POSSIBLE COUNTERACTION TO METHANE IGNITION IN LONGWALLS AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS AT POLISH HARD COAL MINES

摘要

The article recalls the notions related to methane ignition. There are discussed the last accidents and reasons of methane ignition in longwalls, that happened at mines: "Rrydultowy", "Budryk", "Pniowek", "Bielszowice" and "Brzeszcze". The places of potential methane ignition hazards in longwalls and their surroundings (abandoned workings) are pointed out. The article also discusses the most frequent reasons of methane ignition at Polish hard coal mines and presents the means for counteraction to this hazard.