Location

Rolla, Missouri

Session Dates

11 Jun 1999 - 17 Jun 1999

Keywords and Phrases

Coal; Dust; Underground; Explosions; Risk; Protective; Preventative; Management

Abstract

The management of explosions in the underground mining environment has been a high priority for managers since the turn of the century. In the early 1900s explosions, worldwide, reached catastrophic dimensions. In a number of large explosions more than 1000 people have died. In the early years of research, the basics of why explosions occurred were investigated and the participation of coal dust in underground coal mine explosions was proved. Taffanel, a French researcher, was one of the pioneers in establishing the use of stone dust and was instrumental in the design and development of the first stone-dust barriers. Throughout the century, research on explosions has continued in different parts of the world. Since explosions still occur in underground coal mines, as recent events in the Ukraine have illustrated, a certain problem area still exists. This area can be regarded as managerial. This paper gives an overview of the progress made by management in implementing explosion-prevention strategies and presents a new approach to explosion management in terms of an explosion management model, based on sound risk management principles. These principles allow the manager to close the loop in normal explosion management by focusing on all aspects of risk. Including auditing and monitoring to adequately address and manage the residual risk.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Meeting Name

8th U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Document Version

Final Version

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

File Type

text

Language

English

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Jun 11th, 12:00 AM Jun 17th, 12:00 AM

Management of Mine Explosion Risks

Rolla, Missouri

The management of explosions in the underground mining environment has been a high priority for managers since the turn of the century. In the early 1900s explosions, worldwide, reached catastrophic dimensions. In a number of large explosions more than 1000 people have died. In the early years of research, the basics of why explosions occurred were investigated and the participation of coal dust in underground coal mine explosions was proved. Taffanel, a French researcher, was one of the pioneers in establishing the use of stone dust and was instrumental in the design and development of the first stone-dust barriers. Throughout the century, research on explosions has continued in different parts of the world. Since explosions still occur in underground coal mines, as recent events in the Ukraine have illustrated, a certain problem area still exists. This area can be regarded as managerial. This paper gives an overview of the progress made by management in implementing explosion-prevention strategies and presents a new approach to explosion management in terms of an explosion management model, based on sound risk management principles. These principles allow the manager to close the loop in normal explosion management by focusing on all aspects of risk. Including auditing and monitoring to adequately address and manage the residual risk.