Losses and injuries in mines can be prevented!
The landslide incident in the mine in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak, where one person lost his life the previous day, brought the mining accidents and the measures to be taken to the agenda again. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. Nuri Bingöl stated that "It is possible to reduce hazards to acceptable levels in mines. The acceptable level is the level that will not cause any loss and injury."
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Deputy Dean, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl recalled the landslide incident in the mine that occurred the previous day in Zonguldak and touched upon the risks in the mines.
Pointing out that it is possible to reduce the hazards in the mines to an acceptable level, Bingöl said that "The acceptable level is the level that will not cause loss and injury. First of all, this level can be achieved by preferring mechanized methods and minimizing human power. Beyond that, resorting to technical measures, such as very good ventilation, instant inspection with gas measuring devices, stopping work and unloading the mine even in very low risk situations, supporting drilling with devices such as technological sonar and radar, strengthening the fortifications, making the ground surveys more systematic are some of them."
The most crucial danger in coal mines: explosion!
Referring to the hazards in mines, Dr. Nuri Bingöl gave the following information: "The most important danger in mines, especially coal mines, is the danger of explosion. In coal mines, methane gas is found as a geological formation by accumulating in cavities in coal deposits. And coal is released during extraction processes, forming explosive atmospheres. Just like leaving the natural gas on in the kitchen without burning in your home and filling the natural gas into the environment. With any igniter welding, it also has the risk of explosion, whether it is a static electricity or even a mechanical spark. That's why online instant methane measurement is crucial."
Measures such as the control and strengthening of old fortifications should be taken
Stating that the danger of landslide is found in all underground and some surface mines, Dr. Nuri Bingöl explained the landslide risks as follows: "They carry the risk of landslide due to the fact that the fortifications are not made strong, and they cannot provide their former strength in time, and sometimes due to underground or surface floods (as in Ermenek). Measures such as inspections, control and strengthening of old fortifications can be taken. Mines have at least two entrances. Extra entrances that can be reached in emergency situations against the risk of landslides should be planned and created. Emergency drills and
Training in mining, which has become a family profession in some regions, is a must
Emphasizing the importance of training in mining works, which have become a family profession in some regions, Dr. Nuri Bingöl continued his remarks as follows: "Without adequate training, work cannot be done in these jobs. People whose physical conditions are suitable are put to work by undergoing preliminary training. Within these trainings, occupational safety training is at the forefront. These trainings also continue periodically at least 3 times a year. Emergency drills should be held at least once a year, or even 2 times. In addition to these trainings, experience also helps to reduce risks. Since it has become a family profession, such experiences from relatives, even neighbors or former employees provide sensitivity to possible risks. When the risk increases, the work and actions to be done are taken faster and, if necessary, the work stops, the evacuation starts early. In addition to all these, taking advantage of the developing technological opportunities makes a great contribution to the reduction or elimination of these risks."
Supervisory negligence invites landslide, explosion and loss of lives!
Pointing out the challenges of mining, Dr. Nuri Bingöl concluded his remarks as follows: “The job of mining is one of the riskiest jobs in the world that also the most difficult and challenging. Working without taking all the precautions and without eliminating risky situations, neglecting trainings, supervisor negligence invites landslides, explosions and therefore loss of lives.”.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)