The mine collapse that occurred the other day in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak, in which one person lost their life, has once again brought mine accidents and the precautions to be taken onto the agenda. Occupational Health and Safety Expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “It is possible to reduce risks in mines to an acceptable level. An acceptable level is one that will not result in loss or injury.”
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Deputy Dean, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl, recalling the mine collapse that occurred the other day in Zonguldak, addressed the risks in mines.
Noting that it is possible to reduce risks in mines to an acceptable level, Bingöl said, “An acceptable level is one that will not result in loss or injury. Firstly, this level can be achieved by preferring mechanized methods and minimizing human labor. Beyond this, resorting to technical measures such as very good ventilation, instant monitoring with gas measuring devices, stopping work and evacuating the mine even in very low-risk situations, supporting drilling with technological devices like sonar and radar, strengthening supports, and conducting ground surveys more systematically are some of these measures.”
The most significant danger in coal mines; explosion!
Referring to the dangers in mines, Dr. Nuri Bingöl provided the following information:
“In mines, especially coal mines, the most significant danger is the risk of explosion. In coal mines, methane gas accumulates in voids within coal seams as a geological formation. And it is released during coal extraction operations, creating explosive atmospheres. Similar to leaving natural gas on in your kitchen without ignition, allowing it to fill the environment. With any ignition source, which could even be static electricity or a mechanical spark, there is a risk of explosion. Therefore, online instant methane measurement is crucial.”
Measures such as controlling and strengthening old supports should be taken
Stating that the danger of collapse exists in all underground and some surface mines, Dr. Nuri Bingöl explained the risks of collapse as follows:
“Mines carry the risk of collapse due to inadequate construction of supports, their inability to maintain their original strength over time, and sometimes due to underground or surface water intrusions (as was the case in Ermenek). Measures such as inspections, control and strengthening of old supports can be taken. Mines should have at least two entrances. In response to the risk of collapse, extra entrances accessible in emergencies should be planned and created. Emergency drills and management are also important.”
Training is essential in mining, which has become a family profession in some regions
Emphasizing the importance of training in mining work, which has become a family profession in some regions, Dr. Nuri Bingöl continued:
“Work in these fields should not be done without adequate training. Individuals with suitable physical conditions are started after preliminary training. Occupational safety training takes precedence in these trainings. These trainings also continue, and should continue, periodically at least 3 times a year. Emergency drills should be conducted at least once, or even twice, a year. In addition to these trainings, experience also helps reduce risks. Since it has become a family profession, such experiences gained from relatives, neighbors, or former employees ensure sensitivity to potential risks.
When risks increase, work and procedures move to action faster, and if necessary, work stops, and evacuation begins early. Furthermore, utilizing evolving technological opportunities significantly contributes to reducing or eliminating these risks.”
Negligence in inspection invites collapses, explosions, and loss of life!
Highlighting the difficulties of mining, Dr. Nuri Bingöl concluded, “Mining is one of the world's most difficult, arduous, and risky jobs. Working without taking all precautions, without eliminating risky situations, neglecting training, and overlooking inspections means inviting collapses, explosions, and consequently, loss of life.”