ISSUE DATE: March 1, 1994

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P94-7

FROM:           MARVIN W. NICHOLS, JR.
                       Administrator
                             for Coal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT:      Potential Safety Hazards Related to Methane Drainage Systems

Scope
This Program Information Bulletin applies to all Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) enforcement personnel, coal independent contractors, surface coal mine operators, and underground coal mine operators.

Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform CMS&H enforcement personnel, coal mine operators, and independent contractors of the potential safety hazards related to methane drainage boreholes and to ventilation pipes for sealed shafts.

Information
Methane drainage systems commonly utilize vertical boreholes drilled from the surface to allow methane to escape to the atmosphere. Shafts that are sealed with a cap require the installation of a vertical pipe for ventilation to allow methane to escape to the atmosphere.

The air escaping from these systems may contain concentrations of methane and other combustible gasses that can be ignited, creating a fire or an explosion. Ignition sources such as open flames from cutting, welding, or smoking, as well as electrical ignition sources, should be kept a safe distance from these systems unless adequate safety precautions are taken. In addition, the area surrounding the borehole or shaft cap should be kept free of weeds, grass and other combustible material.

All personnel who perform work in the vicinity of methane drainage boreholes and sealed shaft caps must receive appropriate 30 CFR Part 48 training. Special attention should be made to instruct persons working in the vicinity of methane drainage boreholes of the potential fire and explosion hazards associated with methane gas and methane drainage systems.

Background
The potential hazards relating to the methane drainage systems of sealed shafts have recently been demonstrated. A fatal explosion occurred while employees were welding on a ventilation pipe in a sealed shaft. Also, a grass fire recently ignited methane from a ventilation pipe in a sealed shaft.

Authority
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 CFR Part 48, 30 CFR Section 75.371(ee).

Issuing Office and Contact Person
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division
Richard T. Stoltz, (703) 235-1915

Distribution
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
CMS&H Special Interest Groups
Coal Mine Operators
Coal Independent Contractors