Laserfiche WebLink
West Elk Mine <br />• Limited application of explosives may be necessary for surface construction activities, such as <br />road cuts and other surface construction. State and Federal mine safety and health regulations <br />and other appropriate regulations will be followed in all circumstances where explosives are <br />used, whether by contractors on the site or by MCC personnel, including Rule 4.08 of the <br />CMLRB's Regulations for Coal Mining. Blasts that use more than 5 lbs. of explosives or <br />blasting agent will be conducted according to apre-blasting schedule (4.08.3). As appropriate, a <br />pre-blasting survey (4.08.2) will be performed. Refer also to Exhibit 43, "Specifications for <br />Rock Blasting During Road Construction". <br />Fire Prevention <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 aze 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 aze 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 cazs and foam machines aze 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 <br />acceptable levels. Stoppings are constructed ofnon-combustible material and built as airtight as <br />. possible to assure that the maximum amount of clean air reaches the working face. <br />1.05-10 RevisedNavemher1004 PR11; Rev. March 1006 <br />