Review of practices for the prevention, detection and control of underground fires in coal mines.

Abstract

A statistical review is given of the frequency of fires and flammable gas ignitions in South African underground coal mines, both on a simple numerical basis and in relation to underground coal production, for the years 1970-1992.previously publicised guidelines are referred to and changes in the industry, since the previous guidelines were compiled, are discussed. This is followed by a more detailed account of fires and ignitions which took place during the years 1986-1992, broken down colliery and including summarised descriptions of the circumstances surrounding many of the incidents. Detailed recommended guidelines are then presented, based partly on lessons to be learned from incidents recorded and also on individual codes of practices; theoretical and technical background information relating to underground fires is given for those practitioners who need to have easy access to such information.