Back to The MINER Act of 2006 and Related NIOSH Activities

Overview

Mine fires are one of the greatest threats to the health and safety of those working in the underground mine environment. Although not all mine fires cause fatalities, each event has the potential for disastrous consequences. Since May 2000, more than 20 mine fires have occurred in the United States. When a fire breaks out, all underground workers are simultaneously exposed to dangerous and deadly toxic fire products, which can quickly spread well beyond the fire zone. During the initial stages of a mine fire, it is usual practice to try to extinguish the fire underground for as long as possible, thus exposing those fighting the fire to the dangers of smoke inhalation and the possibility of an explosion.

If reliable remote extinguishing technology is available, then it is possible to more quickly evacuate the mine and remove miners from danger. A new NIOSH project will look at developing improved remote sealing technology to isolate fires, and remote fire fighting technology, such as using gas-enriched foam and jet engine inert gas generators to apply the extinguishing agent from the surface through boreholes.

NIOSH Projects and Activities

• Reducing Fire Hazards in US Coal Mines
• Smoke Management and Fire Modeling for Underground Mines
• Remote Methods for Addressing Coal Mine Fires

References