if any) or upon the buffers or couplings, nor refuse to comply with the
direction of the person in charge, nor in any way obstruct or interfere with
such person in the discharge of his duties, and any person failing to comply
with this regulation shall be reported by the person in charge to the manager
or undermanager.
99. When persons are about to be conveyed inbye or outbye, each of
the signals required by the foregoing regulations to be given when a set
or train of tubs is about to be hauled inbye or outbye, as the case may be,
shall be preceded b y a cautionary signal."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
" 8 1 . fa) Where men are hauled on slopes or inclines, safety catches
or a special man-car providing equivalent safety shall be installed if practicable, otherwise a safety hitching rope or chain of ample strength shall
be employed, extending from the rear car to the main hoisting rope. All
safety attachments shall be inspected before the trip is permitted to be
operated."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
7. Transportation of men. (a) Man-trips operated by means of locomotives shall be pulled and a t safe speeds consistent with the condition of
roads and type of equipment used, and shall be so controlled that they can
be stopped within t h e limits of visibility.
(b) Each man-trip shall be under the charge of a certified official or
other competent person designated b y a certified official, and it shall be
operated independently of any loaded trip of coal or other material.
(c) Man-trip cars shall be maintained in safe operating condition,
and enough of them shall be provided to prevent their being overloaded.
(d) Man-trip passengers shall not ride under unguarded trolley wire
unless suitable covered man-cars are used.
2. MECHANICAL PASSENGEB HAULAGE
229
(e) Supplies or tools shall not be transported in the same car or cage
with men on any man-trip, except in special compartments in such cars,
and all persons shall ride inside the cars except the motorman and triprider.
(f) Men shall not board or leave moving man-trip cars ; they shall
remain seated while in moving cars, and shall proceed in an orderly manner
to and from man-trips.
(g) A waiting station with sufficient room, ample clearance from moving
equipment, and adequate seating facilities shall be provided where men are
required to wait for man-trips or man-cages, and the men shall remain
in such station until the man-trip or man-cage is ready to load. Men shall
be permitted to unload from man-trips only a t man-trip stations, except
that persons assigned to special duties along haulageways may unload at
any point if clearance from moving equipment is provided.
(h) Trolley and power wires shall be guarded effectively at man-trip
stations where there is a possibility of any person coming in contact with
energised electric wiring while boarding or leaving the man-trip. De-energising switches, used in conjunction with signal lights to indicate when such
wires have been de-energised, may be used in lieu of guards at man-trip
stations.
(i) When belts are used for transporting men, the area of such belts
upon which men are riding shall be free of loose coal or rock, and a minimum
clearance of 18 in. shall be maintained between the belt and the roof or
cross-bars, projecting equipment, cap pieces, overhead cables, wiring, and
other objects ; but where the height of the coal bed permits, the clearance
shall be not less than 24 in. Control switches shall be provided at all places
where men board or leave belts regularly.
(j) The belt speed shall not exceed 250 ft./min. while men are
loading, unloading, and being transported.
(k) The space between men riding on a belt line shall be not less than
5 ft.
(I) Adequate clearance and proper illumination shall be provided
where men board or leave conveyor belts.
(m) An official or other responsible person designated by him shall
be in attendance while men are boarding or leaving belts."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"23.
(a)
I t shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or negligently :
(7) to run any man-trip in excess of the speed determined by the state
mine inspector or to allow more men to ride in any one car t h a n the
number ordered by the state mine inspector except in an emergency.
(8) to have edged tools in the same cars in which men are being hauled
to and from their working places."
(A 6.6.1911)
CHAPTER X
WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
1.
GENERAL
CANADA
Alberta
"82
(2) Proper apparatus for raising or lowering persons and for ingress or
egress at each shaft or outlet, where necessary, shall be kept at each of the
two shafts as are required by the foregoing provisions of this Act :
Provided that this subsection shall not apply to any outlet by which
persons can walk into or out of the mine, or to any shaft not exceeding
2O0 ft. in depth provided it is equipped with a proper ladderway or stairway.
83. (1) I n the case of a mine operated by power obtained from any
source not under the sole control of the owner of such mine and having
two shafts more t h a n 200 ft. deep, proper and separate apparatus for raising
or lowering persons to or from the surface, actuated by an independent
source of power, shall be kept at one of the two shafts or outlets required
by the foregoing provisions of this Act, and such apparatus, if not in actual
use, shall be constantly available for use.
(2) Every working shaft used for the purpose of drawing minerals or
for the raising or lowering of persons, if of a greater depth than 50 ft., shall
be provided with guides and some proper means of communicating distinct
and definite signals from—
(a) the surface to the bottom of the shaft ;
(b) the bottom of the shaft to the surface ;
(c) every entrance for the time being in use off the shaft to the surface ;
(d) every entrance for the time being in use off the shaft to the bottom
of the shaft.
(3) Every shaft, if over 50 ft. in depth, in which men are raised or
lowered, must be equipped with a cage or cages fitted to guides running
from the top to the bottom of the shaft."
(A 1945)
GERMANY
"Haulage
in Other Vertical and Inclined
1
Workings
71. (1) Sections 42 to 70 shall apply mutatis mutandis to other vertical
and inclined mine workings. Exceptions may be allowed by the District
Mining Office.
(2) For small inclines (Abhauen) section 72 shall also apply.
1
See subsequent divisions of this chapter.
1. GENERAL
231
72. (1) The haulage ropes used in small dips shall, notwithstanding
the provision of section 49 (l) 1 , a t all times have a safety factor of a t least
8 in relation to the maximum static load. At least every three months
the rope end over the cage or carriage shall be cut off to a length of a t
least 3 m above the capping. Before being installed and after each cutting,
the ropes shall be tested as to the strength and flexibility of the wires as
provided for in section 17 of the mining regulations for man-winding of
21.7.1927/23.12.1936.a
(2) For small inclines with mechanical tub haulage, above the bottom
there shall be a safety device that prevents the tub from being lowered too
far and stops tubs that have become detached from the rope.
Man-winding
75. (1) The haulage and winding equipment in shafts, inclines and
roads shall not be used for travel unless the mining regulations expressly
allow it. This prohibition shall be posted u p on the landing of the shafts and
inclines.
(2) The prohibition mentioned in subsection (1) shall not apply to the
transport of the injured or to persons engaged in maintenance, or to persons
who have to undertake testing, maintenance or measuring work in the shaft
or incline when travelling serves such purposes.
(3) In the case of an offence against this regulation, drivers, enginedrivers, winding-enginemen, brakesmen and onsetters, shall be jointly
responsible if they have allowed the use of such equipment.
83. (1) Winding compartments in shafts and haulage inclines shall
only be entered when the operations so require. The persons concerned
shall make the necessary arrangements beforehand by telephone or speakingtube, or in default of them by other reliable means.
(2) On haulage inclines with a slope not exceeding 20° the haulage
compartment may be used for travel subject to the approval of the district
inspector.
86. (1) Man-winding in main shafts shall be subject to the mining
regulations for man-winding of 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 a , and man-winding
in staples3 to the mining regulations for man-winding in staples of
1.10.1949.
(2) Man-winding shall also be subject to the provisions of sections 42 to
70 a in so far as the above-mentioned mining regulations do not lay down
more extensive requirements."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
" 1 . (1) These regulations shall apply to man-winding in main shafts.
(2) For the purpose of these regulations, 'main shafts' mean shafts
leading to the surface and staples assimilable to them by reason of their
similarity of purpose, provided that they are regularly used for man-winding.
(3) 'Man-winding' means any use of the winding plant for the raising
or lowering of persons ; 'regular man-winding' means the use of the winding
plant for the raising or lowering of workers at the beginning or end of
the shift.
2. (1) Man-winding shall only be allowed subject to the authorisation
of the Divisional Mining Office. Authorisation shall be subject t o revocation
1
a
See Division 7, Part A of this chapter.
See Division 7, Part B of this chapter.
' See Division 4 of this chapter.
232
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
a t any time and shall be confirmed by a certificate of authorisation (Genehmigungsurkunde) .
(2) Application for authorisation to wind men shall be made separately
for each man-winding plant to the district inspector in the manner prescribed by the Divisional Mining Office.
3. (1) Man-winding shall not begin until the district inspector has
tested the winding plant and issued an operating permit (Betriebserlaubnis)
in writing.
(2) The man-winding plant shall constantly be maintained in the
condition in which it was authorised.
(3) The district inspector shall be empowered to withdraw the operating
permit as soon as the man-winding plant is found not to be in a safe
operating condition.
78. The manager shall notify the supervisory officials, all persons
responsible for tests and examinations, and also the winding-engineman,
banksmen and onsetters of their duties under the present regulations by
handing them, against receipt, service instructions approved by the district
inspector. These persons are bound to follow the service instructions.
79. The service instructions shall contain a provision requiring the
persons mentioned in section 78 to report to the competent supervisory
officials any defect or damage that they notice in the man-winding appliances.
80. (1) Alterations in the type of winding ropes, counterweight ropes
and tail ropes shall be allowed subject to the authorisation of the district
inspector. The authorisation shall include particulars of the alterations.
(2) Other alterations in man-winding appliances shall only be allowed
subject to the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. Authorisation
shall be given by issuing a supplementary certificate. Until authorisation
has been received, man-winding shall, if necessary, be stopped and this
shall be made known to the workers by notices and recorded in the manwinding register. If such alterations are so urgently necessary that the
authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office cannot be obtained in time,
they may by way of exception be carried out on the provisional authorisation
of the district inspector. The authorisation shall include particulars of the
alterations ; it shall be valid for not more than four weeks.
82. Responsibility for compliance with all the provisions of the present
regulations shall rest on the manager or the deputy manager ; in addition,
t h e persons mentioned in section 78 shall be responsible as regards
the duties laid upon them. The names shall be entered in the man-winding
register.
83. (1) On the reasoned application of the mineowner the Divisional
Mining Office may by way of decision (Beschluss) allow exemptions from
the present regulations or fix time limits for compliance with them.
(2) Exemptions and authorisations shall be in writing. They shall be
revocable a t all times even if they specify time limits.
(3) Applications under subsections (1) and (2) shall together with any
appendices be communicated in duplicate to the district inspector."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 45. (1) I t shall be prohibited to take into use a winding installation
for man-winding without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of
Mines.
(2) The application shall be submitted in writing and accompanied
by all the documents that he considers necessary for deciding the application.
1. GENBBAL
233
(3) Safety in t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in shafts or s t a p l e p i t s shall b e
a d e q u a t e l y ensured.
46. W i t h o u t prejudice t o t h e provisions of section 4 5 , s u b s e c t i o n (3),
or t h e conditions a t t a c h i n g in so far a s necessary t o t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n referred
t o in section 45, s u b s e c t i o n (1), t h e r e shall a p p l y t o w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n s —
(1) a s regards t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in shafts b y m e a n s of a r o p e ,
t h e following provisions :
(a) s u i t a b l e a u t o m a t i c e q u i p m e n t shall b e p r o v i d e d t h a t p r e v e n t s t h e cage
from being o v e r w o u n d ;
(b) a u t o m a t i c a l l y functioning c a t c h e s shall be p r o v i d e d t h a t a r e able
t o h o l d t h e cage in a s u i t a b l e m a n n e r w h e n e v e r t h e r o p e b r e a k s or
t h e cage b e c o m e s d e t a c h e d from t h e r o p e i n a n y w a y ; t h e I n s p e c t o r General of Mines shall b e e m p o w e r e d t o g r a n t e x e m p t i o n s f r o m t h i s
provision ;
(c) suitable e q u i p m e n t shall b e p r o v i d e d t o p r o t e c t t h e p e r s o n s i n t h e
cage a g a i n s t c o n t a c t w i t h objects i n t h e shaft, a n d also falling or
flying objects ;
(d) t h e w i n d i n g engine, r o p e s , cages, signalling a p p l i a n c e s a n d o t h e r
i m p o r t a n t p a r t s of t h e w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n shall a t i n t e r v a l s t o b e
prescribed b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines b e e x a m i n e d b y p e r s o n s
specially a p p o i n t e d for t h i s p u r p o s e ;
(e) t h e ropes shall b e e x a m i n e d a s t o t h e i r s o u n d n e s s a t r e g u l a r i n t e r v a l s
a n d t o t h e satisfaction of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines ;
(f)
t h e c o n n e c t i n g pieces w i t h w h i c h t h e cage is f a s t e n e d t o t h e r o p e
shall a t i n t e r v a l s t o b e prescribed b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines
b e replaced b y n e w u n u s e d pieces unless t h e i r a d e q u a t e s a f e t y c a n
b e d e m o n s t r a t e d t o t h e satisfaction of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of M i n e s ;
(2) a s r e g a r d s t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in s t a p l e p i t s b y m e a n s of a
ropo, t h e provisions of ( 1) (c) (d) a n d (e) shall a p p l y .
57 (1) A t e v e r y m i n e t h e r e shall b e a s h a f t register a n d a r o p e register,
a n d t h e y shall be regularly k e p t u p t o d a t e .
(2) I n t h e shaft register shall b e inscribed a n d signed t h e findings of
t h e inspections a n d e x a m i n a t i o n s referred t o i n sections 4 1 1 a n d 46 a n d
in t h e rules issued b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines u n d e r section 4 5 . "
(MR 1939)
" 1 . (1) T h e entire w i n d i n g installation shall be c o n t i n u o u s l y m a i n t a i n e d in t h e condition in which it w a s w h e n a u t h o r i s a t i o n w a s g r a n t e d
for m a n - w i n d i n g . I t shall a l w a y s be k e p t in excellent r e p a i r .
(2) A l t e r a t i o n s in t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g
w i n d i n g ropes, cages, cage suspension gear, tail r o p e s a n d t h e like a n d also
i n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e shaft a n d t h e h e a d frame, shall b e p r o h i b i t e d
w i t h o u t t h e permission of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines.
2. T h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines shall b e i m m e d i a t e l y notified of
all i m p o r t a n t occurrences in m a t e r i a l w i n d i n g or m a n - w i n d i n g a n d also
of i m p o r t a n t d a m a g e t o t h e w i n d i n g installation, including s h a f t t i m b e r i n g ,
guides, ropes, cages a n d t h e like, w h e r e b y t h e n o r m a l u s e of t h e w i n d i n g
i n s t a l l a t i o n is p r e v e n t e d .
69. T h e m i n e m a n a g e r shall b e b o u n d t o i n s e r t or a t t a c h t o t h e shaft
register t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n a n d t h e conditions a t t a c h i n g t h e r e t o , t o g e t h e r
w i t h t h e w o r k i n g rules referred t o in section 68 2 a n d t h e i n s t r u c t i o n s referred
'2 See Division 3 of this chapter.
See Division 9 of this chapter.
234
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
to in section 67 ' and, in addition, at every shaft level, a notice bearing the
words ' Unauthorised persons are prohibited from signalling ' and ' Manwinding not allowed except in the presence of a signaller or a member of
the supervisory staff ' shall be posted up and maintained in an easily legible
condition."
(IGR 24)
Note : The Inspector-General has also issued the following regulations :
No. 27. Installation and use of winding installations for winding with
skips in shafts with two winding compartments whenever, for one of the
winding compartments, authorisation for man-winding has been granted
and, during man-winding, material winding with skips is carried on.
No. 29. Man-winding in raises.
UNITED KINGDOM
(See also Chapter V I I I , Division 1.)
" 5 . ( 1 ) Once a t least in every six months all cage chains and detaching
hooks in general use shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment
and shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person.
Provided that t h e Chief Inspector of Mines may, by certificate in writing,
exempt from the foregoing requirement as to heat treatment chains or
hooks made of any steel which does not require heat treatment.
(2) All detaching hooks in general use shall be dismantled, cleaned
and refitted once a t least in every three months.
(3) All detaching plates and bells in general use shall be tested monthly
by calipers or gauges."
.
(R 2.3.1937)
UNITED STATES
Federal
" 38. (a) All hoisting equipment used in shafts and slopes shall be
of ample capacity and of a standard design commercially recognised as
safe and in accordance with state requirements."
(R 23.12.1937)
2. EXAMINATION AND T E S T I N G OF W I N D I N G P L A N T
BELGIUM
"39. The rope attachments, chains, cages and safety gear, as well
as the ropes themselves, shall be inspected daily.
The ropes shall b e inspected while the engine is running slowly enough
to allow of careful examination.
In addition, once a week the safety gear shall be tested and a visual
examination shall be made of the machinery, winding pulleys, guides over
the shaft mouth, overwind-prevention devices, keps and other man-winding
gear.
These arrangements shall be carried out by competent officials appointed
by the mine management."
(RO 10.12.1910)
1
See Division 10 of this chapter.
2. EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WINDING PLANT
235
CANADA
Alberta
"149
Bule 4. (a) A qualified person or persons appointed by the manager
for the purpose shall at least once in every 24 hours inspect the external
parts of all machinery, headgear, ropes and chains of the mine which are in
actual use and shall without delay make true reports of the inspections
in a book which shall be kept at the mine for t h a t purpose, a copy or duplicate of which shall be posted at the mine and the reports shall be signed
by the person making the inspection.
(b) A qualified person appointed by the manager for the purpose
shall at least once in every week inspect the shafts and the guides or conductors therein by which persons are lowered or raised, and shall without
delay make true reports of the inspections in a book which shall be kept
at the mine for that purpose, and of which a copy or duplicate shall be
posted at the mine and the reports shall be signed by the person making
the inspections."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"119. (1) The appliances and installations used for winding shifts or
for raising mineral and, in particular, the ropes, winding engines, automatic
appliances, brakes, cages and their suspension gear, safety gear and guides
shall be closely examined daily by employees appointed for this purpose.
Tail ropes shall not be subject to this examination, but those parts
of tail ropes in Koepe systems that form loops when the cages are at landings
shall be inspected at least once a week.
(2) In shafts used for winding shifts a test wind under a full load of
mineral shall be undertaken every day, before the descent of the main
shift, in each direction and between the extreme landings in use ; during
these winds
the cage-position indicators and the marks referred to in section
103 (a)1 shall be verified. This shall also apply, unless an exemption is
granted by the district inspector of mines, after every adjustment of the
rope-winding appliances.
120. (1) In all shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel
of personnel, the appliances referred to in section 119 (1) shall undergo,
at least once a week, a detailed examination including a test of the safety
gear, by a competent employee. The results of this
examination shall be
entered in the register referred to in section 107 2 as regards the ropes,
and in another special register as regards the other appliances and installations.
In the event of interruption of use for more than one week this examination shall precede resumption of use.
(2) The position of the broken wires shall be precisely recorded in
the rope register as soon as in any part of the rope exceeding three turns
of a strand in length their number reaches one-tenth of the number of
visible wires.
121. Ropes used for raising mineral or for winding shifts shall, in
addition, be examined monthly by a specialist who, while the rope is a t
rest and after it has been cleaned, shall examine in particular the most
sensitive points and, after the first year's service, at least one length of
1 m for every 100 m of rope. Exemptions from this last requirement may
be granted by tho district inspector of mines.
1
See Division 4 of this chapter.
' See Division 7, Part C of this chapter.
16
236
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
122. I n shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel of
personnel a detailed examination of the headgear equipment shall be made
a t least once a month by a competent employee ; the results of the examination shall be entered in the shaft register referred to in section 62 (l). 1
123.
The adjustment
of the appliances referred to in sections 1022,
2
a
103 and 104 shall be verified by a competent employee whenever a
cause of irregularity may be suspected, and a t least every six months by
a specialist who shall record his observations in a report. This report
shall be entered in the special register referred to in section 120.
Instructions approved by the district inspector of mines shall determine
the conditions of this examination, and specify in particular the measures
to be taken to prevent the adjustment of the automatic appliances from
being altered by unqualified persons without the alteration being apparent."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
See Division 3 of this chapter.
NETHERLANDS
"58. The daily examinations shall be carried out by persons specially
appointed for the purpose ; their names shall be entered in the shaft register.
59. All examinations of parts of the winding installation, such as
ropes, cages, shaft, etc., with which artificial light must be used, shall be
carried out with the help of an electric lamp fitted with an effective reflector
and giving a light of a t least 100 lux at a distance of 1 m.
60. At least once in every year the efficiency of the whole winding
installation shall b e examined by an expert specially appointed for the
purpose by or on behalf of the mine manager.
61. A repair register shall be kept in a good condition, shall be regularly
brought u p to date by members of the supervisory staff specially appointed
for the purpose, and shall contain records of all repairs, not being part
of normal maintenance, to equipment used in man-winding, such as the
winding engine, cages, ropes, suspension gear, shafts, shaft timbering,
rigid guides or rope guides, and the like."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
"37. Where the permission of the Inspector of Mines for the use of
winding plant has been obtained . . . the following conditions shall apply :
(1) The manager shall appoint in writing some competent person or
persons whose duty it shall be to examine carefully—
(a) at least once each day the winding ropes and the attachments thereof
to the drums and to the cages, skips, or other means of conveyance,
the brakes a n d depth indicators, the cages, skips, or other means
of conveyance, and any safety catches attached thereto, and the pulley
wheels and all and every external part of the winding arrangements,
upon the proper working of which the safety of persons depends ;
(b) at least once in each week the guides or rails and the winding compartments generally and the signalling arrangements.
(2) The engineer appointed under legulation No. 165 3 shall examine—
(a) at least once in each week the external parts of the winding engine ;
1
1'
See Division 3 of this chapter.
See Division 4 of this chapter.
See Chapter XXII, Division 2.
2. EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WINDING PLANT
237
(b)
at least once in each year the winding engine as to the working conditions of the internal parts ;
(a) at least once in each calendar month at intervals not exceeding 45 days
the structure of the winding rope, with a view to ascertaining the
amount of deterioration thereof ; for the purposes of this examination
the rope must be thoroughly cleansed at places to be selected by the
said engineer, who shall note any reduction in the circumference of the
rope, the superficial condition of the wires as to wear, corrosion,
fractures and brittleness, and all other data necessary for ascertaining
the amount, extent and distribution of the deterioration of the rope ;
(d) at least once in each calendar month a t intervals not exceeding 45 days,
the engineer or competent person appointed under regulation No. 165
shall examine the connection between the rope and the cage, skip or
other means of conveyance.
(3) If on any such examination as is hereinbefore required there is
discovered any weakness or defect by which the safety of persons may
be endangered, such weakness or defect shall be immediately reported to
the manager in writing, and until such weakness or defect be remedied
the winding plant shall not be used. If the examination discloses features
such as undue or rapid wear, or fractures of the wires which, although
not constituting sufficient reason for condemning the rope, call for more
than the usual attention, the engineer shall make more frequent examinations than are prescribed in section (2).
(4) The manager shall keep or cause to be kept at the mine a book to
be termed the Machinery Record Book in which shall be recorded—
fa) the names of the persons deputed under section (I) of this regulation;
(b) a true report of the result of every such examination as is hereinbefore
referred to, signed by the person making the examination.
(5) The manager shall keep or cause to be kept in the winding-engine
room a book to be termed the Drivers' Log-book, in which shall be recorded
in duplicate—
(a) a true report of the condition of the winding e n g i n e . . . ;
(b) a true report of the condition of the signalling arrangements . . . ;
(c) any special instructions, involving the safety of persons, given to the
engine-driver....
The entries in the log-book shall be inspected and countersigned daily
by the person appointed to carry out the duties specified in section (1) of
this regulation. The duplicate shall be inspected and signed daily by the
engineer appointed under regulation No. 165."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"47. (a) Competent representatives of the lessee shall make daily
a general examination of all hoisting equipment and electrical and mechanical apparatus used for the hoisting or transportation of men in and about
the mine, including skips, cages, guides, ropes, sheaves, hoists, motors,
engines, and boilers ; and once each week a more detailed examination shall
be made. A memorandum of the condition found on examination shall be
entered in a record book kept in the mine office, and any defective condition
that may endanger the safety of the employees or others shall be remedied
without delay.
(b) Any boiler used for generating steam shall be equipped with a
safety valve, pressure gauge, and level indicator, and shall be inspected
semi-annually by a competent boiler inspector.
238
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(c ) If an inspection discloses a defective condition or arrangement of
any apparatus, appliance, or device, which endangers the safety of employees
or others, such condition or arrangement shall be remedied without delay."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article VII.
(b)
Transportation
I. Hoisting
(Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.)
Every hoist that is used to transport persons at a mine shall be inspected
daily . . . .
(h)
Hoisting equipment, including the headgear, cages, ropes, connections,
links and chains, shaft guides, shaft walls, and other facilities shall be
inspected daily by a competent person designated by the management.
Such inspector shall report immediately to his superior any defects
found, and any such defects shall be corrected promptly. The person
making such examination shall make a daily permanent record of each
inspection, which shall be open for inspection by interested persons."
(FMC 1953)
3.
SHAFTS1
BELGIUM
" 9 . The openings of all shafts in operation, staples and roads which a t
different levels give access t o the shafts shall be provided with barriers or
trapdoors capable of preventing the fall of persons and vehicles. The fixed
parts of such fencing shall in addition be arranged so as to prevent the fall
of any object into t h e shaft.
10. The barriers or trapdoors shall be kept closed except when in use.
I I . The surface and underground landings shall be permanently and
suitably lighted for the whole duration of the shift even if they are only
used intermittently.
16. I n man-winding shafts the following rules shall be observed :
(a) Independently of the ordinary signals an emergency signal accessible
from inside the cages shall be installed.
( b) A stopping device other than the keps shall be installed to prevent
cages and skips carrying persons from being lowered into any water
t h a t there might be below the lowest landing in operation.
Sumps shall be provided with ladders leading to the nearest landing.
(c) The keps of the intermediate landings shall ordinarily be kept in the
off position by automatic appliances or a blocking device that can
be operated only by the men appointed for this purpose.
(d) At a certain height above the mouth of the shaft wooden guides solidly
installed shall converge so as to prevent the cages from accidentally
reaching the winding pulley unless there are devices for detaching the
cage from the rope. I n addition safety gear shall be provided to prevent
the cage from falling down the shaft ; this gear shall be placed a t least
a t the height of a deck below the point at which the guides begin to
converge.
(e) Water shall be dammed or led off so that it cannot cause injuries to
health by falling.
17. I n addition to the daily inspections carried out by the officials
appointed for this purpose and by means of slow winding, the shafts ordinär 1
For shaft maintenance and repairs see Chapter XXVI, Division 5.
3. SHAFTS
239
ily used for man-winding and the shafts in course of sinking shall be
thoroughly inspected at least once a week.
Independently of the cases provided for in section 8 1 the other shafts
shall be fully inspected at least once a month.
The inspecting officials shall enter or have entered the results of these
inspections in a special register.
Once a quarter the manager or his assistant shall acquaint himself with
the state of the shaft by a detailed inspection, the results of which he shall
enter in a register."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
" 8 1 . (1) The top of every shaft which for the time being is out of use
or used only as an air shaft shall be kept securely fenced for the prevention
of accidents.
(2) The top and all entrances between the top and bottom of every
working, ventilating, or pumping shaft shall be properly fenced for the
prevention of accidents, but this shall not prevent the temporary removal
of the fence to make repairs or for other operations if proper precautions
for safety are used in the meantime.
(3) Where one portion of a shaft is used for the lowering or raising
of persons by ladders or otherwise, and another portion is used for raising
the material gotten in the mine, no person shall travel or be permitted to
travel in the shaft when the same is in operation, unless the first mentioned
portion is either cased or otherwise securely fenced from the last mentioned
portion.
(4) Where the natural strata are not safe, every working, pumping or
escapement shaft shall be securely cased, lined or otherwise made secure.
83
(6) All shafts shall be provided with safety gates at the top and intermediate landings, such gates to be approved by the District Inspector.
(7) In all shafts over 300 ft. in depth or where the hoisting speed exceeds
450 ft./min. where persons are being raised or lowered, detaching
hooks or overwinding devices shall be provided unless such shafts are
exempted from the operation of this subsection by the Director of Mines in
writing.
149
Rule 29. No person shall attempt to go on or across the uncovered
space of the shaft bottom except for the purpose of working in the shaft
bottom and no person shall be allowed to work in the bottom of t h e shaft
unless the cages are stopped."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"62. (1) A detailed inspection of every shaft used for raising mineral,
stowage purposes, or the ordinary travel of personnel shall be carried out
a t least once a week by a competent employee. The results of the inspection shall be entered in a special register.
1
See Chapter III, Division 1.
240
X. "WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(2) Shafts used for raising mineral or for the winding of shifts shall,
during the daily inspection of the guides provided for in section 119 (1) ',
be cleared of all objects the fall of which might cause accidents.
Measures shall be taken to avoid or destroy, if necessary, deposits of ice
or other adhesive deposits.
68. (1) I n shafts leading to the surface where the ropes are used for
the ordinary travel of personnel, the guides above the top landings shall
be so arranged t h a t a cage or skip accidentally overrunning this landing
is gradually stopped before reaching the pulley.
(2) I n these shafts and also in all shafts with rigid guides for raising
mineral, measures shall be taken so that in the event of an overwind followed
b y the breakage of the rope or of the suspension gear, the cage, skip or bucket
cannot fall down t h e shaft.
(3) I n shafts used for the ordinary travel of personnel without keps or
with keps in the off position, the level of the water shall be kept sufficiently
low in the sump to exclude any risk of immersing personnel.
(4) I n shafts in which there is a sump and the ropes are used for winding
shifts without keps or with keps in the off position, the guides shall be so
arranged t h a t a cage, skip or bucket overrunning the bottom landing is
gradually stopped before reaching the bottom."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HATTLAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"50. (1) All approaches to shafts and haulage inclines shall be so shut
off that tubs cannot be pushed on without opening the enclosure. For
shafts the enclosures shall consist of mesh screens or doors.
(2) On the landings of staple pits and inclines with a gradient of more
than 30°, in addition to these enclosures or in conjunction with them,
safety devices shall be fitted t h a t either automatically prevent the tubs
being pushed on in the absence of the cage or carriage, or only allow the
cage or carriage to move away from the landing when the pit or incline is
shut off to the tubs.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply to the bottom landing when there is
no sump a t the bottom of the shaft or incline.
51. On the landings of shafts and haulage inclines with a gradient
exceeding 30° a toe-board shall be fitted before the winding or haulage
compartment if the onsetter or banksman could otherwise slip down. To
provide a support for the banksman or onsetter horizontal iron bars shall be
fitted.
52. (1) The landings of haulage inclines shall be so arranged that there
is no need to step on the onsetting platform and incline during haulage
operations.
(2) Further, t h e landings shall be so arranged that the tubs can only
be pushed on and pulled off from the side. Exceptions may be authorised
b y the District Mining Office.
(3) Adjacent mine workings shall be protected against runaway tubs
and carriages or falling cages and counterweights independently of the
enclosures provided for in section 50.
53. If landings are laid out on two sides of the shaft the two sides
shall be connected at the shaft itself by means of a run round."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
1
See Division 2 oí this chapter.
3. SHAFTS
241
MAN-wiNDnsra
"Installation of the Man-winding Plant
Shaft.
(a) Guiding Appliances.
4. (1) The guides and buntons shall always possess a safety factor
of at least four in relation to the maximum static load in man-winding.
(2) The distance of the cages from each other and also from the shaft
sides shall be such that the free passage of the cages is ensured in all
circumstances.
(3) If rope guides are used the cage shall be guided a t all four corners.
(4) I n wet shafts rope guides shall not be used.
(b) Shaft Sump.
5. (1) Under the lowest stopping place of the cage in man-winding
shafts there shall be a space the depth of which shall be a t least equal to
the clear height (section 7 (1)), in which the clear width of the guides shall
be gradually reduced or the guides shall be laterally reinforced.
(2) If the guides converge they shall be braced against the shaft sides.
(3) The sump shall be constantly cleared of water to an extent that
excludes any danger of drowning for the men being wound if the cage is
lowered too far.
(c) Keps.
6. (1) I n shaft compartments used for man-winding there shall be
no fixed bearers.
(2) The use of keps in man-winding shall be prohibited.
(3) If keps are used for material winding, when in the off position they
shall leave the shaft clear for the passage of the cage, and it shall be possible
to block them securely in the off position during the period when there is
no onsetter a t a landing (section 43 (2)).
Head Frame and Rope Pulleys.
1. (1) The clear height in the case of larger man-winding plants shall
be at least 10 m, and in the case of smaller plants a t least 3 m.
(2) In the head frame the guides shall be thickened or shall converge,
and buffer baulks and stops (Fangstützen) shall be fitted.
8. Rope-detaching devices shall be prohibited.
Testing of Man-winding Plant
Shaft.
43. (1) The shaft compartment, guiding equipment and keps, and in
the case of rope guides the fastening of the guide ropes, shall be tested
daily.
(2) If keps are used for material winding they shall be secured, before
man-winding begins, as provided in section 6 (3). I n this connection special
attention shall be paid to levels at which onsetters are not always present.
Head Frame, Stops and Rope Pulleys.
44. (1) The head frame shall be maintained in faultless structural
condition.
(2) Any accumulation of rope grease shall be promptly removed.
(3) The stops shall be tested daily as to mobility.
242
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
45. (1) The rope pulleys with their shaft and bearings shall be tested
every day.
(2) Before laying on a new rope the rope pulleys shall be carefully
examined. Both the thickness of the groove lining and the form of the
groove cross-section shall be examined on these occasions, and also every
quarter, in a reliable manner. Any sharp edges in the groove shall be
removed.
(3) The results of the tests specified in subsection (2) shall be entered
in the man-winding register together with a drawing of the groove crosssection."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
"83. (1) Winding compartments in shafts and haulage inclines shall
only be entered when the operations so require. The persons concerned
shall make the necessary arrangements beforehand by telephone or speakingtube, or in default of them by other reliable means.
(2) On haulage inclines with a slope not exceeding 20° the haulage
compartment may be used for travel subject to the approval of the District
Mining Office.
84. Sections 78 to 8 3 1 shall also apply to other vertical and inclined
mine workings with carriage or tub haulage, except face workings."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"40. (1) Every shaft shall, in so far as the nature of the strata traversed
makes it necessary, be protected by adequate lining and adequate precautions in the operation of the mine.
(2) Substantial alterations to be made in the lining, division or protection of shafts shall, as soon as the plans thereof have been drawn up
and before the actual work is begun, be brought to the notice of the InspectorGeneral of Mines in writing.
41. The inspection of shafts and staple pits shall be carried out regularly
and in a suitable manner a t suitable times.
42. (1) For each shaft the longitudinal section on a scale of not less
than 1 : 100 shall be prepared showing the nature of the strata traversed,
the shaft lining and the fixtures placed in the shaft. Whenever the Inspector-General of Mines considers it necessary, the said longtitudinal section
shall be amplified b y cross-sections.
(2) Substantial alterations in the shaft lining and in the installations
in the shaft shall on every occasion be recorded on these drawings as soon
as possible with an indication of the date.
(3) Upon request a copy of the said drawings shall be communicated
to the Inspector-General of Mines."
(MR 1939)
Closing Off of Transport Compartments in Shafts, Staple Pits and
Baises
" I . The openings of compartments of shafts, staple pits and raises
that give access to spaces that are only exceptionally entered shall be closed
b y means of doors or gates.
2. "unless the cage is a t a landing, all landings in the shaft both a t
the surface and underground shall always be closed off by iron doors or
1
See Chapter III, Division 2.
3. SHAFTS
243
gates. For staple pits and raises these doors or gates, both at the top and
at intermediate levels, may be replaced by—
(a) a self-closing shutter ;
(b) an iron bar on which a barrier is hung in the absence of the signaller.
At the bottom the said doors or gates may be replaced by iron bars,
which shall be closed in the absence of the signaller.
3. At staple pits and raises, in so far as vertical transport with mine
tubs is carried on in them, automatic devices shall be provided that prevent
the worker and the tubs to be put in the cage from falling down the staple
pit or the raise in the absence of the cage."
(IGR 22)
" 1 . At places in shafts, staple pits and raises where materials such
as long timber, rails, pipes, etc., are loaded, a suitable separation shall be
provided in so far as necessary between the transport compartments.
2. (1) In staple pits and raises the top of the cage shall be provided
with an iron cover that, except when long articles are being transported,
shall always be closed.
(2) For the protection of workers employed a t the loading places of
shafts, staple pits or raises against objects falling into the shafts, staple pits
or raises between the top of the loading place and the shaft, staple pit
or raise, at the bottom and at the intermediate levels, an adequately tight
separation shall be provided which during transport with the use of tubs
shall be closed. The top of the loading place of shafts shall be deemed to be
the part higher than 3 m and the top of the loading place of staple pits
and raises shall be deemed to be the part that is above the cover referred to in
the preceding subsection.
3. (1) Before beginning special work such as cleaning the cage floor,
cleaning the bottom of the staple pit or raise, loading iron rails which have
to be fastened vertically in the cage and similar work, the signaller of
a staple pit or raise shall be bound to warn the winding-engineman by means
of a speaking-tube or otherwise.
(2) During the cleaning of the bottom of a staple pit or raise the cage
shall be safely supported.
7. (1) In raises and drop pits, unless an exemption is granted, the
necessary precautions shall be taken to support the timber framework
a t intervals not exceeding 15 m.
(2) At the top and intermediate levels and if appropriate in the pit
at the bottom of every raise or drop pit, there shall be installed iron supporting beams or a concrete foundation under the supporting frame."
(IGR 23)
"Installation
Shaft.
3. (1) Below the lowest level reached by the cage in man-winding
there shall be laterally thickened guides or other devices that will brake
the cage if it descends too far.
(2) The water level a t this place shall be kept so low that if the cage
goes too deep, the persons in the cage are in no danger of drowning.
4. The guides, with their attachments shall, when vertical, be capable
of supporting, with a safety factor of four, a load equal to the maximum
load in man-winding.
5. The provisions relating to safety appliances or thickened guides
shall not apply to winding installations in which guide ropes are used
instead of rigid guides for guiding the cage.
244
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
Head Frame, Rope Pulleys and Keps.
6. Above the shaft there shall be a device that prevents pieces from
falling into the shaft in the event of the breakage of a rope pulley or of
its shaft.
7. Without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines the
clear space in the head frame of winding installations taken into use after
1 June 1929 shall not be less than 10 m in height above the highest position
of the cage in man-winding.
8. I n the space referred to in the preceding section shall be fitted
laterally thickened guides or other devices that will brake the cage if it
rises too high.
9. I n the head frame for each cage there shall be two sets of stout
keps to hold a cage that has risen too high if the rope should break.
10. The diameter of the rope pulleys shall not be less than 80 times
the diameter of the rope.
Control
Shaft.
38. (1) The cage guides and their attachments and also the keps,
if there are any, shall be examined daily.
(2) The shafts shall be carefully examined weekly by the shaft repairers
under the direction of the responsible supervisor.
(3) At least one of the mine managers or an official appointed by them
for this purpose, who shall not be the responsible supervisor referred to
in subsection (2), shall make himself acquainted with the condition of the
shafts at least once a year by means of a careful examination.
Head Frame and Rope Pulleys.
39. (1) Before a new rope is taken into use, the rope pulleys shall
be carefully examined.
(2) I n the examination referred t o in subsection (1) the rim thickness
and the form of the rim groove shall be carefully determined and sharp
edges shall be removed.
(3) The results of the examinations referred to in subsections (1) and (2)
shall be entered in the shaft register and signed.
40. The following shall be examined daily :
(a) the rope pulleys with their shafts and bearings and also other component parts ;
(b) the various safety devices."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
" 2 1 . Vertical shafts exceeding 100 ft. in depth shall be provided with
guides for kibbles, unless exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines.
Such guides shall always be kept extended down to the lowest set of
timbers ; also the cross-head shall be allowed to travel to the lowest set but
one, and in no case shall the lowest set of timbers be more than 50 ft.,
from the shaft bottom.
23. At every shaft station where it is necessary for workmen to pass
from one side of the shaft to the other, provision shall be made for them
to do so without entering or crossing a winding compartment ; such passage
shall be securely fenced off from moving parts of machinery.
3 . SHAFTS
245
34
(7) (a) The headgear shall, except in such cases as may be exempted
in writing by the Government Mining Engineer from the requirements of
this section, be carried without obstruction to the cage-way or skip-way t o
such a height as to allow a clearance of at least 25 ft. in which the cage,
skip or other means of conveyance can travel freely above the highest
passenger stopping place in case of an overwind."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
Every mine shaft (including unwalkable outlets) and staple pit must be
made secure, unless the natural conditions of the strata render this unnecessary, and kept secure (30).
Every entrance to every mine shaft and every entrance to every staple
pit must be provided with an efficient enclosure or barrier, so designed and
constructed as to prevent any person from accidentally falling down the
shaft or staple pit, or accidentally coming into contact with a moving part
of any winding apparatus with which it is provided.
Such enclosure or barrier must be properly maintained and, where any
part of it is removable or openable, the enclosure, barrier or part must be
kept securely in position or securely closed, save in so far as removal or
opening is necessary.
Regulations may require prescribed steps to be taken for the purpose
of preventing persons from accidentally entering outlets or from accidentally
coming into contact with moving parts of any apparatus therein (31).
Regulations may require prescribed steps to be taken for the purpose
of preventing persons from being injured by the accidental fall of articles
down shafts or staple pits (32).
(A 1954)
"21
(b) Reasonable protection against things falling down the shaft shall be
provided for persons engaged in loading or unloading cages."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
" 3 3 . At each shaft landing there shall be a passageway at least 6 ft.
high and 4 ft. wide, free of obstruction, that will enable persons to go from
one side of the shaft to the other side without passing through any compartment of the shaft : Provided that a shaft compartment may be used for a
passageway if properly floored and roofed over by a bulkhead sufficiently
strong to withstand the fall of heavy bodies.
40. In shafts and slopes where men are hoisted or lowered there shall
be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the surface landings a t which
men enter or leave the cages or cars. . . .
41
(c) Cage rests or chairs shall be provided at all shaft landings regularly
used in the hoisting or lowering of men unless their omission is authorised
in writing by the district mining supervisor.
42. (a) Gates 4 ft. high or covers shall be used a t the top or ground
landings of vertical or inclined shafts, and the gates shall be kept closed
except when the cage is at the landing and attended.
(b) The track a t the surface landing of a shaft or slope shall have a
derailing device which shall always be kept open except when a car is being
246
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
taken from or placed on the cage at said landing, or when a car is entering
the slope under control.
43. Shafts when not in use for hoisting men, and slopes or sumps that
extend below the floor of a mine passage or excavation, shall be adequately
guarded to prevent men from falling therein.
45. Where men are employed in a mine or required to enter or depart
from a mine between sunset and sunrise, sufficient light shall be maintained at the top landing of each shaft to enable them to see the landing.
At each underground landing used for caging men, a light shall be maintained
on each side of and within 10 ft. of the shaft or slope whenever men are
in the mine. Each underground landing, if not naturally lighted, shall be
kept white with paint or whitewash."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
2. Cages, shafts, slopes and surface inclines
(h) All open entrances to shafts shall be equipped with safety gates
a t the top and a t each landing except at bottom landings. Such gates shall
be self-closing and shall be kept closed except when the cage is at such landing. Gates shall not be required a t the dumping point of self-dumping cages
or skips.
(i) Positive stop-blocks or derails shall be placed near the top and at
intermediate landings of slopes and surface inclines and a t the approaches
to all shaft landings.
(j) At the bottom of each hoisting shaft and at intermediate landings,a 'run-around' shall be provided for safe passage from one side of the shaft
to the other. This passageway shall be not less than 5 ft. in height and
3 ft. in width.
(k) Ice shall n o t be permitted to accumulate excessively in any shaft
where men are hoisted or lowered."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"10. (a) The upper and lower landing a t the top of each shaft, and the
opening of each intermediate seam from or to the shaft, shall be kept clear
and free from loose materials, and shall be protected with automatic or
other gates, such gates to be of good, serviceable construction for the purpose
for which they are designed—namely, to prevent either men or materials
from falling into t h e shaft. At the top landing cage supports, where
necessary, must be carefully set and adjusted so as to securely hold the
cage when at rest.
(b) Whenever the hoisting or lowering of men occurs before daylight
or after dark, or when the landing at which men take or leave the cage is
at all obscured by steam or otherwise, there must always be maintained at
such landing a light sufficient to show the landing and surrounding objects
distinctly. Likewise, as long as there are men underground in any mine
the operator shall maintain a good and sufficient light at the bottom of the
shaft thereof, so t h a t persons coming to the bottom may clearly discern the
cage and objects in t h e vicinity.
(j) At every underground landing where men enter or leave the cage
a n d where men must pass from one side of the cage to the other there shall
be a safe passageway, free from obstruction and as dry as possible around
t h e shaft, not less t h a n 3 ft. wide for the use of men only ; and animals or
cars shall not be taken through such passageway while men are passing or
desirous of passing through such passageway.
4. WINDING ENGINES
247
fk) A refuge place or places for men coming out a t the close of the
day's work shall be provided off the main bottom of cage-room in shaft
mines, at a place or places and of such size as shall be approved by the
state mine inspector. Such place or places shall be not more than 400 ft.
from the shaft, where men are hoisted, and shall be kept free from loose
material. When leaving such refuge places to be hoisted out the men shall
be governed by the rules of the mine.
(I) No accumulations of ice or obstructions of any kind shall be permitted
in any shaft in which men are hoisted or lowered ; nor shall any dangerous
gases or steam be discharged into said shaft in such quantities or at such
times as to interfere with the safe passage of men. All surface or other
water which flows therein shall be conducted by rings or otherwise to
receptacles provided for the same in such manner as to prevent water
from falling upon men while passing into or out of the mine or while in the
discharge of their duties about the shaft bottom.
(m) All shafts by which men enter or leave the mine, and the passageways leading thereto, or to the work of a contiguous mine used as a n escapement shaft shall be carefully examined throughout a t least once each
week that the mine is operating and the date and findings of such an examination entered promptly in the books kept at the time for the purpose. A
daily visit to the bottom of all sueh escapement shafts shall be made by the
mine examiner and, if obstructions to the free passage of men are found,
their location and nature shall be stated in such report. Such obstructions
shall be promptly removed."
(A 6.6.Í911)
New Mexico
"1201. In shafts and inclines where men are hoisted or lowered, there
shall be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the landings a t which
men enter or leave the cages, skips or cars ; and at mines in which over
100 men are employed underground on any shift there shall also be approved
overwinding and overspeeding devices connected with the hoist, or equivalent approved devices shall be installed and maintained to prevent the
cage from being overwound or from falling if overwound, and from overspeeding, considering the character of the hoisting equipment and depth of
hoisting."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"1
All shafts shall be provided with safety gates controlled by the cage at
the top and intermediate landings, said gates to be approved by the inspector and suitable track safety blocks shall be provided to secure mine cars
while men are entering or leaving the cage."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
4.
WINDING
ENGINES
BELGIUM
"29. The winding engines and power winches shall be equipped with an
efficient brake controlled by a lever within the engineman's reach and easy
to work.
This brake shall act directly on the drum shaft or barrel shaft.
In new installations—
(a) the brake shall be arranged to act automatically or by means of a
clutch t h a t can be actuated a t all times if the power fails ;
(b) the use of cast-iron drum and winch shafts shall be prohibited, even
if old machines are used.
30. The winding engine shall be equipped with an appliance showing
the position of the cage in the shaft, and easily visible to the engineman.
248
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
Two automatic bell signalling installations shall announce the arrival
of the cages at the surface.
One of them having a special easily distinguishable note shall be adjusted
so as to ring at the moment when the control lever must be operated."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
"85. (1) Hoisting apparatus worked by mechanical power shall be so
designed, constructed and maintained that, with the power provided, the
raising and lowering of persons can be carried out with ease, regularity and
safety, and shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation so as to prevent
any material movement as a whole.
(2) When hoisting apparatus is worked by other than mechanical
power, it shall be efficiently constructed and maintained and provided with
a locking device or brake sufficient in itself to hold the load at any point
in the shaft.
(3) Every hoist used for the raising or lowering of persons shall be
completely separated by a substantial partition from every other engine
used for any purpose other than raising or lowering persons, unless a written
exemption is given b y the District Inspector.
86. (1) Every hoisting engine used for raising or lowering persons, shall
be provided with a good and sufficient brake on the drum so adjusted that
it may be operated by the engineer without leaving his post at the levers.
(2) The drum thereof shall be provided with flanges of such size that,
when the whole rope is wound on the drum, there shall be not less than
4 in. between the outer layer of rope and the outer edge of the flange, except
in the case of cylindric-conical drums.
(3) One end of each hoisting rope shall be well secured on the drum
and a t least three laps of the rope shall remain on the drum when the cage
is at rest a t the lowest caging place in the shaft, and the lower end of each
rope shall be securely fastened to the cage by suitable capping, clamps,
chains and any other approved means.
(4) An index dial or indicator which plainly shows the engineer at all
times the true position of the cages in the shaft, in addition to any mark
on the rope, shall be provided."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"100. Power-driven winches shall be equipped with brakes that enable
the ropes to be blocked ; hand-driven winches shall have a device that prevents unexpected reversal of the direction.
In addition, if the winding appliance of a rope used for the ordinary
travel of personnel can be disconnected, an interlock shall prevent disconnection before the disconnectable part has been blocked by means of a
device capable of holding fast in the most unfavourable conditions of
unbalance.
101. (1) Winches and winding engines shall not be used for the travel
of personnel unless their operating brake can act both while the engine is
in motion and while it is stopped.
They shall not be used for the travel of a shift unless they are also
provided with a counterweighted emergency brake.
The two brakes m a y have the same frictional parts and the same transmission, but their controls shall be separate and so arranged that they can
be actuated by the winchman or engineman immediately and directly from
his operating stand. At least one of the brakes shall be capable of acting even
in the event of failure of the power normally used for its operation.
4. WINDING ENGINES
249
If a brake or a machine has a geared transmission, the emergency brake,
or, if there is not one, the operating brake, shall act without the intervention
of the gears.
(2) Each of the brakes shall be capable of keeping the engine blocked
in the most unfavourable conditions of unbalance. If there is no emergency
brake the operating brake shall be counterweighted and sufficiently powerful,
if applied on the arrival of the ascending cage a t the top landing, to enable
the cage to be stopped before it reaches the stop in the headgear. In any
case the cutting off of the power shall be simultaneous with the fall of the
counterweight.
(3) When the emergency brake is applied by the overwind preventer
referred to in section 102 it shall be capable of preventing the cage from reaching the pulley. The application of the brake shall result in the cutting off
of the power.
102. If the engine or the winch is used for the winding of the shift, the
emergency brake shall be automatically applied—
(a) by an overwind preventer in the headgear as soon as the cage, skip,
or bucket reaches an abnormal height beyond the top landing ;
( b) by a speed governor at the end of the wind when the speed at a suitably
determined distance from the bottom landing exceeds 1.50 m/sec.
during man-winding.
103. Winches and winding engines shall not be used for the ordinary
travel of personnel, or be used at a speed that can exceed 2 m /sec. for an
exceptional travel of personnel, unless they are provided—
(a) with an indicator showing the position of the cage, skip or bucket in
the shaft, not comprising any transmission by friction and placed in
the winchman's or engineman's field of vision ; and this irrespective of
any marks that have to be made on the ropes or on rope-winding
appliances other than Koepe pulleys ;
(b) with a sound-signalling appliance announcing arrival of the cage,
skip or bucket as it approaches the extreme landings in use.
104. Winches and winding engines used for the ordinary travel of
personnel a t a speed exceeding 6 m/sec. shall also be provided with the
following appliances :
(a) a variably acting device controlling the operating brake ;
( b) an automatic speed governor preventing the speed in full momentum,
both in mineral winding and in man-winding, from exceeding by more
than 20 per cent, the scheduled speed for either case ;
(o) an appliance indicating and recording the speed.
105. The movement of the safety devices into the position for winding
men shall actuate permanent optical signals t h a t are clearly visible to the
engineman and the onsetter at the top landing ; it shall be marked on the
speed recording instrument, if there is one.
106. Exemption from the provisions of sections 101 (subsection (1),
second paragraph), 102, 103 and 105 may be granted by the local inspection
authority in respect of winding engines in sinking pits or for preparatory
workings immediately subsequent to sinking."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"42. (1) Braking appliances (except portable brakes) and winches
shall be fixed in position.
(2) Portable brakes that are attached to a prop shall be fastened to a
second prop by an emergency chain.
250
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
43. Braking appliances and winches, except hand and scraper winches,
shall be provided with self-acting brakes.
44. On braking appliances and winches the brake lining and the lining
of the rope groove shall not consist of highly inflammable material.
45. (1) Hand winches shall have a reliable brake and a double pawl.
(2) Hand winches t h a t are used in different directions for the raising
of loads shall have a separate ratchet wheel with a double pawl for each
direction of rotation.
(3) Cable winches for the raising and lowering of heavy loads shall also
engage with the drive at both sides or, in the case of a single engagement,
shall have fabricated teeth.
46. I n front of the braking appliances and winch or in front of the
rope pulleys there shall be a device that, in the case of overwinding, holds
the carriage, cage, counterweight or tub. This shall not apply to portable
braking appliances and scraper winches.
47. If hewers or drawers do their own braking they shall be able to
operate the braking appliances and winches without entering the winding
shaft or haulage plane."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
MAN-WINDING
" Installation
Winding
of Man-winding
Plant
Engines.
(a) Speed Governor.
9. (1) Winding engines of which the man-winding speed is more than
6 m/sec. shall be equipped with an officially authorised speed governor.
(2) Speed governors shall be in operation both for material winding and
for man-winding. For regular man-winding the speed governor shall be
adjusted to man-winding speed.
(b) Throttle.
10. Steam winding engines shall be equipped with a throttle (Fahrventil).
(c) Depth Indicator.
11. (1) Winding engines shall be equipped with a reliable depth
indicator and a bell that will automatically ring as soon as the distance of
the ascending cage from the bank is at least double the circumference of
the rope drum (traction sheave, reel).
(2) The depth indicator shall not be driven by friction coupling.
(d) Tachometer.
12. (1) All man-winding plant shall be provided with tachometers ;
if the man-winding speed exceeds 4 m/sec. there shall be automatically
recording tachometers that clearly indicate speed during the operation.
(2) The speed charts shall be submitted daily to the responsible manager
and kept by him for three months.
(e) Brakes.
13. (1) Every winding engine shall be equipped with a winding brake,
(2) On winding engines with a man-winding speed of more than
4 m/sec.—
(a) the winding brake shall be an adjustable brake (sliding brake) ;
4. WENDING ENGINES
251
(b)
a second brake (emergency brake) independent of the driving power
shall be provided and shall be capable oí being combined with the
first brake.
(3) The brake-pressure regulators of sliding brakes shall be equipped
with a pressure gauge, and if the regulator belongs to a steam brake, with a
water-draining device.
(4) On geared engines (toothed-wheel drives) a t least one brake shall act
directly on the driving agent (traction sheave, drum, reel).
(5) On drum or reel engines at least one brake *jhall act on both drums.
14. (1) Both the winding brake and the emergency brake shall be
able to hold the winding engine with a static safety factor of at least three
when the difference between the load on the two winding sides is the
maximum ; in addition, the winding brake, in the same conditions of load,
shall effect a retardation of at least 2 m/sec.
(2) The mechanical strength of the brake rod shall represent a safety
factor of at least five in relation to the maximum brake power used in
operation.
Testing of Men-winding
Winding
Plant
Engine.
46. (1) The rope drums together with their shafts, the attachment
of the ropes to the drums, the braking appliances, the anchorage of the
drums, traction sheaves and reels on their shafts, the couplings, depth
indicators, tachometers, the safety appliances, t h e firm seating and the
fastening of the wedges in the safety appliances shall be tested daily, and in
addition the depth indicators shall be tested after every adjustment of the
cage's travel.
(2) The winding engine and the speed governor shall be tested by a
specially qualified person before first being taken into use. With steam
winding engines proper working shall be verified by means of indicator
diagrams. The diagrams shall be repeated after every readjustment of the
controls and after all repairs.
(3) Winding engines shall be inspected yearly and the speed governors
of electric winding engines half-yearly by a qualified person ; the speed
governors of steam winding engines shall be tested half-yearly by a specially qualified person. The result of the tests shall be entered in the
man-winding register.
Trial
Winds.
47. (1) Before the beginning of every period of regular man-winding,
and for every change in level when, the cage is changed over, trial winds
both upwards and downwards shall be carried out between the points in the
shaft between which regular man-winding is to be undertaken, and in each
shaft compartment, with a full load of material and at least a t the usual
speed for man-winding.
(2) If the winding equipment is used only for man-winding, the cage
shall be wound u p and down under a load corresponding to the maximum
authorised load in man-winding.
(3) Trial winds m a y be dispensed with when regular man-winding
follows immediately upon the material winding.
(4) During the raising and lowering, the devices for indicating the
position of the cage in the shaft shall be tested."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
17
252
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
MAN-WINDING I N STAPLES
Man-winding in staples in the Dortmund Division is governed by regulations of 1 October 1949 modelled on those of 21 July 1927/23 December
1936 relating to man-winding in main shafts. The two sets of regulations
are similar but those for staples are much simpler and provisions concerning
the winch replace those concerning the winding engine. The provisions
concerning the winch are as follows :
"Depth Indicator, Warning Signal, Speed Indicator, Safety Device and
Disengaging Device.
9. (1) The winch shall be equipped with a reliable depth indicator
and a loud acoustic warning signal appliance. The warning signal shall
be clearly audible at the winch-driver's stand and actuated either by the
depth indicator or by the ascending cage or counterweight when the ascending cage or counterweight is 5 m from the top landing.
(2) I n the case of winches in large staples the depth indicator shall be
driven directly from the winch shaft by bevel wheels or chains. I n other
staples cord depth indicators shall be permitted provided that the warning
signal appliance is directly actuated by the ascending cage or by the counterweight.
(3) I n the case of a drum or spool machine, when there are frequent
or regular changes of winding levels, a depth indicator spindle shall be
driven from every hub.
(4) Winches in large staples shall be equipped with a reliable speed
indicator.
(5) Compressed-air-driven staple winches shall be equipped with selfclosing valves.
(6) Electrically driven winches without a speed governor shall be
provided with the following safety devices :
(a) a safety device (centrifugal governor) which applies the safety brake
when a specified maximum speed is exceeded ;
(b) a limit switch in the staple which, when actuated, applies the safety
brake ; and
(c) a device which applies the safety brake when the power fails.
Application of the brake shall cut off power from the motor on all poles.
Restoration of the supply of current to the motor shall only be possible
when the controller is a t zero.
10. (1) Pinions which engage in the teeth of the appliance on which
the rope is wound shall be made of steel.
(2) Disengaging devices between the rope drum or the traction sheave
and the drive shall be capable of being reliably blocked.
(3) Winches with remote control shall be prohibited.
Brakes.
11. (1) Winches shall be provided with a reliable brake (operating
brake) that is automatically applied. If this acts on a brake disc of the
transmission shaft, a second brake (safety brake) shall be provided on the
rope drum or traction sheave.
(2) The brakes shall be shoe-brakes.
(3) For brake linings only fireproof material shall be used.
(4) Electrically driven winches shall be equipped with two brakes,
which may have common driving shafts and shoes.
12. (1) Each of the brakes shall be capable of holding the greatest
difference of weight in man-winding between one winding side and the
other with a static safety factor of a t least two, and in large staples a static
4. WINDINa ENGINES
253
safety factor of at least three. Further, the greatest difference in weight
in material winding shall in any case be held with a safety factor of oneand-a-half.
(2) I n the case of winches in large staples the operating brake, if actuated
by compressed air, shall be provided with a brake-pressure regulator.
I n this case the brake pressure shall be constantly indicated on a pressure
gauge.
(3) I n the case of compressed-air-driven brakes, one brake shall be
applied automatically when the pressure of compressed air falls below
the permissible minimum.
Pressure Gauge and Ammeter.
13. (1) On compressed-air-driven winches there shall be a reliable
pressure gauge easily visible from the winch-driver's stand. On the pressure
gauge the minimum pressure of compressed air at which winding may
be carried on shall be indicated by a red mark.
(2) On electrically driven winches there shall be a reliable ammeter
easily visible from the winch-driver's stand. On it the rated current of the
motor shall be indicated by a red mark."
NETHERLANDS
" 1 1 . (] ) The winding engine shall be provided with an operating brake
and an emergency brake. Each of these brakes shall be capable, at all times,
of holding the heaviest effective load occurring in man-winding with a
static safety factor of a t least three ; the brake mechanism shall be so
loaded t h a t the power safety factor is at least five.
(2) For speeds above 5 m/sec. in man-winding—•
(a) the operating brake shall be capable of regulation by the brake handle ;
electric winding engines with Leonard couplings shall be exempted
from this provision ;
(b) the emergency brake, failing exemption granted by the InspectorGeneral of Mines, shall be so constructed that when the brake-blocks
are applied, the momentum of the brake weight is, as far as possible,
absorbed ;
(c) the winding engine, failing exemption granted by the InspectorGeneral of Mines, shall be provided with a reliable device which
automatically regulates the speed during the whole wind, both in
material winding and man-winding.
(3) The winding-engineman shall always be able to apply and release
the brakes easily without leaving his stand.
(4) On the winding engine there shall be a bell t h a t rings when the
engine has only two revolutions to make before the cage reaches the bank.
(5) In the engine-room there shall be a device that a t all times indicates
the exact position of the cages in the shaft.
(6) The winding engine shall he equipped with an efficient tachograph.
(7) The winding engine shall be provided with a reliable device t h a t
applies the emergency brake when the cage rises too high.
12. The diameter of Koepe pulleys and rope drums shall not be less
than 80 times the diameter of the rope.
41. The following shall be examined daily :
the hubs of the rope drums and Koepe pulleys and the means of
fastening them to the shafts ;
( b) the brake mechanism ;
(c) the various safety devices.
(a)
254
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
42. Before the winding of a shift begins, the engineman shall test the
brake of t h e winding engine.
43. Before the winding of a shift begins, the cage, loaded with a weight
at least equal to the total weight of the persons to be wound, shall be wound
u p and down between the places in the shaft between which persons are
to be wound ; in this connection the accuracy of the readings of the depth
indicators on the winding engine shall be verified and if necessary these
appliances shall be put into good order."
(IGR 24)
" Transport of Persons in Staple Pits
7. Disconnecting devices between the drum or Koepe pulley and the
driving mechanism shall be capable of being locked safely.
8. (1) The hoisting machine shall be provided with—
a self-acting operating brake in the form of a weighted brake ; whenever
this acts on the shaft or on a shaft of the transmission mechanism,
then on the rope drum or on the Koepe pulley there shall be a second
brake t h a t acts as an emergency brake ;
(b) a reliable depth indicator acting on the shaft of the drum or of the
Koepe pulley and a loud bell which shall be in the immediate vicinity
of the machine operator and shall ring whenever the distance from
the cage or the counterweight to the top landing is 5 m. The bell shall
be actuated by the depth indicator, the cage or the counterweight.
(2) Every brake shall be capable of holding the heaviest effective
load occurring in man-winding, with a static safety factor of at least two.
(3) I t shall always be possible for the machine operator, without leaving
his stand, t o apply and release the brakes easily and, if appropriate, to
put them into the operating position and verify their condition.
(4) The brakes shall be constructed as block brakes. I n special cases
exemption m a y be granted from this provision and the brakes or one of
the brakes constructed as a band brake.
(5) A tachometer may be required in special cases.
(6) If there is no tachometer, in special cases an acoustic signal may
be required t h a t enables the machine operator to verify the speed of the
machine.
(a)
9. If compressed-air winches are used there shall also be provided—
a self-closing valve for the compressed-air piping ;
a device on the winch whereby the person inspecting the winch can
shut off the compressed air ;
(c) when the winch is remote-controlled, an air shut-off in the compressed-air piping in the vicinity of the machine operator's stand.
10. (1) With compressed-air winches, in the vicinity of the machine
operator a reliable pressure gauge shall be installed at a conspicuous place.
(2) On the pressure gauge the permissible minimum pressure of the
compressed air shall be indicated by a red strip.
11. In certain cases it may be required that special measures shall be
taken against overwinding the cage."
(a)
(b)
(IGR 28)
SOUTH AFRICA
"14. Windlasses, whims, whips and the like in use in or about a mine
shall be provided with a stopper, pawl, or some other reliable holder, and
care must b e taken t h a t the hooking on and off of buckets, kibbles, or
other receptacles is done without danger to the workmen.
4. WINDING ENGINES
255
15. Where winding is effected by means of an engine, an adequate
brake shall be provided for every drum and kept in proper working order
and—
(1) The drum and levers shall be such that—
(a) the drum at the driver's right hand shall have overlay rope ;
(b) the reversing lever shall follow overlay rope in direction of movement ;
(c) the brake lever shall be pulled towards driver in order to apply the
brake ;
(d) the relief-valve and throttle-valve levers shall be in a central position.
This subsection shall apply to all new engines erected after 1 October
1930, and to such existing engines as the Inspector of Mines may direct.
(2) The operating gear of the clutch of the drum shall be provided with
locking gear, which shall be used to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the
clutch.
(3) Such bolts and other fittings of drums, brakes and clutches as might
be a source of danger in the event of their becoming loosened, shall be
rendered secure by means of suitable locking devices.
(4) The driver of a winding engine shall not unclutch a drum of his
engine until he has assured himself immediately beforehand by testing the
brake of the drum against the full power of the engine that the brake is in
proper condition to hold the load suspended from the said drum.
(5) (a) When the drum is unclutched the brake shall only be used for
the purpose of maintaining such drum stationary. Lowering from an unclutched drum is not allowed.
(b) Every winding plant used for the lowering or raising of persons
shall have a suitable interlocking device fitted, so t h a t it is impossible to
unclutch any drum unless the brakes of such drum are on, and t h a t it
is impossible to release the brakes until the clutch is fully engaged and
securely locked.
(6) When a winding engine is fitted with a friction clutch the enginedriver shall, when clutching in, test the holding power of the clutch before
releasing the brake of the corresponding drum, the brake of the other drum
being kept off. I n the case of a steam or air hoist the test shall be made
against the full power of the engine and in the case of an electric hoist against
the normal starting current.
(7) The Inspector of Mines shall, after consultation with the manager,
have the power to order specific or periodic tests or inspections by the
Inspector of Machinery of all hoists permitted regularly to convey persons.
34. (1) The winding engine shall be such that—
When running at various speeds with light and heavy loads it can be
readily slowed and stopped, and after stopping can be immediately
started again in either direction by the engine-driver.
( b) I t can lift from bottom to top of shaft or winze the maximum unbalanced load on one drum.
This provision shall not apply in cases where other means exist enabling persons employed below to reach the top of such shaft or
winze.
(c) Each winding drum when unclutched from the engine can be maintained in a position of rest by means of its own brake or brakes, with
no more slipping than 1 ft., when the conveyance is loaded to the
maximum permitted weight of mineral, or to double the permitted
weight of persons, whichever is the greater.
In estimating the total weight of persons for the purposes of this
regulation and of regulations Nos. 34 (8) * and 37 ( 1 1 ) \ 150 lb. shall
be allotted for each person.
(a)
1
See Division 7, Part A ol this chapter.
258
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(d)
Where no p a r t of the rope is rigidly fixed to the drum there shall be
no dangerous slipping of the rope on the drum under any possible
working conditions.
(2) There shall be on the drum of the winding engine such flanges or
horns and also, if the drum is conical or spiral, such other appliances as
may be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping off or coiling unevenly.
(3) I n the case of winding engines other than those of the sheave type
there shall be n o t less than three rounds of rope upon the drum when the
cage, skip or other means of conveyance is a t the lowest point of the shaft
or winze from which hoisting is effected.
The end of t h e rope shall, where applicable, be properly fastened round
an arm or the shaft of the drum.
(4) Every winding engine shall, in addition to any marks on the rope,
be provided with reliable depth indicators conveniently situated, which will
clearly and accurately show to the engine-driver at his driving seat at all
times—
(a) the position of the cage, skip, or other means of conveyance ; and
( b) a t what places in the shaft changes of gradient necessitate reduction
in speed.
On any new engine, erected after 1 October 1930, the pointer of the dial
indicator on t h e driver's right hand shall move in a clockwise direction
when lowering and in the case of a post and spiral indicator the pointer
shall move u p or down as the conveyance moves up or down.
In the case of Whiting hoists, single-drum hoists and hoists having two
drums permanently fixed on one shaft, only one indicator need be provided.
(5) I n every shaft exceeding 300 ft. in depth adequate provision shall
be made whereby the engine-driver is warned of the arrival of the cage,
skip or other means of conveyance a t a point in the shaft, the distance of
which from the top landing place is not less than the equivalent of three
revolutions of t h e drum or sheave of the winding engine.
(6) (a) The overwinding prevention devices shall be examined daily
and, where practicable, tested periodically and a record shall be kept of
these examinations and tests in the machinery
record book by the person
deputed under regulation No. 37 (l). 1
In all vertical shafts there shall be fitted detaching hooks and spring
keps or jack catches or other effective contrivance to support a detached
conveyance.
(b) To all winding engines with a permitted speed of over 1,000 ft./min.,
there shall be fitted and used a recording tachograph and a speed indicator, which shall be maintained in good working order."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
"79. I n every mine which is not a small mine a the apparatus for raising
and lowering persons to or from the surface, hereinafter called the winding
apparatus, in a n y shaft which is more than 150 ft. in depth, shall be worked
b y mechanical power.
80. Winding apparatus worked by mechanical power—
(a) shall be so designed, constructed and maintained that, with the power
provided, the raising and lowering of persons can be carried out with
ease, regularity and safety ;
(b) if installed after the date on which these regulations come into force,
shall have the drum shafts, if 10 in. or more in diameter, bored
longitudinally at the centre ;
1
See Division 2 of this chapter.
:
"Small mine" means a mine in which the total number of persons employed below
ground does not exceed 30. Coal Mines Act, 1911, section 122.
4. WINDING ENGINES
257
(c)
shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation so as to prevent any
material movement of the apparatus as a whole.
81. Where winding apparatus is worked by other than mechanical
power it shall be efficiently constructed and maintained and provided with a
locking device or brake sufficient in itself to hold the load in the shaft a t
any point."
(R 10.7.1913)
" 1 . Where the apparatus ordinarily used for raising or lowering persons
to or from the surface is worked by mechanical power it shall, if the shaft
is vertical, be provided with detaching gear for each cage ; and if the
maximum speed of winding can exceed 12 ft./sec. shall also be provided
with an effective automatic contrivance to prevent overwinding, hereinafter called the automatic contrivance. The automatic contrivance shall a t
all times when persons are being raised or lowered prevent the descending
cage from being landed a t the pit bottom or other permanent landing
at a speed exceeding 5 ft./sec. and shall also control the movement of
the ascending cage in such manner as to prevent danger to persons riding
therein.
The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to any mine which
is exempted by the Minister on the ground of special circumstances. 1
2. Unless the automatic contrivance is in full and fixed engagement
with the winding-engine it shall be fully engaged either automatically or by
the winding-engineman whenever persons are to be raised or lowered, and a
proper automatic indicator to show that this has been done shall be provided
in such a position as to be easily seen by the banksman ; and no person shall
be allowed to enter either cage until the indioator shows that the automatic
contrivance has been fully engaged.
3. Where the apparatus used for raising or lowering persons is worked
by mechanical power, there shall be provided—
(a) one or more brakes on the drum shaft which, if there are two cages,
will hold the cages when the maximum torque is applied in either
direction when the loads are balanced or, if there is only one cage,
will hold the loaded cage in mid shaft when the maximum torque is
applied downwards ; and
(bJ a proper indicator (in addition to a mark on the rope or drum) showing
to the winding-engineman on a dial or in some sufficient manner the
position of the cage in the shaft, and placed in such a position as to
be easily
seen by him at the same time as the mark on the rope or
drum. 1
4. Tests of the automatic contrivance and the brakes shall be made,
by a competent person appointed in writing by the manager, in the following
manner :
(a) once a t least in every week by raising the cage or the cages i n turn
to pass the last control point above the surface landing ;
(b) once at least in every three months by attempting to land the
descending cage at excessive speed. For the purpose of this test t h e
setting of the automatic contrivance may be altered so that a predetermined point in the shaft is regarded as the landing.
15. There shall be recorded in a book kept a t the mine dated reports
and other information relating to the measures taken to comply with—
(a) numbers 4 and 5 2 of these Regulations, and every such record shall
be preserved for a period of 12 months after the report or other
information was recorded ;
»»
(R 2.3.1937)
1
This section is a provision oi the Coal Mines A.ct, 1911, as amended by the regulations
of 2 March 1937.
• See Division 1 of this chapter.
258
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
UNITED STATES
federal
"38
(b) The drums or cable reels of hoists shall be provided with flanges
t h a t extend a t least 2 in. radially beyond the last layer of rope or cable
when fully coiled on the drum or reel.
(a) All hoists shall have sufficient power to hoist the loaded unbalanced
cage or skip and shall be equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold
the fully loaded unbalanced cage or skip at any point in the shaft or slope.
40. In shafts and slopes where men are hoisted or lowered, there shall
be at least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the surface landings at which
men enter or leave the cages or cars ; and a t mines in which more than
50 men are employed underground on any shift, overwinding and overspeeding preventers or equivalent devices, approved by the district mining
supervisor, shall be connected with the hoists and so maintained as to
prevent the cages from being overwound or from falling if overwound
a n d to prevent overspeeding, considering the character of the hoisting
equipment and t h e depth of hoisting.
46. (a) The hoist shall be operated only when properly provided
with brakes and indicators . . . . "
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
1. Hoisting
(b) (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.) Every hoist used to transport persons
at a mine, other than hoists used in excavating shafts or slopes, shall be equipped
with overspeed, overwind, and automatic stop controls unless a second engineer
is on duty. Every hoist used to transport such persons shall be equipped with
brakes capable of stopping the platform, cage, or other device for transporting
persons when fully loaded ; and with hoisting cable adequately strong to sustain
the fully loaded platform, cage, or other device for transporting persons, and
have a proper margin of safety.
(d) An accurate and reliable indicator, showing the position of the
cage or trip, shall be placed so as to be in clear view of the engineer, unless
the position of the cage or trip is clearly visible to the engineer a t all times.
(e) The rope shall have a t least three full turns on the drum when
extended to its maximum working length and shall make a t least one full
turn on the drum shaft or around the spoke of the drum, in case of a free
drum, and be fastened securely by means of clamps.
(f) The hoisting rope shall be fastened to its load by a spelter-filled
socket or by a thimble and adequate number of clamps properly spaced
and installed."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"10
(d) I n connection with every hoisting engine used for hoisting or
lowering of men there shall be provided as follows :
(1) A good and sufficient brake on the drum, so adjusted t h a t it may be
operated by the engineer without leaving his post at the levers.
5 . CAGES
259
(2) Flanges attached to the sides of the drum, with a distance when the
whole rope is wound on the drum of not less than 4 in. between the
outer layer of rope and the greatest diameter of the flange.
(3) One end of each hoisting rope shall be well secured on the drum, and
at least three laps of the same shall remain on the drum when the
cage is at rest at the lowest caging place in the shaft.
The lower end of each rope shall be securely fastened to the cage,
by suitable sockets and chains.
(4) An index dial or indicator that plainly shows the engineer at all times
the true position of the cages in the shaft."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1201. In shafts and inclines where men are hoisted or lowered, there
shall be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the landings at which
men enter or leave the cages, skips or ears ; and at mines in which over
100 men are employed underground on any shift there shall also be approved
overwinding and overspeeding devices connected with the hoist, or equivalent approved devices shall be installed and maintained to prevent
the cage from being overwound or from falling if overwound, and from
overspeeding considering the character of the hoisting equipment and
depth of hoisting.
1203. All hoists shall be equipped with brakes able to stop and to
hold the fully loaded unbalanced cage or skip at any point in the shaft
or incline. Each hoist shall have ample power to hoist a fully loaded
unbalanced cage or skip.
1207. The hoisting rope shall be firmly clamped to the drum or reel,
and at least two turns of the rope shall remain on the drum or reel, when
the cage or skip attached to the rope rests at the bottom of the shaft or
incline."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"1
• .
The ropes shall be securely attached to the sides of the drum of every
machine that is used for lowering and hoisting persons or material into
and out of the mine, and the flanges shall have a clearance of not less than
4 in. when the whole of the rope is wound on the drum, and adequate brakes
shall be attached to the drum so t h a t the speed thereof can be controlled
when men are being lowered or hoisted. An efficient indicator t h a t shall
show the position of the cages in the shaft shall be attached to the hoisting
apparatus, and an efficient safety device t h a t will prevent overwinding
shall be attached to every engine used for lowering and hoisting persons."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
5.
CAGES
BELGIUM
" 2 1 . The cages used for the ordinary travel of workers shall be so
arranged as to prevent the fall of persons and to safeguard them from being
struck by outside objects, whether fixed or moving, or stones or other
objects t h a t might become detached from the walls of the shafts or fall
from the surface.
The devices adopted to satisfy these requirements shall be notified to
the Mines Administration, which if necessary shall order additional measures.
260
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND
MEN
In addition, t h e cages shall be so arranged as to facilitate the enforcement
of section 38. 1
If the workers ride in trucks, the cage shall be equipped with a tip-up
bar or any other enclosure offering the same security which the worker
can safely operate from inside the truck.
To allow section 38 to be applied in this case, the workers shall only
ride on every second deck of the cage and the empty deck shall either have
no floor or have a mobile floor. This, however, shall not be required when
the height of the decks is sufficient to allow the workers to get out.
If buckets are used for conveying workers, the workers shall be fastened
by safety belts and protected by a cover.
This last requirement shall also be complied with when the workers
are conveyed in tubs, whether guided or not."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
"83
(4) Every cage shall be provided with catches or other suitable device
to prevent the cars falling out and, if used for raising or lowering persons,
shall be covered in completely at the top and closed a t the sides in a sufficient
manner to prevent persons or things from projecting beyond the sides and
shall be provided with suitable gates, bars or chains and with suitable
handhold rods or rails so they can be easily reached by all persons in the
cage.
(5) Every cage shall be equipped with safety catches or safety dogs
to prevent the cage from falling down the shaft in the event of the rope
breaking, provided, however, that this shall not apply to any shaft in
which steel-wire-rope guides are used."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"67. (1) The cages and platforms of skips used for the ordinary travel
of personnel shall be so constructed as to prevent personnel from falling
into the shaft and to protect them against the fall of outside objects. They
shall be equipped with supporting or suspension bars. They shall be so
arranged t h a t if they are accidentally blocked a t any point in their travel
the workers can be withdrawn.
(2) Skips and cages with rigid guides used for the ordinary travel of
personnel shall be equipped with safety catches ; this gear may be blocked
during the raising of mineral or the winding of stowage material or of
equipment."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"48. (1) Cages and carriages shall have a floor that feet cannot slip
through.
(2) Tubs shall be blocked in the cage or carriage. If special devices
are installed it shall be possible to operate them safely.
(3) Cages shall have a strong protective roof.
(4) I n staples and carriage inclines there shall be devices with which
the cage or carriage can be blocked at the landings."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
1
See Division 9 of this chapter.
261
5. CAGES
MAN-WINDING
"Installation
of Man-winding
Plant
Cages.
32. The various parts of the cage shall possess a safety factor of
a t least seven in relation to the maximum static load in material winding.
33. (1) The cage shall be provided with a strong protective roof;
on each deck, if the height of the deck exceeds 1.60 m, bars or chains shall
be provided for the passengers to hold on to.
(2) The cage shall be provided with gates and on the other sides be
enclosed by means of strong sheet iron.
(3) The gates shall not open outwards and they shall be so built into
the cage that they are not thrown open by heavy jolting of the cage. Bolts
shall be suitably secured.
(4) Gate locks shall be so arranged t h a t they are secure against inadvertent opening.
34. For a clear deck height of 1.75 m and more the standing room
for each person shall be 0.18 m a ; for lower deck heights standing room shall
be increased.
35. (1) For every man-winding plant there shall be two reserve
cages for Koepe winding and one for drum winding.
(2) For shafts containing two or more man-winding plants with cages
of the same type, two reserve cages shall suffice for Koepe winding and
one for drum winding ; this shall also apply to shafts in the same vicinity
t h a t are connected together underground.
Safety Gear.
36. (1) On every cage used for man-winding safety gear shall be
installed ; the gear shall be in the on position during man-winding.
(2) If the gear is in the off position during material winding this shall
be clearly indicated on the cage.
Testing of Man-winding
Plant
Cages.
52. (1) The cages shall be tested daily.
(2) Every six weeks they shall be tested by a supervisory official with
engineering qualifications. The test shall be carried out in a good light
and shall include wear and tear, and in particular the loosening of rivets
and the condition of welds, locks, doors, etc., and also any fissures in the
bracing of the head frame and the supporting floor. The result of the test
shall be entered in the man-winding register.
Safety Gear.
53. (1) The safety gear shall be tested daily.
(2) The mobility of the safety gear shall be tested weekly by bringing
it into action with the cage at rest.
(3) Every six weeks the safety gear shall be tested in a good light by
a supervisory official with engineering qualifications. The result of the
test shall be entered in the man-winding register.
(4) The springs of the safety gear shall be taken out annually and
tested."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
262
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AN» MEN
NETHERLANDS
"28. (1) All parts of the cage shall have a breaking strength of at
least seven times the maximum static load.
(2) Cages shall be provided with a strong roof, and the sides that are
not open shall consist of strong solid or perforated sheet iron.
(3) The cage roof shall be horizontal and provided with a raised rim
not less than 6 cm high.
(4) On every cage deck that exceeds 1.60 m in height and 1 m in
width there shall be a bar providing a handhold for the persons travelling.
(5) The cage shall be closed by means of doors or gates that do not
open outwards, and shall be so installed t h a t in case of need the closed decks
can be emptied "without help from outside.
(6) There shall be an adequate number of reserve cages.
29. Every cage shall be provided with a safety catch that has a braking
action.
53. The cages shall be examined daily.
54. (1) At least once in every four weeks the cages shall undergo a
special examination during which special care shall be taken to see whether
the rivets are loose, the butt straps are in a proper condition, the gates or
doors are free from risk and there are signs of wear in the various parts.
(2) The examination referred to in the preceding subsection shall be
carried out by the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose.
55. (1) The safety catches shall be examined daily.
(2) At least once in every four weeks the safety catches shall undergo
a special examination. With the cage at rest, and the rope slack, the whole
mechanism of t h e safety catches shall be brought into the gripping position.
The examination shall be carried out by the supervisory staff specially
appointed for the purpose.
(3) At least once in every year the springs of the safety catches shall
be removed and undergo a careful examination and be tested ; only when
their efficiency is demonstrated shall they be taken into use again. The
results of the tests shall be entered in the shaft register and signed."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
"34
(10) (a) No cage, skip of other means of conveyance shall be used for
the raising or lowering of persons in vertical or steeply inclined shafts
except for the persons engaged in sinking operations, repairs, or examination
of shaft, unless it is provided with a proper roof or cover on the end nearest
the surface and where applicable with safety catches approved by the Government Mining Engineer.
(b) No cage shall be used for the raising or lowering of persons unless
it is so constructed as to prevent any portion of the body of any person
riding therein from accidentally coming into contact with the timbering
or sides of the shaft. Doors shall be so fitted that they cannot be accidentally opened."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED STATES
Federal
" 4 1 . (a) Cages for hoisting men shall have bonnets extending over
the space on which the men stand, metal sides extending not less than 5 ft.
5.
CAGES
263
above the floor of the cage or of each deck of a multiple-deck cage, and
gates or doors at least 4 ft. high closing the entrances to the cage on each
deck. Bach deck of a cage used for hoisting men shall have overhead or
side bars so arranged that every man on the cage may have an easy and
secure handhold. Self-dumping cages shall be so designed that the platform
cannot overturn in the shaft.
(b) Cages used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with
safety catches capable of bringing the fully loaded cage to a stop within a
distance of 10 ft. in any part of the shaft or headframe should the cable
or cable connection break."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
1. Hoisting
(b) (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.)
Cages or platforms which are used to transport persons in vertical shafts,
except cages or platforms which are also used to transport coal, shall be
equipped with safety catches that act quickly and effectively in an emergency,
and the safety catches shall be tested at least once every two months.
2. Gages, shafts, slopes, and surface inclines.
(a) Cages used for
hoisting men shall be of substantial construction ; with adequate steel bonnets ; with enclosed sides ; with gates, safety chains, or bars across the ends
of the cage when men are being hoisted or lowered ; and with sufficient
handholds or chains for all men on the cage to maintain their balance. A
locking device to prevent tilting of the cage shall be used on all self-dumping
cages when men are transported thereon.
(b) The floor of the cage shall be constructed so that it will be adequate
to carry the load and so that it will be impossible for a workman's foot or
body to enter any opening in the bottom of the cage.
(c) The speed of the cage, car, or trip in shafts, slopes, or on surface
inclines shall not exceed 1,000 ft./min. when men are being hoisted or
lowered."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"10
(c) Every shaft in which men are hoisted and lowered must be equipped
with a cage, or cages, fitted to guide-rails running from the top to the
bottom. Said cages must be safely constructed ; they must be furnished
with sheet-metal covers adequate to protect persons riding thereon from
falling objects ; they must be equipped with safety catches. Every cage
on which persons are carried must be fitted with iron bars or rings in proper
place and sufficient number to furnish a secure handhold for every person
permitted to ride thereon."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1202. Cages when used for hoisting men shall have strongly constructed
bonnets extending over the space on which the men stand and shall have
approved steel or sheet-iron or wire-mesh sides extending not less than
5 ft. above the floor of the cage or floor of each deck of a multiple-deck
cage. When men are being hoisted or lowered at the end or beginning
of shifts, cages shall have gates or doors closing the entrance to each deck.
Each deck of each cage used for hoisting men shall have an easy and secure
overhead handhold for every man on the cage.
264
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
1204. Cages used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with
approved safety catches, capable of bringing to a stop the fully loaded
cage or skip in any part of the shaft or headframe in case the rope or rope
connection should break."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"1
The operator or the superintendent shall provide every cage used for
lowering or hoisting persons with handrails at sides or overhead, or additional suitable devices, and with bar or gate a t ends, and with a sufficient
covering overhead to protect persons thereon, and shall also provide for
each said cage efficient safety catches, which shall be tested once every
two months, and a record of each test shall be sent to the inspector and
t o the superintendent, and also recorded with ink in a book kept at the
mine office for that purpose."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
6.
SUSPENSION G E A R
BELGIUM
" 2 3 . Chains and other parts of the cage suspension gear shall be in
high-grade metal and be strong enough to bear at least ten times the
maximum winding load."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
" 8 7 . No single link chain shall be used for raising or lowering persons
in any working shaft or place save and except the short coupling chain
attached to t h e cage or load and then safety chains or ropes shall be used
Of sufficient strength to take the load in case of failure of the coupling
chain, and all cage chains shall be annealed once at least in every six months.
The dates of annealings of the chains shall be recorded in a book to be
kept for the purpose."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"118. (1) The suspension gear of the cages shall comply with the
following requirements :
(a) the type of the attachment shall be such t h a t its assemblage with
the rope withstands a stress as nearly equal as possible to the breaking
stress of the new rope and at least equal t o 75 per cent, of this stress ;
(b) the operations of fitting the attachment shall be specified in instructions and carried out by an employee appointed for this purpose ;
(c) attachments that include bolts or articulated pieces shall be thoroughly
cleaned and inspected on the occasion of every renewal of the gear or
a t intervals not exceeding six months ;
(d) the carrying out of the requirements in ( b) and (c) above shall be
recorded in the rope register ;
(e) the operator shall always keep in reserve one attachment, and two
for Koepe ropes.
(2) All t h e parts of the suspension gear shall be so made t h a t the whole
withstands a load a t least equal to eight times the maximum static load
to which it will be subjected in use.
6. SUSPENSION GEAR
265
The gear shall be tested before being taken into use, and after every
heat treatment, under a load equal to at least three times the maximum
static load ; a record of the test shall be kept at the disposal of the district
inspector of mines. The gear shall not be taken or retaken into service
if the test results in any permanent deformation or any defect.
(3) No attachment or piece of suspension gear shall be used more
than ten years unless an exemption is granted by the local inspection
authority."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"37. (1) The connecting pieces shall possess a safety factor of at
least ten in relation to the maximum static load in material winding, t h a t
is, unless larger safety factors are fixed for various parts of the suspension
gear at the time of authorisation.
(2) The material used in the connecting pieces shall form the subject
of a works certificate, and a certificate shall also be furnished as to the test
load of the whole suspension gear.
38. (1) For every man-winding plant there shall be two reserve sets
of suspension gear for Koepe winding and one for drum winding.
(2) For shafts in which there are two or more man-winding plants with
suspension gear of the same type, two reserve sets of suspension gear shall
suffice for Koepe winding and one for drum winding ; this shall also apply
to shafts in the same vicinity that are connected together underground.
39. (1) If king bolts are used, and the load is under 10 tons, emergency
suspension pieces (Notgehänge) shall be available.
(2) The emergency suspension pieces shall possess a safety factor of
at least 15.
40. For the safety of the connecting pieces between the tail rope and
the cage section 37 (1) shall apply mutatis mutandis.
54. (1) The suspension gear between the winding rope and the cage,
including the attachment of the winding rope, shall be tested daily.
(2) The suspension devices for the tail rope (section 40) shall be included
in the weekly and six-weekly tests of the tail rope.
(3) The suspension gear between the winding rope and the cage shall
be completely taken to pieces once a year ; the separate parts shall be tested
as to wear and tear, rust, cracks and deformation. Defective parts shall
be changed. Bolts, link pieces, king bolts, cross-heads, chains, etc., shall
be carefully annealed every two years. All parts of suspension gear shall
be replaced after ten years' service.
(4) The results of the annual tests specified in subsection (3) shall be
entered in the man-winding register and notified in writing to the district
inspector."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"30. (1) The connecting pieces between the winding rope and the
cage shall have a breaking strength of a t least ten times the maximum
load.
(2) Whenever the cage is suspended from a king bolt, emergency
chains or links with a safety factor of a t least ten shall be fitted.
(3) The length of the emergency chains shall be such that if the king
bolt breaks the shock when the cage is held is as slight as possible.
(4) I n calculating the strength of welded chain lengths the breaking
strength shall be taken as two-thirds of the breaking strength of the material.
266
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
31. (1) The gripping length of the clamps of the rope capéis on round
ropes shall be a t least 1.7 times the diameter of the rope.
(2) The edges shall be rounded off to a radius of a t least 5 mm.
32. (1) Before new suspension gear may be taken into use it shall
be tested under three times the maximum load.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be furnished with a certificate
in respect of t h e test referred to in subsection (1) and also in respect of the
material used.
33. The maximum permissible working load shall be taken as the
basis of all calculations relating to the winding installation.
56. (1) The connecting pieces between the rope and the cage and
their attachment to the rope shall be examined daily.
(2) The connecting pieces and other pieces with which the cage is
attached to the rope, such as king bolts, rings, bolts and the like, shall at
least once in every two years be replaced by new unused pieces unless
their adequate safety can be demonstrated."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
"16. The connection between the winding rope and the bucket, kibble
or other means of conveyance shall be of such a nature that no accidental
disconnection can take place.
I n the case of cages and skips, the winding rope shall be connected
thereto in such a manner as is approved of by the Inspector of Mines. In
every case in which the Inspector of Mines so requires, safety chains or
other similar appliances to be approved by him shall, in addition to any
other mode of connection, be so provided as to come into operation in the
event of the failure of the main connection.
17. (1) No rope, bar, link, chain, or other connection shall be used
for winding purposes unless it is of good quality and manufacture and free
from any patent defect and of adequate calculated strength.
37. (6)
(d) A proper record shall be kept of the annealing of all chains, links,
bars and bolts used in connecting the rope to the cage, skip or other means
of conveyance. This record shall contain a personal report by the person
appointed in terms of regulation No, 165 1 on t h e procedure and his comments
on the results."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
" 5 . (1) Once a t least in every six months all cage chains and detaching
hooks in general use shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment
and shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person.
Provided t h a t the Chief Inspector of Mines may, by certificate in writing,
exempt from the foregoing requirement as to heat treatment chains or
hooks made of any steel which does not require heat treatment.
(2) All detaching hooks in general use shall be dismantled, cleaned and
refitted once a t least in every three months.
(3) All detaching plates and bells in general use shall be tested monthly
by calipers or gauges."
(R 2.3.1937)
1
See Chapter XXII, Division 2.
7. SOPES
A. GEKEBAL
267
UNITED STATES
Federal
"Article VII.
Transportation
1. Hoisting
(g) Any rope attached to a cage, man-car, or trip used for hoisting
or lowering men shall be provided with two bridle chains or cables connected
securely to the rope at least 3 ft. above the socket or thimble and to
the cross-piece of the cage or to the man-car or trip."
(FMC 1953)
Pennsylvania
" 2 . The main coupling chain attached to the socket of the wire rope
of every shaft shall be made of the best quality of iron and shall be tested,
by weights or otherwise, to the satisfaction of the inspector ; the manner
of testing and the result obtained to be entered in a book, with ink, with
the day and the date of the inspection ; and bridle chains of the same
quality of iron shall be attached to the main hoisting rope, 3 ft. above
the socket, from the top cross-piece of the cage, so that no single chain
shall be used for lowering or hoisting persons into or out of the mine."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
7. R O P E S
A.
GENERAL
BELGIUM
"22
The stress on the rope under the maximum winding load shall not exceed
one-sixth of the breaking load in the case of textile ropes, and one-eighth
in the case of wire ropes.
By maximum winding load is meant the heaviest load contemplated by
the mine management when ordering the rope.
This load shall be notified to the Mines Administration and shall not be
exceeded whatever the nature of the load in the cage.
24. The ratio between the minimum winding diameter of wire ropes
and the diameter of the wires shall not be less than 750 in the case of fiat
ropes and 1,000 in the case of round winding ropes.
This ratio shall in no case be less than 500 for emergency engines, or
for capstans used for conveying workers or for shaft sinking or shaft repairs.
45. Every breakage of a rope shall be immediately reported to the
Mines Administration, and the Administration shall be furnished with any
information that it considers desirable."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
"88. A competent person shall superintend the capping and recapping
of hoisting ropes used for lowering or raiamg persons and see t h a t it is
properly carried out, and such person shall be appointed b y the manager
in writing, and the manager shall satisfy himself of the competency of the
person so appointed.
18
268
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
89. (1) Regardless of how the lower rope end is fastened, the manager
shall cause an examination to be made by the persons appointed under
section 88 once in every succeeding three months of such hoisting rope or
cable in use for hoisting men and materials, by cutting a section off the
lower end of the rope, not less than 5 ft. in length, and having such section
examined carefully both externally and internally for crystallisation, corrosion and breaks.
(2) I n the case of cylindric-conical drums where other than white-metal
caps are used, subsection (1) shall apply with the words 'three months'
changed to 'six months', but the safety factor of the rope when new shall
not be less than eight.
90. Where white metal is used in the capping of ropes, the untwisted
wires shall be thoroughly cleaned and before the white metal is poured into
the socket, the latter shall be heated or warmed.
91. I n case a n y rope used as a hoisting rope in any shaft or slope shows
signs of excessive wear or weakness, it shall be immediately replaced by
another rope and the hoisting or lowering of men by such rope shall forthwith be prohibited until this is done."
(A 1945)
"14. No hoisting rope which has been spliced shall be used for raising
or lowering persons, and no riveted capping shall be so used."
(R1945)
FRANCE
"110. (1) A wire rope used for winding shifts shall at no time work
under a static load exceeding one-sixth of the breaking strength given by
the tensile test on the whole rope or in default calculated from the tests
on the wires.
(2) A textile rope used for winding shifts shall at no time work under
a static load exceeding one-fourth of the breaking strength given by the
tensile tests.
113. The main ropes of Koepe systems shall not be subject to the provisions of sections 109 (2) S 110 and 112.1
They shall a t n o time work under a static load exceeding one-seventh
of their strength when new.
Failing an exemption granted by the district inspector of mines they
shall not be used for winding shifts unless they have been not more than
two years in use.
114. (1) Tail ropes shall be long enough not to prevent the ascending
cage from rising t o the stop in the head gear.
Measures shall b e taken to prevent the two legs from becoming entangled,
and the loop from dipping into the water of the sump.
(2) They shall be subject to the same requirements as main ropes of
the Koepe system ; nevertheless, if they are used for winding shifts, the
period of two years mentioned in section 113 shall be raised to four years
including, if appropriate, their previous period of use as main ropes.
116. A rope shall be scrapped—
(a) in the case of a wire rope, if the observations made on the wires in
conformity with the requirements of sections 109, 111 and 112 indicate a rapid deterioration of their quality 2 ;
(b) in the case of a textile rope, if its strength falls below 400 kg /cm2
of cross-section ;
1
See Part B of this division.
•For section 111 see Chapter XVIII, Division 2.
7. KOPBS
A. GENERAL
269
(c) if it is rendered suspect by its visible condition, and more especially
in the case of a wire rope, by the number of wires broken or rusted or
by the rapid increase in the number of broken wires.
117. A reserve rope satisfying the conditions required for man-winding
shall always be kept ready for use."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"49. (1) Before being installed, haulage and counterweight ropes shall
have a safety factor of at least six in relation to the maximum static load.
(2) The connection between the haulage rope and the cage, etc., shall
be so made that it cannot come undone by itself.
(3) Ropes and rope connections shall be examined once a week."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
MAN-WINDING
"Winding
Ropes (Main
Ropes)
Nature of the Rope.
15. (1) The average tensile strength of all wires of the same nominal
diameter shall in the case of bare wires not exceed2 180 kg/mm 2 and, in
the case of galvanised
wires, not exceed 170 kg/mm . I t shall in no case
exceed 190 kg/mm 2 in the case of bare wires and 180 kg/mm 2 in the case
of galvanised wires.
(2) The tensile strength of the individual wires in the rope shall not
exceed 200 kg/mm 2 in the case of bare wires or 190 kg/mm 2 in the case of
galvanised wires.
(3) The breaking strength of the individual wires shall not differ from
the average for all wires of the same nominal diameter by more than ± 1 0 per
cent.
(4) In the to-and-fro bending test, round wires shall have withstood an
adequate number of bends.
(5) A works certificate shall be furnished for every winding rope ; it
shall be inserted in the rope-test register.
Rope
Safety.
16. (1) Every winding rope shall at all times possess a safety factor
of at least six in relation to the maximum static load in material winding, and a safety factor of a t least eight in relation to the maximum static
load in man-winding.
(2) In Koepe winding every winding rope shall, when installed, possess
a safety factor of at least seven in relation to the maximum static load in
material winding and a safety factor of at least nine-and-a-half in relation to the maximum static load in man-winding.
(3) The load on the rope in man-winding shall not exceed 90 per cent.
of the maximum load in material winding.
Length of Working Life of Ropes.
22. (1) The working life of flat ropes shall be one year and of round
Koepe ropes two years ; extension of these periods may be authorised by
the Divisional Mining Office after testing in each ease.
270
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(2) Applications for extension of working life shall be accompanied by
the diagrams mentioned in section 49 (2).1
Turned and Spliced
Hopes.
23. (1) The use of turned ropes shall only be allowed subject to the
special authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office.
(2) The use of spliced ropes shall be prohibited.
Reserve Ropes.
24. (1) For every man-winding plant a reserve rope utilisable for
man-winding shall be kept available and protected against atmospheric
and other damage.
(2) For shafts with several man-winding plants using similar ropes,
it shall be sufficient to have one reserve rope for the lowest man-winding
level ; this shall also apply to shafts in the same vicinity, if they are connected
underground.
Tail
Ropes
25. When tail ropes are used the free hang at the bottom of the shaft
shall be such t h a t the upper cage can travel to the stops without being
hindered by the tail rope.
26. (1) Along the course of the tail rope devices shall be fitted to
prevent loops forming.
(2) To avoid any pull on the tail rope, the wooden guides on the rope
shall be easily displaceable.
(3) The shaft sump shall be kept clear of water to an extent that will
prevent the tail rope from running in water.
27. (1) When installed, the tail rope shall possess a safety factor of at
least six in relation to its own weight.
(2) The safety of new tail ropes shall be guaranteed by a works certificate ; the certificate shall be attached to the rope-test register.
(3) For testing after installation section 2 1 J shall apply mutatis
mutandis.
28. (1) Withdrawn winding ropes shall not be used as tail ropes except
with the authorisation of the district inspector.
(2) The safety of the rope shall be determined either from its breaking
strength in a tensile test on the whole rope or from its carrying capacity.
The result of the test shall be entered in the rope-test register and notified
to the district inspector in writing within a week.
(3) For testing after installation section 21 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
29. The working life of tail ropes shall be three years ; an extension
of working life m a y be authorised subject to the approval of the district
inspector.
30. Spliced a n d joined tail ropes (flat ropes) may continue in use if
the splicing is properly done and if the district inspector gives his
authorisation.
31. (1) For every man-winding plant with tail ropes, one reserve tail
rope shall be kept available.
(2) Section 24 (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
1
See Part B of this division.
7. ROPES
A. GENERAL
271
NETHERLANDS
"15. (1) Before any new winding rope is installed, a test-piece 3 m
long shall be cut off, clearly marked and kept in a dry room protected
against rust and damage so long as the rope is in use.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately notified of the
date of installation of a new rope.
16. In the case of galvanised wires the average breaking strength of
the wires of a winding rope shall not exceed 170 kg/mm 2 .
17. Every winding rope shall always have a breaking strength equivalent
to at least six times the maximum static load ; if Koepe pulleys are used the
breaking strength on installation shall be at least seven times the maximum
static load.
18. The use of old or turned winding ropes shall be prohibited without
the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. The use of spliced
winding ropes shall be prohibited.
19. A Koepe rope shall not remain in use for more than two years
without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines.
20. (1) For every winding installation there shall be a reserve rope
which shall comply with the provisions of the present rules relating to ropes
and shall be protected against wind and weather and every other harmful
influence.
(2) For shafts t h a t have more than one winding installation with ropes
of the same kind, one reserve rope suitable for winding to the lowest level
shall suffice ; the same shall apply to shafts which are close together and
are connected together underground.
21. (1) A used rope shall only serve as a reserve rope if, before being
withdrawn from service, it was inspected on behalf of the State Mines
Inspectorate and found to be in good order.
(2) The mine manager shall notify the Inspector-General of Mines in
such good time of the withdrawal of a rope from service that it is possible
to make the inspection referred to in subsection (1).
22. (1) Where ropes are much exposed to rust, the use of ropes that
are not galvanised or made of other effectively rust-proof material shall be
prohibited.
(2) Steel ropes shall be protected against rust ; without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines, it shall be prohibited to continue
the use for man-winding of a steel rope in which there is a defective place
or which shows serious rusting.
23. The connection between the tail rope and the cage shall be so made
that, in the case of unexpectedly heavy loading of the tail rope, neither
the cage nor the winding rope can be damaged ; for this purpose a part of
the connection may be made so much weaker that a breaking strength at
least ten times the maximum static load is provided.
24. (1) The bend in the tail rope shall be at such depth t h a t the top
cage can be wound to its highest possible position in the headframe without
being held fast by the tail rope.
(2) The tail rope shall not come into contact with the water a t the
bottom of the shaft.
25. (1) Every tail rope shall always have a breaking strength of at
least six times the maximum static load.
(2) The breaking strength of each wire in the tail rope shall not vary
by more than 20 per cent, from the average breaking strength of all wires
of the same kind.
272
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(3) The requirements laid down in section 17 shall apply to tail ropes.
The results of the tests necessary to determine the data in question shall
be communicated in writing to the Inspector-General of Mines and recorded
in the rope register and signed.
26. The tail rope shall not remain in use for more than two years without
the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines.
27. (1) For every winding installation with a tail rope there shall be
a reserve tail rope which complies with the provisions of the present rules
relating to tail ropes and shall be protected against wind and weather and
every other harmful influence.
(2) For shafts t h a t have more than one winding installation with tail
ropes of the same kind, one reserve tail rope suitable for winding to the
lowest level shall suffice ; the same shall apply to shafts which are close
together and are connected together underground."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
"17. (1) N o rope, bar, link, chain, or other connection shall be used
for winding purposes unless it is of good quality and manufacture and free
from any p a t e n t defect and of adequate calculated strength.
(2) Every rope used for winding purposes in shafts or winzes over
100 ft. in depth, measured on an incline or vertical as the case may be, shall
be made of steel wire, and the gauge of the wires used in the construction of
such rope shall be suited to the diameter of the sheaves and drums fitted.
(3) At the request of the Inspector of Mines an adequate sample from
the end of any 'winding rope shall be supplied to him.
34
(8) I n case a winding rope is used for the conveyance of persons or
material and for the conveyance of mineral, the Inspector of Mines shall fix
the maximum weight to be attached to the rope in any circumstances. In
no ease shall such weight be exceeded. The total weight attached to the
rope when persons or material are conveyed shall not exceed 0.85 of the
weight attached to the rope when mineral is conveyed.
37
(7) (a) I n no case shall a spliced winding rope be used without t h e
written permission of the Inspector of Mines.
(b) I n no case shall a winding rope be used from which a weak or defective portion has been cut and the cut ends spliced.
(8) No winding rope which has previously been in use in any place
beyond the control of the manager shall be put on anew except with the
permission of t h e Government Mining Engineer, obtained on application
made in writing to the Inspector of Mines.
(9) At least one spare winding rope suitable for each winding engine in
use shall be kept in reserve on every mine, and shall be at all times ready
for use, except when there are two engines for the same shaft or when an
Inspector of Mines has in writing granted exemption from the requirements
of this section.
(11) Unless exemption has been obtained from the Government Mining
Engineer, in consideration of the great depth of the shaft or the low winding
speed, no winding rope shall be used for the raising and lowering of persons
or material when the breaking load at any one point therein has become
reduced to less than six times the combined weight of the rope (when the
conveyance is a t its lowest working point), the conveyance and its attachments, and the total permitted weight of persons or material.
7. ROPES
A. GENERAL
273
(12) When a new winding rope is put on the particulars thereof specified
in regulation No. 34 (9) (a) and (9) (c) (i) 1 shall be forwarded in writing to
the Inspector of Mines."
<R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
" 8 . No mode or type of capping shall be used which fails to withstand,
for a winding rope, a load of at least seven times the maximum static load
and, for a haulage rope, a load of at least 60 per cent, of the breaking strain
of the rope.
9. A competent person appointed in writing by the manager shall,
whenever a rope is capped or recapped, superintend the work, and see t h a t
it is properly carried out.
10. Before each recapping a length, including the capping, of at least
6 ft., shall be cut off the rope but, if the rope is recapped after an interval
of less than six months, the length cut off may be reduced, by 1 ft. for
each complete month less than six, to a minimum of 3 ft.
Provided t h a t this requirement shall not apply in respect of any rope
purchased prior to 1 March 1937, which is too short to permit of the full
length prescribed being cut off.
Each piece of rope cut off shall be opened up and its internal condition
examined by a competent person approved by the manager.
11. The capel of a round rope shall not be attached to the rope by
rivets passing through the rope.
12. In those forms of capping in which the wires a t the end of the rope
are bent back on the rope itself to form a cone, wedges formed by the lapping
of soft iron wire shall be placed between the rope and that portion which
is bent back. The length of the tapered portion of the socket shall be not
less than eight times the diameter of the rope.
13. If white metal is used in the capping of ropes—
(a) its melting point shall not exceed 570° F and its temperature when
poured into the socket shall not exceed 685° F ;
(b) in the length of rope which is to lie within the tapered part of the
socket the fibre core, if any, shall be cut out and the wires shall be
untwisted and thoroughly cleaned ;
(o) the socket shall be heated to a temperature of about 212° F before
the white metal is poured into it.
14. Numbers 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the regulations shall not apply in
the case of ropes used only for the hauling of mineral."
(R 2.3.1937)
" 1 . No winding rope which has been in use for more than threeand-a-half years, or which has been spliced, shall be used in a shaft in
which persons are raised or lowered :
Provided that the Minister may permit the use of a winding rope for
more than three-and-a-half years if he is satisfied that, having regard t o its
character and to the extent to which, and the conditions in which, it has
been used, its use may be continued for a further period without danger.
Any permit granted by the Minister under this subsection shall be in
writing and may be granted for such period, on such terms and subject
to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit ; and the Minister may revoke
or vary any permit at any time.
Every winding rope shall be recapped at intervals of not more t h a n six
months in accordance with any relevant provisions
contained in general
regulations made in pursuance of this Act. a "
(R 18.2.1948)
1
a
See Part B of this division.
The text o£ this section is that of section 40 (5) of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, which
it amends.
274
X. "WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
UNITED STATES
Federal
(See also Division 4 of this chapter.)
"39. (a) A metal hoisting cable of recognised standard character shall
be used for hoisting or lowering men. When newly installed in the shaft
or elope, it shall have a safety factor of not less than six, as rated by the
manufacturer, based on the maximum load including the weight of the cable,
or, if the hoistway is inclined, the calculated component of the weights
parallel with the incline.
( b) No cable shall be used for hoisting and lowering men if on inspection
it is found t h a t the number of broken wires exceeds six in any single pitch
length or lay of the rope, t h a t the crowns of the strands are worn down to
less than 65 per cent, of their original diameter, or that a dangerous amount
of corrosion or distortion exists : Provided, however, that when such broken
wires are reduced by wear more than 30 per cent, in cross-section, the number
of breaks in any lay of the rope shall not exceed three.
(c) Cages, skips, or cars used in hoisting or lowering men shall be connected to the hoisting cable or ring by standard babbited or zinc-filled
sockets or by clamps. The cable shall be resocketed or reclamped at intervals not exceeding four months, and at least 4 ft. of the cable shall be cut
off from the end to be socketed or clamped, and clamping shall be so done
that a t least 80 per cent, of the breaking strength of the cable shall be
retained.
(d) Hoisting cable shall be firmly clamped to the drum or reel, and at
least two turns of the cable shall remain on the drum or reel a t all times when
t h e cable is extended to the lowest landing."
(R 23.12.1937)
Pennsylvania
" 3 . I n shafts where coal is hoisted and employees lowered into or
hoisted from the mine, the ropes, links, and chains shall be of ample strength,
with a factor of safety of not less than five to one of the maximum load. In
shafts used exclusively for lowering or hoisting employees and material, the
factor of safety of ropes, links, and chains shall not be less than ten to one
of the maximum load. All such ropes, links, and chains shall be carefully
examined, at least once every 24 hours, by a competent person delegated
for that purpose by the superintendent ; and any defect therein found, by
which life and limb may be endangered, shall be reported at once in writing
to the superintendent, who shall immediately proceed to remedy the defect ;
and until that is accomplished he shall prohibit any person from being
lowered into or hoisted from the mine by the defective apparatus. The
person making said examination shall keep a daily record of each inspection,
in ink, in a book kept a t the mine office for that purpose, and he shall send
a copy thereof each day to the superintendent."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
B.
EXAMINATION AND TESTING
BELGIUM
"22. Before being taken into use each rope shall undergo a tensile test.
This test shall b e arranged either by the mineowner or by the maker of the
rope.
A detailed report on the test shall be forwarded to the Mines Administration.
7. HOPES — B. EXAMINATION AND TESTING
275
40. Independently of the inspections prescribed in section 39 * every rope
used for man-winding shall be inspected at least once a fortnight by officials
appointed by the mineowner and previously authorised by the Mines
Administration.
41. Sections 39 and 40 shall apply to plant used for shaft-sinking even
when the men are not conveyed by means of ropes.
42. The rope attachment shall be cut after a certain period of operation
dependent upon the amount of winding, the state of the shaft, the age of
the rope, and other causes of wear. The attachment shall be cut and remade
under the eyes of the employee responsible for the daily inspection.
43. If the authorised inspector 8 or the mines inspector considers it
necessary, the rope attachment shall be tested, the rope being cut a t a
length considered desirable.
After each test the rope shall not continue in use for man-winding
unless the safety factor based on the maximum winding load is still
four-and-a-half in the case of fibre ropes and six in the case of wire ropes.
Unless tested, fibre ropes shall not be used for more than two years,
and wire ropes for more than 18 months, for man-winding.
44. A spliced rope shall not be used for man-winding before tensile tests
have been undertaken on samples cut from the two ends to be joined by
the splice.
This test may be carried out on the wires or fibres forming the rope ;
the samples cut off shall be tested within a fortnight if the authorised
inspector considers it necessary."
(RO 10.12.1910)
FRANCE
"108. A piece of the new rope 4 m long shall be cut off and kept throughout the whole working life of the rope in a dry place, unless the installation
is such as to ensure until withdrawal the maintenance of a piece longer
than 4 m in a new condition.
109. (1) Unless an exemption is granted by the district inspector of
mines in the case of a very high breaking strength, every rope used for winding shifts shall have undergone at the time of its delivery tensile-breaking
tests accompanied by measurement of the elongation before breakage.
In the case of a wire rope all the wires shall in addition have undergone
appropriate tests and in particular tensile, bending and twisting tests ; these
tests shall be repeated for the purposes of comparison on a certain number
of wires before the rope is taken into use if this occurs more than two years
after delivery.
(2) Once every three months during the first year and once every two
months during the following years, the attachment of every rope used for
winding shifts shall be cut off at a distance of at least 2 m. The interval
between two cuttings may, if the specialist referred to in section 121 * gives
an opinion to this effect, be increased up to six months during the first
year and three months during the subsequent years.
I n the ease of a wire rope a length of the part cut off shall, a t the time
of each cutting, be unravelled so t h a t the state of the wires can be examined ;
the tests provided for in subsection (1), second paragraph, above shall be
made on them as soon as possible ; the tensile tests shall cover all the
wires of the same cross-section unless the whole rope is tested to destruction.
I n the case of a textile rope the tensile test on the whole rope provided
for in the first paragraph of this subsection shall be made on the part cut off.
1
See Division 2 of this chapter.
• The authorised inspector is the official referred to in section 40.
276
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
112. Ropes used for raising mineral in shafts or for the ordinary travel
of personnel, b u t not used for winding shifts, shall comply with the provisions of subsection ( 1 ) of section 109. If they are tested in use their working
conditions shall comply with section 110 1 ; if not wire ropes shall at no time
work under a static load exceeding one-eighth of their strength when new,
and textile ropes, one-sixth of their strength.
115. Before being taken into use in man-winding, every rope shall have
been tested during at least 20 winds under a full load and found in good
condition.
After every cutting of the attachment or every renewal of the suspension
gear, and before being taken into use again for man-winding, the rope shall
accomplish at least four winds under a full load and be found in good
condition.
Before being taken into service again spliced ropes shall be tested during
at least 20 winds under a full load ; the splicing shall then be found in good
condition.
A record of the observations required under the present section shall be
entered in the rope register provided for in section 107. a "
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"Installation
Winding Ropes (Main
of Man-winding
Plant
Ropes).
17. (1) On being installed every new rope shall have a test-piece of
about 3 m cut off ; this piece shall be exactly described and carefully kept
in a dry room.
(2) Immediately before installation, for every winding rope a testpiece of at least 1 m in length shall be tested as to—
(a) the breaking load of each individual wire (tensile test),
(b) the number of bends withstood by each round wire (to-and-fro bending
tests).
The carrying capacity of the rope shall be determined in the light of
the test results.
18. [Revoked.]
19. The necessary apparatus for breaking and bending the wires
shall be constantly kept in readiness for use at the pit-head or in another
suitable place.
20. The time and the results of the tensile and the to-and-fro bending
tests shall be entered in the rope-test register. The time and place of these
tests shall be notified to the district inspector at least three days in advance.
21. (1) Before its first use for man-winding, every winding rope shall
be worked for a t least three hours with the ordinary winding load and
found faultless. This shall also apply when the rope capping or the suspension
gear on the cage has been renewed.
(2) After the tests mentioned in subsection (1) entries shall be made
in the man-winding register concerning the installation of the rope and
the state of t h e rope after installation. This shall also apply to the renewal
of rope capping or the cage suspension gear. A copy of the entries shall
be forwarded to the district inspector.
1
See Part A oí this division.
* See Part C of this division.
7. BOPES — B. EXAMINATION AND TESTING
Testing of Man-winding
Winding Ropes (Main
277
Plant
Ropes).
48. (1) Every winding rope and counterweight rope shall undergo
the following daily, weekly and six-weekly tests :
(a) The daily inspection shall be carried out before the beginning of regular
man-winding of the morning shift. During this test, speed shall not
exceed 1 m /sec.
(b) The weekly test shall take place in a good natural or artificial light,
the rope being passed a t not more than 0.50 m/sec. immediately in
front of the testing official.
(c) The six-weekly test shall be undertaken by a specially appointed
supervisory official in the conditions laid down for weekly inspection,
but after the rope has been cleared of encrusted dirt (caked rope
grease).
In addition, parts of the rope and especially those which experience shows to wear most or at which several broken wires are
visible, and at least in two places every 100 m, shall be inspected
while at rest. These places shall be thoroughly cleaned beforehand
so that the wear of every wire can be seen from the outside.
(d) The six-weekly test may be combined with the next weekly test
falling due.
(2) After lengthy interruptions in working, the winding rope shall
be tested as provided in subsection (1) (c).
49. (1) The times and results of the weekly and six-weekly tests
and of the tests after lengthy interruptions in working shall be entered in
the rope-test register, provided that as regards the daily tests entries need
only be made if any damage has been discovered.
(2) The position of the broken wires found shall be recorded by drawings.
The drawings shall be fastened in the rope-test register.
50. (1) For every drum and reel rope the end on the cage shall be
cut off to a length of at least 3 m over the capping, and the rope recapped,
a t intervals to be fixed by the Divisional Mining Office in the certificate of
authorisation.
(2) From the upper part of the rope's-end a piece at least 1 m long shall
be tested for carrying capacity and flexibility as provided in section 17 (2).
The result of the test shall be notified in writing to the district inspector
within a week.
(3) If the test specified in subsection (2) shows that the rope no longer
guarantees the necessary safety aa defined in section 16 (l) 1 , man-winding
shall only be continued with this rope with the approval of the district
inspector.
(4) The district inspector shall be empowered to reduce the intervals
fixed by the Divisional Mining Office for the cutting of ropes if the circumstances are particularly prejudicial to the durability of the rope.
(5) For the rest, the carrying out of the tests shall be governed by the
provisions of sections 19 to 21.
Tail Ropes.
51. (1) Tail ropes shall be tested weekly, the rope being passed directly
before the testing official at a rate not exceeding 0.50 m /sec. The test shall be
carried out in good artificial light.
(2) Every six weeks at the parts of the rope that form the free hang
when the cage is at is lowest position, or are shown by experience to be
1
See Part A of this division.
278
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
otherwise most exposed t o wear and tear, a length of 1 m shall be carefully
cleaned and tested.
(3) The results of the weekly and six-weekly tests shall be entered in the
rope-test register.
Man-winding
Operations
67. For every man-winding plant a rope-test register shall be kept
in which all important observations concerning ropes (sections 20, 27 (2)1,
28 (2)1, 49, 50 and 51) shall be entered."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"13. (1) Every new rope shall, before being installed, be tested as to
breaking strength and flexibility. Specially shaped core wires of ropes
with triangular strands and also the core wires of locked-coil ropes shall be
excluded from t h e flexibility test.
(2) The tests for breaking strength and flexibility shall be undertaken
subject to observance of the following requirements :
(a) a piece a t least 1 m long shall be cut off from the rope and all the wires
of this piece shall be tested separately as to breaking strength and
flexibility, except broken wires ;
(b) the breaking load shall be determined by loading to destruction ;
(c) flexibility shall be determined by the number of bends through 180°
on a spindle (cylinder) 5, 7.5 or 10 m m in radius according to the
thickness of the wires, until the wire breaks ;
(d) by bending through 180° is meant alternate to-and-fro bending of
a wire at t h e same point until the bent part is vertical to the rest
of the wire and back again until it is in line with the rest of the wire ;
(e) breaking strength of the whole rope, being the sum of the breaking
strengths of all the wires, shall be calculated by counting the figures
for the breaking load of the separate wires obtained in the manner
indicated above and leaving out of account :
(i) wires, t h e tensile strength of which differs by more than 10 per
cent, from the average tensile strength of all wires of the same
thickness ;
(ii) the specially shaped core wires of ropes with triangular strands ;
(iii) wires t h a t have withstood a smaller number of bends than that
prescribed in the table [p. 279].
(3) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be notified in writing at least
three days in advance of the time of the above-mentioned test ; the results
shall be communicated to him in writing and recorded in the rope register
and signed.
14. Before men are wound for the first time with a new rope or with a rope
that has been newly attached to the cage or a rope with which new connecting pieces have been taken into use, the rope shall have been in regular
use for at least one hour with a full load of material.
44. The ropes shall be examined daily, especially at the places where
they are attached to the cages and to the rope drams.
45. The daily examination of the winding ropes shall be carried out
with the ropes running at not more than 1 m/sec. in such a way that broken
wires can be seen.
46. (1) The winding ropes shall be examined weekly, and for this
purpose the speed of the rope shall not exceed 0.50 m /sec.
1
See Part A oí this division.
7. ROPES
Radius ol the
cylinder
in mm
Thickness
of wire
in nun
279
Number of bends of :
Bare wires with tensile
Galvanised wires with
strength in kg/mm2
tensile strength in kg/mm'
Up to 160
160 or more
Up to 160
160 or more
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
13
11
10
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
11
10
9
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
11
10
9
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
9
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
5
4
f
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.0
10
9
9
8
7
7
9
8
8
7
6
6
9
8
8
7
6
6
8
7
6
6
5
5
f
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
11
10
10
9
9
8
8
10
9
9
8
8
7
6
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
7.5
10
B. EXAMINATION AND TESTING
(2) The examination referred to in subsection (1) shall be so carried
out in adequate daylight or artificial light that the inspecting person has
the rope directly in front of him and the number and position of the broken
wires can be accurately determined, and the examination shall be carried
out by the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose.
47. (1) At least once in every six weeks the winding ropes shall be examined in the same manner as is prescribed for the weekly examinations but
subject to the condition that when the rope is at rest the following shall be
examined :
(a) places where there are many broken wires ;
(b) places that are most exposed to wear in use ;
(c) in addition, a length of a t least 1 m for every 50 m length of winding
rope.
All these places shall be so cleansed of rope grease t h a t abrasion and
rusting of the wires can be satisfactorily detected.
(2) The examination referred to in the preceding subsection shall be
carried out by the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose,
and the results of the examination shall be entered in the shaft register and
signed.
(3) I n special cases the Inspector-General of Mines may have the
prescribed daily rope inspections carried out in conformity with the rules
for the weekly inspections, and have the weekly inspections carried out in
conformity with the rules for the six-weekly inspections.
(4) Diagrams shall be kept up to date showing the position and the
numbers of the broken wires found in the winding rope and also the times
280
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
when the broken wires were noticed. A diagram shall also be made showing
the rust found in the rope.
(5) If necessary, the winding ropes shall be thoroughly cleansed of rope
grease over their whole length and thereafter greased again.
48. (1) At least once in every three months, above the rope clamps
on every sheave rope, a piece at least 1 m long shall be cut off and tested
in conformity with the provisions of section 13 of these rules ; nevertheless,
a variation of 20 per cent, from the average strength shall be allowed. The
same shall be done in the case of drum ropes a t intervals to be specified by
the Inspector-General of Mines at the time of authorising each winding
installation for man-winding.
(2) Every test shall take place within eight days of cutting the rope
and the Inspector-General of Mines shall be notified in writing of the time
of the test a t least three days in advance. The result of the test shall be
communicated to the Inspector-General of Mines in writing and shall be
entered in the rope register and signed.
(3) The calculation of the breaking strength shall be made in conformity
with the provisions of section 13, and in addition no account shall be taken
of double the maximum number of broken wires in a 5 m length.
49. The breaking strength of Koepe ropes shall be calculated by subtracting from the original breaking strength the breaking strength of twice the
maximum number of broken wires counted in a 5 ni length.
50. A rope t h a t is found unsound in an examination shall not be used
for man-winding.
51. (1) The capéis of tail ropes shall be examined daily.
(2) The tail ropes shall be examined weekly, the speed of the rope not
exceeding 0.50 m/sec.
(3) The examination referred to in the preceding subsection shall be so
carried out in adequate daylight or artificial light t h a t the inspecting person
has the rope directly in front of him and the number and position of the
broken wires can be accurately determined, and the examination shall be
carried out by t h e supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose.
(4) At least once in every six weeks tail ropes shall be examined in the
same manner as is prescribed for the weekly examinations but subject to the
condition t h a t when the rope is at rest the following shall be examined :
(a) the places where there are many broken wires ;
(b) the places most exposed to wear in use (the place where the bend
forms when the cages reach their terminus).
52. A tail rope found unsound in an examination shall not be used for
man-winding."
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
"34
(9) (a) W h e n a new winding rope is not accompanied by a test certificate from the country of manufacture showing the amount of its breaking
load and t h a t such amount has been ascertained b y actual test, such rope
shall not be used unless a portion thereof, not less than 10 ft. in length,
has been cut off and tested in the mechanical laboratory of the Mines
Department.
A certificate showing the result of such test shall be furnished to the
owner.
(b) A winding rope newly put on and the attachments connecting the
rope to the conveyance shall be carefully examined by some competent and
reliable person authorised thereto by the manager, and shall not be used for
the ordinary transport of persons until they have been run two complete
7. HOPES
B . EXAMINATION AND TESTING
281
trips up and down between the highest and lowest stopping places ordinarily
in use, the conveyance attached thereto containing its maximum permitted
weight of material or mineral. The result of the above examination shall be
immediately recorded in a book -which shall always be open to the inspection
of any officer of the Mines Department.
(c) This book shall be termed the Rope Record Book and shall, in
addition to the actual breaking load of the rope obtained by test, contain
the following particulars of winding ropes :
(i) Maker's data of rope when new—
Construction of rope—
Construction of strands—
(ii) History of rope in u s e Each record shall be signed by the person responsible for the required
examination.
37
(6) (a) At least once in six months the winding rope shall be recapped,
a portion thereof not less than 6 ft. in length being at the same time cut off
the lower end.
(b) The portion of the rope so cut off shall have the ends adequately
fastened with binding wire to prevent disturbance of the strands and shall
be sent to the mechanical laboratory of the Mines Department and there
tested at the expense of the owner . . . and a certificate showing the result
of such test shall be furnished to the owner. Provided that if the portion
of the rope sent is received by the mechanical laboratory in a condition
not admitting of a satisfactory test, a fresh portion similarly cut off shall
be sent by the manager.
(c) At least once in six months, the connection between the rope and the
cage, skip, or other means of conveyance, and the connection bet-ween
conveyances, if more than one conveyance is used, shall be annealed or
replaced."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
" 7 . A competent person appointed in writing by the manager shall,
once at least in every month, make a special examination of every winding
rope in use.
The rope shall be thoroughly cleaned at all places particularly liable to
deterioration and at other places not more than 100 yd. apart throughout
its length and, at each of these places after cleaning, examination shall be
made of the circumference and surface condition of the rope and for any
fractures of the wires."
(R 2.3.1937)
UNITED STATES
Illinois
"10
(c)
Hoisting ropes when socketed at the cage shall be cut off and resocketed
at least once each six months and a notice shall be posted in the engineroom giving the date the rope was installed and when resocketed."
(A 6.6.1911)
282
X. WINDING OB' MATERIALS AND MEN
New Mexico
"1206. No rope or cable shall be used for hoisting or lowering men
when on inspection it is found t h a t the number of broken wires exceeds
two in any single pitch length or lay of the rope, when the wires on the
crown of the strands are worn to less than 65 per cent, of their original
diameter, or when inspection indicates a dangerous amount of corrosion
or distortion."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
See P a r t A of this division.
0.
REGISTEBS
BELGIUM
"46. A special register shall be kept in each mine for recording the
following particulars :
(a) composition and nature of the rope ; results of the tests carried out
on it before being taken into use ; indication of the maximum working load ;
(b) maker's name and address ;
(c) date of original installation or reinstallation after transfer ; nature
of the work done before ;
(A) date and nature of repairs, cuttings and transfers ;
(e) date and results of tests carried out while in use ;
(f) date and nature of accidents ;
(g) date and causes of final removal or transfer ;
(h) work done (winding of mineral, stone and water) ;
(i) results of the inspections undertaken both by the officials appointed
by the mine management and by the authorised inspectors."
(RO 10.12.1910)
FRANCE
"107. The operator shall keep a special register for the ropes used in
raising mineral, or for the ordinary travel of personnel, including tail ropes.
For each rope installed he shall enter in the register—
(a) the manufacturer's name and address ;
(b) the composition and nature of the rope, the results of the tests
carried out on the new rope and its components under section 109 1
and, if appropriate, the calculation of its total strength ;
(c) the date of installation, the dates of any removals and reinstallations, the nature of the work for which the rope is used ;
(d) the amplitude of the bends of the rope when passing over the winding
pulleys, other pulleys or drums and the radius of winding on these
appliances ;
(e) the maximum dead weight including the cage, the suspension gear,
the empty tubs, the main rope and if appropriate the tail rope ; the
total load including the dead weight which must not be exceeded in
use ; and in the case of ropes used for raising mineral the maximum
acceleration for winding mineral ;
(f) the date, method and results of the inspections prescribed in
sections 120 a and 121 a and the name of the inspector ;
1
See Part B of this division.
* See Division 2 of this chapter.
8. SIGNALLING APPLIANCES
(g)
283
t h e d a t e a n d n a t u r e of repairs, c u t s a n d t u r n i n g s over, t h e r e s u l t s
of t h e t e s t s carried o u t , t h e o b s e r v a t i o n s m a d e o n all or p a r t of t h e
r o p e or o n c e r t a i n of its c o m p o n e n t s b o t h while t h e r o p e is in u s e
a n d after it h a s b e e n w i t h d r a w n ;
t h e d a t e a n d n a t u r e of a n y d a n g e r o u s occurrences ;
t h e d a t e a n d cause of final r e m o v a l or transfer ;
t h e useful t o n n a g e raised, t h e useful t o n n a g e lowered, t h e corresponding d e p t h s a n d t h e r e s u l t a n t useful t o n - k i l o m e t r e s in raising
a n d lowering ; for K o e p e ropes t h e s e d a t a shall b e c o m p i l e d s e p a r a t e l y for e a c h of t h e t w o legs unless t h e y d o t h e s a m e w o r k
alternately."
(R 4.5.1951)
(h)
(i)
(j)
NETHERLANDS
" 5 7 . (1) A t e v e r y m i n e t h e r e shall b e a shaft register a n d a r o p e
register, a n d t h e y shall b e regularly k e p t u p t o d a t e .
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(3) T h e r o p e register shall c o n t a i n for e v e r y r o p e —
t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r ' s n a m e a n d t h e b r e a k i n g stress i n d i c a t e d b y t h e
manufacturer ;
t h e thickness of t h e r o p e (for flat r o p e s t h e b r e a d t h a n d thickness) ;
t h e m a t e r i a l , t h e n u m b e r of s t r a n d s , t h e n u m b e r of wires i n e a c h
s t r a n d excluding t h e core wires, a n d t h e t h i c k n e s s of t h e wires ;
t h e w e i g h t p e r m e t r e in k i l o g r a m s ;
t h e d a t e of t h e t e s t of t h e tensile s t r e n g t h before t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t
of service ;
t h e d a t e s of installation, shortening, a n d e x a m i n a t i o n of t h e wires ;
t h e d a t e of w i t h d r a w a l from service ;
t h e reasons for w i t h d r a w a l from service ;
all u n u s u a l occurrences d u r i n g s e r v i c e . "
(MR 1939)
UNITED KINGDOM
" 1 5 . T h e r e shall b e recorded in a b o o k k e p t a t t h e m i n e d a t e d r e p o r t s
a n d other i n f o r m a t i o n r e l a t i n g t o t h e m e a s u r e s t a k e n t o c o m p l y w i t h —
n u m b e r s 6 1, 7 3 a n d 10 3 of t h e s e r e g u l a t i o n s , a n d e v e r y such r e c o r d
shall b e p r e s e r v e d for a period of 12 m o n t h s after t h e r o p e t o
which it r e l a t e s h a s ceased t o be u s e d . "
(R 2.3.1937)
(b)
8.
SIGNALLING
APPLIANCES4
BELGIUM
" 1 2 . All w i n d i n g shafts shall b e p r o v i d e d w i t h a signalling s y s t e m
allowing—
(a) every u n d e r g r o u n d l a n d i n g w h e r e m e n or m a t e r i a l s a r e o r d i n a r i l y
w o u n d t o give signals t o t h e surface ; a n d
(b) t h e surface e m p l o y e e s t o a s k each of t h e u n d e r g r o u n d l a n d i n g s t o r e p e a t
a n y signal given.
1
See section 1 ol the regulations of 18 Feb. 1948 in Part A ol this division.
' See Part B of this division.
See Part A of this division.
d
For electrical regulations concerning signalling systems see Chapter XIX, Division 5.
3
19
284
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
This system, which need not necessarily consist of a single apparatus,
shall be such t h a t its working cannot give rise to any confusion.
The signals shall only be given, received and transmitted by employees
appointed for this purpose and notified as such to the checking staff (contrôle des ouvriers).
These employees shall be informed of the meaning of the signals by
posters prominently displayed in their field of vision.
16. I n man-winding shafts the following rules shall be observed :
(a) Independently of the ordinary signals an emergency signal accessible
from inside the cages shall be installed.
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
"84. (1) The code of signals shall be uniform for the province and shall
apply to any shaft where men or material are being raised or lowered :
Provided, however, that such code of signals may be added to by the
mine manager to cover any additional purpose for which signals require to
be transmitted but the general code shall not apply to any sinking shaft.
(2) Signals shall be given by means of sound upon a gong or bell or
any other device whereby an audible sound is made ; and signals for any
operation hereunder mentioned shall be given by making the number of
separate sounds set opposite such operation as follows :
[Code of signals omitted.]
(3) Notices containing the signals shall be posted in the engine-room,
a t the pit bank and at each entrance into the workings from the shaft.
(4) The mine manager shall, in addition, arrange for a code of signals
for any sinking shaft, for the operation of any haulage, to be placed in the
engine-room and at other appropriate places.
149
Rule 20
(c) No person in or about any mine shall improperly use or remove
any signal, signal wire or signal apparatus and no person without proper
authority shall give any signal."
(A 1945)
"23. (a) A notice showing the signals used shall be posted at the terminals and a t all intermediate points or landing places on all rope haulage
systems.
(b) No unauthorised person shall work or interfere with any signalling
apparatus in or about any mine.
(c) A similar notice showing the signals in use shall be posted on the
bank, engine-room, and shaft bottom where hoisting of men or materials
is being done through a shaft."
(R 1945)
FRANCE
"60. (1) Every landing shall be provided with devices allowing the
reciprocal exchange of signals with the control station for winding operations
in the shaft.
The district inspector of mines may exempt from this requirement
landings from which reliable oral communication can be established with
this station or with another attended landing provided with such devices.
8. SIGNALLING APPLIANCES
285
(2) Instructions shall specify the signalling rules and in particular the
signals to be exchanged for the various operations, and the persons authorised to give them. The signal code shall be permanently posted at the
various landings and at the winding-engineman's stand.
(3) The signalling arrangements shall be such as to avoid any confusion
between the signals concerning the various landings and the different winding
compartments, and any other signals of any other origin.
(4) I n the signal code every signal, whatever the nature and circumstance of its use, shall have only one meaning both for the person who gives
it and the person who receives it, and this meaning shall be distinct and
always the same.
A sound signal consisting of a single note shall always be taken to signify
an order to stop.
(5) The operational signals shall only be sent to the winding-engineman
by a single onsetter unless there is an interlocking signalling device
that ensures equivalent safety.
(6) If a landing has a number of levels simultaneously in use the onsetter
of only one of these levels shall be responsible for giving signals.
(7) When the signalling system is electric, any one cable shall
contain only the signal wires for one winding engine.
Every voltage failure shall be made visible at the winding-engineman's
stand.
The installation shall be examined at least once a year by a competent
electrician,
who shall enter his findings in the register provided for in section 62.1
61. (1) I n every shaft used for winding shifts there shall be appliances
allowing exchange of conversation between the winding-engineman and the
banksman responsible for the entry and exit of the workers unless these
two employees can see and talk to each other directly.
(2) I n every pit employing at least 100 workers in the largest shift,
the landings at depths exceeding 100 m which are ordinarily used for
raising mineral or winding shifts shall be provided with appliances
allowing exchange of conversation with the surface."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"54. (1) For main winding shafts appliances shall be provided for the
transmission of sound signals from the landings to the bank, and from the
hank to t h e landings and to the winding-engine room.
(2) If there is more than one winding installation in any shaft a separate signalling arrangement as required in subsection (1) shall be provided
for each installation. The different signalling appliances shall have quite
different sounds.
(3) The landings and the bank shall be connected by telephone. This
shall also apply to the bank and the winding-engineman's stand when messages cannot clearly be exchanged by speaking-tube.
(4) A shaft landing may be substituted for the bank when the signals
are regularly sent from the landing t o the winding-engine room.
(5) Every winding installation shall have a special signalling device
(pull-rope signal) (Schachthammer) which can be operated from the floor
of every cage a t any shaft depth. The signals given by this device shall
sound directly in the winding-engine room. I t shall not be possible for the
pull-rope of the signalling device to be worked from the landings without
1
See Division 3 of this chapter.
286
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
a special appliance. Mechanical pull-rope signals shall have a sound distinct
from any other signals.
55. For staples and inclines used for -winding or haulage, section 54
shall apply mutatis mutandis but with the following differences :
(a) appliances for sending return signals shall not be required ;
( b) where for the top landing no special banksman or onsetter is appointed,
or the brakesman is at the same time onsetter, signalling between the
top landing and the brakesman's stand may be dispensed with ;
(c) in staples and carriage inclines the telephone may be replaced by a
speaking-tube if messages can be clearly exchanged by this means. On
inclines for the direct haulage of tubs both telephone and speakingtube m a y be dispensed with."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
MAN-WESTDESTQ
"Installation of Man-winding Plant
41. (1) Every man-winding plant shall have a separate sound-signalling device for signalling from the landings to the bank and vice versa and
from the bank to the winding-engine room.
(2) I n shafts with two or more winding plants, for every man-winding
plant there shall be in addition to the sound-signalling device an optical
signalling device for signalling from the landings to the bank. The sound
signals of all winding installations shall differ distinctly in tone.
(3) If in man-winding two or more decks of a cage are entered or left
simultaneously, each deck of the landing shall be connected by an optical
signalling device with the loading point of the landing and each deck of the
bank with the loading point of the bank.
(4) At the bank, for every man-winding plant a main loading point at
which all signals are concentrated shall be installed.
(5) The appliances mentioned in subsections (1), (2) first sentence, (3) and
(4) may be dispensed with if there are combined sound and optical signalling
devices t h a t clearly indicate to the winding-enginemen that all the cage
decks used are ready for winding (section 63 (6)1).
(6) Electrical signalling devices shall be so installed t h a t the signal can
also be read a t the place where it was given.
42. (1) I n every man-winding shaft, between the bank and the landings, there shall be an appliance for the exchange of oral messages ; this
appliance, if exchange through a speaking-tube is impossible, shall be a
telephone.
(2) For every man-winding plant, between the bank and the windingengine room, there shall be an appliance for the oral exchange of messages
(telephone or speaking-tube). The telephone or speaking-tube shall be so
installed in the winding-engine room that the windmg-engineman can use it
without leaving his stand.
(3) At periods when no banksman is present at the bank but when
persons are employed in the mine a direct exchange of messages between
the landings and the winding-engine room shall be possible.
Testing of Man-winding
Plant
55. (1) New electrical signalling equipment and additions to or alterations in existing equipment shall be tested on delivery by a specially qualified
person.
1
See Division 9 of this chapter.
8. SIGNALLING APPLIANCES
287
(2) Electrical signalling equipment shall be tested yearly by a specially
qualified person.
(3) The report on the test shall be entered in the man-winding register."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 5 1 . (1) In shafts, staple pits and raises, suitable signalling appliances
shall be provided.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to start the winding engine before a signal
for this purpose has been received.
(3) If there is any doubt as to the meaning of a signal, a repetition shall
be asked for.
(4) I t shall be prohibited to give the signal to begin to raise or lower a
shift before the supervisor responsible for supervision of winding in the
shaft has personally given the order for it.
52. (1) The code of the acoustic or visual signals shall be posted up
in a clearly legible manner in the engine-room, a t the bank and at other
loading places, and be visible from the place where the signals have t o be
given or received.
(2) I t shall be prohibited to use or prescribe for the stopping, raising
or lowering of the cage, other acoustic signals than the following :
1 stroke = stop.
2 strokes = up.
3 strokes = down.
(3) The code of the remaining signals shall be determined in agreement
with the Inspector-General of Mines.
53. During the raising or lowering of a shift, signallers shall be continuously present at the shaft insets concerned ; at the bank a signaller shall
always be present whenever persons are in the underground workings.
54. (1) Unauthorised persons shall be prohibited from giving signals.
(2) The signaller shall guard against unauthorised use of the winding
installation and breaches of the regulations applying to it."
(MR 1939)
"34. Between the bank and the engine-room there shall be an acoustic
or visual signalling appliance with which the signaller at the bank can pass
on the signals received by him to the winding-engineman. I n addition,
between the engine-room and the bank, there shall be a speaking-tube or
telephone connection such that the engineman can use it without leaving
his stand.
35. (1) In every shaft there shall be an acoustic or visual signalling
installation by means of which the signallers at the shaft insets can communicate with the signallers at the bank.
(2) Electric signalling installations shall be so installed that the signal
can also be received at the place from which it was sent.
(3) Platforms a t the bank and shaft insets shall be connected by signalling arrangements, to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General of Mines, to
the places from which the shaft signalling appliances are operated.
36. (1) During winding between levels in the shaft, if at both levels
cages are simultaneously loaded and unloaded, only the signaller who is
highest in the shaft shall be authorised to signal to the bank.
(2) At a shaft inset with more than one floor only one person shall give
signals ; this person shall be prevented (by interlocking) from signalling
before signals are given from all floors that the winding engine can be
started, or entering and leaving the cage has finished on all floors and the
shaft gates have again been closed.
288
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(3) Whenever persons have to be wound from a level where no signaller
is on d u t y and t h e person who gives the signals does so from an inset from which
he must afterwards enter the cage, this shall be shown by the signal and the
signaller a t the bank shall wait at least 30 seconds before passing on the signal.
37. (1) With Koepe engines the engineman shall be warned whenever
the rising cage is empty during man-winding.
(2) During repairs in the shaft direct signalling from the shaft inset or
from the cage t o the engineman shall be permitted.
(3) During material winding, and with the approval of the InspectorGeneral of Mines also during man-winding, a signalling installation shall be
permitted with which all signals pass directly from the shaft inset and the
bank to the engineman.
57. (1) The signalling installation shall be examined daily.
(2) The -whole electrical signalling installation shall be thoroughly
examined annually by an expert belonging to the supervisory staff and
specially appointed for the purpose."
SOUTH AFRICA
"26. Unless exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines—
(1) every winding shaft exceeding 50 ft. in depth shall be provided
with some efficient means for interchanging distinct and definite signals
between the engine-driver and every established point from which winding
is carried on, b u t it shall not be possible for the banksman to signal to
anyone but the engine-driver ;
29. I n the case of shafts where persons are regularly allowed t o ride
and where the signalling arrangements are operated by electricity, the
following provisions shall be observed in respect of each compartment
or each pair of compartments in which persons travel :
(1) There shall be provided two separate and distinct arrangements
for transmitting signals.
(2) The handles or push-buttons of the one arrangement as prescribed
in regulation No. 26 (1) and hereinafter called the 'locked-bell' system
for the exchange of signals between the—
(a) engine-driver and banksman, and
(b) engine-driver and the lowest point from which winding is carried
on and the various intermediate stations for the time being in use,
shall be enclosed in a locked box of substantial construction. Such locked
box shall be kept locked and the key or keys shall be retained by the banksm a n or onsetter or other authorised person when not in use.
(3) The other arrangement (hereafter called the 'call-bell' system)
shall be easily accessible, but shall not be used except by a banksman or
onsetter or by persons duly authorised by the manager, and then only
to indicate the station a t which the cage, skip or other means of conveyance
is required ; provided always that this section shall not be taken to prohibit
any person from giving the accident signal on the 'call-bell' system.
(4) The bells throughout the 'call-bell' system shall be of such a tone
as to be easily distinguishable from t h a t of the bells of the 'locked-bell'
system.
(5) An engine-driver shall not act in response to any signal on the
'call-bell' system other than the one long ring indicating accident in shaft.
(6) There shall be fitted at all winding plants used for raising or lowering
persons a device which will automatically prevent the driver moving his
hoist until signals to do so have been received from both the banksman
and onsetter.
8. SIGNALLING APPLIANCES
289
Provided always that this regulation shall not be taken to prohibit
the use of any other signalling arrangements which have been approved
of by the Government Mining Engineer."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
There must be provided and maintained—
(a) in connection with every mine shaft provided with winding apparatus where the distance between the highest and lowest entrances in use
exceeds 50 ft., effective means of transmitting signals from each shaft
entrance in use to the place at which the winding apparatus is operated;
(b) in connection with every unwalkable mine outlet provided with
rope haulage apparatus where the distance between the terminal surface
entrance thereto and the terminal underground entrance thereto exceeds
50 ft., effective means of transmitting audible and visible signals from each
entrance to the outlet in use to the place at which the haulage apparatus
is operated.
Regulations may require the provision and maintenance of means
of transmitting signals between the entrances of shafts and outlets (45).
(A 1954)
"92. [Code of signals.]
93. The manager shall, in the case of a mine where there are entrances
into the workings from the shaft at different levels, prescribe the signals
to be used to indicate the level to which the cage is to be sent, and in respect
of movements of the cage between one level and another level, and shall
fix any other signals that may be required.
94. A notice shall be posted in the engine-house, and a t the pit-head,
and a t each entrance into the workings from the shaft, containing the
foregoing signals and the signals fixed by the manager in pursuance of the
preceding regulation.
95. I n connection with every winding engine there shall be provided an
appliance which shall automatically indicate in a visible manner t o the
winding-engineman (in addition to the ordinary signal) the nature of the
signal until the signal is complied with.
96. No person other than the banksman or onsetter shall give any
signal unless he is an official of the mine or is authorised in writing by the
manager to give signals."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"48. A code of hoisting signals shall be kept posted in a manner easily
read at the top of each hoisting shaft or slope, at each landing, and in the hoisting-engine house. Said code shall be in accordance with the requirements
of the mining laws of the state in which the mine is situated and, if not
otherwise specified, the following code of signals shall be used : (a) when
the engine is a t rest, one signal, hoist ; (b) when the engine is in motion,
one signal, stop ; (c) when the engine is at rest, two signals, lower ; (d) when
the engine is at rest, three signals, men ready to get on the cage or cars
to ascend ; when this is followed by return signal from the hoistman, the
men get on the cage or into cars and then the proper signal shall be given.
Other signals to suit the local conditions may be added by the lessee.
49. (a) I n mines where 20 or more men are employed underground
on any shift there shall be at least two effective methods of signalling
between the engine-room and each of the shaft or slope landings, one of
which shall be a telephone or speaking-tube. The signals shall be so arranged
t h a t the eager or person in charge of each landing can also signal directly t o
290
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
the hoistman, a n d the hoistman can also signal directly to each of the landings. If the shaft is more than 50 ft. deep, calling or rapping on metal shall
not be accepted as a substitute method of signalling.
(b) Electric signal circuits shall not use current of more than 30 volts."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
2. Cages, shafts, slopes and surface inclines
(d) Two independent means of signalling shall be provided between
the top, bottom, and all intermediate landings of shafts, slopes, and surface
inclines and the hoisting station. At least one of these means of signalling
shall be audible t o the hoisting engineer.
(e) An adopted signal code shall be in use a t each mine and shall
be posted prominently in the engine-room in easy sight of the engineer
and a t all places where signals are given."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"10
(e) At every mine when men are hoisted and lowered by machinery
there shall be provided means of signalling to and from the bottom man,
the top man and the engineer. The signal system shall consist of a tube,
or tubes, or wire encased in wood or iron pipes, through which signals shall
be communicated by electricity, compressed-air or other pneumatic devices,
or by ringing a bell. When compressed-air or other pneumatic devices
are used for signalling, provision must be made to prevent signals from
repeating or reversing. The following signals shall be used a t mines where
signals are required :
[Code of signals omitted.]
Provided, t h a t the operator of any mine may, with the consent of the
inspector, add to the code of signals in his discretion. The code of signals
in use at any mine shall be conspicuously posted at the top and at the
bottom of the shaft, and the engine-room at some point in front of the
engineer when standing at his post."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1211. I n a n y shaft mine employing more than 25 men or in any
shaft mine more t h a n 500 ft. in vertical depth there shall be at least two
effective methods of signalling between each of the shaft stations, and
the engine-room, one of which methods, in each case, shall be a telephone
or speaking-tube. The signals shall be so arranged t h a t the eager or person
in charge of each station can signal directly to all of the stations. Calling
or rapping shall not be accepted as a proper method of signalling."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 1 . The operator or the superintendent shall provide, and hereafter
maintain in good condition from the top to the bottom of every shaft or
slope, where persons or material are lowered or hoisted, a telephone or
metal tube of proper diameter, suitably adapted to the free passage of
sound, through which conversation may be held and understood between
persons at the t o p and the bottom of said shaft or slope ; and he shall also
provide means of signalling from the top to the bottom and from the bottom
to the top of such shaft or slope. The same provisions shall apply to inside
planes whereon coal is lowered and persons have to travel. I n all mines
telephone connections shall be made from the surface to the main sections
9. WINDING OPERATIONS
291
of the mine, when required by the inspector. All signalling apparatus
and telephone connections shall be kept in good condition and shall be
always available for service."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
9. W I N D I N G
OPERATIONS1
BELGIUM
"25. The load on the rope at the point of attachment while men are
being wound shall always be less than the normal load of mineral and shall
not exceed 75 per cent, of the maximum winding load.
Further, the average speed for man-winding shall not exceed 75 per
cent, of the speed for material winding.
26. When a cage or bucket is conveying men the conditions of load
laid down in section 25 shall also apply to the rope of the other cage or
bucket except if man-winding is only occasional.
27. The mine management shall fix the number of men who may
be conveyed simultaneously on the various decks of the cages or in buckets
as well as the average speed and the special conditions to be observed for
man-winding. I t shall notify the Mines Administration accordingly. If
necessary, the Mines Administration shall require alterations in the arrangements, having regard to the safety of the workers. No additional
load shall be placed in the cage when it contains the authorised number of
workers. Otherwise the load may be completed at the rate of 70 kg for
every worker missing.
Workers shall not be conveyed in buckets that are wholly or partly
loaded, or on the roof of a cage, except in special circumstances a t the
discretion of the mine management and provided that the Mines Administration is notified. If necessary the Administration shall prescribe
precautions.
28. Instructions to be prominently posted up at the top of each shaft
shall fix the number of persons that may be conveyed in one wind.
The workers shall obey these instructions and also the orders of the
officials mentioned in section 12.2
31. While the cages and buckets are starting and stopping, the
winding engines shall be run slowly and carefully ; this shall also apply
when landings in operation are being passed and other cages and buckets
are being crossed in non-divided shafts.
32. During man-winding an assistant capable of continuing to work
the engine or of stopping it in the case of sudden indisposition of the
engineman shall keep near the controls.
An assistant engineman shall not be r e q u i r e d fa^ for winding engines provided with automatic devices of proved
efficiency such that the arrival speed of the cages at the surface is not
more than 1 m/sec. and the cages cannot be overwound ;
(b) for capstans and other special winding machinery, provided t h a t
the maximum speed does not exceed 1.50 m/sec. ;
(c) for the inspection and the repair of shafts ;
(d) for occasional winding that is quite apart from ordinary winding.
33. I t shall be prohibited to work the cage at the surface in such a
way as to cause the cage at the bottom to move while workers are entering
or leaving it.
1
For duties of winding-engineman and other persons employed in connection with
winding see also Division 10 of this chapter.
* See Division 8 of this chapter.
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
292
35. At every landing when the nature of the ground allows, a waitingroom shall be provided where the workers are sheltered from draughts.
At the ordinary winding times or when large numbers of workers are
waiting a barrier of chain shall be placed at some distance from the shaft.
The workers shall not pass this until their turn comes and they are called
upon by the responsible official.
36. At the landings in operation and a t the bank the workers shall
enter and leave only when the cage is resting on the keps or has been
completely blocked.
37. Children under 16 years of age conveyed by cages or buckets shall
always be accompanied by an older person capable of taking care of them.
38. The necessary steps shall be taken by the mine management to
enable the men in the cage or bucket to be withdrawn promptly in the
event of a n accident to the winding machinery."
(RO 10.12.1910)
CANADA
Alberta
"83
(8) No car either empty or loaded or other material and no implements
or tools other than scientific instruments shall be raised or lowered whilst
persons are being raised or lowered in the same shaft, whether on the same
cage or not.
(9) The maximum number of men allowed to ride in each cage shall
be approved by the District Inspector and the manager shall cause to be
posted, at the top and bottom of each shaft, a notice of the maximum
number so approved."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"70. (1) Instructions permanently posted in the vicinity of the shaft
shall specify the conditions governing all ordinary travel of personnel and
in particular—
(a) the requirements to which the workers must submit for the maintenance of safety and good order ;
(b) the number of persons who may be wound together ;
(c) the conditions governing the travel of young workers under 16 years
of age ;
(d) the times for the lowering and raising of shifts.
If ordinary travel is carried on by means of a single rope, this shall be
mentioned in t h e instructions.
(2) Instructions permanently posted in the winding-engineman's field
of vision shall specify the maximum speed of man-winding and, if appropriate, the zones of retardation.
I n shafts where the winding engines are equipped with the devices
provided for in sections 103 x and 104 1 , this maximum speed shall not
exceed 12 m/sec. or, in shafts for raising mineral, failing an exemption
granted by the local inspection authority, three-quarters of the material
winding speed, without, however, it being necessary to go below 8 m /sec.
I n the absence of the devices provided for in section 104, or when these
devices are out of order, man-winding shall be carried on only at a speed
reduced to the extent required by the conditions of the installation,
without ever exceeding 6 m/sec. or 2 m/sec. according as the engine is
or is not equipped with the devices provided for in section 103.
1
See Division 4 of this chapter.
9. WINDING OPERATIONS
293
71. (1) Special signals to be specified in the instructions provided
for in section 60 (2)1 shall be given for every man-winding operation. They
may, however, be given only a t the beginning and at the end of a group of
man-winding operations provided t h a t an optical signal remains visible to
the winding-engineman throughout the duration of the group of operations.
(2) In all shafts used for the ordinary travel of personnel the admission
of men to the cage or the exit of men from the cage at any landing shall be
subject to the previous reception of a permissive signal from the
engineman. I t shall not be possible to give this signal until after the brake
of the engine has been applied.
(3) When a cage is stopped a t a landing to take up or set down men,
it shall not be started except on a starting signal given from the landing,
even if it is not attended ; in the latter case the instructions provided for
in section 60 (2) shall specify the waiting period to be observed by the
engineman after receiving the signal.
72. (1) The keps at the bottom landing shall remain in the off position when there are no automatic devices limiting the landing speed of the
cage at this landing to not more than 1.50 m/sec. or when this device is
out of action.
Exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the local
inspection authority.
(2) The keps a t the intermediate landings shall be kept in t h e off
position except to receive an ascending cage.
73. At every landing the shift shall enter and leave under the supervision of an employee specially appointed for this purpose ; the workers
shall be bound to obey his instructions.
At the underground landings a chain or any other equivalent device
shall be placed waist high at least 2 m from the edge of the shaft ; the
workers shall not pass the device until thoir turn comes to enter the cage.
74. (1) No one deck of the cage shall carry heavy materials or tubs
at the same time as personnel.
An exemption may be granted by the district inspector of mines for
the conveyance of personnel in tubs.
(2) A cage lowering personnel shall contain only empty tubs in addition to the personnel, their tools and small objects that they bring with
them.
(3) If personnel are being raised by one of the ropes or by one of the
legs of a rope, the other rope or the other leg shall not be used for the
conveyance of loaded tubs or heavy materials.
(4) While a shift is being conveyed by one of the ropes or one of the
legs the other rope or the other leg shall only be used for the conveyance of
persons, tools or empty tubs.
(5) Effective measures shall be taken to prevent any object conveyed
in a cage or a skip from projecting beyond the edge of the cage or skip
owing to jolting.
(6) Exemptions from the requirements of subsections (3) and (4) may
be granted by the district inspector of mines when they are justified by
the need for balancing the load.
75. (1) During the conveyance of the shift, onsetters at the landings
between which the shift is conveyed shall be prohibited from leaving their
landings for any reason whatever.
(2) During any conveyance of personnel the engineman shall remain
constantly at his operating stand and shall be able a t any moment to
actuate the reversing lever, the regulator or the brakes. At least one of
these brakes shall remain applied while the cage is at the landing.
1
See Division 8 of this chapter.
294
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND
MEN
The engineman shall never leave his operating stand without having
previously applied the brakes.
(3) Unless automatic devices prevent the descending cage from arriving
at the bottom at a speed exceeding 1.50 m/sec. and the ascending cage from
reaching the winding pulley, the engineman shall be aided by an assistant
engineman throughout the time that the shift is being conveyed ; the
assistant engineman shall always be ready to act immediately.
For the ordinary conveyance of personnel other than the conveyance
of the shift, and also during the winding of the shift in sinking pits, the
assistant engineman may be replaced by a person capable of stopping
the engine in case of need.
76. I n pits where the personnel are ordinarily lowered underground
by means of ropes, measures shall be taken so that in case of need any
person employed underground can at any moment be speedily returned to
the surface.
77. Every person conveyed by bucket shall keep on the bottom of the
bucket unless he is fastened to the rope or to the suspension gear by a
safety belt furnished by the operator ; the safety belt shall be compulsory
if the bucket is less than 1 m deep.
The necessary measures shall be taken a t the surface and at the underground landings to prevent any unexpected movement of the bucket
while personnel are entering or leaving.
Except in sinking pits the buckets in which the personnel are ordinarily
conveyed shall be provided with an effective protective cover."
(R 4.5.1951)
GEBMANY
HAULAGE EST INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"58. (1) The signal for 'stop' shall be one, for 'up' two, and for 'down'
three distinct strokes, separated by equal intervals. The remaining signals
shall be fixed by the manager and entered in the mine register.
(2) Wherever signals are given and received the code shall be posted up,
provided that on haulage inclines this need only be done at the foot of the
incline and a t the brakesman's stand.
(3) Except during work in the shaft no other signals shall be given or
obeyed.
59. Signals shall be given only with the signalling equipment intended
for this purpose. Except when changing over from one level to another
they shall be given only when the winding and haulage compartments
are properly closed.
60. (1) The signalman shall be responsible for proper signalling.
(2) Unauthorised signalling shall be prohibited.
61. (1) I n main shafts only the banksmen or, if winding is done between
other levels; only the onsetter at the upper level, shall give signals to the
winding-engineman. This shall not apply to 'ready' signalling installations
(Fertigsignalanlagen).
(2) In staple pits and on haulage inclines only the onsetter at the top
landing or the main landing subsituted for the top landing shall give signals
to the winchman.
(3) As an exception to the above, devices for direct signalling from
the different landings to the winchman's stand shall be allowed if—
(a) a 'ready' signalling installation is available ;
(b) the onsetter a t the top landing or the main landing is at the same time
the winchman ;
(c) a separate signalling system from every landing to the winchman's
stand is available ;
9. WINDING OPBKATIONS
295
(d)
a signalling installation with level-blocking equipment is available
that prevents simultaneous signalling from two or more landings.
I n this case the level-changing switch shall be at the winchman's stand
or shall be operated from the depth indicator.
(4) If, in winding, a cage is used exclusively as a counterweight, the approaches to the shaft compartment for this cage shall be so closed at all landings that unauthorised persons cannot open or remove the closing devices.
(5) During work and inspections in the shaft the pull-rope signal
(section 54 (5) *) shall be used for signalling.
62. (1) Winding-enginemen and brakesmen shall set the winding equipment in motion only if they have received the signal for this purpose.
(2) If the winding-engineman or the brakesman has not exactly understood the signals given to him he shall wait for their repetition.
63. Defects in the signalling installation shall be immediately remedied.
Until this is done winding or haulage shall be stopped unless it may be
temporarily continued by means of telephones or speaking-tubes.
64. During interruptions in winding or haulage, and at the end of
the shift, the winding or haulage engineman shall cut off the power from
the winding engine or the winch, and block the engine or winch with the
brake.
65. (1) The brake levers of braking appliances and winches shall not
be blocked in the off position.
(2) The weighting of the lever shall be altered only by the express order
of the competent supervisory official.
66. Before beginning operations the brakesman of every shift shall
satisfy himself that the braking device is in safe working order. Haulage
shall not begin until any defects found have been remedied.
67. On tub inclines with other than endless ropes the tubs shall be
pushed on only after they have been attached to the rope. The tubs on the
lower landing shall be attached first.
68. I n staple pits and carriage inclines the sump and, out of manwinding hours, the cage or carriage shall be entered only after the windingengineman or the brakesman has been notified by telephone or speakingtube and the cage or carriage has been blocked.
69. I t shall be prohibited to remain on inclines and their onsetting
platforms while haulage is in progress.
70. (1) In shafts and haulage inclines the rope may not be shortened
or lengthened until both the carriage, cage or tub and the counterweight
have been blocked by means independent of the haulage or braking equipment. This shall also apply to alteration of the weight of the counterweight
and to work in the shaft or incline that cannot be undertaken from the cage
or carriage.
(2) I n main shafts subsection (1) shall apply only to work on which
those carrying it out are endangered by the winding equipment.
70a. Long objects shall be so fastened on the carriages that they can
neither fall off nor catch in anything."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
MAN-WIND ING
"Commencement of Operations.
56. (1) Regular man-winding shall be in operation at the beginning
and end of a regular shift.
1
See Division 8 of this chapter.
296
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(2) Regular man-winding shall also be in operation—
for t h e winding of workers who are not working extra shifts ;
for t h e winding of workers whose shift for special reasons is shorter
or longer than the regular shift.
(3) During regular man-winding in no compartment of the shaft shall
material winding be in operation.
(a)
(b)
Levels.
57. (1) Regular man-winding shall only take place between the
levels specified by the Divisional Mining Office in the certificate of authorisation.
(2) I t shall not be allowed between several levels simultaneously.
Winding Speed.
58. (1) The maximum winding speed fixed by the Divisional Mining
Office in the certificate of authorisation shall not be exceeded.
(2) If persons are carried when the counter-cage is unloaded the manwinding speed in the case of steam winding shall not exceed 6 m /sec. and in
the case of electric winding 8 m/sec. unless the load is suitably balanced.
Number of Persons.
59. The maximum number of persons fixed by the Divisional Mining
Office in t h e certificate of authorisation for travelling together in a cage
or on the different decks shall not be exceeded.
Behaviour of Passengers.
60. (1) The passengers shall obey the orders of the banksmen or
onsetters.
(2) The passengers shall keep still in the cage ; they shall not leave their
places.
(3) During regular man-winding the passengers shall not carry with
them heavy objects and, in particular, tools or implements.
(4) If during regular man-winding the passengers carry bare lights
they shall fasten the lamps so high in the cage that they cannot touch them.
Appliances for this purpose shall be provided.
Closing of the Cage.
61. During regular man-winding, doors shall be fitted and closed.
Lighting.
62. (1) The landing of the levels to and from which regular manwinding is in operation shall be brightly lighted by special lamps during
man-winding hours ; this shall also apply to the bank and the engine-room.
as darkness sets in.
(2) I n electrically lighted engine-rooms emergency lighting shall be
provided t h a t either burns continuously or is automatically switched on
when the main lighting fails.
(3) The cage shall be lighted by the lamps of the passengers or by closed
lamps.
Signals.
63. (1) For every level special announcing signals shall be fixed
by which t h e winding-engineman is informed of the beginning and ending
of regular man-winding a n d of every man-winding operation during the
shift, and b y which also he is instructed to observe the prescribed speed
9. WINDING OPERATIONS
297
for man-winding and the necessary caution. When raising the cage from
any level during the shift the announcing signal shall not be given before
the passengers have entered the cage.
(2) The command signals shall be one stroke for 'stop', two for ' u p ' ,
and three for 'down'.
(3) If the passenger himself is to give the command signal a special
announcing signal shall be fixed. When this is given the winding-engineman shall wait at least 30 seconds after receiving the command signal before
starting the winding engine.
(4) If during man-winding two or more decks of a cage are entered or
left simultaneously a banksman or onsetter shall be appointed at the bank
and at each landing who alone shall be authorised to give the command
signals to ensure co-ordination between the landings and the bank or between
the bank and the engine-room. These banksmen or onsetters shall, however,
not give the command signals until they have been informed by the banksmen
or onsetters for the other decks t h a t everything is ready there. The information shall be conveyed by means of optical signal devices. The stand
of the above-mentioned banksmen or onsetters shall be on that side of the
cage by which the men enter.
(5) The announcing and command signals shall only be given to the
winding-engineman by the banksmen at the surface or, if winding is done
from and to intermediate levels, only by the onsetter appointed at t h e
upper of these levels.
(6) The provisions of subsections (2), (4) first three sentences, and
(5) shall not apply to the use of such combined optical and sound signalling
appliances as will clearly inform the winding-engineman that all decks in
use are ready for winding.
(7) During repair work in the shaft, direct signalling between the landing
or cage and the winding-engine room shall be allowed subject to the authorisation of the manager.
(8) If the winding-engineman has not properly understood the signals
given him he shall wait for their repetition.
(9) When the engine is at rest between the different winds, signals from
any level other than that in operation shall be given to the bank only through
the signaller at the latter level.
(10) When persons are being lowered with the counter-cage unloaded
the winding-engineman shall be informed by the banksman or onsetter
that unbalanced man-winding is taking place.
Supervision of Regular
Man-winding.
64. (1) During regular man-winding a supervisory official (sections
73 to 76 of the General Mines Act) 1 shall be present at the bank and a t
the landing of every level at which man-winding is in progress.
(2) The person exercising supervision a t the landing shall inform t h e
person exercising supervision at the bank before regular man-winding
begins that the man-winding appliances are in order. The latter person
shall then so notify the winding-engineman.
Notices.
65. ( 1 ) At the bank, at the man-winding levels specified in the certificate
of authorisation and in the winding-engine room, notices in large lettering
shall be posted up that inform the workers of—
(a) the names of the supervisory officials, banksmen and onsetters ;
(b) the hours for regular man-winding ;
(c) the announcing and command signals to be used for man-winding ;
(d) the number of persons who may travel together in a cage and on t h e
different decks.
' See Chapter XXI.
298
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(2) An abstract containing sections 56 to 65 and 84* shall be posted up
in the pit-head building and in the bath-house so as to be easily accessible
to all and always clearly legible.
Registers for
Man-winding.
66. (1) For every man-winding plant a special man-winding register
shall be kept t h a t shall form a part of the mine register required by section 200
of the General Mines Act. 2 The opening of the man-winding register shall
be mentioned in the mine register.
(2) I n t h e man-winding register all important observations concerning
man-winding shall be entered in so far as they are not entered in the ropetest register.
(3) A copy of the service instructions (section 78 3) shall be attached
to the man-winding register.
67. For every man-winding plant a rope-test register shall be kept
in which all important observations concerning ropes shall be entered.
68. (1) Entries in the man-winding register and the rope-test register
shall be signed by the responsible person mentioned in section 78 (2).
(2) All entries shall be reported to the manager without delay.
Temporary Interruptions
in
Man-winding.
69. (1) I n the event of any defect in the man-winding plant, manwinding shall not take place or shall not be continued. I n the event of
defects during regular man-winding, the persons exercising supervision
(section 64) shall decide whether man-winding shall be continued.
(2) If regular man-winding is stopped on account of defects in the manwinding plant, this shall be notified immediately to the workers concerned,
both on the surface and underground, and entered in the man-winding
register.
Notification of Unusual Occurrences.
70. Every unusual occurrence in man-winding shafts, and, in particular, damage to the rope and other man-winding equipment, shall be
immediately notified to the district inspector by the manager."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"47. (1) The total weight of the persons to be carried in the cage shall
not exceed 60 per cent, of the usual load in the transport of goods ; the
weight of a person for this purpose shall be reckoned as 75 kg.
(2) Each person to be carried in the cage shall have a space of at least
0.3 m 2 at his disposal ; whenever
the persons are all carried standing this
space may be reduced to 0.2 m 2 .
48. All important incidents occurring in the transport of persons and
material by which the normal use of the winding installation is impeded,
as well as important damage to the winding installations and the shaft
timbering, guides, ropes, cages and the like, shall immediately be notified
to the Inspector-General of Mines. In the case of a breakage of ropes, chains
and other parts, the pieces shall be kept until one of the officials of the
State Mines Inspectorate has examined them.
1
Relates to penalties.
' See Chapter II, Division 3.
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
9 . WINDING OPEBATIONS
299
50. I t shall be prohibited, without the authorisation of the InspectorGeneral of Mines, to wind persons in shafts a t a greater speed than 5 m /see.
55. (1) Workers shall not descend into or leave the underground
workings otherwise than in the manner prescribed by the mine manager
and along the route prescribed by him.
(2) The workers shall be bound to conduct themselves in a n orderly
manner in the cage.
(3) Unless necessary, no bulky objects or materials shall be conveyed
during man-winding.
56. (1) If, for reasons that could not be foreseen before the descent,
the winding installation of the shafts is out of use for man-winding while
workers are in the underground workings, then the workers shall, as soon
as possible, be given an opportunity of returning to the surface.
(2) The mine manager shall be empowered to prescribe that the winding
installation of shafts and staple pits shall, except in case of need, be available for man-winding only at specified times. The officials of the State Mines
Inspectorate and the workmen's inspectors shall be empowered, upon
request, to use the said installations a t all times.
(3) No one shall be compelled, except in case of need, to leave the underground workings by the ladders."
(MR 1939)
"62. The use of keps in man-winding shall be prohibited. If keps
are fitted they shall be in the off position during man-winding and safely
blocked so that the cage can pass freely.
63. During material winding no persons shall be wound except persons
appointed by the mine manager under the rules referred to in section 68.
64. (1) The only persons who shall be allowed to use a cage t h a t is
not closed are the mine officials, the supervisory staff, shaft repairers, signallers and persons provided with an authorisation issued by or on behalf
of the mine management, and also officials of the State Mines Inspectorate
and the workmen's inspectors, and, further, persons accompanied by one
of the above-mentioned persons.
(2) The presence of persons on a partly loaded cage deck shall always
be prohibited.
(3) Examinations in the shaft that are made from the cage roof shall
as far as possible be carried out when the cage is at rest or descending.
(4) Persons who, during winding in the shaft, stand on a cage roof t h a t
is not provided with fencing to a height of at least 80 cm shall be protected
against falling into the shaft by means of a safety belt fastened to one of
the connecting pieces that attach the rope to the cage.
65. (1) I t shall be prohibited during man-winding to use a cage for
material winding.
(2) Man-winding to or from the different levels shall be effected separately.
(3) On every deck of a cage used for man-winding there shall be at
least one lighted miner's lamp while winding is in progress.
66. Man-winding shall cease as soon as the regular examinations are
discontinued ; the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately.
68. (1) The mine manager shall draw up working rules which shall
contain inter alia provisions concerning—
(a) the conditions under which man-winding may be carried on ;
(b) the procedure which, as regards safety and good order during manwinding, shall be observed by the personnel ;
20
300
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(c) the categories of persons who may use the winding installation out
of regular man-winding times ;
(d) the procedure to be observed in winding sick or injured persons.
(e ) the manner of bringing to notice—
(i) the times during which man-winding takes place ;
(ii) the meanings of the signals ;
(iii) the names of persons responsible for signalling, supervision
during man-winding, maintenance of the man-winding installations ;
(f) the largest number of persons who may be in the cage simultaneously.
(2) The working rules shall require the approval of the InspectorGeneral of Mines."
(IGR 24)
SOOTH AFRICA
"18. When tools, wood or other materials are being raised or lowered
in a shaft or winze and project above the top of the cage, skip, bucket,
kibble or other means of conveyance, the projecting portion or portions
shall be securely fastened to the winding rope or to the bow of the conveyance.
24. No person shall enter or cross, or be caused or permitted to enter
or cross, a winding compartment of a shaft, except for the purpose of entering or leaving a cage, skip or other means of conveyance in that compartment, or effecting repairs or timbering in the said shaft.
25. (1) No person shall effect repairs, conduct any examination, or
do any work in a compartment of a shaft or of a head gear whilst winding
operations are being carried on in such compartment, and no winding shall
be carried on or permitted in any compartment of a shaft whilst persons
are engaged in effecting repairs in or in examining such shaft or compartment of a head gear, or performing any other work therein, except—
(a) where persons are so engaged below the lowest point from which it
is required t h a t winding shall take place during such repairs, examination or work ; or
(b) where persons are so engaged in a compartment other than t h a t in
which it is required that winding shall take place ; provided that in
either of such cases persons are securely protected from any skip, cage,
or other winding apparatus, as well as from falling stones and falling
material ; or
(o) where winding is necessary for the purpose of such repairs, examination,
or work ;
(2) The person or persons in immediate charge of any repairs, examination, or work in a shaft shall warn the engine-driver or drivers who may be
on duty a t the time at such shaft that such repairs, examination, or work
is about to be undertaken, and shall, where practicable, forthwith enter
such warning in the driver's log-book.
(3) I n this and the last preceding regulation the expression 'effecting
repairs' shall include the oiling of rollers and pulleys.
27. (1) No engine-driver shall start his engine before he has received a
distinct and proper signal so to do . . . .
(2) No engine-driver shall act on any signal if he has been unable to
do so within one minute after receiving it, but he shall await a fresh signal . . .
(3) The driver of a winding engine—
(a) shall not r u n such engine at a greater speed than that fixed by the
Inspector of Mines ;
9. WINDING OPERATIONS
301
(b) shall, except in the case of emergency, avoid shocks in starting, running,
and in stopping the said engine ;
(c) shall apply every possible device or means at his disposal in order
to prevent the conveyance overrunning the signalled destination.
28. (1) No unauthorised person shall give any signal other than an
accident signal, or in any manner whatsoever interfere with the signalling
arrangements provided for winding operations.
(2) No person other than the banksman or onsetter shall give any
signal for the winding of material or mineral unless duly authorised by
the manager or mine overseer. Where the winding plant is also used for
the conveyance of persons, such authorisation shall be in writing.
30
(3) [Code of signals.]
(4) Except as is hereinafter provided, no persons shall enter or have
access to or be permitted to enter or to have access to a cage or other conveyance for any purpose whatsoever or shall continue to travel in such
cage or other conveyance unless and until the appropriate signals required
in terms of the above code have been exchanged or, if a signal cannot be
given on the bell system, some other appropriate and distinct signal has
been received from the driver.
(6) An engine-driver, after receiving a signal to raise or to lower persons,
shall not start his engine until the expiry of at least ten seconds after receiving
such signal ;
(8) In addition to the foregoing, special signals may be used provided
they have been approved by the Inspector of Mines.
31. (1) (a) The codes of signals referred to in regulation No. 30, or an
abridged form thereof approved by the Government Mining Engineer,
as well as any special signals that may be in use on a mine, shall be suitably
displayed in the form of distinctly legible notices in letters and figures not
less than y2 in. in height.
The decision whether such notices are suitably displayed and distinctly
legible shall rest with the Inspector of Mines.
(b) Such notices shall be posted up in the winding-engine room, at
the bank and at all shaft stations for the time being in use.
(c) In the case of a mine where only some of the signals in the aforementioned codes are used it shall be necessary to display only those portions of the codes which are used on such mine.
(a)
(e)
(f)
32. No banksman or onsetter or other person authorised to give signals—
shall give any signal to raise or lower a cage or skip for the conveyance
of persons unless the door or doors, gate or gates of such cage, and
the door or doors, gate or gates or barriers at the stations or landing
platforms are properly shut, or, where possible, the cover of such
skip is properly fixed, as the case may be, and the passengers properly
placed in the conveyance or all out of the conveyance and clear of it ;
shall. . . allow a greater number of persons than is authorised by
the Inspector of Mines to travel at any one time in any cage, compartment of a cage, skip, bucket, or other means of conveyance ;
shall allow any other person to give signals for raising or lowering
persons . . . .
33. Except where exemption has been granted in terms of regulation
No. 36 (1) no winding plant shall be used unless the requirements of regu-
302
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
lations Nos. 26 S 29 *, 31 and 34 a , so far as they are applicable, have been
proved to the satisfaction of the Inspector of Machinery by actual test
to have been complied with and the special written permission of the
Inspector of Mines or a certified and legible copy thereof is posted up in the
engine-room.
35. (1) The Inspector of Mines shall fix the maximum speed a t which
the winding engine shall run, and such maximum speed shall be entered on
the written permission of the Inspector of Mines, which is to be posted up
in the engine-room in accordance with regulation No. 33.
(2) The Inspector of Mines shall fix the number of persons to be allowed
to ride at any one time in a cage, skip, bucket or other means of conveyance ;
and a notice clearly showing the number so fixed shall be kept posted up
at each landing place.
(3) The Inspector of Mines shall fix the maximum duration of the shift
to be worked b y the engine-driver, and shall in such a case insert this
condition on the certificate of permission.
36. (1) Exemption in writing from some or all of the provisions of
regulations Nos. 33, 34, 35, and 37 3 may be given, with the approval of the
Government Mining Engineer, by the Inspector of Mines on application
being given to him by the owner or manager, but no persons other than
sinkers or persons engaged in repairing or examining a shaft or winze shall
be raised or lowered by a hoist, for which such exemption has been granted.
37
(10) After any stoppage on winding for repairs, and after any stoppage
for any other purpose which shall exceed one hour in duration, the winding
engine shall not be used for raising or lowering persons until the cage, skip
or other means of conveyance has been run at least one complete trip up
and down the working portion of the shaft.
38. (1) No person shall travel, or be permitted to travel, in a cage or
skip or other means of conveyance operated by an engine which is being
simultaneously used for the winding of mineral or material.
(2) No person shall travel or be permitted to travel in a cage, skip or
other means of conveyance together with any explosives other than detonators, safety fuse, and fuse igniters or with any drills, tools, or heavy articles,
except when the same are required for the purpose of effecting repairs in
the shaft . . . .
39. No banksman, onsetter or other person authorised to travel with or
distribute explosives shall leave any such explosives at any station or other
stopping place, b u t shall personally deliver the same to the ganger or miner,
or to some p e r s o n . . . .
40. No person shall descend or ascend or order or permit any other
person to descend or ascend a shaft or winze on the top of a cege or in the
side, bow, rim, bale, or carriage of any skip, bucket, kibble, truck, or other
similar means of conveyance, whether loaded or unloaded, or on the top of
a loaded or in a partially loaded skip, bucket, kibble, truck, or other similar
means of c o n v e y a n c e . . . .
[Exceptions provided for shaft sinking and repairs.]
41
(3) No person shall speak to or in any way distract the attention of the
person operating a winding engine whilst it is in motion, except a person
in authority, and then only in cases of emergency."
ran
SIQWV
1
See Division 8 of this chapter.
• See Divisions 3, 4, 5 and 7 of this chapter.
• See Division 7 of this chapter.
9. WINDING OPERATIONS
303
UNITED KINGDOM
" 3 . No person shall enter the cage until authorised to do so by the
onsetter or banksman, as the ease may be ; or leave the cage until it shall
have stopped at the landing place, and persons while waiting at the top or
bottom of the shaft or any entrance into the shaft or while in the cage
shall behave in an orderly manner and shall obey the directions of the
banksman or onsetter, as the case may be, and shall not impede the banksman or onsetter in the discharge of his duties.
The banksman or onsetter, as the case may be, shall not when persons
are being raised or lowered signal the cage away until the gates or other
rigid fences with which the cage is provided are in position, and no person
other than an official or person authorised in writing by the manager to
give signals shall while riding in the cage interfere with the gates or fences.
21. (a) The onsetter at any entrance into a shaft which is provided
with a fence not worked by the cage or cages shall not begin to remove
the fence until either the cage is stopped at the entrance or it has reached
such a position in the shaft that by the time the fence is removed the cage
will be opposite the entrance, and shall close the fence immediately he has
signalled the cage away, and shall not permit any other person to remove
the fence while he is on duty.
For the purpose of the following regulations, cage includes kibble.
63. Every winding-engineman (unless some other competent person is
specially appointed for the purpose by the manager) shall, at the commencement of or during his shift, carefully examine the external parts of his engine,
the drum, the ropes upon the drum, the brakes, the signal bell and the
indicator showing the position of the cage in the shaft, and the automatic
contrivance, if any, for preventing overwinding. If any defect likely to
affect the proper working of the engine is discovered then or at any other
time, he shall not commence or continue winding until the matter has been
reported to the manager, or under-manager, or to the official under whose
direction he works, and he shall not resume winding until instructed t o do
so by the manager, under-manager or official as aforesaid.
64. Unless some other person is specially appointed for the purpose,
he shall during his shift keep the engine and apparatus connected therewith
under his charge properly cleaned and oiled.
65. He shall on no pretext leave the handles whilst the engine is in
motion, or when anyone is in the cage.
66. Should a signal be given indistinctly, or should he have any doubt
about a signal, he shall on no account set his engine in motion until a fully
understood signal is received.
67. Before raising or lowering any person after any cessation of winding
exceeding two hours he shall run the cage or cages at least once between
the shaft top and the lowest drawing level in order to ascertain whether
everything is in order, and if any defect is discovered likely to affect the
proper working of the winding apparatus he shall not commence winding
until the matter has been reported to the manager or under-manager, or
to the official under whose direction he works, and he is instructed to do
so by the manager, under-manager or official as aforesaid.
68. He shall not allow any unauthorised person to be in the enginehouse, nor shall he, without the written permission of the manager or of
the official under whose direction he works, allow anyone to work the engine.
He shall in no circumstances permit anyone, except with the authority
in writing of the manager, to work the engine while persons are being raised
or lowered in the shaft."
(R 10.7.1913)
304
X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
UNITED STATES
Federal
"46. (a) The hoist shall be operated only . . . when every person
not on duty in t h e hoist room is excluded from the room, except visitors
permitted by the lessee.
(c) After a n y stoppage of hoisting for repairs or for any other purpose
exceeding two hours in duration, a cage or other conveyance shall be run up
or down the shaft at least once before hoisting or lowering men.
(d) No hoisting shall be done in any compartment of a shaft while
repairs are being made in t h a t compartment except such hoisting as may be
necessary to make such repairs."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
VII.
Transportation
1. Hoisting,
(a) Where men are regularly transported into or out of
a mine, or underground by hoists, or on surface inclines, a qualified hoisting
engineer shall be on duty continuously while any person is underground,
except as provided in subsection ( b) of this section.
(b) (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.)
No engineer shall be required for automatically operated cages or platforms.
(c) The hoisting engineer shall operate the empty cages up and down
the shaft at least one round trip at the beginning of each shift and after
the hoist has been idle for one hour or more before hoisting or lowering men.
2. Cages, shafts, slopes, and surface inclines
(g) An attendant shall be on duty at the surface and all other cage
stations when men are being hoisted or lowered a t the beginning and end
of each operating shift. Persons entering or leaving the mine at other times
shall be properly instructed in the use of the signal system at the mine.
Where automatic elevators are used, and the elevator is in charge of a
competent person, no other attendant shall be required at the elevator station.
(I)
No person shall ride on a loaded cage."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"12. (a) At every shaft where men are hoisted or lowered by machinery,
the operator shall station a t the top and at the bottom of such shaft a
competent man who shall be and is hereby charged with the duty of attending
to signals, and is empowered to preserve order and enforce the rules governing the carriage of men on cages. Said top man and bottom man shall
be at their respective posts of duty at least half an hour before the hoisting
of coal begins in the morning, and remain for half an hour after the hoisting
ceases for the day.
(b) Cages on which men are riding shall not be lifted nor lowered at
a rate of speed greater than 600 ft./min. except with the written
consent of the inspector. No person shall carry any tools, timber or other
materials with him on any cage in motion, except for use in repairing the
shaft, and no one shall ride on a cage containing either a loaded or empty
9. WINDING OPBBATIONS
305
car. No cage having an unstable or self-dumping platform shall be used for
the carriage of men or materials, unless the same is provided with some
device by which said platform can be securely locked, and unless it is so
locked whenever men or materials are being conveyed thereon. No coal
shall be hoisted in any shaft while men are being lowered therein.
(c) Whenever men who have finished their day's work, or have been
prevented from further work, shall come to the bottom to be hoisted out,
an empty cage shall be given them for that purpose, unless there is an
available exit by slope or stairway in an escapement shaft, and providing
there is no coal at the bottom ready to be hoisted. I n case of injury or
bona fide illness, a man shall be given a cage at once."
(A 6.6.1911)
IVew Mexico
"1208. When men are transported in skips or cars in inclines there
shall be special provision in addition to the coupling to ensure against
accident should the coupling of any of the cars break or become detached
or through failure of the rope or its becoming detached at the socket.
1209. Where men enter shaft mines by cage or skip, the cage or skip
except when constantly in use shall be lowered to the bottom of the shaft
and raised to the surface just prior to the beginning of a shift and before
the men are permitted to be lowered.
1210. I n hoisting or lowering men with a bucket the speed, except in
the case of apprehended danger, shall not exceed 200 ft./min. when
the bucket is within 100 ft. of the surface or bottom or 500 ft./min.
in any other part of the shaft.
1212. The cage or bucket must not be left a t a level or station when
not attended but must be released and raised at least 5 ft. above the station
sill. Whenever any cage or bucket remains at a level or in such position
that men can step on it, the hoistman must remain at his brakes prepared
to answer signals.
1213. All timber, tools, etc., longer than depth of the bucket, cage or
skip to be hoisted or lowered, must be securely lashed at the upper end to
t h e cable in such a manner that they will ride u p or down the shaft without
catching."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 5 . No greater number of persons shall be lowered or hoisted at any
one time than may be permitted by the inspector, and notice of the number
so allowed to be lowered or hoisted a t any one time shall be kept posted
by the operator or the superintendent in conspicuous places at the top and
the bottom of the shaft. The aforesaid notice shall be signed by the inspector.
The speed of the cage when lowering or hoisting persons shall not exceed
900 ft./min."
(A 9.6.1911, art. VIII)
"Rule 15. No greater number of persons shall be lowered or hoisted at
any one time, in any shaft or slope, than is permitted by the inspector,
and whenever the said number of persons returning from work shall arrive
at the bottom of the shaft or slope in which persons are regularly hoisted
or lowered, they shall be promptly furnished with an empty cage or car
and be hoisted to the surface, and in cases of emergency a less number t h a n
the permitted number shall be promptly hoisted.
Any person crowding or pushing to get on or off the cage or car, thereby
endangering life, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanour
"
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
306
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
10. WINDING STAFF
CANADA
Alberta
"12. (1) No person, except a male of at least 19 years of age, shall
have charge of or operate any engine, windlass or gin, or any part of the
machinery, ropes, chains or tackle connected therewith, driven or worked
b y steam or any mechanical power or by animal or manual labour, used
for conveying persons in or about a mine, provided that the hoisting engineer in charge of a hoisting shaft shall be at least 21 years of age.
(2) Every person in charge of or operating an engine, windlass or gin,
or any part of the machinery, ropes, chains or tackle connected therewith,
used for conveying persons in any mine, shall at all times be possessed of a
certificate from a duly qualified medical practitioner, obtained not more
than six months before, t h a t he is mentally and physically fitted to perform
his duties and such medical certificate shall be kept in the mine office.
160. Hoisting engineers who shall be properly qualified and competent
shall be appointed in writing by t h e manager (or by the master mechanic
with the manager's approval), and such persons shall be familiar with the
details and working of hoisting engines."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"78. The winding-enginemen shall, before they are engaged and once
a year afterwards, undergo an examination for the purpose of ensuring
that they possess the necessary qualifications."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
HAOXAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS
"56. (1) Special banksmen and onsetters shall be appointed at the
bank and landings of main winding shafts. They shall not leave their
workplace while -winding is in progress. At the bank or at the landing that
is substituted for the bank they shall keep on the signals side of the landing
place.
(2) Their instructions in matters of winding shall be obeyed.
57. For staples and haulage inclines where the working parties do not
themselves work the winch or the braking appliance special persons shall
be appointed for the purpose. These persons shall keep within hearing of
the signals."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
MAN-WINDING
4
'
Winding-Enginemen.
71. (1) Persons shall be employed as winding-enginemen only if their
qualifications for such posts have been approved by the district inspector
on the basis of an examination undertaken by him, and have been made
responsible for the operation of the winding engine in question in manwinding operations.
(2) Persons shall be admitted to the examination only if they—
(a) are at least 25 years of age ;
(b) are mentally and physically suitable, a medical certificate being
furnished as to physical qualifications and, a t the request of the district
10. WINDING STAFE
307
inspector a new medical certificate being furnished when there is
any doubt as to physical adequacy ;
(c) have been employed in winding operations ;
(d) have operated a winding engine for a certain time for material winding
under the supervision of a responsible winding-engineman ;
(e) have received during the practical training at the winding engine,
as required by (d), instruction in winding procedure and the mechanism
and minding of the winding engine ;
(f) are perfectly familiar with the characteristics and the handling of
the winding engine to be operated and with its safety appliances.
72. (1) The winding-engineman operating the winding engine during
regular man-winding shall not be more than nine hours on duty. While he
is on duty he shall not be employed on other work than preparation for manwinding, minding and operating the winding engine, and assisting as second
engineman.
(2) During regular man-winding there shall be in the winding engine
room in addition to the winding-engineman a second person familiar with
the engine. During regular man-winding this person shall so place himself
that he can watch the working of the engine, and especially the movement
of the depth indicator, throughout the entire period of operation.
73 (1) The winding-engineman shall not begin regular man-winding
before the person exercising supervision at the bank has informed him t h a t
all man-winding appliances are in order.
(2) The winding-engineman shall carefully observe the signals given him.
(3) He shall be bound to report immediately to the manager any defect
or damage that he notices in the winding engine. The manager shall then
decide whether the winding engine shall continue to be used for manwinding before the defects have been removed.
Banksmen and Onsetters.
74. Posts of banksmen or onsetters shall be given only to reliable and
experienced persons who are at least 21 years of age. They shall have been
employed a t least six months underground in material winding operations ;
for banksmen at man-winding platforms at the surface six months' activity
in material winding operations a t the bank shall suffice.
75. During regular man-winding, banksmen or onsetters shall be
present at all landings between which regular man-winding is carried on.
76. So long as persons are in the mine or in the shaft, there shall be a
banksman a t the bank, unless arrangements can be made in some other
way between the bottom of the shaft and the surface.
77. During man-winding, banksmen or onsetters shall not leave the
landings ; they shall keep order while the cages are being entered and left,
determine the order in which the men shall travel, see t h a t the cages are
properly closed and give the necessary signals."
(R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
"49. (1) I t shall be prohibited to have a winding engine operated by
persons other than the ones exclusively responsible for this work.
(2) During the raising and lowering of a shift in a shaft, unless an
exemption is granted by the Inspector-General of Mines, a person who can,
if necessary, stop the winding engine shall remain by the winding-engineman.
68. (1) One or more supervisors shall be made responsible for supervision of transport in the shafts and the maintenance of the shaft and of
the transport installations.
308
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
(2) One or more members of the supervisory staff shall be made responsible for supervision of transport in staple pits and raises and the maintenance thereof and of the transport installations.
192. (1) Signallers in shafts and staple pits shall be at least 21 years
of age."
(MR 1939)
"67. (1) The instructions applying to winding-enginemen, signallers
and workers, charge-hands and supervisors responsible for the maintenance
of the whole winding installation shall be submitted for approval to the
Inspector-General of Mines, together with the application for authorisation
to undertake man-winding.
(2) A copy of the instructions applying to them shall be communicated
to the windmg-engmemen and signallers and also the personnel referred
to in sections 38 1 , 462, 47 2 , 51 s , 54?, 55 3 , 574, 585, and 60. 6 "
(IGR 24)
SOUTH AFRICA
No person may carry out the duties of banksman or onsetter unless
he is the holder of an onsetter's certificate signed by the manager and countersigned by the Inspector of Mines. Such certificate is available only
for the mine on which it is issued, and must be in the form prescribed by
the Government Mining Engineer (28).
No person other than the holder of an onsetter's certificate may give
or be caused or permitted to give any signals for the raising or lowering
of persons.
The manager may not appoint or issue a certificate to any person as
banksman or onsetter or authorise any person to give signals unless he has
by examination found that such person has a competent knowledge of the
shaft operations which he has to control, of the signals to be given in connection with such operations and of the regulations for such operations and
signals and for the duties of banksmen and onsetters.
Every appointment of a banksman or onsetter must be made in writing
(30).
No person may operate a winding engine used for man-winding unless
he is the holder of a winding engine-driver's certificate issued in accordance
with the regulations. I n special cases, however, an Inspector of Mines may
permit the employment of non-certificated drivers on such an engine when
not hoisting persons (41).
The Commission of Examiners for a winding engine-driver's certificate
of competency consists of an Inspector of Machinery (chairman), at least
one certificated mechanical engineer, at least one certificated electrical
engineer, and a t least two certificated winding engine-drivers (306).
An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination unless
he has satisfied the Commission that he is 21 years of age, is of a sober and
generally good character, and that he has had charge for at least ten months
of reversible hoists fitted with clutches and depth indicators, and operating
a t a normal speed of not less than 500 ft./min. and at least two months of
experience in working steam boilers.
The ten months of experience of hoists must include at least three months
in charge of steam hoists and three months in charge of electric hoists.
1
See
' See
1
See
' See
' See
Division
Division
Division
Division
Division
3 of this
7, Part B
5 of this
8 of this
2 of this
chapter.
of this chapter.
chapter.
chapter.
chapter.
10. WINDING STAFF
309
An applicant who can satisfy the Commission t h a t he has completed
a specified course of training may be accepted as having had the training
and experience equivalent to that required under the regulations.
An applicant who can satisfy the Commission t h a t he holds certain
specified certificates may be exempted from part of the ten months' experience.
An applicant who can submit a certificate granted to him by a certificated mine manager to the effect that he possesses certain specified experience may be accepted as having had training and experience equivalent
to that required under the regulations (307).
A certificate may not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that
neither the sight nor the hearing of the candidate is defective ; t h a t he is
not subject to any other infirmity, mental or physical, likely to interfere
with the efficient discharge of his duties ; and that, to the extent indicated
in the syllabus for the examination, he possesses a sufficient knowledge
of the working of winding plants, of winding operations, of other machinery
and ancillary equipment for winding purposes, and of the Mines and Works
Act and Regulations (308).
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
See Chapter VIII, Division 8.
UNITED STATES
Federal
" 1 7 . (a) Hoistmen shall be familiar with the operation of hoisting
engines, able to read and write English, and not less than 18 years of age.
( b) Hoistmen who hoist or lower men must have a physical examination
annually and present a certificate of health from a reputable physician.
46
(b) The hoistman shall not hold conversation with anyone while his
engine is in motion nor hoist or lower men at a speed greater than the rate
posted in the engine-room as a safe speed, and he shall bring the hoist to a
dead stop at a landing before turning over the control to a relief hoistman."
(R 23.12.1937)
Illinois
An applicant for a certificate of competency as steam hoisting engineer
must produce satisfactory evidence t h a t he is at least 21 years of age, has
had at least two years' experience as fireman or engineer of hoisting plant
and is of good repute and temperate habits. He must pass an examination
as to his experience in handling hoisting machinery and as t o his practical
and technical knowledge of boilers, hoisting engines, pumps, ropes, and
winding apparatus, and as to his knowledge of the state laws in relation
to man-winding and signalling.
An applicant for a certificate of competency as electrical hoisting engineer
must possess similar qualifications and produce satisfactory evidence t h a t
he has had sufficient experience of electrical equipment (2).
I t is unlawful to employ any person to hoist or lower men or to have
charge of the hoisting engine when men are underground if that person does
not hold an approved certificate of competency (3).
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
" 1214. Only an experienced, competent, sober hoist engineer, over
the age of 18 years, not suffering from deafness or from any other physical
310
X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN
defect that could in any way interfere with his competency, shall be placed
in charge of or allowed to operate an engine for the lowering of men into
or hoisting them, out of the mine."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"Duties of Hoisting Engineer
Rule 4. I t shall be the duty of the engineer, who shall be a sober,
competent person over 21 years of age, to keep a careful watch over his
engine and all machinery under his charge, and to see that the steam pressure
does not exceed a t any time the limit allowed by the superintendent. He
shall make himself acquainted with the signal codes provided for in this
Act.
He shall not allow any unauthorised person to enter the engine-house,
nor shall he allow any person to handle or run the engine without the permission of the superintendent.
When workmen are being lowered or raised he shall take special precautions to keep t h e engine well under control.
Duties of Gager
Rule 10. The eager at the bottom of any shaft shall be over 18 years
of age. He shall not attempt to withdraw the car until the cage comes to a
rest ; and, when putting the full car on the cage, he must be very careful
to see that the springs or catches are properly adjusted so as to keep t h e
car in its proper place, before giving the signal to the engineer.
Duties of Footman
Rule 11. A t every shaft or slope where persons are lowered into or
hoisted from the mine, a footman (who shall be over 21 years of age), shall
be designated by the superintendent or mine foreman. He shall be available
from the time t h a t persons begin to descend and so remain while persons
engaged in inining or transporting coal are underground. The footman
shall personally attend to the signals, and see that the provisions of this
Act in respect of hoisting persons in shafts or slopes are complied with.
The footman shall not allow any tools to be placed on the same cage
with persons or on either cage when they are being hoisted out of the mine,
except for the purpose of repairing the shaft or machinery therein. The
men shall place their tools in cars provided for that purpose, which cars
shall be hoisted before or after the men have been hoisted. He shall see
that no driver or other person ascends the shaft with any horse or mule.
The footman shall immediately inform
the mine foreman of any violation
of this rule or of general rule 15.1
Duties of Top Man
Rule 12. [Similar to Rule 11, above.]"
(A 9.6.1911, art. XXV)
1
See Division 9 ol thisjehapter.
CHAPTER XI
VENTILATION
1.
GENERAL1
BELGIUM
"16. For the purpose of the regulations concerning ventilation, lighting,
and the use of explosives, mines shall be classified as fiery mines and nonfiery mines.
Fiery mines shall be classified pit by pit by the Permanent Committee
of the Provincial Council, after consulting the mines inspector and after
hearing the mineowner.
The Minister of Industry, Labour and Social Welfare, after consulting
the Inspector-General of Mines, shall decide appeals from decisions of the
permanent committees.
17. In all underground workings, the purification of all points accessible
to the workers shall be ensured by an adequate current of pure air.
The speed of the current and the cross-section of the roads shall be
fixed with due regard to the number of workers, the extent of the workings,
and the emanations of mine gases.
The airways shall be easily accessible throughout thoir length.
18. The ventilation shall be provided by efficient, regular, continuous
and safe means.
19. Every current of air vitiated by an admixture of harmful or inflammable gases to an extent imperilling the workers' health or safety shall be
carefully kept away from all workplaces and frequented roads.
The extent of the workplaces shall be limited, if necessary, so as to
safeguard the workers in the return air current against excessive deterioration of the air.
20. The packs built to support the roof or to separate the haulage
roads from the corresponding air roads shall be as dense and as impermeable
as possible.
21. These packs shall be constantly extended to within a suitable
distance of the working faces, so that the air current is always in movement
to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases, but without moving too fast.
23. Abandoned and unventilated roads and workings shall b e made
inaccessible to the workers."
(R 28.4.1884)
CANADA
Alberta
"109. (1) An adequate amount of ventilation shall be constantly produced in every mine to dilute and render harmless all noxious or inflammable
gases to such an extent t h a t the working places of the shafts, levels, stables
1
For regulations concerning the ventilation oí fiery mines see also Chapter XII.
312
XI. VENTILATION
and workings of t h e mine, and the travelling roads to and from such work ing places shall be in a fit state for working and passing therein.
(2) On any longwall face where, by reason of the thinness of the
seam and other conditions, the quantity of 200 ft. 3 /min. per person
working on the face would create an excessive velocity or uncomfortable
conditions
would arise, the quantity on the face may be less than 200
ft. s /min. per person and animal if permission is obtained from the
District Inspector, who shall set out in writing the minimum amount of air
for each man and animal on such face.
(3) Every mine shall be divided into districts or splits containing not
more than 70 men in each district at any one time, and each district shall
be supplied with a separate current of fresh air.
(4) All intake air shall travel free from all stagnant water, stables and
old workings.
(5) On all main roads where a door is required the District Inspector
may order that two doors shall be placed in order that while one is open
the other shall remain closed.
110. (1) The air current shall be conducted and circulated to and along
the face of each and every working place throughout the entire mine in
sufficient quantities to dilute, render harmless and sweep away smoke and
noxious gases or inflammable gases to such an extent that all working
places and travelling roads shall be in a safe and fit state to work and travel
therein and thereon.
(2) No person shall brush or waft out gas from any working place in
the mine.
111. All worked-out or abandoned parts of a mine in operation shall
so far as practicable be kept free of dangerous bodies of gases or water and
if it is found impracticable to keep the entire mine free from an accumulation
of gases or water the District Inspector must be immediately notified.
112. Should t h e District Inspector find the sectional area of any airway
in a mine to be such that, to obtain the requisite quantity of air for ventilation, such a velocity of air current is or would be created as to raise and
keep in suspension an undue amount of dust, or as to cause dust to be carried
into the workings so as to be a source of danger, or should he consider the
cars, motors or other appliances passing along such airways materially
interfere with the free passage and efficiency of the air current, the inspector
may give notice in writing thereof to the owner, agent or manager of the
mine, and unless t h e same shall be forthwith remedied, the District Inspector
shall report the same to the Director of Mines, who shall forthwith take
such steps as he considers necessary to deal with the matter.
115. (1) All stoppings between intake and return airways shall be of
substantial construction and built in such manner as to prevent any undue
leakage of air.
(2) The space between the face of the stopping and the roadways shall
be kept free of obstructions.
116. I n case the size of the roadways or shafts be so restricted, by the
haulage of mine cars or in any other way, as to reduce the area of the road
available for the free passage of the air current, the owner, agent or manager
shall provide another airway or shaft to admit of the free passage of the air.
117. I n all headways and fast ends the ventilation shall be conducted
to the face of the working of the fast ends by means of brattice, air pipes or
vent tubes.
118. Cross-cuts shall be put through between rooms and in entries at
intervals of not more than 60 ft. unless ventilated by means of fans and
vent tube, air pipe or brattice, and not more than one working place and
1. GENERAL
313
cross-cut shall be allowed to be driven beyond the last cross-cut connected
with the general ventilation of the mine.
Provided, however, that in the case where special circumstances arise
or where the multiple entry system is used, the above provisions shall not
apply when a plan of the proposed workings has been submitted and approved in writing as to ventilation by the District Inspector.
119. All cross-cuts or break-throughs between entries and between
rooms shall be securely stopped off except the one next or closest to the face.
121. All escapeways shall be ventilated and all shafts shall be kept free
from vitiated air, accumulations of ice and obstructions of every kind, and
proper precautions shall be taken to prevent ice from accumulating in wet
shafts ; and all surface or other water shall be conducted by rings or other
means to receptacles so as to keep the stairways reasonably free from water.
122. At all mines using main and counter gangways with chutes passing
from the main entry or gangway to the room above, the loaders shall keep
the coal in the chutes above the bulkhead to prevent any short circuiting
of the air.
125. (1) I n every mine in which inflammable gas has not been found
within the preceding 12 months, an examiner or examiners appointed for
that purpose shall inspect, with a locked flame safety lamp or other approved
gas-testing device, that part of the mine being or intended to be worked
and the roadways leading thereto within four hours before the time of each
shift commencing work ; and he shall make a true report to the manager or
overman, at the time in charge of the mine, of the condition thereof as far
as safety and ventilation are concerned, and every report shall be truly
recorded without delay in a book which shall be kept at the mine for t h a t
purpose and shall be signed by the person making the inspection, and a copy
of the report shall be posted immediately in a conspicuous place a t the
mine, and no workman shall go to work in any such part until the copy
of the report has been posted up, stating that it and the roadways leading
thereto are safe.
(2) Similar inspections of all parts of the mine in which workmen are
to work during that shift shall be made at least twice during each eight-hour
shift but not necessarily with a flame-type safety lamp or other approved
gas-testing device, provided that there be an interval between inspections
of any working place of at least one hour.
(3) When making an inspection with a locked flame-type safety lamp
or other approved gas-testing device, the examiner shall not use or carry
any open flame lamp.
127. All airways in every mine which is being worked or is intended to
be worked shall be inspected at least once in every 24 hours by an examiner,
who shall, upon becoming aware of anything requiring attention, report the
same to the manager or overman, and shall enter a true report of each
inspection immediately in the daily report book.
128. One or more stations shall be appointed at the entrance to a mine
and may, with the consent in writing of the District Inspector, be appointed
at underground points thereof as the case requires, and no workman shall
pass beyond any station until the mine or part of the mine beyond the
same has been inspected and reported to be safe.
149
Rule 30. Where brattice or air pipes are required by the manager
or overman to be used for the ventilation of the working places the examiner
shall see t h a t they are kept sufficiently advanced to ensure that an
adequate amount of air reaches the working faces."
314
XI. VENTILATION
FRANCE
"145. (1) All Underground workings accessible to the workers shall be
traversed by a regular air current capable of purifying their atmosphere,
especially as regards harmful gases and fumes, and preventing any excessive
rise of temperature in them. The air supplied t o the mine shall be free from
harmful or flammable gases, vapours or dusts.
Insufficiently ventilated roads and workings shall be made inaccessible
t o the workers.
(2) The flow of the air current shall be such that each district receives
a t least 50 1/sec. of air per man present in the largest shift. The distribution
of the air among the workplaces in one and the same district shall have
regard to the number of workers in each of them.
(3) The purification of the atmosphere of the workings shall be such
as to avoid in t h e m both a deficiency of oxygen and the presence of toxic gases
in dangerous quantities ; a carbon monoxide content, even local, equal
t o or exceeding five parts in 10,000 shall, in particular, be considered
dangerous.
146. (1) Failing an exemption granted for good reasons the speed
of the air current at the workplaces shall be such that the readings of the
wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers shall be appropriate for the work
to be done.
(2) The speed of the air in the underground workings shall not exceed
8 m/sec. except in shaftB, cross-measure drifts and main return airways
which are not ordinarily used for the transport of mineral or the travel
of personnel ; a n exemption may be granted by the local inspection authority.
147. (1) Ventilation furnaces shall be prohibited.
(2) Except during the preparatory period, ventilation by upcast shafts
shall be prohibited.
148. (1) A regular air current shall not be obstructed either by equipment or by an accumulation of mineral or materials.
(2) The shafts, roadways and other passageways carrying an air current
shall be kept in a good state of repair and shall remain easily accessible
in all their parts, even to rescue men equipped with breathing apparatus.
(3) The main fans installed on the surface or underground shall not
prevent the1 personnel from reaching the means of egress referred to in
section 56. "
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"Fresh Air
Supply
87. (1) All mine workings shall be ventilated.
(2) This shall not apply to abandoned or temporarily idle workings
that are shut off by permanent stoppings.
88. (1) Ventilation by diffusion alone shall be prohibited.
(2) This shall not apply to headings up to 6 m in length when no accumulation of mine gases (section 126 a) is to be feared.
89. Any changes in the ventilation t h a t might affect another mine
shall be subject to agreement between the two managements concerned.
1
See Chapter III, Division 1.
» See Chapter X I I , Division 1.
1. GBKERAL
315
90. (1) The ventilation shall be so strong t h a t nowhere does t h e air
current contain as much as 1 per cent, firedamp, and other harmful
gases are adequately diluted.
(2) Every ventilation district and every working place shall be provided
with a quantity of air such that there is at least 6 m 3 /min. for each man.
With the approval of the District Mining Office this minimum quantity
of air may be reduced to 4 m 3 /min.
(3) The quantities of air required by subsections (1) and (2) for the largest
shift shall not be reduced for smaller shifts or for shifts that are not worked.
91. (1) The air velocity shall not exceed 6 m/sec.
(2) This shall not apply to main shafts, air pipes or main air roads not
regularly used for haulage or travel.
92. Horizontal and inclined roads conveying air to and from the face
workings shall have a clear height of at least 1.30 m. Exceptions as regards air
overcrossings in the seam may be allowed by the district inspector.
93. I n air roads that are not provided with other suitable haulage
equipment, rails shall be laid to enable repairs to be carried out in good
time. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Mining Office.
97. (1) If a workplace cannot be efficiently ventilated (section 90) by
the main air current, special ventilation shall be provided.
(2) I t shall be prohibited t o ventilate a workplace by means of a compressed-air jet alone.
(3) The special ventilation shall be interrupted only for maintenance
purposes, and during the interruption the specially ventilated parts of the
mine shall not be occupied.
Air
Circulation
98. The air current shall not be led through the waste except in an
air road.
99. In every district a passage (Durchschlag) shall first be driven
to the upper level and through ventilation provided for every seam in which
secondary or gate roads are about to be driven or coalgetting is about
to begin.
100. (1) Face workings shall be through ventilated.
(2) Workplaces, the ventilation of which by diffusion alone is not
allowed (section 88) shall be so ventilated that the working face is continuously swept by the fresh air and the foul air cannot mix with the fresh air.
(3) Rises in seam horizons to which sections 133 to 149 J respecting
stone-dusting apply, shall be ventilated with the help of boreholes. Exceptions may be allowed by the district inspector.
101. Return air from the preparatory and development workings
in unworked areas shall not be led to the working face. Exceptions may
be allowed by the district inspector.
102. From any road or twin road two or more development workings
to the rise shall only be driven simultaneously subject to the authorisation
of the District Mining Office.
103. (1) The air current shall not be driven downwards. This shall
not apply to—
(a) downcast main shafts;
(b) rising and dipping preparatory and development workings:
• See Chapter XIII, Division 2.
21
316
XI. VENTmATION
(c) workings with a gradient of less than 10°;
(d) workings not exceeding 20 m in length connected from above or below
to a road being driven through the seam.
(2) To dip workings that are not covered by subsection (1) air may
be led downwards subject to the authorisation of the district inspector
when it is conveyed through a special closed airway to the deepest point
of the dip working.
(3) Return air from rise workings that are not covered by subsection
(1) may be led downwards subject to the authorisation of the district
inspector if it is conveyed through a special enclosed airway and is not
further used.
104. The intake air current shall be so divided that as many ventilation
districts as possible are formed.
105. (1) A district is a ventilation district when in the intake and
return airways and also in other connecting roads
it is protected by main
barriers in accordance with section 135 (3) 1 against other air currents.
If this condition is not satisfied a number of working places shall constitute
a ventilation district.
(2) Pace workings which are situated one behind another in the same
air current, or face workings that have a common intake airway or return
airway in the seam, shall be deemed to be a ventilation district.
107. I t shall be prohibited to carry air currents side by side or one
over another in different directions in the same shaft. This shall not apply
during shaft-sinking and the necessary opening-up work."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions
for the approval of the driving of raises without previously holing through
(5 May 1936).
NETHERLANDS
"84. Whenever the natural ventilation does not supply sufficient fresh
air it shall be supplemented by means of suitable power-driven fans.
85. The shaft fans shall be of such capacity t h a t they can deliver
a t least 3 m 3 /min. of fresh air per man to the underground workings.
86. (1) The quantity of fresh air delivered to every worker in every
part of the underground workings shall amount to at least 2 m 3 /min.:
t h e quantity of air required at a working face when the number of workers
is at its maximum shall not be reduced for the benefit of other working
faces when the number of workers is smaller.
(2) Records shall be available at the surface from which it is always
possible to determine how many workers are present in each part of the
underground workings.
(3) The quantity of fresh air required under subsection (1) shall be
adequately increased in mines or parts of mines where internal-combustion
locomotives or haulage animals are used.
87. (1) Whenever the quality of the air noticeably deteriorates owing
to the admixture of harmful gases or otherwise so that the life or health of
the workers is imperilled, whenever there is a serious disturbance in the
ventilation, or whenever the air supply is not sufficient to keep the methane
content in the return air current of a working face or a workplace continuously below 1.6 per cent, by volume, then the work, except that necessary
1
See Chapter XIII, Division 2.
1. GENERAL
317
for improving the ventilation, shall be stopped at the places concerned
and the places shall be evacuated.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered to grant temporary exemption in respect of specified places from the provision of subsection (1) concerning the permissible msthane content.
(3) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be notified as soon as possible
of any stoppage of work under subsection ( 1 ).
(4) Working shall not be resumed before the conditions have, in the
judgment of the mine management, been sufficiently improved.
88. (1) Stone drifts and bottom and main air roads shall have a crosssectional area of at 2least 2 m 2 ; other air roads shall have a cross-sectional
area of at least 1 m unless the Inspector-General of Mines, having regard
to the risk of gas and coal-dust, considers a larger area necessary ; all other
air connections shall have an adequate cross-sectional area.
(2) Air roads shall be passable at all times and maintained in good
order.
89. (1) The ventilation shall be suitably arranged ; as far as possible,
independent districts shall be formed each with its air circuit entirely separate
from the others.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines may, after consulting the mine
manager, require that the number of workers in a ventilation district shall
not exceed a maximum prescribed by him.
(3) Failing exemption by the Inspector-General of Mines it shall b e
prohibited to begin working in a district before separate air roads for the
delivery and return of the air have been provided.
90. (1) The air shall be led to the workplaces by the shortest possible
route.
(2) The air shall traverse the working faces ascensionally and shall
be led away ascensionally ; both requirements shall be deemed to be satisfied
if the air current nowhere dips more than 10°.
(3) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered to grant complete or partial exemption from the provisions of subsection (2).
(4) The air used for the ventilation of stables for haulage animals or of
underground battery chambers shall be led away along the shortest possible
route, and without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines
shall not be further used for ventilation purposes.
92. (1) Auxiliary fans or other equipment for intensifying the air
current shall be set in motion in such good time that during the working
period no accumulation of harmful gases can occur at the workplaces ;
during the working period they shall be kept continuously in operation.
(2) In the laying out of workings two adequately separated air roads
or air connections of adequate cross-section shall always be provided by
means of which the air current is so led along the working face that ventilation exclusively by diffusion does not occur over any distance exceeding
20 m ; if undesirable quantities of harmful gases occur the said distance
shall be adequately reduced.
94. Arrangements which serve to increase the air supply to a workplace
shall be so made that the air used at the place cannot again be used for
ventilation purposes.
95. (1) Without express orders from a responsible supervisor, the
workers shall be prohibited from doing anything whereby the ventilation
in the whole or a part of the underground working might be altered. All
supervisors concerned shall be notified of alterations in the ventilation.
(2) Irregularities in the ventilation and also the presence of firedamp
shall be immediately notified by the workers to the supervisory staff. The
318
XI. VENTILATION
supervisory staff shall be bound to bring this notification, as well as any
irregularities in the ventilation or the presence of firedamp that has otherwise come t o their knowledge, as soon as possible to the notice of the management.
(3) As soon as an ignition of firedamp or coal-dust, however small,
ha8 occurred, work at the place, except rescue work, shall be stopped, and the
Inspector-General of Mines and the workmen's examiner authorised to
inspect the mine shall be immediately notified of the ignition.
(4) Work shall only be resumed with the authorisation of the InspectorGeneral of Mines."
(MR 1939)
SOUTH AFRICA
"56. (1) The vicinity of the collars of downcast shafts shall be kept
clear of cinder heaps and, so far as practicable, of smoke.
(2) T h e ventilating current from the downcast shall be suitably split
to provide sufficient air to all working places.
(3) I n all portions of a mine or workings where the natural ventilating
current is insufficient, suitable mechanical appliances for ventilation shall
be provided and operated.
57. Underground workings, especially shafts, sumps and winzes, which
have been in disuse for some time, shall be examined before being again
used, in order to ascertain whether foul air or other dangerous gases have
accumulated there, and only such workmen as may be necessary to make
such examination shall be allowed to proceed to such places until such
places are in a fit state to work or travel in. When these underground
workings are situated in coal mines, flame safety lamps shall be used in
making such examination.
63. I n every coal mine—
(1) An adequate supply of fresh air shall be provided, such that in any
sample of air taken under normal working conditions from any part of the
mine not less t h a n one hour after blasting—
(a) the proportion of carbon monoxide shall not exceed one volume
per 10,000 of air ;
(b) no practically detectable trace of the oxides of nitrogen (NO andN0 2 )
shall b e present.
(2) Notification shall be immediately made to the Inspector of Mines
of the detection of marsh gas when such gas has not been found in the mine
within the previous three months ; wherever dangerous quantities of marsh
gas or carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide are found to be present therein,
the Inspector of Mines may order the suspension of work in such mine
pending the establishment of a satisfactory degree of ventilation.
(5) I n each ventilating district there shall be a return airway leading
t o the main return airway of the mine. All such return airways, including
the main return airway, shall be kept fenced off from disused workings
and maintained in a proper state of repair so as to allow them to be traversed
without danger. A shift boss or other official shall be appointed by the
manager t o inspect all such airways at least once a fortnight and shall
record the result of his inspection in a book provided for the purpose by the
manager and kept in the mine office.
64. I n every coal mine not exempted in writing by the Inspector of
Mines—
1.
GENBEAL
319
(2) Drilling or coal cutting at the face shall not be started or continued
in places where the coal which has previously been broken down has been
piled so as to occupy more than half the sectional area of the place. Where
brattice is used for ventilating purposes, the coal shall not be piled on the
narrow side of the brattice.
The Inspector of Mines may exempt collieries wholly or in part from the
requirements of this section in cases in which the system of working is
such that coal remaining in the working place offers no impediment to the
efficient ventilation of the working places or other parts of the mine.
(3) The return air shall be carried off clear of the fire of any ventilating
furnace by means of a dumb drift or airway. The Inspector of Mines has,
however, power to prohibit the use of a furnace.
65
(11) No ventilating district shall at any time contain more than 200
persons.
(12) When the ventilating fan has been stopped for repairs or for any
other reason, a notice shall be posted at the entrance to the mine notifying
the oncoming shift that it has been stopped."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
I t is the duty of the manager to take such steps as are necessary for
securing that there is constantly produced in all parts of the mine below
ground ventilation adequate for (a) diluting gases that are inflammable
or noxious so as to render them harmless, and removing them ; and (b)
providing air containing a sufficiency of oxygen.
Ventilation produced in a part of a mine must be deemed not t o be
adequate if (a) the amount of carbon dioxide in the general body of the air
in that part exceeds 1.25 per cent, by volume, or (b) the amount of oxygen
in the general body of the air in that part is less than 19 per cent, by volume ;
and regulations may provide that the ventilation produced in a part of the
mine shall be deemed not to be adequate if the amount of inflammable or
noxious gas (other than carbon dioxide) exceeds a prescribed percentage
by volume. In connection with the above requirements the manager must
have regard to the desirability of securing the maintenance of working conditions that are reasonable so far as regards the temperature and humidity
of the atmosphere and the amount of dust therein.
Where in any part of a mine required to be ventilated, the ventilation
is interrupted or ceases to be adequate, it is the duty of the manager to
secure that, until the ventilation is restored, access to t h a t part of the mine
is so restricted as to prevent from entering it any person not authorised to do
so (55).
I t is the duty of the manager of every mine that contains any waste to
secure either (a) that there is consequently produced in t h a t waste ventilation adequate for the purposes mentioned in section 55 ; or (b) t h a t appropriate steps are taken for the purpose of minimising dangerous emissions from
that waste of inflammable or noxious gas.
This section does not apply to waste that (a) is stopped off in a prescribed manner or a manner approved by an inspector ; or (b) is stowed up ;
or (c) other waste with respect to which it is known that there is therein no
inflammable gas and either no noxious gas or no noxious gas in a dangerous
concentration (56).
If an inspector is of opinion, with respect to a part of a mine t h a t is
required to be ventilated, that in the interests of the safety or health of the
persons employed in that part it is necessary or expedient to improve the
ventilation produced therein, he may serve a notice on the manager
requiring either that the ventilation shall conform to such requirements
320
XI. VENTILATION
as may be specified in the notice or that such works for improving as may
be specified in the notice shall be executed (57).
I t is not lawful to use a fire for ventilation in a mine, or, except with the
consent of an inspector, to release in a mine compressed air for the purpose
of diluting or removing inflammable or noxious gas (58).
At every coal mine there must be provided in a conspicuous place a
barometer, which in prescribed cases must be of a prescribed kind.
Regulations may require the provision a t prescribed places in mines of
prescribed instruments for measuring the temperature and humidity of the
atmosphere.
Every instrument provided under the foregoing requirements must be
properly maintained, and regulations may require that any such instrument
shall be read by prescribed persons at prescribed times and that the readings
shall be recorded in a book to be kept at the mine for that purpose (60).
(A 1954)
" 9 1 . (a) All stoppings between main intake and main return airways
shall either—
(i) be constructed of tight stone, dirt, sand or rubbish packing at least
5 yd. thick, or
(ii) be constructed of tight stone, dirt, sand or rubbish packing at least
3 yd. thick, and have the end of the packing nearest the intake
airway faced with a wall of masonry, brickwork or concrete not less
than 9 in. thick, the face of which shall be covered with a coating
of mortar so as to prevent leakage of air.
(b) The space between the face of the stopping and the roadway shall
be kept clear."
(R 10.7.1913)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"58. The lessee shall provide a ventilating current of not less than
100 ft. 3 /min. of3 air for each person employed underground on any
shift and 500 ft. /min. for each mule or horse or such larger amounts
as may be required by the regulations of the state in which the leased land
is located; and said ventilating current shall be measured for the number
of men and mules served by each split of air a t the entry, cross-cut, or breakthrough nearest the face. Not more than 75 men shall be employed on any
split of air current unless written permission to employ a larger number
temporarily is given by the district mining supervisor.
60. A working place, entry, or passageway shall not be deemed normally
in a fit condition for the presence of men if the air therein, as determined by
approved methane detectors, chemical analysis, or a safety lamp, contains
on a moisture-free basis any carbon monoxide or more than 2 per cent, of
methane a t the working place or 0.75 per cent, in the general body of the air
or less than 19.5 per cent, of oxygen. Upon finding the air in unfit condition
in any working place, entry, or passageway, or receiving notification of such
finding, the lessee shall immediately withdraw the workmen from the area
until t h e quality of the air therein has been improved sufficiently to meet
the foregoing requirements.
64. If the extraction of any part of the coal on a lease requires main
slopes, levels, or entry-ways for ventilation and escapeways more than
4,000 ft. in length beyond the nearest air shaft or place of egress, the entries
and airways extending to such section or area shall be not less than four in
number : Provided t h a t where only two passageways are driven out by
the 4,000-ft. section or area, a pillar shall be left of sufficient width to permit
the driving of the two additional passageways. Separated pairs of parallel
1.
GENERAL
321
entries entering such area, properly maintained, will fulfil the foregoing
requirements ; and if coal on leased land is to be mined from a mine already
existing either on public domain or on private land and in the opinion of
the district mining supervisor the ventilation passageways and escapeways are adequate, said requirements may be waived.
65. (a) Cross-cuts or break-throughs between main haulage entries,
which are no longer needed for ventilation, shall be closed with stoppings
made of incombustible material and sealed as airtight as possible.
(b) Overcasts and undercasts shall be of fireproof construction, preferably of the same cross-sectional area as that of the entry, with a maximum
area requirement of 100 ft. 2 ."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
V.
Ventilation and Mine Oases
1. Main fans
(g) When the main fan of a non-gassy mine fails or stops and cannot
be started within a reasonable time, the men shall be withdrawn from the
face regions. If ventilation is not restored within a reasonable time, all
persons shall be removed from the mine, and the mine shall be examined by
properly certified persons before the men are permitted again underground.
(h) Main fans shall be operated continuously, except when the mine
is shut down, with all men out of the mine. In such event, after the fan has
been started, the mine shall be examined for gas and other hazards and made
safe before men, other than the examiners, are permitted in the mine.
3. Volume of air. (a) (Section 209 (d) (1)—Title II.) The volume and
velocity of the current of air shall be sufficient to dilute so as to render harmless,
and to carry away, flammable or harmful gases.
(b) (Section 209 (d) (1)—Title II.) The quantity of air reaching the
last open cross-cut in any pair or set of entries shall not be less than 6,000 ft?¡min.,
except that the quantity of air reaching the last open cross-cut in any
pair or set of entries in3 pillar sections may be less than 6,000 ft?¡min.
if not less than 6,000 ft. /min. of air is being delivered to the intake end
of the pillar line.
4. Coursing of air. (a) The main intake and main return air currents
in slope mines driven after the effective date of this code shall be in separate
openings. The main intake and main return air currents in a single shaft
sunk after the effective date of this code shall be separated by a curtain
wall or partition substantially constructed of fireproof material.
(b) All entries driven in coal after the effective date of this code shall
be in sets of two or more.
(c) Permanently installed underground stables, battery-charging stations,
transformer stations and substations, except substations installed prior
to the effective date of this code, shall be ventilated by separate splits of
air conducted directly to the return air courses. Electrically operated
pumps and compressors, portable substations and battery-charging stations
shall be in well-ventilated places.
(d) Changes in ventilation that materially affect the main air current
or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is not in operation and
with no men in the mine other than those engaged in changing the ventilation.
(e) The number of men on a split shall conform to the requirements
of the law of the state in which the mine is situated.
5. Quality of air. (a) (Section 209 (d) (1)—Title II.) All active
underground working places in a mine shall be ventilated by a current
322
X I . VENTILATION
of air containing not less than 19.5 per cent, of oxygen, not more than 0.5 per
cent, of carbon dioxide, and no harmful quantities of other noxious or poisonous
gases.
6. Cross-cuts and stoppings, (a) Cross-cuts shall be made between
entries and between rooms at intervals in accordance with the applicable
state law ; provided, however, that in no case shall the distance between
cross-cuts exceed 105 ft.
(b) Cross-cuts between intake and return air courses shall be closed,
except the one nearest the face ; cross-cuts between rooms shall be closed
where necessary t o provide adequate ventilation at the working face.
(c) Where practicable a cross-cut shall be provided at or near the
face of each entry or room before the place is abandoned.
(d) Entries or rooms shall not be started off an entry beyond the last
open cross-cut ; provided, however, t h a t room necks and entries not to
exceed 18 ft. in depth may be turned off an entry beyond the last open
cross-cut if such room necks or entries are kept free of accumulations of
methane by use of line brattice or other adequate means.
(e) On entries other than room entries, stoppings in cross-cuts between
intake and return airways shall be built of solid, substantial, incombustible
material, such as concrete, concrete blocks, brick, or tile. In mines where
physical conditions exist because of heavy or caving ground so as to make
the use of concrete, concrete blocks, brick, or tile impracticable, timbers
laid longitudinally 'skin to skin' may be used.
(f) Stoppings shall be reasonably airtight."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
" 14.1. Ample means of ventilation to furnish a constant and adequate
supply of pure air for the employees shall be provided and maintained.
I n every mine the minimum quantity of3 air shall not be less than 150 ft. 3 /min.
for each person employed and 500 ft. for each animal in use, measured
a t the foot of t h e downcast and of the upcast ; provided t h a t in any
mine wherein explosive gas is being generated in such quantities that it can
be detected by a n approved safety lamp the minimum quantity of air shall
not be less than 200 ft. 3 /min. for each person employed therein. The inspector shall have power by order in writing to require these quantities to
be increased. Provided that—
(a) the minimum amount of air in the last open cross-cut on the entry
shall be a minimum of 6,000 ft. 3 /min. ;
(b) the minimum permissible amount of oxygen in the air to be found
in the last open cross-cut in any set of entries shall be 19.5 per cent.
oxygen by volume;
(c) not more t h a n 1 per cent, methane in air shall be permitted outby the
last working place in the return air course on any split of air.
14.2. The m a i n current of air shall be so split or subdivided as to give
a separate current of reasonably pure air to every 100 men at work, and
the inspector shall have authority to order, in writing, separate currents
for smaller groups of men, if, in his judgment, special conditions render
it necessary.
14.3. Doors, curtains or brattices shall be placed at such places as
may be designated by the mine manager, subject to the approval of the
state inspector, to conduct into the working places an amount of air sufficient
to render the working places reasonably free from deleterious air of every
kind.
14.4. Away from the pillar for the mine bottom, cross-cuts between
entries shall not b e made more than 60 ft. apart without permission of the
Mining Board. When such consent is given means must be provided within
30 ft. of the face t o furnish for each man and each animal employed therein
1. GENERAL
323
not less than 200 ft. 3 /min. of air per man and not less than 500 ft. 3 /min.
of air per animal. Such air shall be taken from a current of not less
than 6,000 ft. 3 /min. of air. But such consent shall not be granted except
in case of fault or to experiment and test some new method or plan of mining
coal. Any person desiring to test some new method or plan of mining
coal that proposes to drive entries without cross-cuts must first inform the
Department of such desire. Thereupon the Department shall fix a date
for the investigation and hearing before the Mining Board of such methods
and plans and notify all parties interested of such date when the employer
and employees may be represented at such hearing. Any new method
of mining during the experimental state shall be under the direct supervision of the Department by and through its consent only.
When undercut or sheared, or undercut and sheared, the entry, cross-cut,
and room-neck may be advanced concurrently, but not more than one
cutting shall be shot in the room-neck until the cross-cut is finished.
When not undercut or sheared, the entry and cross-cut may be advanced
concurrently, but no room shall be opened in advance of the last open crosscut, and after the entry has advanced 15 ft. beyond the location of a new
cross-cut only one shot shall be fired in the entry to two in the cross-cut
a t the same shooting time.
14.5. The first cross-cut between all rooms of any entry shall not be
more than 60 ft. from the rib of the entry. Additional cross-cuts shall not
be more than 60 ft. apart ; Provided t h a t if the conditions are such t h a t
in the judgment of the duly accredited representative of the Department,
expressed in writing, it is considered equally safe and more advantageous
to leave a blind pillar between not less than every three rooms, the Department shall have power to grant the authority to leave said pillar subject
to review by the Department on formal complaint of the representative
of either party in interest and after an open hearing.
14.6. I n cross-cuts connecting main and cross entry inlet and outlet
air courses, the permanent stoppings shall be erected of masonry, concrete,
or other incombustible material, and shall be erected within 600 ft. of the
face of main and cross entries at all times. Temporary stoppings of wood
or other equally effective material shall be maintained, as nearly airtight
as possible, between the last permanent stopping and the cross-cut nearest
the face in main and cross entries. I n room and stub entries the stoppings
shall be built of wood or other equally effective material. All stoppings
shall be kept in good condition, so as to keep the air up to the working faces.
14.9. The air from the outlet of the stable shall not pass into the intake
air current used for ventilating the working parts of the mine.
14.12. If the inspector shall find men working without the amount
of air required by law, he shall at once notify the mine manager to increase
the amount of air in accordance with the law. Upon the failure or refusal
of the manager to act promptly, and in all cases where men are endangered
by such lack of air, the inspector shall at once order the men affected out
of the mine."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1401. Every operator of any coal mine which shall have attained
a distance of 100 ft. in depth of shaft or length of slope, entry or drift
from the surface, or from the bottom of the shaft, shall use all reasonable
means
to provide an adequate amount of ventilation of not less than 100
ft. 3 /min. of pure
air for each person at work in said mine and not less
than 300 ft. 3 /min. of pure air for each mule, horse or burro used in said
mine, and to cause such air to be forced by proper appliance through
said mine to the face of each and every working place in such manner as
to render harmless and expel therefrom all dangerous or poisonous gases ;
324
XI. VENTILATION
and shall use reasonable care at all times to keep all workings in operation
in said mine free from standing gas. All underground workings more
than 500 ft. from a surface opening must be ventilated by a fan installed
on the surface.
1407. After the passage of this Act a ventilating furnace shall not be
used at any coal mine in the state, regardless of the number of men employed
therein.
1408. In any mine all entries shall be driven in pairs or more except
that in case of emergency special permit in writing may be granted by the
state mine inspector for the driving of a single entry. In no case shall a
place or places be turned off of an entry ahead of the last open cross-cut.
1409. All stoppings, overcasts, and undercasts between intakes and
returns hereafter constructed shall be substantially built, if practicable,
of masonry, concrete or other incombustible material of ample strength,
airtight and well hitched into the rib. New, or renewal of all air stoppings,
overcasts and undercasts between intakes and returns shall be made in
accordance with the above requirement.
1414. In case of stoppage of the fan for more than 30 minutes in a
gassy mine or more than four hours in a non-gassy mine, all men shall be
immediately withdrawn from the mine and no men shall be permitted to
enter the mine until the fan has been in operation for two hours and the
mine examiners have returned to the surface and reported the mine safe.
No fan shall be reversed while men are in the mine unless authority to do so
is given, preferably in writing, by the mine foreman, superintendent, state
inspector, or other responsible person.
1415. The air in any unsealed place shall be considered unfit for men
if it shall be found to contain less than 19 per cent, oxygen, more than
1 per cent, carbon dioxide or a harmful amount of poisonous gas, and
men shall be prohibited from working in such place except for the purpose
of rendering it safe and fit.
1418. All worked-out areas or areas abandoned temporarily or permanently, that cannot be so ventilated as to prevent the accumulation of
explosive and noxious gases, or t h a t are not kept thoroughly dusted, shall
be sealed off by substantial fireproof stoppings keyed or recessed into the
rib. Such areas sealed hereafter shall have one or more pipes with closed
valve or valves extending through the seal for testing the gases behind the
stopping."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 2 . The mine foreman shall devote the whole of his time to his duties
in the mine when the mine is in operation, and shall keep a careful watch
over the ventilating apparatus, the ventilation, airways, travelling ways,
timbering, and drainage, and shall see that all stoppings along airways
are
properly built, as provided for in section 5 of article I X of this Act. 1
He shall also see that proper cut-throughs are made in the pillars of all
rooms
and of all entries, in accordance with section 3 of article I X of this
1
Act , and that they are closed when necessary so that the ventilating current
can be conducted in sufficient quantity through the last cut-through to the
face of each room and entry by means of check doors. He shall not permit
any room or entry to be turned in advance of the ventilating current or in
advance of the last cut-through in the entry, excepting room-necks, which
may, with the consent of the inspector, be turned by entrymen driving
entries.
1
See below.
1. GENERAL
325
4. I n ease of accident to a ventilating fan or its machinery, whereby the
ventilation of the mine would be seriously interrupted, or where the fan
has been stopped for a period of time not exceeding 30 minutes in a gaseous
mine, and 60 minutes in a non-gaseous mine, the mine foreman shall order
the men to withdraw immediately from the mine. If the mine foreman
shall deem it necessary he may withdraw the men from a gaseous mine in
less than 30 minutes and from a non-gaseous mine in less than 60 minutes.
H e shall not allow them to return to their work until the ventilation has
been restored, and the mine has been thoroughly examined by him or by an
assistant mine foreman or fire boss, and reported safe.
5. The mine foreman shall notify the superintendent, in writing,
whenever in his opinion the mine is becoming dangerous through the lack
of ample ventilation at the face of entries, rooms and other portions of the
mine, caused by the undue length of entries and airways, or from any other
cause, resulting in the accumulation of gas or coal-dust, or both, in various
portions of the mine. The superintendent shall then notify the inspector
of the report of the mine foreman, requesting him to come to make a
personal examination, and if he finds it is becoming dangerous he shall
at once direct the superintendent to proceed to have it put in safe condition,
and, if necessary, have an additional opening of ample dimensions sunk
from the surface to the interior, which opening can be used as an outlet
or inlet for the air, and also as an escapeway in case of necessity.
In all mines generating explosive gas in quantities sufficient to be detected
by an approved safety lamp, the mine foreman shall see that, when the
permanent station of the fire boss is located a mile or more from the
entrance to the mine, all abandoned, finished or unfinished workings, in
the intervening distance between the permanent station and the entrance
to the mine, are completely shut off from the main intake or manway
headings of the mine by stoppings of masonry, concrete, or some other
incombustible material of sufficient thickness to keep explosive or noxious
gases from coming in contact with the intake air or with the persons
employed therein."
(A 9.6.1911, art. IV)
"1. The operator or the superintendent of every mine shall provide
and maintain ample means of ventilation to furnish a constant and adequate supply of pure air for the employees. In a non-gaseous mine the
minimum quantity of air shall not be less than ISO ft. s /min. for each
person employed. I n a mine wherein explosive gas is being generated
in such quantities that it can be detected by an approved safety lamp,
the minimum quantity of air shall not be less than 200 ft. 3 /min. for each
person employed therein, and as much more in either case as one or more
of the inspectors may deem requisite. The return air from each split
where from 70 to 90 persons are employed shall be conducted by an
overcast or an undercast into the return airway, which shall lead to the
main outlet.
The ventilation shall be conducted through the main entries, cross
entries and to the working faces of all working places in the mine in sufficient quantities to dilute, carry off, and render harmless the smoke and the
noxious and dangerous gases generated therein, to such an extent t h a t all
working places and travelling roads shall be in a safe and healthy condition
for the persons working and travelling therein.
No permanent door shall be erected or allowed to remain in the main
entry in any mine, unless its removal shall be deemed impracticable by the
inspector.
2. Where five or more persons are employed at any one time in a mine, it
shall be the duty of the operator or the superintendent to provide ample
ventilation in accordance with section 1 of this article : Provided that
it shall not be lawful to use a furnace for ventilating any mine wherein
explosive gas is being generated.
Six months after the passage of this Act, not more than 70 persons shall
be permitted to work in the same continuous air current unless in the
326
XI. VENTILATION
judgment of the inspector of the district it is impracticable to comply
with this requirement, in which case a larger number, not exceeding 90
persons, may be permitted to work therein.
3. Cut-throughs in entry pillars and in pillars of rooms driven in the
'room and pillar' system of mining shall be provided, not less than 16 yd.
nor more than 35 yd. apart. I n mines or portions of mines developed for
the purpose of raining by a system other than the 'room and pillar', all
openings, except entries, may be driven 50 yd. without cut-throughs,
provided the following regulations are enforced :
(1) t h a t sufficient air be circulated to and along the face of each entry,
cut-through, chamber, or other opening to sweep away and render
harmless all smoke, noxious and explosive gases;
(2) in gaseous mines there shall be kept, at the face of every working
place, while the men are at work, a t least one approved safety lamp,
if such place is driven more than 105 ft. without a cut-through ;
(3) t h a t in every mine, where a working place is driven more than
105 ft. without a cut-through, said place shall be examined by a mine
official a t least three times a day while the men are or should be at
work;
(4) in mines where it is necessary to drive openings more than 105 ft.
off any entry or other road, not more than two such places shall be
advanced a t the same time, and not more than three places shall be
advanced a t the same time in any air split without proper connection
with the air circuit ;
(5) booster and/or blower fans shall not be used in gaseous mines for the
purpose of ventilating workings having no connection with the air
circuit, unless equipped with government-approved
flameproof
electric motor : Provided, however, t h a t the location of such fans shall
have the approval of the inspector of the district ;
(6) in all gaseous mines, where places are driven more than 105 ft. without
the formation of an air circuit, the coal-dust in the entries shall be
rendered inert to explosibility, by the application of shale dust or any
other incombustible material, and the coal-dust in all other openings
shall be taken care of as now provided by law.
5. I n all mines all new stoppings in cut-throughs between the main
intake and return airways shall be substantially built of masonry, concrete,
or other incombustible material, and shall be of ample strength ; and in
mines generating explosive gas all new stoppings and renewals of old stoppings in cross entries shall be built of masonry, concrete, or other incombustible material. Stoppings in cross entries in non-gaseous mines may
be built of timber. All stoppings shall be kept in good condition so as
to keep the air u p to the working faces. Temporary stoppings shall be
erected in cut-throughs in rooms to conduct the ventilation to the face of
each room, and such stoppings may be constructed of timber or brattice
cloth.
7. In every mine all new air bridges, overcasts or undercasts shall be
substantially built of masonry, concrete, or other incombustible material,
of ample strength, or shall be driven through the solid strata. I t shall be
the duty of the mine foreman to see that these bridges are properly built
and are of ample strength.
9. No product of petroleum or alcohol, or any compound thereof, shall
be used as motive cower in any mine, without the written consent of the
inspector, which written consent shall state the conditions under which it
may be used as a motive f u e l . . . . "
(A 9.6.1911, art. IX)
2. SUPERVISION
2.
3. MAIN FANS
327
SUPERVISION
FRANCE
"155. No changes shall be made in the general arrangement of the
ventilation of a pit except on the order of the engineer responsible for the
ventilation ; nevertheless, in emergencies the supervisory staff may take the
immediate measures required provided that they notify them without delay
to this engineer.
156. In every pit employing simultaneously at least 500 workers in the
largest shift, the engineer responsible for ventilation shall be assisted by
a ventilation overman having no other duties than t h a t of supervising the
carrying out of safety and health measures.
158. Failing an exemption granted by the district inspector of mines,
the atmosphere of every fuel mine shall be under systematic surveillance
by a qualified employee with a view to discovering any firedamp that may
be present. In mines not classified as fiery the conditions applying to this
surveillance and to the notifications to be made to the district inspector
of mines shall be specified in instructions approved by the district inspector."
(R 4.5.1951)
GERMANY
"125. (1) For the supervision of the entire ventilation arrangements
in every self-contained mine, a full-time supervisory official who has been
trained in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office
shall be appointed as ventilation overman. The manager shall hand him,
against a written receipt, service instructions approved by the District
Mining Office.
(2) The ventilation overman shall not be assigned other duties."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued instructions
(dated 29 June 1954) concerning the training of ventilation overmen and
examiners.
NETHERLANDS
"98. (1) One or more persons qualified for this purpose shall be made
responsible for the daily supervision of ventilation."
(MR 1939)
3. M A I N F A N S
CANADA
Alberta
"66. (1) A fan and proper means for driving the same shall be provided
at every mine for the production of ventilation and all the machinery,
apparatus and devices for that purpose shall be kept in good working order
and condition at all times, and the fan shall be kept in operation at all times
when men are in the mine, unless adequate ventilation is maintained by
some other means.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) no fan or other ventilating
device which provides for the ventilation of any mine or any district thereof
shall be stopped without the consent of the manager.
328
XI. VENTILATION
(3) No fan or auxiliary ventilating device used for ventilation of any
advancing place shall be stopped without the consent of the examiner
of that particular district.
67. Every mechanical contrivance for the production of mine ventilation other than a n auxiliary contrivance shall be placed above ground.
149
Rule 22. No fan or other ventilating device which provides for the
ventilation of any mine, or any district thereof, shall be stopped without
the consent of the manager."
(Â 1945)
" 3 . (a) Should the ventilating fan at any mine be stopped, all persons
shall be immediately withdrawn from the mine, and no person shall be
readmitted to the mine, except for the purposes of examining or repairing,
until the fan is again in operation, or the ventilation be adequately maintained
by some other artificial means, and the underground workings have been
examined by a person holding a first, second or third class certificate under
the Coal Mines Regulation Act, and reported in a book by such person
to be safe.
(b) Any fan erected on the surface for the ventilation of any mine
shall be erected in such position that it will not be in a direct line with the
passage through which the air current travels as it leaves or enters the mine.
Provided, however, this regulation shall not apply to any fan that was
erected before the fourth day of November, 1918.
4. The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall cause an automatic
recording pressure gauge to be provided and kept constantly in use in connection with every ventilating fan, except in the case of an auxiliary fan placed
underground which does not contribute to the general ventilation of the
mine, or of any district of the mine, and shall appoint a qualified person to
observe from time to time the ventilating pressure as indicated.
(a) Provided, however, where the mine is ventilated by a fan and not
more than ten men are employed underground, a gauge other than automatic
recording pressure gauge may be used. Gauge readings shall be taken once
at least every two hours and recorded in a book to be kept for the purpose
and signed b y the person taking the readings.
(b) All records of ventilating pressure shall be kept for a period of at
least one year, and shall have the dates on which they were taken inserted
on them.
5. (a) There shall, at every mine where a mechanical contrivance
for ventilation is used, be provided and maintained in a condition to be
put into immediate operation, adequate means for immediately reversing
the air current.
(b) I n mines in which safety lamps are required to be used, no air
current shall be reversed while persons are underground, unless in a case
of emergency.
6. When a ventilating fan has been stopped overnight, and when
persons are not in the mine, it shall be run continuously for at least two hours
before any person enters the mine."
(R 1945)
FRANCE
"149.
equipped
pressures
expected
Every main fan installed on the surface or underground shall be
with an appliance giving a direct reading and indicating the underor over-pressures, and also with a device giving warning of unstoppages."
(R 4.5.1951)
3. MAIN FANS
329
GERMANY
"94. (1) The main air current shall be generated by main fans. . ..
(2) The authorisation of the district inspector shall be required for
every stoppage of the current.
95. (1) If main fans are not permanently attended, arrangements shall
be made so that every irregularity in the working of the fan can be immediately noticed at a permanently occupied place.
(2) Remote air shafts shall be connected to the main plant by means
of telephones.
96. (1) Main and emergency fans shall be equipped with a water
pressure gauge and an automatically recording under-pressure gauge.
(2) The charts shall be dated at the beginning of use and kept for a t
least three months."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 1 . Power-driven shaft fans shall be provided with—
automatically recording vacuum gauges which constantly and accurately indicate the vacuum obtained or the quantities of air displaced,
and the diagrams of which shall be kept for at least six months with
the ventilation register ;
(b) automatic lubricating devices.
2. If the shaft fan is out of operation for more than one hour, the
Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately and, if possible,
in advance."
(IGR 44)
(a)
SOUTH AFRICA
"66. (1) Where a mechanical contrivance for ventilation is introduced
into any coal mine after the coming into operation of these regulations it
shall be in such a position and placed under such condition as will tend to
ensure its being uninjured by an explosion.
(2) Where the ventilating fan is enclosed in a casing the interior of the
fan shall be thoroughly examined at least once in three months by a competent person appointed by the manager in writing, who shall make and
sign a true report of the result of his examination in a book to be kept for
that purpose."
(R 11.8.1937)
UNITED KINGDOM
Unless in all parts of a mine that are required to be ventilated, ventilation adequate for the purposes specified in the first subsection of section 55 1
is provided wholly by natural means, there must be provided and maintained on the surface of the mine mechanically operated apparatus capable
of producing, in all those parts of the mine, an amount of ventilation sufficient
(apart from any ventilation produced by mechanically operated apparatus
below ground) to enable all the persons who are below ground in the mine
at any one time to leave it safely ; and any apparatus provided in pursuance
of this requirement must, if it is not normally used to produce ventilation,
be used once at least in each week and be kept constantly available for use.
Where there is provided on the surface mechanically operated apparatus
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
330
X I . VENTILATION
for producing ventilation below ground, unless the apparatus is so designed
or adapted, and is installed, as to permit of its operation both by way of
forcing air into, and by way of exhausting air from, the mine, there must
be provided in association with that apparatus, maintained, and kept
constantly available for use, adequate means for reversing the direction
of flow of t h e ventilation produced by that apparatus (58).
(A 1954)
"The following regulations shall not apply to any auxiliary fan placed
underground, which does not contribute to the general ventilation of the
mine or of any ventilating district of the mine.
69. The owner, agent or manager shall cause to be provided in connection
with every ventilating fan driven by mechanical power a water gauge and
either an automatic indicator registering the number of revolutions of the
fan or an automatic indicator registering the water gauge.
70. The person in charge of any ventilating machinery driven by mechanical power shall keep the machinery running at the speed ordered by the
manager or under-manager, and shall examine the machinery and observe
the indicators at intervals,
which in the case of mines in which safety lamps
are required by the A c t 1 or the regulations of the mine to be used, shall
be of not more than half-an-hour or such longer time as may be approved
by the Inspector of the Division and in the case of other mines shall be
of not more than two hours.
71. H e shall immediately report to the official under whose direction
he works any damage to, or defect or derangement in, the machinery.
72. He shall from time to time observe the ventilating pressure as
indicated b y the water gauge and, where an automatic indicator registering
the water gauge is not in use, he shall at the end of each period of two hours
enter in a book to be provided by the manager the number of revolutions
of the fan and the pressure shown by the water gauge at the end of the
period.
73. In the event of a stoppage of the machinery or of any unusual
variation of the water gauge he shall at once inform the official under
whose direction he works."
(R 10.7.1913)
" 9 . (1) Every fan shaft brought into use at a mine on or after 1 August
1947 and, if so required by the Inspector of the Division, any fan shaft
in use at a mine before t h a t date shall, if ordinarily used for winding, be
provided with a properly constructed air-lock :
Provided that, in the case of a fan shaft in use at a mine before the
aforesaid date, if the manager objects to any such
requirement, the matter
shall be settled in manner provided by the Act 1 for settling disputes.
(2) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to a small mine
or to any mine exempted by the Minister on the ground that he is satisfied
that such provisions are inappropriate to that mine or that it is not
reasonably practicable to comply with them in that mine.
13. The installation and maintenance of every fan installed below
ground shall be supervised and controlled by a competent person appointed
in writing for the purpose by the manager ; and no such fan shall be started,
stopped, removed, or in any way altered, repaired or interfered with except
by or on the authority of the deputy in charge of the district or some other
qualified official of the mine who, before starting any fan, shall satisfy himself
that it is safe to do so.
16. (1) No fan (other than an auxiliary fan) may be installed below
ground unless and until, as the result of a survey of the ventilation of every
1
The Coal Mines Act, 1911.
3 . MAIN FANS
331
part of the mine liable to be affected, made at the time by a qualified person,
and of a report as to the appropriate type, size and location of the proposed
fan prepared by a qualified engineer, the manager is satisfied that it is
necessary or expedient for the proper ventilation of that part of the mine
that it should be installed.
(2) Notice that a fan (other than an auxiliary fan) has been installed
below ground shall be sent forthwith, together with particulars of the
survey and a copy of the report, to the Inspector of the Division.
(3) For the purposes of the preceding paragraphs of this regulation
the movement of a fan from one ventilating district to another shall be
deemed to constitute an installation.
(4) The Inspector of the Division may at any time require t h a t the
use of any fan (other than an auxiliary fan) installed below ground shall be
discontinued and may require other arrangements to be made and such
precautions as are specified by him to be taken : and the manager shall
comply with the requisition unless he disputes the reasonableness thereof,
in which case the dispute shall be settled in manner provided by the Act
for settling disputes."
(R 17.5.1947)
UNITED STATES
Federal
"55. (a) Fans shall be installed if any part of the mine is 500 ft. from
an opening. All parts of the fan housing, including the power unit and the
fan drift to the mine opening, shall be constructed of non-combustible
material.
(b) The main fan of a mine shall be situated on the surface at an offset
distance of not less than 25 ft. from the projection of the nearest side of
the opening of the mine to the fan wheel, and shall be protected with explosion-relief doors having the full area of the air shaft or airway and in direct
line therewith.
(o) Fans must be so arranged t h a t the ventilating current can be
reversed quickly, and they shall not be stopped or changed in speed, or the
air current reversed, except by order of the official in charge of the underground operations.
(d) The main fan or fans used to ventilate a gassy mine, if electrically
driven, shall be equipped with permissible motors and provided with auxiliary
power and suitable belt or driving connection that can be quickly connected
and operated should the electric power fail.
(e) Each fan used to ventilate a mine in which 25 or more men are
employed underground on any shift shall be equipped with a recording
instrument by which the ventilation pressure is continuously registered.
The registration chart for each day, with the date thereon, shall be kept
in the office of the mine for at least one year. Each fan shall also be equipped
with an automatic signal to give warning of slowing down and stopping.
These requirements may be waived only by written consent of the district
mining supervisor.
(f) While a mine is being opened and less than 15 men are employed
underground on any shift, a temporary fan may be set up, on the written
approval of the district or deputy mining supervisor, before the permanent
fan is installed.
(g) A mine on leased land may be ventilated b y means of a fan not on
the leased land if the fan is installed in compliance with paragraph (b) of this
section or if it has been previously installed in conformity with state laws.
(h) If a fan used in ventilating a gassy mine has accidentally stopped
or has been shut down or the ventilation otherwise interrupted, all the men
in the area affected shall be warned immediately and withdrawn until the
fire boss has made an examination and declared all places in t h a t area to be
22
332
X I . VENTILATION
free from standing gas. If such a fan has stopped for a period of more than
15 minutes in a gassy mine or more than four hours in a non-gassy mine, no
men other than mine examiners shall be permitted to enter the mine until
the fan has been in operation for at least two hours and the fire bosses or mine
examiners have thereafter inspected the mine and reported to the mine
foreman that they have examined all the places and found them safe for
any or all of the men to enter."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
V.
Ventilation and Mine Gases
1. Main fans, (a) All mines shall be ventilated by means of main
fans installed as follows :
(1) On the surface.
(2) In fireproof housings.
(3) Offset not less than 15 ft. from the nearest side of the mine opening;
provided, however, that this does not apply to present fans that are
offset any distance from the mine opening if they otherwise comply with
subsection (a) of this section and were installed prior to the effective
date of this code.
(4) Equipped with fireproof air ducts and ample means of pressure relief.
(5) In lieu of requirements for the location of the fan and the pressure-relief
facilities, the fan may be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening ;
provided, however, the opening is not in direct line with possible forces
coming out of the mine if an explosion occurs, and provided farther
that there is another opening having a weak-wall stopping or explosion
doors t h a t would be in direct line with the forces coming oat of the mine
if an explosion occurs, such opening to be not less than 15 ft. nor more
than 100 ft. from the fan opening.
(b) Main mine fans shall be installed to permit the reversal of airflow and, unless the fan is attended constantly, shall be provided with an
automatic device t o give alarm when the fan slows down or stops. This
device shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by a responsible person.
(c) At gassy mines main fans shall be on separate power circuits
independent of a n y mine circuit.
(d) The area surrounding main fan installations shall be kept free of
combustible material for at least 100 ft. in all directions, where physical
conditions permit.
(e) The fan shall be inspected daily and a record kept of the inspection,
which shall be open for inspection by interested persons.
(i) Where electric power is available, main mine fans shall not be
powered by means of internal-combustion engines. Where electricity is not
available, internal-combustion engines may be so used. Internal-combustion
engines may also be used for 'standby' power to drive fans. Where internalcombustion engines are used, as provided, they shall not be set in the current
of air caused by the fan operation, and the exhaust discharge shall be located
so as to preclude the possibility of exhaust gases entering the mine. Such
engines shall be in a fireproof structure.
(j) Main fans a t gassy mines shall be provided with pressure-recording
gauges."
(FMC 1953)
Illinois
"14.14. The ventilating fan shall run both day and night at all operating
mines. A recording pressure gauge shall be maintained in connection with
each fan at all times. In all new mines starting operations after 1 July
1947, each main fan shall be installed on the surface and housed in a fireproof building with suitable automatic devices to sound an alarm when
3. MAIN FANS
333
the fan stops; if such fan is operated by electricity it shall be on a separate
independent circuit."
(A 6.6.1911)
New Mexico
"1402. Every fan hereafter installed at any coal mine must be placed
at least 20 ft. distant from the side or mouth of the shaft entry or slope with
which it is connected for ventilation purposes, and shall be of fireproof
construction ; and explosion doors shall be provided in a direct line with
the mine opening.
1410. All main mine fans hereafter installed shall be so arranged t h a t
the ventilating current can be reversed quickly.
1411. All ventilating fans shall be kept in operation continuously night
and day unless underground operations are suspended, but in case of suspension of operations the main fan shall be started at least three hours before
beginning work underground and no person shall be permitted underground
thereafter except for the purpose of inspection until the mine has been
examined and all open places pronounced free of accumulations of explosive
gas. Provided that should it at any time become necessary to change the
speed, stop or reverse the fan on account of accident or needed repairs to any
part of the machinery connected therewith, or by reason of any other unavoidable cause, it shall be the duty of the mine foreman, or the assistant
mine foreman in charge, after first having provided for the safety of the persons employed in the mine preferably by removing them from the mine,
to order said fan to be regulated or stopped so as to make the necessary
repairs or to remove any other difficulty that may exist.
1412. The ventilating fan at mines in which 100 or more are employed
on any one shift shall be equipped with a recording instrument by which
the ventilating pressure shall be continuously registered. The registration
chart for each day with the date thereof shall be kept in the office of the mine
for at least one year.
1413. The fan shall be inspected at least daily and, if electrically
operated, the fan shall be on an electrical circuit independent of the circuit
which transmits power into the mine."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
" 6 . Every ventilating fan at non-gaseous mines shall be kept in operation
continuously day and night, unless operations are definitely suspended,
except when written permission is given by the inspector to stop it. The
said permission, or a copy thereof, shall be posted by the mine foreman
in a conspicuous place at the entrance or entrances to the mine, and shall
state the particular hours the fan may be stopped. The inspector shall
have the power to withdraw or modify such permission at any time in any
manner he may deem best. In all cases in which permission has been given
by the inspector to stop the ventilating fan, the fan shall be started two
hours before the time to begin work. I t shall be the duty of the mine
foreman to see to it t h a t all persons are out of the mine before the fan is
stopped, and that no person be permitted to enter the mine until the fan
has been in operation for a period of two hours.
Every ventilating fan a t gaseous mines shall be kept in operation continuously day and night, unless operations are definitely suspended : Provided
that should it at any time become necessary to stop the fan at any mine
(gaseous or non-gaseous), on account of accident to part of the machinery
connected therewith, or by reason of any other unavoidable cause, it shall
then be the duty of the mine foreman, or the assistant mine foreman in
charge, after first having provided for the safety of the persons employed
in the mine, to order said fan stopped for necessary repairs : Provided, further,
that should the ventilating fan or fans be stopped at any time, for any
334
X I . VENTILATION
reason -whatsoever, a t any gaseous mine for a period of time sufficient to
cause a serious interruption of the ventilation, the source of electric power
shall be forthwith disconnected from the mine, and the source of electric
power shall not be reconnected with the mine until the fan or fans have
been started, a n d the mine has been examined by the mine foreman, assistant
mine foreman, or fire boss, and reported safe. A record of such examination
shall be entered in t h e fire boss's record book. The superintendent of the
mine shall be responsible for the execution of this latter provision.
Every ventilating fan shall be provided with a recording instrument by
which the number of revolutions or the effective ventilating pressure of the
fan shall be registered, and the registration for each day, with the date
thereof, shall be kept in the office a t the mine for future reference for one
year.
No main or principal ventilating fan shall be placed inside of any mine."
(A 9.6.1911, art. IX)
4 . AuxHiiABY F A N S
CANADA
Alberta
"120. (1) N o auxiliary or booster fan which is driven otherwise than
by electricity or compressed air shall be placed in any mine and, if the
fan be electrically driven, the motor, irrespective of its type, shall in all
cases be placed in the intake airway.
(2) Auxiliary or booster fans underground shall be installed in such
position t h a t there shall be no recirculation of return air within the fan."
(A 1945)
GERMANY
"94. (1)
The use of auxiliary fans for workings that require through ventilation
shall require t h e authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office."
(R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund))
NETHERLANDS
" 1 . (1) Power-driven fans shall be well protected.
(2) Power-driven fans or other air-propelling appliances shall be
installed in the through air current of the main fan.
(3) They shall be installed a t the beginning of the air duct.
(4) They shall not cause any vacuum in the air duct unless this is
necessary for exhausting shotfiring fumes.
(5) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemptions from the
provisions of subsections (2), (3) and (4).
2. The beginning of the air duct shall, where this is necessary in the
case of air ducts suspended from the roof, be a t least 9 m, and in the case
of air ducts near the floor, be at least 3 m from the beginning of the approach
t o t h e workplace to be ventilated.
3. (1) Whenever the through air current, referred to in subsection (2)
of section 1, for the fan or the air-propelling appliance has previously swept
only one coal face, this shall be indicated on the ventilation plan or on a
separate schedule which shall be attached to the ventilation plan.
(2) If, according to measurements, more than 60 per cent, or, according
to estimates, about two-thirds of the above-mentioned air current is displaced by the fan or the appliance, this shall be indicated on the ventilation
plan or on a separate schedule which shall be attached to the ventilation
plan.
4. AUXILIARY TANS
335
4. (1) Por the ventilation of working faces not exceeding 40 m in
length the use of injectors shall be compulsory unless fans of light construction can be used with safe lubrication at any inclination, and whether
operated by electricity or by compressed air.
(2) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemption from the
provision of subsection (1)."
(IGR 44a)
UNITED KINGDOM
"14. (1) Every auxiliary fan—
(a) shall be installed and worked in such a manner that—
(i) a sufficient quantity of air shall at all times reach it so as to ensure
that it does not recirculate air ;
(ii) there is no risk of the air which it circulates being contaminated
by any substantial quantity of noxious fumes or dust ;
(b) shall, whether driven electrically or otherwise, be efficiently connected
with earth so as to prevent the accumulation of an electrostatic charge ;
(c) shall have an air duct for conducting the air to or from the face of the
heading, drift or blind end ; and such air duct shall be maintained
in such condition as will minimise leakage of air and will ensure adequate
delivery of the air to within 15 ft. of the face.
(2) Any forcing auxiliary fan shall be installed on the intake side of,
and any exhaust auxiliary fan on the return side of, the place which it
is to ventilate, and there shall be a minimum distance of 15 ft. between
the fan and that side of the place which is nearer to the fan :
Provided that, where two or more auxiliary fans are installed in series,
only the first fan must be installed at not less than the minimum distance
aforesaid.
(3) The manager shall, in respect of every auxiliary fan, fix the minimum
quantity of air to be delivered or exhausted per minute at the end of the air
duct ; and shall appoint in writing a competent person who shall report
at least once in every week to the manager the quantity of air delivered
or exhausted as aforesaid and whether or not there is any recirculation of
air.
(4) Except in stone drifts, advancing headings ventilated by an auxiliary fan shall, so far as practicable, be interconnected ; and the manager
shall specify the maximum distance—
(a) to which any heading may be advanced in front of the last through
connection before a new connection is driven ; and
(b) to which any face may be advanced beyond the auxiliary fan used
for its ventilation.
(5) In respect of any section of narrow or panel workings the ventilation
of which involves the use of two or more auxiliary fans drawing air from
the same air current, a plan shall be prepared showing the general system of
ventilation and the directions and quantities of the air currents ; and a copy
thereof, and of any subsequent plan showing any change in t h a t system,
shall be delivered as soon as practicable to the Inspector of the Division,
who may at any time require the system to be modified and such precautions
as are specified by him to be taken :
Provided that, if the manager objects to any such requirement, the
matter shall be settled in manner provided by the Act for settling disputes.
(6) No workman shall enter or remain in any place which is dependent
for its ventilation on an auxiliary fan unless such fan is operating efficiently,
or after the ventilation of such place has been interrupted, whether by
stoppage of the fan or otherwise, except for so long as he is permitted to do
so by the deputy in charge of the district or some other qualified official either for the purpose of attending to the fan or restoring the ventilation, or after the said official has inspected the place and found it safe."
(R 17.5.1947)
336
XI. VENTILATION
UNITED STATES
Federal
"56. Booster and auxiliary fans may be used only with the written
permission of t h e district mining supervisor, who may permit their use
only under the following conditions :
(a) Use of a 'booster' fan may be permitted if the coal ribs are adequately
protected against fire and no flammable material is within 10 ft. of the fan
and motor, and if the fan is equipped with an automatic starter and timing
device t h a t will prevent it from starting after being stopped for a period
considered sufficient to permit an accumulation of gas, and with a recording
device that shows the continuity of operation.
(b) Use of an auxiliary fan may be permitted if it is situated in an
intaking air current and at least 16 ft. outby the last open cross-cut or
entrance to the place ventilated and if the motor and switch are permissible :
Provided t h a t in gassy mines an experienced gas inspector or fire boss
shall be in attendance in the vicinity of the fan a t all times while the fan
is running and shall make hourly inspections to determine if methane in
dangerous quantities, as defined in section 60 1 , is passing the fan, and if
the fan is oiled and running properly : and further provided t h a t at all
times the ventilating current shall be so directed and of sufficient velocity
t o keep the working places clear of gas. Auxiliary fans shall not be used
for the purpose of moving bodies of gas.
57. A booster fan shall not be operated where more than 10 per cent.
of the air is recirculated by the fan ; and an auxiliary fan shall not bo operated
if it uses more t h a n 40 per cent, of the passing air current."
(R 23.12.1937)
"Article
V.
Ventilation and Mine Oases
2. Booster fans and auxiliary fans with tubing, (a) Booster fans
shall not be installed in any mine after the effective date of this code. Such
fans in use on t h e effective date of this code may be continued in use upon
the written approval and under the conditions prescribed by the Director
of the United States Bureau of Mines.
(b) Auxiliary blower fans with tubing may be used to ventilate shaftsinking and slope-sinking operations and their underground connections,
the faces of rock tunnels being driven between two coal beds or through
faults and wants, if they are powered with permissible driving units, operated continuously, inspected at least twice during each shift, and so placed
that recirculation of air is not possible.
(c) Except as provided for in section 2 (b), auxiliary blower fans and
auxiliary exhaust fans shall not be used after the effective date of this code
except where there is a definite need for them and the results attained
would be advantageous from a health or safety standpoint. The installation
and use of such fans in each mine shall be in accordance with conditions
prescribed by the Director of the United States Bureau of Mines and subject
t o the approval of the Joint Industry Safety Committee ; such approval
shall be obtained for such fans now in use and prior approval shall be
obtained for the installation of such fans in new mines or in mines in which
such fans were n o t being used on the effective date of this code."
(FMC 1953)
New Mexico
"1404. Electrically driven auxiliary fans or 'blowers' may only be used
i n a non-gassy mine and only for a 60-day period, upon issuance of a written
1
See Division 1 of this chapter.
5. VENTILATION DOORS AND BEATTICE
337
permit by the state mine inspector. Such auxiliary fans shall not be used
to supplant usual ventilation methods but only to take care of a temporary
emergency such as driving through a rock fault. Such fan installation shall
be fireproof with no loose exposed inflammable material within 10 ft. of
the fan and motor."
(A 16.3.1933)
Pennsylvania
"6. . . . No auxiliary fan, unless driven by electricity or compressed
air, shall be placed in any mine. If the fan be electrically driven, the
motor shall be placed in the intake airway."
(A 9.6.1911, art. IX)
5. VENTILATION DOOKS AND BBATTICE
BELGIUM
"22. The workings shall be so arranged as to avoid as far as possible the
use of doors for directing or dividing an air current. Every door serving
to divide the current shall be so installed as to allow the passage of the
volume of air required.
The use of multiple doors suitably spaced shall be compulsory on roads
where doors have to be frequently opened."
(R 28.4.1884)
CANADA
Alberta
"113. All doors used in assisting or conducting the ventilation shall be
hung and adjusted so that they will close automatically.
114. (1) All doors on haulage roads, except self-acting doors of a
description approved by the District Inspector shall have an attendant
whose constant duty it shall be to open them for transportation and travel
and prevent them from standing open longer than is necessary for persons,
cars or locomotives to pass through.
P ovided, however, where trips are brought to a full stop a t any door
to enable the person in charge of such cars, locomotives or trips to open the
door, the District Inspector may by order in writing grant exemption from
compliance with this section.
(2) Where an attendant is required at a ventilating door, a place of
refuge shall be provided close to the door, its position to be approved by
the District Inspector.
149
Rule 33. When a trapper has charge of a door, he shall open it only
for the passage of persons, animals, locomotives or cars and shall instantly
close it when they have passed through ; and he shall not allow the said
door to remain open or to be propped or fastened back, nor leave it until
the work of his shift is finished."
(A 1945)
FRANCE
"150. The use of brattice cloths for dividing the air current among the
airways shall only be allowed if the installation of doors is technically
impossible ; in that case use shall be made only of multiple cloths in sufficient
number to ensure that in all circumstances a t least two cloths remain
closed.
151. I n much frequented roadways, in roadways connecting main
intake and return airways, and at any place where the opening of a door
338
XI. VENTILATION
would be liable t o cause an appreciable disturbance in the ventilation, use
shall only be made of multiple ventilation doors suitably spaced ; measures
shall be taken t o ensure t h a t a t least
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