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West Elk Mine <br />The facilities at West Elk Mine were designed and constructed to take into account the most <br />effective means of fire prevention. All buildings have been constructed to meet the National Fire <br />Protection Code, National Electrical Code, and other construction codes. The material used in <br />construction is as fire resistant as possible. Belt conveyor systems are equipped with fire <br />detection and suppression equipment. Underground belt conveyor systems are equipped with <br />fire warning alarm systems as required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. <br />Fire prevention is also considered for mining equipment. All mining equipment is equipped with <br />fire suppression systems. In addition, fire-resistant hydraulic oil is used in machinery whenever <br />practical. <br />A variety of fire -fighting equipment is available at West Elk Mine. In addition, fire -fighting <br />equipment is examined every six months, or more often, to assure that it is fully operative. <br />ABC -type fire extinguishers of various sizes are available throughout the mine facilities. Only <br />fire extinguishers approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or Factory Mutual Research <br />Corporation are used. The prime source of underground fire fighting capability is the water from <br />pipelines within the mine. Water cars and foam machines are also provided for emergency <br />situations. <br />Personnel at the mine have had training in fire -fighting procedures and some have specific <br />assignments related to fire protection. The fire -fighting training program in use at West Elk <br />Mine includes training for miners in locating, using, and maintaining fire -fighting equipment and <br />escape -ways. Security personnel are assigned fire watch for surface facilities as part of their <br />responsibility. In addition, a cleanup program has been designed to eliminate any accumulation <br />of combustible materials. West Elk Mine's program is approved by the District Office of the <br />Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). <br />Ventilation <br />Ventilation in the working sections where coal is being cut, and at the last open crosscut, has <br />been established to assure compliance with current Federal and State regulations. Abundant <br />fresh air is provided to the working face to dilute mine gases and diesel emissions to acceptable <br />levels. Stoppings are constructed of non-combustible material and built as airtight as possible to <br />assure that the maximum amount of clean air reaches the working face. <br />For the protection of the employees, the air quality is examined as prescribed by law to prevent <br />any contamination of air. The air courses are examined in accordance with State and Federal <br />standards or more often, if necessary, to protect the quality and quantity of air underground. <br />Methane above the permissible limits is either diluted and rendered harmless in active areas of <br />the mine through mine ventilation or drained -off prior to and during active mining by designed <br />methane drainage systems. <br />Electrical Power <br />All electrical equipment at the mine meets applicable Federal regulations. In addition, regular, <br />documented inspections of the equipment are conducted. Equipment is adequately grounded to <br />205-10 Rev 11/04- PRI 1, 03/06- PRIO <br />