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Mining & ExplosivesRescue of Survivors & Fires
Twenty flashcards on mine fires, explosions and how a rescue team finds and brings survivors out safely.
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20 cards
- What is a Class A fire and how is it put out?
- Ordinary combustibles like wood, plastics, paper and cloth; cool it with water or blanket it with certain dry chemicals.
- What is a Class B fire and how is it put out?
- Flammable or combustible liquids like gasoline, diesel fuel and grease; exclude the air or use special chemicals.
- What is a Class C fire and how is it put out?
- An electrical fire; use non-conducting agents such as carbon dioxide and certain dry chemicals.
- What is a Class D fire and how is it put out?
- Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium; use special agents made for those metals.
- Why must the fan keep running while a team fights a mine fire?
- To carry explosive gases and distillates away from the fire and to steer smoke, heat and flames away from the team.
- How can a team slow a fire backing up against the intake air while fighting it?
- Hang a transverse brattice from side to side with open space near the back, forcing the air current upward.
- Why are burning conveyor belts, cable insulation and tires so hazardous?
- They give off extremely toxic gases, many more dangerous than carbon monoxide; wear breathing apparatus.
- Why would a mine fire be sealed instead of fought directly?
- Direct attack fails, materials run short, the fire is too big, ground is too dangerous, explosive gases build up, or its location.
- Why are the last intake and exhaust seals closed at the same time?
- It lessens the chance of explosive gases building up in the fire area.
- What three things must be present for an explosion?
- Gas within its explosive range (fuel), enough oxygen, and a source of ignition (heat).
- What signs tell a team that an explosion has occurred?
- Afterdamp in the exhausts, blown timbers or bulkheads, ground falls, machinery out of place, a film of dust on rails, and small fires.
- What should a team know before searching for missing miners?
- How many are missing, where they worked, the escape routes, where they might barricade, and any refuge chambers or ventilation boreholes.
- What clues do barricaded miners often leave for rescuers?
- A note in a dinner bucket, an arrow drawn on the side, or a marked rail pointing the way.
- What is usually written on the outside of a barricade?
- How many people are inside and the time and date they barricaded themselves.
- What sounds should a team listen for while searching?
- Any noise, such as voices or pounding on rails or pipes.
- There is no answer from a refuge chamber. What should the team assume?
- Never that the miners are dead; they could be unconscious.
- What is usually the safest way to get survivors out of a barricade?
- Advance fresh air to it by the quickest means, then enter; if that is not possible, build an air lock first.
- Which survivors are first priority in triage?
- Those with airway or breathing problems, severe bleeding, deep shock, unconsciousness or inhaled poisonous gases, among others.
- Why take great care removing heavy debris from a survivor's abdomen or legs?
- The debris has kept up blood pressure there; once removed it can drop sharply, so ask the surface for directions and stabilize first.
- Should a survivor who looks fine walk out of the mine alone?
- Never; survivors are never left alone, are helped out by the team and kept in constant communication.
Official sources
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. Department of Labor
MSHA 3027: Mine Rescue Team Training (Metal and Nonmetal), instructor guide
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by MSHA, NASA or any mine rescue association. Agency names are named only to describe the content.