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Home > Supplier Companies > Draeger Safety Canada > Articles > Emergency Escape
Draeger Safety Canada

Emergency Escape

Jan 5, 2021

Underground Rescue: Equipped for Every Emergency
 
Every mine is different and yet they all have one thing in common: if an emergency occurs, the goal is to get everyone to safety quickly. Mining rescue plans depends on a variety of factors including whether the site involves an open-pit mine, above or underground rescue, metal/non-metal mines. The mining rescue equipment and solutions you use will be as unique as your own mine.
 
Within the scope of the risk assessment, the specific risks associated with a particular method of mining and the type of resource mined must be analyzed. This assessment forms the basis for the escape and rescue concepts to be used in the mine.
 
7 steps to an optimum emergency escape concept
 
1. Know and understand the situation and conditions
 
  • Mining method/mined product
  • Geographical location
  • Official and corporate regulations (SOPs)
  • Number of miners (incl. contractors) per shift
  • Length and condition of rescue routes
  • Location of escape shafts and fresh-air bases
 
2. Take natural hazards into account
 
  • Temperature/humidity
  • Water ingress/flooding
  • Dust development
  • Mine gas/firedamp
 
3. Identify activities involving risks
 
  • Fueling/handling of hazardous substances (fluids/transportation)
  • Storage of explosives
  • Blasting
 
4. Account for unexpected incidents
 
  • Ventilation failure
  • Gas eruption and leakages
  • Sparks/friction
 
5. Describe potential hazards/risks
 
  • Mechanical obstacles
  • Oxygen deficiency
  • Fire
  • Explosion
 
6. Perform a risk assessment
 
  • List, assess and prioritize hazards/risks
  • Check risks
 
7. Develop an emergency response plan
 
  • Prepare an emergency plan
  • Provide emergency equipment
  • Ensure appropriate emergency training

 

Self-escape in Coal Mines
 
Self-escape means that victims can get themselves to safety and back to the surface without additional help. This is almost always the case when escape distances are short enough to be done on foot and the route is open, meaning there is no flooding, collapses or rockfalls in the way. A fire can take hold fast, intensify quickly, and burn for a long time. This is why self-escape is usually the best option.
 
Sufficient breathable air
 
When escape routes are long, a switch to compressed air breathers may make sense, but limited air capacity is a drawback. Breathing air cylinders can be quickly and simply replenished at refilling stations like the Dräger ChargeAir.
 
Emergency Response Equipment
 
When an alarm goes off, everything runs at top speed: from the search for source of the alarm to the communication with the emergency control center. Safety management must quickly decide what options within the mine emergency plan are viable and, if necessary what escape or rescue measures for effected mine workers should be taken. High levels of knowledge and experience are needed, as well as the optimal provision of reliable safety and rescue equipment.
 
Deep Mining
 
Mines change and evolve. They become longer and deeper, more complex. These changes need to taken into account, when engineering new processes but it is also a challenge for mines rescue teams. In case of a mine emergency, they gain an overview of the situation, evaluate potential risks, examine different scenarios and then decide – based on the specific mine emergency response plan – on the optimal rescue mission.
 
Mines Rescue Vehicle - Dräger MRV 9000
 
The Dräger MRV 9000 is the answer in an ever-changing mining environment. Innovative and customer driven – this Mine Rescue Vehicle is a unique solution in the field of mines rescue worldwide.
 

Source: https://www.draeger.com/en-us_ca/Safety/Mining/Mine-Emergency-Escape

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January 5, 2021
Mining Portfolio
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