Utilization of belt air to ventilate working sections in underground coal mines

摘要

First and foremost the belt entry must be equipped with an atmospheric monitoring system (AMS) to provide an early warning of fire. The Rule of 2004 lifts the PFM requirement and allows mine operators to use the belt air to ventilate working sections or an area where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed provided that the following conditions are met (30 CFR §75:350(b)): * the belt entry must be equipped with an atmospheric monitoring system; * all miners must be trained annually in the basic operating principles of an AMS, including the actions required in the event of activation of any CO alert or alarm system; * the average concentration of respirable dust in the belt air course must be maintained at or below 1 mg/m^sup 3^; * the primary escapeways must be monitored for carbon monoxide or smoke; * the areas ventilated with belt air must be developed with three or more entries; and * in areas of the mine developed after the Rule, no more than 50% of the total intake air delivered to the workings can be supplied from the belt air course.