Order of the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service No. 507 of 8 December 2020
Unofficial translation. Only the Russian original published in the official sources of the Russian Federation has legal force. This translation is provided for reference and does not replace the official document.
1. These Federal Norms and Rules in the field of industrial safety "Safety Rules in Coal Mines" (hereinafter - Safety Rules) have been developed in accordance with the requirements of Federal Law No. 116-FZ of 21 July 1997 "On the Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities" (Collected Legislation of the Russian Federation, 1997, No. 30, Article 3588; 2018, No. 31, Article 4860).
2. These Safety Rules apply to organisations engaged in the extraction of coal (combustible shale) by the underground method (hereinafter - coal-mining organisations) and are mandatory for the heads and specialists of organisations and their separate subdivisions engaged in the design, construction and operation, mothballing (liquidation) of hazardous production facilities of the coal industry at which underground mining operations are conducted (hereinafter - mine), in the design, manufacture, installation, operation and repair of technical devices, and for supervisory and monitoring bodies, for professional emergency rescue services or professional emergency rescue units (hereinafter - PERS(U)), and also for employees of other organisations whose activities involve visiting mines.
3. These Rules establish requirements, compliance with which ensures industrial safety and the safety of technological processes, are aimed at the prevention of accidents and incidents in coal-mining organisations, and ensure the readiness of coal-mining organisations to localise and eliminate the consequences of accidents.
4. The bringing of mines into conformity with the requirements of these Safety Rules is carried out within the time limits established by the head of the coal-mining organisation. Until mines are brought into conformity with the requirements of these Safety Rules, additional actions ensuring their safe operation shall be applied. The technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation shall send a notification of the developed additional actions, before their application at the mine begins, to the territorial body of the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service (Rostechnadzor) exercising federal state supervision in the field of industrial safety over the mine (hereinafter - the territorial body of Rostechnadzor).
5. The head of the coal-mining organisation, by an administrative document, establishes the procedure for issuing assignments (hereinafter - work order) for the performance of work and the procedure for admitting employees to the performance of work orders. The work order is recorded in the work-order book. The procedure for issuing work orders and the procedure for admitting employees to the performance of work orders may be carried out in electronic form.
6. The issuing of a work order for the performance of work in places where there are violations of the requirements of industrial safety and of the safety of the conduct of mining operations shall be prohibited, except for work to eliminate the violations. For work to eliminate violations of the requirements of industrial safety and of the safety of the conduct of mining operations, a work order for the elimination of violations is issued. High-hazard work in the mine is performed in accordance with a permit to work for the performance of high-hazard work. The procedure for issuing a permit to work for the performance of high-hazard work is determined by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation.
7. Mine workings, sections, buildings, structures, installations and technical devices at the mine are accepted into operation in accordance with the procedure approved by the head of the mine.
8. Employees of the mine, heads and engineering and technical personnel (hereinafter - ETP) who direct mining operations at the mine shall have higher or secondary vocational education and qualifications corresponding to their professional activity, shall be trained in safe working methods, shall know the notification signals, the rules of conduct in the event of accidents and the locations of the rescue means, be able to use them, and know the instructions on the safe performance of technological processes and on the safe servicing and operation of technical devices. Employees of the mine shall, not less frequently than every six months, undergo a repeat briefing on the safe conduct of mining operations and, not less frequently than once a year, an assessment of knowledge of the instructions for their profession. The results of the assessment of knowledge of the instructions for professions are recorded in documentary form in accordance with the procedure established by the head of the coal-mining organisation.
9. The technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, by an administrative document, assigns to the structural subdivisions of the mine the mine workings and the ventilation structures, technical devices and pipelines located in them.
10. An aerological safety service (section) (hereinafter - AS) shall be organised at the mine.
11. The condition of the mine workings of the mine is monitored daily by the ETP of the mine. The places where work is conducted in the mine workings of the mine are monitored by the ETP of the mine every shift. Upon the detection of violations of the requirements of industrial safety, the ETP of the coal-mining organisation and (or) mine suspend the conduct of such work and report the violation to the senior official on the shift, who takes measures to eliminate the detected violations. In cases where the violations of the requirements of industrial safety detected in the mine workings may lead to the occurrence of an accident or incident and (or) create a threat to the life and health of people, the people leave such mine workings for mine workings in which there are no violations of the requirements of industrial safety and (or) for the surface (hereinafter - a safe place).
12. The procedure for the presence of people in mine workings on non-working days and holidays is determined by the head of the mine. The resumption of mining operations after non-working days and holidays for a period of more than one shift is carried out on the basis of the written permission of the chief engineer of the mine, after a check of the state of industrial safety by the ETP of the structural subdivision of the mine. On non-working shifts, for the performance of work in dead-end mine workings, a work order is issued to not less than two employees having work experience in the profession of not less than one year.
13. Technical devices ensuring the ventilation of mine workings, water supply, water pumping, degassing, the lowering and raising of people (loads) and the operation of the multifunctional safety system (hereinafter - MFSS) are stopped for the performance of repair work on the written permission of the chief engineer of the mine.
14. The construction (reconstruction) of a mine and its commissioning is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation, on the basis of the design documentation for the construction (reconstruction) of the mine. The operation of the mine is carried out on the basis of the designs for the development of mineral deposits (hereinafter - technical design), prepared, agreed and approved in accordance with the Regulation on the preparation, agreement and approval of technical designs for the development of mineral deposits and other design documentation for the performance of work related to the use of subsoil plots, by types of minerals and types of subsoil use, approved by Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 118 of 3 March 2010 (Collected Legislation of the Russian Federation, 2010, No. 10, Article 1100; 2020, No. 2, Article 169).
15. The technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation approves the plans and schemes for the development of mining operations, the projects for the technical re-equipment of mines and the work performance projects prepared in accordance with the technical designs and with the design documentation for the construction (reconstruction) of the mine.
16. The chief engineer of the mine approves the documentation for the performance of mining operations related to the driving, supporting, maintenance and liquidation of mine workings and the conduct of extraction operations (hereinafter - mining operations documentation). The mining operations documentation is developed for each extraction section before the commencement of mining operations for the driving of mine workings. This documentation shall contain sections in accordance with which, during preparation for the operation of this extraction section and its operation, mining operations for the driving, supporting and maintenance of mine workings and the extraction of coal will be conducted. By decision of the chief engineer of the mine, the sections forming part of the mining operations documentation for an extraction section are developed in the form of separate documentation for each type of mining operations: the driving of mine workings; the supporting (replacement, repair and withdrawal of support) of mine workings; the maintenance of mine workings; the extraction of coal (the conduct of extraction operations).
17. The mining operations documentation consists of a textual part and a graphical part. The textual part contains information about the extraction section, a description of the adopted technological, technical and other decisions, explanations, references to the regulatory and (or) technical documents used in its preparation, and the calculations and results of calculations substantiating the adopted decisions. The graphical part displays the adopted technological, technical and other decisions and shall be prepared in the form of drawings, schemes, plans and other documents in graphical form.
18. The mining operations documentation shall contain measures to ensure industrial safety and the safe conduct of mining operations.
19. The mining operations documentation shall correspond to the technical designs and to the mining-geological and mining-technical conditions. When the mining-geological and mining-technical conditions change, corresponding additions taking into account the changes in the mining-geological and mining-technical conditions that have occurred or are forecast are made to the mining operations documentation. The mining operations documentation, after additions have been made to it, is approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
20. Employees of the mine shall, before the commencement of mining operations, be familiarised, against signature, with the mining operations documentation.
21. The emergency protection shall ensure the prevention of accidents and incidents, the realisation of the set of measures and means determined by the technical designs and the design documentation and, in the event of their occurrence, the conduct of emergency rescue operations.
22. In the mine workings of the mine and in the above-shaft buildings and structures, a complex of systems and means shall be installed to ensure the organisation and implementation of safety in the conduct of mining operations and the monitoring and control of technological and production processes under normal and emergency conditions. The systems and means of this complex shall be combined into the MFSS. The MFSS shall ensure: the monitoring of the safety parameters of the mine and the prevention of the conditions for the occurrence of danger of a geodynamic, aerological and man-made nature; the operational monitoring of the conformity of technological processes to the specified parameters; the use of systems for the emergency protection of people, equipment and structures. The composition of the MFSS and the procedure for the accounting, analysis and assessment of the identified hazards is determined by the design documentation, taking into account the established hazards of the mine, and provides for: the monitoring of aerological safety: a system for the monitoring and control of stationary fan installations, local ventilation fans (hereinafter - LVF) and gas-suction installations ensuring the isolated removal of methane from the mined-out space (hereinafter - GSI); a system for the monitoring and control of degassing installations and the monitoring of the underground degassing network; an air-gas monitoring system (hereinafter - AGM); a system for the monitoring of the dustiness of the air and dust deposits, taking into account the requirements established by paragraph 187 of these Safety Rules; the monitoring and forecasting of dynamic phenomena: a system for the regional, local and current forecasting of dynamic phenomena; a system of geophysical observations; fire protection: a system for the detection of the early signs of endogenous and exogenous fires and for the localisation of exogenous fires; a system for the monitoring and control of the fire water supply; communication, notification and location of people: a system for determining the location of people in mine workings; a system for the search and detection of people caught by an accident; a system of operational, loudspeaker and emergency underground communication and of emergency notification; two independent communication channels with the PERS(U) unit servicing the mine; explosion protection: a system for the monitoring and control of the explosion-protection means of the mine workings; a system for the monitoring and control of the explosion-protection means in the GSI and in the degassing pipelines and installations.
23. The MFSS shall comply with the requirements in the field of industrial safety and technical regulation, of ensuring the uniformity of measurements, and of the standards for explosion-proof electrical equipment, automated control systems, information technologies, measuring systems and gas-analysis equipment. Information on the location of people shall be transmitted to the dispatch point with an update period of not more than five seconds. The dispatcher shall be able to notify people and to receive notification of the receipt of a call signal. The system for the search and detection of people caught by an accident shall be able to ensure the search for people for a period of not less than thirty-six hours from the beginning of the occurrence of the accident, through a layer of rock with a thickness of not less than 20 m and with a resolution of not less than 2 m. The systems forming part of the MFSS and other mine automated monitoring and control systems shall operate on a unified mine system time. The discrepancy between the scales of the unified mine system time and the unified time system (used by the satellite navigation system) shall not exceed 2 s. Any impact on the systems and means forming part of the MFSS for the purpose of distorting, destroying, blocking or modifying the information received by the MFSS shall be prohibited.
24. The coal-mining organisation shall carry out remote monitoring (control) of the safety parameters recorded by the MFSS of the mines. As part of the monitoring (control) of the safety parameters, the coal-mining organisation shall ensure the accounting, analysis and assessment of the identified hazards and the transmission of the processed information on the detected critical changes in the monitored safety parameters of the mine and on the activation of the emergency protection systems, via communication channels, to the territorial body of Rostechnadzor. By order of the head of the coal-mining organisation, a person responsible for carrying out the remote monitoring of the safety parameters is appointed. The appointed person and the administrators of the AGM system shall be familiarised, against signature, with the requirements of paragraph 23 of these Safety Rules concerning the prohibition of impact on the systems and means forming part of the MFSS.
25. A plan of actions for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents at hazardous production facilities (hereinafter - plan of actions) is developed in the coal-mining organisation. The plan of actions includes a special section - the accident elimination plan (hereinafter - AEP) - which determines the procedure for actions in the event of an accident for the rescue of people and the elimination of accidents in the initial period of occurrence and for the prevention of its development in the mine workings of the mine. The AEP is developed by the chief engineer of the mine jointly with the head of the PERS(U) unit servicing the mine, in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the drawing-up of accident elimination plans at mines.
26. In the event of an accident, the procedure for the organisation and performance of work for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of the accident at the hazardous production facility is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts in the field of industrial safety on the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents at hazardous production facilities at which mining operations are conducted. The technical means, equipment and materials provided for by the AEP shall be in working condition and in the places determined by the AEP.
27. The network of the operating mine workings of the mine shall ensure the evacuation of people in the event of an accident from the most remote gas-filled mine workings to the surface or to mine workings with a fresh air stream along the routes provided for by the AEP, within the time of the protective action of the individual respiratory protective equipment (hereinafter - RPE) of the isolating type.
28. For the rescue of people, self-rescuer changeover points (hereinafter - SCP) are equipped in the mine workings. Collective rescue points (hereinafter - CRP) may be used. The placement of SCP and CRP in the mine workings of the mine is determined by the design documentation approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, taking into account the provision of an additional possibility for the self-rescue of people along the route of their movement to the surface with isolating-type RPE. In the mine workings, along the route of movement of people, indicators of the direction of movement to the SCP, CRP and to the surface are installed, including tactile ones and ones with a reflective colouring. SCP are placed in mine workings the duration of movement of people along which, according to the AEP, to workings with a fresh air stream exceeds 30 minutes, and at the mouth of a mine working with a fresh air stream (at the exit from a smoke-filled mine working) on the route to the reserve exit to the surface. A CRP is placed in chambers or other mine workings driven or adapted for these purposes, on the routes of movement of people to the surface along mine workings used during an accident as a reserve exit, in which, as a result of an accident, disruption of the ventilation regime of the mine provided for by the AEP is possible. In a CRP, the possibility of evacuating people to the surface or to mine workings with a fresh air stream is provided. A CRP is equipped with technical means for monitoring the content of methane, carbon monoxide, oxygen and the temperature inside the CRP and in the mine atmosphere of the mine working at the place of installation of the CRP. The necessity and the places of installation of the means for monitoring harmful gases inside the CRP and in the mine atmosphere of the mine working at the place of installation of the CRP are determined by the design decisions on the AGM. In a CRP, means of communication with the mine dispatcher are installed. A CRP is provided with separate or autonomous ventilation. The equipping of the SCP and CRP with individual and collective protective equipment and with first-aid means, and also the organisation of the monitoring of their condition and the procedure for their replacement and servicing, shall be determined by the design documentation, which is developed taking into account the maximum number of employees of the mine proceeding to the SCP and CRP in the event of an accident along the routes provided for by the AEP. The arrangement of the SCP and CRP in the mine workings of the mine is indicated in the AEP.
29. In the coal-mining organisation, accounting of the people present in the mine shall be organised. The chief engineer of the mine establishes the procedure for accounting of the people who have not left the mine and the measures for their search.
30. In the mine workings of the mine, at the places determined by the chief engineer of the mine, signboards with the names of the mine workings, indicators of the direction of movement to the reserve exits to the surface, safety signs and signalling devices are installed. Signboards with the names of the mine workings and indicators of the direction of movement to the reserve exits to the surface are installed at the junctions of the mine workings. The signboards with the names of the mine workings, the indicators of the direction of movement to the reserve exits to the surface and the safety signs are made reflective.
31. Employees engaged in work in the mine workings shall be provided with isolating-type RPE permanently assigned to them, with cap lamps and with technical devices for determining location, for emergency notification, and for search and detection. In development and extraction faces, by decision of the chief engineer of the mine, small-size isolating-type RPE with a protective-action time of not less than 30 minutes may be used; in this case, the permanently assigned isolating-type RPE, the protective-action time of which ensures the exit of employees in the direction of the nearest mine working with a fresh air stream along the routes provided for by the AEP, shall be stored in a specially designated SCP located near the workplace. Where there are two or more routes, SCP are installed in the direction of each route, with a reserve sufficient for the self-rescue of all the people simultaneously caught by an accident. The time of movement of people in the direction of the nearest mine working with a fresh air stream along the routes provided for by the AEP shall not exceed the protective-action time of the permanently assigned isolating-type RPE.
32. Employees of the mine and of other organisations whose activities involve visiting underground mine workings shall undergo briefings on industrial safety and on the use of isolating-type RPE. The briefings on industrial safety and on the use of isolating-type RPE shall be conducted in accordance with a programme approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation. The briefings on industrial safety and on the use of isolating-type RPE are conducted not less frequently than once every six months; in this case, each employee shall undergo training in switching into isolating-type RPE of all the models operated at the mine. When a briefing on the use of isolating-type RPE is conducted, the employee shall be familiarised with the methods of checking their operability and serviceability. Employees engaged in work in the mine workings undergo training in the use of isolating-type RPE not less frequently than once a year. The training is conducted with the use of isolating-type RPE and (or) simulators in an environment imitating smoke, the content of harmful and hazardous gases in which does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. The duration of the training shall be not less than half of the protective-action time of the isolating-type RPE assigned to the employees. Employees engaged in work in the mine workings for exit from which SCP or CRP are provided shall be able to switch over to another isolating-type RPE in a smoke-filled gas-air environment with an atmosphere unfit for breathing.
33. The presence of people in the mine workings of the mine without isolating-type RPE, cap lamps and technical devices for determining location, for emergency notification, and for search and detection shall be prohibited. The presence of people in the mine workings of mines gassy in respect of methane without methane detectors combined with cap lamps shall be prohibited.
34. Employees engaged in work in the mine workings shall immediately notify their immediate supervisor or, in accordance with the procedure established in the coal-mining organisation, other officials of violations of the requirements of industrial safety and shall suspend the work.
35. Employees connected with work in the mine workings shall: comply with the requirements of the mining operations documentation and the requirements of industrial safety in the servicing and operation of technical devices; know the emergency notification signals, the rules of conduct in the event of accidents and incidents, the AEP for the mine workings of the mine in which they may be present, the reserve exits to the surface, and the locations of the SCP, CRP and other rescue and fire-protection means, and be able to use them.
36. Employees of the mine and of other organisations shall be prohibited from: performing work not provided for by the work order; carrying smoking accessories, smoking and using open fire in the mine workings of the mine, at the mouths of mine workings coming out onto the surface, in the above-shaft buildings and structures and at a distance of less than 30 metres from them; sleeping, carrying and consuming alcoholic beverages, narcotic or toxic substances, and being in a state of alcoholic, narcotic or other toxic intoxication in the mine workings of the mine and in the buildings and structures operated by the coal-mining organisation; in the mine workings of mines hazardous in respect of methane, removing from themselves the methane detector combined with the cap lamp.
37. The conduct of mining operations without mining operations documentation approved by the chief engineer of the mine shall be prohibited. When the mining-geological and mining-technical conditions change, mining operations are stopped until changes have been made to the mining operations documentation.
38. Mining operations shall be performed by not less than two employees, and the work experience in the profession of one of them shall be not less than one year.
39. A work order for the performance of work by employees of the structural subdivisions of the mine, of the coal-mining organisation or of contractor organisations in mine workings assigned to another structural subdivision of the mine shall be agreed with the head of the structural subdivision to which the mine workings are assigned.
40. Before the commencement of mining operations in the sections of the mine field with complex mining-geological conditions, measures ensuring the safe conduct of mining operations, approved by the chief engineer of the mine, shall be implemented.
41. All mine workings intended for the movement of people shall ensure free passage for the performance of the actions provided for by the AEP. In horizontal and inclined mine workings, the height and width of the part of the working intended for the movement of people shall be not less than 1.8 m and not less than 0.7 m respectively.
42. At the mine there shall be not less than two (a main and a reserve) separate exits to the surface, equipped for the movement (transport) of people. On each level of the mine there shall be not less than two (a main and a reserve) separate exits to the higher (lower) level or to the surface, adapted for the movement (transport) of people. Mine workings equipped for the movement (transport) of people to the surface (from level to level) shall have a different direction of movement of the ventilation streams. Two or more workings along which the ventilation stream moves in one direction constitute one reserve exit.
43. Where the shafts are located centrally (on one industrial site), after their sinking (deepening) to the design level, a mine working connecting these shafts is driven first, and then work is performed to equip one of the shafts with permanent means for the transport of people. When a new level is opened up by a single shaft or prepared by inclines, mine workings are driven first to provide the level with two exits and its ventilation by means of the mine-wide depression. Where the shaft is located on the flank, after its sinking to the design level, work is performed to equip it with permanent or temporary means for the transport of people and to equip the water drainage, and after them - work for the driving of mine workings providing the second exit from the level.
44. Vertical shafts that are exits to the surface are equipped with technical devices ensuring the transport of people and with ladder compartments. Where two shafts are located centrally: the ladder compartment in one of them may be absent, provided that it is equipped with two technical devices ensuring the transport of people with an independent supply of electrical energy; in shafts with a depth of more than 500 m the ladder compartment is not provided, provided that the shafts are equipped with two technical devices with an independent supply of electrical energy ensuring the transport of people; in shafts with a depth of up to 70 m the hoisting installation is not installed in one of them, provided that both shafts have a ladder compartment.
45. Mine workings coming out onto the surface, at the mouth of which the permanent presence of employees is not provided for, shall be equipped with devices ensuring exit from the mine and preventing access to them from the surface, and with signalling transmitted to the mine dispatcher.
46. Inclined mine workings intended for the movement of people are equipped, at angles of inclination: from 7 to 10° - with gangways; from 11 to 25° - with gangways with handrails; from 26 to 30° - with walkways with steps and handrails; from 31 to 45° - with ladders with horizontal steps and handrails; more than 45° - with ladder compartments.
47. Ladders in ladder compartments shall be installed at an angle of not more than 80°. The width of the ladders shall be not less than 0.4 m, and the distance between the steps - not more than 0.4 m. The distance between the support of the mine working and the ladder at its base shall be not less than 0.6 m. In ladder compartments, horizontal platforms are arranged not more than every 8 m. The ladders shall project not less than 1 m above the horizontal platforms. In the horizontal platforms, for free passage, manholes with a width of not less than 0.6 m and a height of not less than 0.7 m are arranged. The height of the manhole is determined along the normal to the ladder installed in it. The manholes above the first upper ladder shall be closed with trapdoors. The manholes in the platforms shall be offset by the width of the manhole. If inclined mine workings serve as exits from underground workings to the surface, then in one of them mechanised transport of people and a passage for their free movement shall be provided.
48. At operating mines, when a level is prepared by a vertical shaft and an inclined mine working or by two inclined mine workings, the reserve exit is equipped in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 47 of these Safety Rules along one of these mine workings.
49. For mines under construction (reconstruction) that are gassy, the conduct of mining operations for the extraction of coal in each seam in more than one incline field shall be prohibited.
50. Extraction sections prepared in incline fields shall have not less than two mine workings driven at the boundaries of the incline field, along which the exit of people from the mine workings of the extraction section to the mine workings of the level or to the surface shall be ensured.
51. A stope with a long working face (hereinafter - the longwall) and a stope with a short working face (hereinafter - the extraction chamber) whose dead-end part exceeds 30 m shall have not less than two exits into the mine workings bounding the extraction panel. Where mine workings advancing ahead of the longwall are present, the exit onto the conveyor (haulage) working shall be ahead of the longwall. Where coal is transported along the longwall by gravity, and also when working under the longwall - drift scheme, there shall be not less than two exits onto the lower working along which coal is not transported. One of the exits shall be ahead of the longwall. The second exit shall be on the side of the goaf. Where the longwall approaches the technical boundaries, the lower exit may be arranged through the rear raises or winzes. Where the extracted seam thickness is 1 m or less, in each of the longwalls ventilated in sequence an exit shall be provided through its intermediate drifts onto a travelling way driven to the full height of the level and equipped for the movement of persons. Where extraction is carried out by systems with full stowing of the goaf on steep seams, one exit equipped for the movement of persons onto the ventilation horizon and a second onto the haulage horizon shall be provided from the longwall. Where seams liable to an inrush of water (slurry or clay) are worked, an exit into the mine workings of the overlying horizon shall be provided from the longwall.
52. Inclined mine workings that serve as exits from one horizon to another or to the surface, along which loads and persons are conveyed, shall have bypass workings at the sections where the lower and intermediate landings are located. The presence of persons in inclined mine workings during the conveyance of loads along them shall be prohibited, with the exception of the accompanying workers.
53. When thick seams are worked, the entry beneath the shield and the exit from beneath it are equipped with a suspended metal wire-rope ladder. The ladder is suspended from the shield and lowered along the coal-drawing raise to the nearest breakthrough connecting that raise with the travelling raise. The second exit from beneath the shield is equipped in the coal-drawing raise nearest to the caved area. This raise is equipped with a suspended metal wire-rope ladder suspended from the shield. The ladder is lowered to the breakthrough with the ventilation raise driven from the intermediate or haulage (parallel) drift. Two safety ropes are stretched between the end sections of the shield cover, to which the belts of the persons working beneath the cover are attached. Where the seam thickness is less than 6 m, one safety rope may be stretched.
54. The driving and support of mine workings is carried out in accordance with the documentation for the driving and support of mine workings.
55. The methods and techniques of conducting mining operations for the driving and support of mine workings shall preclude falls and collapses of rock in the working space.
56. When mine workings are driven, the cross-sections provided for by the design documentation shall be ensured. The minimum clear cross-sectional areas of horizontal and inclined mine workings, the width of the passages for persons and the size of the clearances between the support, equipment, pipelines and rolling stock shall correspond to the parameters set out in Appendix No. 1 to these Safety Rules. Passages for persons shall be arranged along the entire length of the mine working, on one side. On the double-track sections of the mine workings of shaft-bottom yards, in the single-track shaft-bottom workings of cage shafts, in double-track mine workings and at passing loops where shunting operations, the coupling and uncoupling of mine cars or trains, and the transfer of equipment and materials from one means of transport to another are performed, at stationary loading points with a capacity of 1000 tonnes per day or more, and at transit loading points in the absence of a bypass working irrespective of capacity, passages for persons are provided on both sides. The arrangement of passages between tracks shall be prohibited.
57. The lowering of coal, rock and stowing materials and the movement of persons shall be organised along two parallel mine workings connected to each other every 8 - 10 m, or along a single mine working having two compartments. The travelling compartments of mine workings are separated from the coal-drawing (rock-drawing) compartments by a continuous partition with closable windows for the passage of stuck lumps of coal and rock. When coal (stowing material, rock) is lowered along metal pipes, the partitioning of the travelling compartment is not carried out.
58. Where voids are formed during the driving, support and repair of mine workings, they are stowed or grouted. A non-combustible material is used to fill the voids behind the support of mine workings.
59. During the driving and support of mine workings, the presence of persons in the unsupported part of the mine working shall be prohibited.
60. Breakthroughs between mine workings are made in accordance with actions approved by the chief engineer of the mine. The actions shall provide for monitoring of the distance to the breakthrough, of the state of the coal-rock mass, and for the strengthening of the support in the mine workings being connected.
61. The use of the permanent support of a mine working as a bearing structure shall be prohibited, with the exception of the suspension of ventilation pipes, cable network, pipelines, technical devices and their components whose fastening to the permanent support of the mine working is provided for by the mining operations documentation.
62. When mine workings are driven in benches along thick seams, the lead of the upper bench relative to the lower one shall be not more than 1.5 m. The upper bench shall be fenced along its edge.
63. In inclined mine workings, not less than two barriers are installed to protect the personnel performing work on their driving or repair from objects falling from above. The simultaneous conduct of mining operations and of work to service machines and mechanisms in the face of an inclined mine working equipped with rail transport with single-ended hoisting and delivery of materials shall be prohibited.
64. When technical devices pass each other in inclined mine workings, one of them shall be in a stationary state. The presence of persons below the passing point of the technical devices shall be prohibited.
65. The sinking of a vertical mine working after the construction of its collar shall be prohibited without a cover at the zero mark and without a safety stage protecting the persons located in the face from falling objects. During the deepening of a vertical mine working, its face is fenced off from the operating hoists on the working horizon by a safety stage or a pillar. The safety stage or pillar shall be designed for the fall of a load whose mass is taken in accordance with Appendix No. 2 to these Safety Rules.
66. For the removal of rock by buckets from the face along vertical mine workings, openings fitted with trapdoors and intended for the passage of the bucket are arranged in the covers. The trapdoors shall open only during the passage of the bucket and shall preclude the possibility of rock or other objects falling into the vertical mine working during the discharge of the bucket. The openings intended for the passage of the bucket are fenced.
67. The presence of persons in the face of a vertical mine working during work to replace the rope, to fasten it, to replace the hoisting vessel, to hang and remove concrete conduits, and to eliminate sections of hardened concrete in a concrete conduit shall be prohibited.
68. The openings of the platforms accommodating technical devices in headframes are fitted with trapdoors or fenced to a height of not less than 1600 mm. The fencing in its lower part, to a height of not less than 300 mm, is continuous. The zero, discharge and sheave platforms of headframes shall be illuminated.
69. The near-face part of the shaft being sunk or deepened is equipped with single-deck or multi-deck movable stages. The suspension of the single-deck and multi-deck stages shall ensure their horizontal position in the event of the breakage of one of the ropes and shall preclude the possibility of jamming during movement.
70. During the movement of the stage along a vertical mine working, the safety of the performance of the work shall be ensured.
71. Where work to sink a vertical mine working and work to erect permanent support in it, performed from a suspended stage, are combined, the stage shall be equipped with fencing not less than 300 mm high that precludes objects falling through it into the face of the vertical mine working. The stages and the face of the vertical mine working are equipped with sound signalling. Sinking stages are equipped with inspection windows.
72. Work to move stages and other technical devices in a vertical mine working is classified as work of increased danger.
73. The conduct of stoping operations in more than two adjacent levels shall be prohibited. The extraction of pillars and the working of individual extraction panels on the overlying levels are performed in the order approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
74. Stoping operations prior to the initial caving of the main roof, when the longwall approaches the boundaries of the extraction panel and the protective pillars, are conducted subject to the mandatory implementation of the measures ensuring the safety of mining operations under these conditions, approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
75. In longwalls equipped with mechanised complexes, shearers with a chainless haulage system shall be used. At dip angles of 9° or more (when working from the conveyor frame), the shearer shall be equipped with two independent braking devices. The presence of persons in the longwall below the shearer during its operation and its lowering on seams with a dip angle of more than 25° shall be prohibited, with the exception of powered supports equipped with a shield preventing lumps of coal and rock from reaching the places where persons are located.
76. The extraction of above-drift pillars at ventilation drifts simultaneously with the working of the longwalls of the underlying level is performed at seam dip angles of up to 30° and where bounding mine workings are present.
77. The transport of coal from the longwall to the loading point where pillars above the drift are present, on flat and inclined seams worked by the continuous mining system, is performed into the mine workings located ahead of the face.
78. In vertical and inclined mine workings along which coal is transported by its own weight, measures shall be provided to prevent and eliminate blockages of coal in these workings.
79. The delivery of technical devices and materials by longwall conveyors not equipped with devices for retaining them, at angles of their location of more than 18° to the horizontal, shall be prohibited.
80. The parameters of the barrier, inter-chamber and sub-caving pillars, the parameters of the support of the extraction chambers (drifts, raises) and cuts for a specific technological scheme of the chamber extraction system (hereinafter - KSO) are approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the organisation, taking into account the recommendations of a specialised research organisation dealing with problems of geomechanics.
81. The parameters of the technological scheme of the KSO shall ensure the stability of the mass in the area of coal extraction from the seam for a period sufficient to complete the working of the cut and to move the equipment to begin the working of the next one. The calculation of the time required to perform the full cycle of a cut and to move the equipment to the start of a new cut shall be included in the documentation for stoping operations.
82. The goaf of the extraction chamber (opening-out raise) shall be fenced off from the working space so as to prevent the passage of persons into the unsupported space.
83. The quantity of air supplied to the extraction panel of the KSO shall ensure a minimum velocity (0.25 m/s) in all operating workings, including in the non-isolated worked-out chambers (cuts). When an extraction panel of the KSO on a thick seam is worked in two or more slices, the ventilation of the near-face space of the second and subsequent slices shall be ensured at a minimum velocity of 0.5 m/s. The ventilation of the extraction chamber being worked is carried out by means of the general mine depression. The return air current from the extraction chamber (cut) being worked may be diverted into a maintained mine working through the worked-out section of the extraction chamber and (or) the cut. In this case, automatic monitoring of the air flow rate shall be ensured in the extraction chamber. The order and sequence of the work to isolate the extraction chambers is determined by the design documentation. The ventilation of the extraction panel of the KSO being prepared is carried out using local ventilation fans. The mine workings driven in parallel are connected to each other at a distance determined by the design documentation. As each subsequent breakthrough (raise) is driven, the previous one shall be isolated by a rapidly erected airtight stopping. The ventilation of the extraction chamber being prepared by means of the general mine depression, using flexible partitions of airtight material not more than 60 m long, is permitted at mines not higher than category II. In this case, the mine workings driven in parallel shall be connected to each other at not more than every 30 m. The ventilation schemes of the extraction panels of the KSO during preparation, working and closure are approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the organisation.
84. Monitoring of the displacement of rock at the boundary of the coal mass with the goaf, in the absence of mobile powered supports, shall be carried out by instrumental methods (rock-displacement sensors, benchmarks, control props) that ensure the timely warning of the workers of the danger of a rock collapse in the working zone.
85. The decision on the possibility of applying the KSO on seams liable to spontaneous combustion of coal is taken by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the organisation, taking into account the recommendations of specialised research organisations, with the development of additional actions to prevent endogenous fire hazard, approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the organisation.
86. In longwalls, support with characteristics corresponding to the mining and geological conditions is used.
87. The support of the junctions of the longwall with the mine workings adjoining them is carried out by powered movable support or by other types of support provided for by the mining operations documentation.
88. The measures ensuring the safety of roof-caving work, the actions for roof control, for the maintenance of mine workings and for the strengthening of the support of the bounding mine workings shall be provided for in the mining operations documentation.
89. In cases where the roof does not cave at the caving step adopted in the mining operations documentation, its forced caving is carried out. The set of work for the forced caving of the roof is included in the mining operations documentation. The conduct of mining operations for the extraction of coal in the longwall during the forced caving of the roof shall be prohibited.
90. On seams with a dip angle of more than 30°, the working of sub-levels by systems with roof caving is conducted in a descending order.
91. When a seam is worked in slices in a descending order and in the absence of a stable inter-slice rock band, the caving of the crown pillar or the stowing of the goaf is carried out onto the inter-slice cover. The lag of the longwall of each underlying slice behind the boundary of the caved or stowed space of the longwall of the overlying slice shall be not less than 20 m.
92. With a combined mining system with a flexible cover, the conduct of stoping operations beneath the cover with an uncaved roof in the assembly slice shall be prohibited.
93. The presence of persons in the goaf during its filling with stowing, and the performance of stowing work in the absence of two-way communication between the workplace and the stowing complex, shall be prohibited.
94. The lowering of the shield cover is permitted only after it has been equipped with safety means (ropes, walkways, gratings), the assembly of not less than one section of the next shield cover (with the exception of the last shield pillar on the extraction panel), and the caving of the crown pillar above the shield to create a safety cushion of a height not less than the seam thickness. In the event of a delay in the caving of the crown pillar (the inter-level or sub-level pillar) or the hanging of the caved rock, the lowering of the shield cover shall be stopped and forced caving applied. For the duration of the caving, persons are led out from beneath the shield to a safe place.
95. With the shield mining system, the ventilation of the mine workings of the shield pillar is carried out from the bottom upwards from the haulage drift, along the rising air-supply mine working (the ventilation raise) and the rising coal-drawing raises, in the direction of the working face. The ventilation raise is supported and equipped with a ladder for an emergency exit. To ensure reliable ventilation of the working face and to prevent the gassing of the coal-drawing raises, the driving of the ventilation raise is carried out in the hanging wall of the coal seam to a height determined in the documentation for the performance of mining operations. In their lower part, above the main or intermediate drift, the coal-drawing raises are shaped into accumulating bunkers, the volume of which is determined in the documentation for the performance of mining operations on the basis of accommodating the coal broken in one round of blasting. The ventilation raise is driven to a height exceeding by more than 3 m the height selected for the bunker. On seams with a thickness of less than 5 m, it is permitted to use, as ventilation raises, boreholes drilled with a diameter of not less than 0.7 m.
96. The district stations of pressure hydrotransport are located in chambers, and, where the service life is up to one year, in niches. The district station of pressure hydrotransport is equipped with a coal-pump chamber, a receiving sump with a capacity of not less than the 10-minute output of the coal pumps, and an emergency slurry collector.
97. In the buildings and chambers accommodating the coal pumps and pumping stations, telephones with a signalling device led out are installed, providing communication with the mine dispatcher of the mine.
98. Before the hydraulic monitor begins operation, persons are led out from the zone of action of its jet. During the hydraulic and mechano-hydraulic breaking of coal in an operating working face, the work shall be performed by not less than two workers.
99. The following shall be prohibited: the manual control of hydraulic monitors at a water pressure exceeding 3 MPa; the leaving unattended of an operating hydraulic monitor with manual and remote control; work on hydraulic monitors without protective devices against reflected splashes of water, lumps of coal and rock; the conduct of stoping operations before the release of the water accumulated in the worked-out space.
100. The hydraulic monitor is provided with a valve mounted in it or in the water-supply pipeline at a distance of not more than 50 m from the hydraulic monitor. At the place where the valve is installed, when it is closed, a board is hung up bearing the inscription: "Do not open! Persons at work!".
101. The switching on and off of process pumps, and also the opening and closing of valves on process water conduits, are performed with the permission of the mine dispatcher of the mine, with the exception of emergency cases.
102. When breakthroughs between extraction raises or drifts are made by the hydraulic method, persons are led out from the extraction drift or raise into which the breakthroughs are made, and, at a distance of 20 m on either side of the point where the breakthrough emerges, "No entry" signs are installed.
103. During hydraulic breaking, the hydraulic-monitor jet is directed in the direction of the air movement by means of the general mine depression.
104. The ventilation of working faces is carried out by means of the general mine depression with the aid of breakthroughs or boreholes driven to the adjacent extraction drift or raise. The distance between breakthroughs (boreholes) shall be not more than 30 m. On seams of medium thickness and thick seams, the lower level of the ventilation borehole shall be located not less than 0.5 m above the floor level of the extraction raise (drift). When steeply dipping seams are worked, the ventilation of working faces by local ventilation fans is permitted. Not more than three adjacent working faces equipped for stoping extraction, ventilated by means of the general mine depression in sequence with freshening, are located within a single extraction panel. Ahead of the working faces, not more than two reserve raises (drifts) ventilated by means of the general mine depression are driven. Where working faces are ventilated by means of the general mine depression with the aid of breakthroughs or boreholes, in addition to the operating breakthroughs along which the return air current from the face passes, not less than one reserve breakthrough or borehole is driven ahead of the working face.
105. In the mine workings connecting the hydraulic-hoisting chamber with the mine workings of the shaft-bottom yard, a watertight door is installed.
106. The working of seams liable to sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas, and of seams liable to rock bursts, is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the forecasting of dynamic phenomena and the monitoring of the rock mass during the working of coal deposits. The chief engineer of the mine organises the forecasting of dynamic phenomena, the taking of measures to prevent dynamic phenomena and monitoring of their effectiveness.
107. At mines working seams liable to dynamic phenomena, the measures for the safe conduct of mining operations during the opening-up, the driving of preparatory mine workings and the conduct of mining operations in the extraction panels are included in the mining operations documentation.
108. Mining operations in areas of the "hazardous" category on seams liable to dynamic phenomena shall be prohibited, with the exception of work carried out to bring the rock mass into a non-hazardous state. Mining operations in mine workings ventilated in sequence by the return air current from a mine working in which work to prevent dynamic phenomena is being performed are stopped until the completion of the work to prevent dynamic phenomena and a decision on the resumption of mining operations after the rock mass has been brought into a non-hazardous state. The conduct of mining operations and the simultaneous performance of work to prevent dynamic phenomena in the mine workings of a single extraction field (level), and in adjacent mine workings during paired preparation, shall be prohibited. Upon the occurrence of events preceding dynamic phenomena, the conduct of mining operations at the places where such events manifest is stopped and persons are led out to a safe place. The decision on the resumption of mining operations after the rock mass has been brought into a non-hazardous state is taken by the chief engineer of the mine.
109. The support and steelwork of vertical and inclined shafts are inspected: by the chief engineer of the mine not less than once per quarter; by the chief mechanic of the mine not less than once per month; by the mechanic of the structural subdivision not less than once per week; by the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision in charge of the mine working, daily. The results of the inspection are documented in the order approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
110. A profile survey of the shaft steelwork and the measurement of the safety clearances in the shaft are carried out not less than once every two years. Based on the results of the profile survey, the chief engineer of the mine issues instructions on carrying out the necessary work to eliminate the deviations identified. When damage to the support is detected, measures are taken to bring it into a state corresponding to the design documentation.
111. The replacement and repair of the support of the junctions of drifts with crosscuts, bremsbergs, inclines, chambers and travelling ways are carried out under the supervision of the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision.
112. Work to eliminate continuous cave-ins in mine workings is carried out with observance of the measures ensuring the safe conduct of work, approved by the chief engineer of the mine. During the performance of repair work in vertical and inclined mine workings, the hoisting and movement along them of workers not engaged in the repair work shall be prohibited. In mine workings with an inclination angle of more than 18°, the conduct of repair work simultaneously in more than one place shall be prohibited.
113. The mining operations documentation for the repair of a vertical mine working shall provide for measures ensuring the safety of the conduct of the work: the stopping of the movement of hoisting vessels along the vertical mine working; the arrangement of a cover of the vertical mine working below the place of its repair by a safety stage precluding the fall into it of lumps of rock and other objects; the arrangement of a cover of the vertical mine working not more than 5 m above the place of its repair, ensuring the protection of the workers performing the repair work from falling objects; the arrangement of a stationary or suspended stage for the conduct of the repair work. Work to repair shafts is carried out under the supervision of the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision. Work to repair vertical mine workings shall be conducted using personal protective equipment against workers falling from height.
114. The collars of operating vertical and inclined mine workings and of those under sinking, equipped with hoisting installations, are fenced on the non-working sides with walls or metal mesh not less than 2.5 m high, and on the working sides with gratings or doors equipped with an interlock that activates the "Stop" signal at the operator when they are open. The support of the collars of vertical and inclined mine workings emerging at the ground surface and not equipped with hoisting shall project above the surface by not less than 1 m in the direction of the mine working. The collars of vertical and inclined mine workings are covered by trapdoors or gratings fixed to the support and equipped with fasteners. The sumps of shafts are fenced to prevent persons from falling into them. Where vertical and horizontal mine workings intersect, a bypass horizontal mine working shall be driven for the movement of persons along the horizontal mine working, or their movement shall be carried out beneath the ladder compartment equipped in the vertical mine working.
115. The collars of vertical or inclined mine workings with an inclination angle of more than 25°, at the points of their junctions with horizontal mine workings, are fenced on the side of the passage of persons or covered by strong stages, trapdoors or metal gratings. When these mine workings are eliminated, their collars are covered by stages and fenced. Beneath the shield cover, with the shield extraction system, metal gratings are suspended from the cover; in this case, the coal-drawing raise nearest to the pillar is covered by a grating at the floor level of the entry breakthrough. The remaining breakthroughs between the travelling raise and the coal-drawing raise are isolated.
116. In front of the collars of vertical mine workings equipped with trapdoors, fencing is installed at the lower and upper landings. In the absence of a mechanical drive for opening the trapdoors, the worker shall work in safety belts. The ladder compartment in vertical mine workings shall be fenced.
117. Before the working of coal seams by the technology with roof caving begins, the chief mine surveyor of the mine determines the area of the ground surface subject to undermining, establishes the procedure for monitoring the formation of sinkholes and organises the monitoring. The area of the ground surface where the formation of sinkholes is possible is fenced, and boards warning of danger and prohibiting access are installed along the perimeter. Sinkholes in the ground surface are plotted on the surface plans combined with the plans and schemes of the development of mining operations, are curbed, filled in and reclaimed to prevent the flooding of the surface and of mining operations, in accordance with actions approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
118. The liquidation and mothballing of mines are carried out in accordance with the technical designs for the liquidation and mothballing of hazardous production facilities connected with the use of subsoil. The liquidation and mothballing of the mine workings of mines are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the liquidation and mothballing of hazardous production facilities connected with the use of subsoil. At mines adjacent to the facilities for conducting mining operations being liquidated or mothballed, mining operations are conducted with observance of the actions ensuring the safety of the conduct of mining operations, approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation. The collars of liquidated mine workings that have an exit to the ground surface are inspected, not less than twice per year during the period of the formation of flood and meltwater, by a commission appointed by an administrative document of the mine manager. Where breaches into a liquidated mine working are identified, or changes in the surface relief threatening the formation of such breaches, measures are taken to eliminate them in accordance with the actions developed and approved by the chief engineer of the mine. The unmothballing of mines and the resumption of mining operations are carried out in the sequence provided for by the design decisions on mothballing, with observance of the actions ensuring the safety of the conduct of mining operations, approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation.
119. Work to extract support from horizontal and inclined mine workings is classified as work of increased danger. The extraction of support in a section being filled with stowing material shall be prohibited.
120. The temporary suspension of work to extract coal and to drive mine workings, owing to the absence of demand for the raw material extracted or to other economic reasons, may be carried out for a period of up to 6 months without mothballing of the facility. For the temporary suspension of the mine, actions are developed to ensure the safety of work connected with the use of subsoil, providing for the preservation of the mine workings, boreholes, buildings and structures of the mine, the prevention of flooding, gassing and fires in the mine workings of the mine, of changes in the conditions of working of coal seams in permafrost rock, and the monitoring of aerological safety and of geomechanical processes for the entire period of the suspension. The actions to ensure the safety of work connected with the use of subsoil for the period of the suspension of the mine are approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, and are considered and agreed within the framework of the mining operations development programme. The actions to ensure the safety of work connected with the use of subsoil for the period of the suspension of the mine may be extended until the development and agreement of the technical design for the mothballing or liquidation of the mine, but for not more than 6 months. Before the end of the temporary suspension or before the resumption of mining operations, an examination of the mine is carried out by a commission created by an administrative document of the mine manager, with the drawing up of an examination report for the purpose of assessing the safe state of the mine workings, approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
121. The ventilation of mine workings is carried out in such a way that all operating mine workings are provided with an air flow rate of not less than the design flow rate, and that the composition, velocity and temperature of the air in them comply with these Safety Rules. The flow rate, composition, velocity and temperature of the air in the mine workings shall be determined in the documentation for the conduct of mining operations. The procedure for monitoring the composition of the mine atmosphere and for determining the gas emission rate for methane and carbon dioxide is established by the chief engineer of the mine. The category of the mine in terms of methane and carbon dioxide is established by an order of the head of the coal-mining organisation.
122. The maximum concentration of methane in the atmosphere of operating mine workings shall not exceed the permissible norms given in Appendix No. 3 to these Safety Rules. The maximum permissible concentration of hydrogen in charging chambers is 0.5 per cent.
123. The concentration of oxygen in the mine atmosphere of mine workings in which a person is or may be present shall be not less than 20 per cent (by volume). The maximum permissible concentration of carbon dioxide in the mine atmosphere at workplaces, in the return currents of extraction districts and dead-end mine workings is 0.5 per cent; in mine workings with a return current of a wing, a horizon and the mine - 0.75 per cent; during the driving and restoration of mine workings through a cave-in - 1 per cent. The maximum permissible concentrations of harmful gases in the mine atmosphere of operating mine workings are given in Appendix No. 4 to these Safety Rules. In the event of an oxygen concentration of less than 20 per cent, a carbon dioxide concentration of more than 1 per cent, or non-conformity of the composition of harmful gases in the mine atmosphere of operating mine workings with those given in Appendix No. 4 to these Safety Rules, the people shall leave these mine workings for mine workings with a mine atmosphere suitable for breathing or for the surface, and shall report this to the mine dispatcher. In mine workings with an atmosphere unsuitable for breathing, signs prohibiting access to them are installed.
124. The maximum permissible air velocities in mine workings are given in Appendix No. 5 to these Safety Rules. The cross-sectional average air velocity in mine workings shall be: in the near-face space of stoping workings of non-gassy mines and gassy mines - not less than 0.5 m/s; in the near-face space of dead-end mine workings of non-gassy and gassy mines - not less than 0.25 m/s; in dead-end mine workings driven along coal seams with a thickness of more than 2 m, where the difference between the natural and residual methane content of the seam in the section of their driving is 5 m3/t and above - not less than 0.5 m/s; in dead-end mine workings driven along seams hazardous in terms of sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas and hazardous in terms of blower emissions - not less than 0.5 m/s; in dead-end mine workings of gassy mines when carrying out mining operations for their driving in zones of increased rock pressure, zones of the influence of geological disturbances, or zones of splitting of the coal seam - not less than 0.5 m/s; during the sinking and deepening of vertical shafts and prospecting shafts, in dead-end mine workings of non-gassy mines, and in the other mine workings of mines of all categories in terms of gas ventilated by means of the general mine depression - not less than 0.15 m/s; in chambers - not regulated. The maximum air velocity in shafts intended for the lowering and raising of loads and used in an emergency for the evacuation of people is 10 m/s. Work in mine workings in which the air velocity exceeds the maximum permissible air velocities given in Appendix No. 5 to these Safety Rules is carried out in accordance with actions approved by the chief engineer of the mine that provide for additional measures for comprehensive dust suppression.
125. The temperature of the air entering the mine workings of the mine shall be not lower than 2° C. For mines located in permafrost zones, the temperature of the air entering the mine is established by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation.
126. The combining of mines with independent ventilation into a single ventilation system is carried out in accordance with the design documentation. At mines combined into a single ventilation system, one head of the mine and one chief engineer of the mine are appointed, and one AB district is created. It is permitted for the management of mines combined into a single ventilation system to be carried out by a head and a chief engineer appointed by the coal-mining organisation for each of such mines, with the aerological safety districts of these mines remaining subordinate to them. In this case, the operation of such mines is carried out in accordance with a single technical design and a single plan and schemes for the development of mining operations. The approval and coordination of the plan and schemes for the development of mining operations is carried out jointly. The head of the coal-mining organisation determines the boundaries of responsibility for ensuring the requirements of industrial safety and the procedure for the interaction of the aerological safety districts. A single action plan for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents is developed for mines combined into a single ventilation system and having an aerological connection. Accident elimination plans are developed for each such mine and shall contain a plan for the interaction of these mines during the elimination of accidents, agreed by the heads of the mines and the head of the PASS(F) servicing the mines. In mine workings connecting two mines whose ventilation is not combined into a single ventilation system, explosion-resistant isolating stoppings are erected, the location and design of which shall be determined by the design documentation.
127. The head of the AB district draws up a ventilation plan, approved by the chief engineer of the mine, in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
128. The head of the AB district, in accordance with the programme for the development of mining operations, calculates the air flow rates and depressions, performs a check of the stability of the ventilation of the mine workings, and develops actions to ensure the ventilation of the mine. Not less than once every three years, a scheduled air-depression survey is carried out at the mine. The chief engineer of the mine determines the conduct of unscheduled air-depression surveys.
129. Worked-out extraction districts (fields), unused mine workings and boreholes are isolated. The chief engineer of the mine approves the locations of erection and the designs of the structures isolating the extraction districts and the unused mine workings. Boreholes intended for combating sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas shall not be subject to isolation. Mine workings used for the removal of methane from worked-out spaces are isolated, from the side of the operating mine workings, with explosion-resistant stoppings. The opening and de-gassing of isolated extraction districts (fields) and unused mine workings are carried out by workers of the PASS(F) in accordance with actions agreed with the head of the PASS(F) and approved by the chief engineer of the mine. Members of the auxiliary mine-rescue team within the units of the PASS(F) may be engaged to carry out work on the opening and de-gassing of the districts.
130. Work in stoping faces and development mine workings approaching mine workings in which accumulations of harmful or combustible gases are possible is carried out in compliance with measures approved by the chief engineer of the mine that ensure the safe conduct of mining operations in hazardous zones.
131. The method, scheme and system of ventilation of the mine shall be determined by the design documentation. Deviations from the design documentation shall not be permitted.
132. It shall be prohibited to use the same mine shaft or adit for the simultaneous passage of the fresh and return air currents. This prohibition does not apply during the sinking of shafts (adits) and shaft-bottom mine workings until connection with another shaft or a ventilation crosscut.
133. It shall be prohibited to supply fresh air to operating chambers, longwalls and dead-end mine workings, and also to discharge air from them through cave-ins and collapses. This prohibition does not apply to work on the abandonment (restoration) of mine workings, and also to cases of the isolated removal of methane from the worked-out space. The ventilation of mine workings being abandoned and restored shall be carried out by means of the general mine depression or VMP.
134. A longwall and the dead-end mine workings adjoining it shall be ventilated with a separate fresh air current. The ventilation of the longwall shall be carried out by means of the general mine depression. Series ventilation of longwalls (not more than two) located on the same seam within a single tier (panel) is permitted on seams not hazardous in terms of sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas and (or) not hazardous in terms of blower emissions of methane, subject to the following conditions: the total length of the longwalls shall not exceed 400 m; the distance between adjacent longwalls shall not exceed 300 m; additional fresh air shall be supplied to the ventilated longwall along the intermediate drift adjoining it. In this case, the air flow rate shall be not less than that calculated from the velocity in the intermediate drift (0.25 m/s), and in gassy mines it shall be such that the content of methane in the air entering the higher-located longwall does not exceed 0.5 per cent; during blasting operations in the lower longwall, if the content of harmful gases in the air entering the higher-lying longwall exceeds 0.008 per cent by volume in terms of conventional carbon monoxide, the people shall leave for mine workings with a fresh air current. In gassy mines, and also in mines extracting seams hazardous in terms of coal dust explosibility, the people shall leave for mine workings with a fresh air current regardless of the content of harmful gases formed during blasting operations; in the intermediate drift between adjacent longwalls, devices for the settling or capture of suspended dust shall be provided; each longwall shall have telephone communication.
135. The ventilation of transport mine workings equipped with belt conveyors intended for transporting coal between the extraction district and the shaft bottom or the surface, as well as of skip shafts and inclined conveyor shafts, shall be carried out with a separate fresh air current or a return air current. The air velocity in such workings shall be not less than 0.7 m/s, and in the other transport mine workings equipped with belt conveyors - not less than 0.25 m/s.
136. Chambers for charging accumulator batteries and stores of explosive materials (hereinafter - VM) shall be ventilated with a separate fresh air current. Chambers for machines and equipment, garages and stores of fuel and lubricants, and mine workings in which the maintenance of diesel transport is carried out, shall be ventilated with a separate air current or a return air current with a methane concentration of not more than 0.5 per cent. By decision of the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, the discharge of the return air current from workings used as garages into mine workings with an air current entering longwalls and dead-end mine workings is permitted, provided that the composition of the air in the current returning from the garages and entering the longwalls and dead-end mine workings is monitored by the AGK system. In mines hazardous in terms of sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas, the ventilation of chambers for machines and electrical equipment with a return air current shall be prohibited.
137. The distribution of air in the mine workings of the mine under the normal and emergency ventilation modes provided for by the PLA is carried out by means of ventilation devices. Ventilation devices installed in mine workings connecting shafts (the air-intake and air-return shafts), and also intended to prevent the short-circuiting of ventilation currents entering a wing, a panel, an extraction district and a VMP, are constructed from non-combustible materials. Unused crosscuts between mine workings through which air enters and is discharged for the ventilation of the mine, a wing, a block or a panel are isolated with explosion-resistant stoppings. Ventilation devices shall have an interlock preventing the simultaneous opening of the doors, if their simultaneous opening leads to a reduction of more than 30 per cent in the quantity of air entering the ventilation objects, or to the reversal of the ventilation current. The design of the ventilation devices is approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation. In gassy mines, automatic monitoring of the position of the doors of the ventilation airlocks is carried out in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines. On the ventilation devices, a signboard is installed indicating the number of the structure and the standard and actual air leakages.
138. Ventilation devices in mine workings equipped with ventilation doors shall ensure the passage of underground transport with safe clearances from the transported load to the elements of the door frames of not less than 0.5 m in height and not less than 0.25 m in width. Doors for the passage of people are arranged in openings measuring not less than 0.7 m in width and 1.8 m in height. Ventilation doors are equipped with devices facilitating their opening at a pressure differential on the ventilation device of more than 50 daPa. The normal position of the ventilation doors is closed. The installation of ventilation structures with doors shall be prohibited in inclined mine workings along which haulage is carried out by floor-laid rail transport not equipped with emergency braking devices. Ventilation devices are monitored by the ITR of the mine in accordance with the procedure approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
139. The decision to change the direction of movement and the flow rate of air in the mine workings is taken by the head of the AB district in agreement with the chief engineer of the mine. The procedure for agreement is determined by the chief engineer of the mine. Before changing the direction of movement and the flow rate of air in the mine workings, the head of the AB district reports his decision to the mine dispatcher. Shift-by-shift regulation of the air currents shall be prohibited.
140. The ventilation of the mine workings of the mine shall be ensured by means of continuously operating fan installations - main ventilation fans (hereinafter - VGP) and auxiliary fan installations (hereinafter - VVU). The selection of the VGP shall be carried out taking into account the provision of ventilation of the mine for the period of maximum development of mining operations in the planned stage of operation. The selection of the VGP shall be carried out taking into account the provision of ventilation of the mine at the maximum development of mining operations in the designed period. The commissioning of VGP and the replacement of operating ones with more or less productive ones shall be provided for in stages. In this case, the timing and sequence of the commissioning of new VGP shall be substantiated by the design documentation for construction and (or) reconstruction. VGP shall have a range of regulation of the air flow rate and depression within limits ensuring reliable and stable ventilation of the mine throughout the entire designed period of operation, and shall be installed at the mouths of the air-intake and (or) ventilation mine workings having an exit to the surface. The distance from the VGP buildings to the mouths of shafts, prospecting shafts, adits and boreholes shall be established by the design documentation. VGP provide ventilation of the mine workings of the whole mine or a part of it (a block, a wing, a panel, a horizon), and also ventilation of the mine during the period of its construction after the holing of the shafts. VVU provide ventilation of extraction districts and (or) individual mine workings of the mine, and their period of operation shall not exceed three years.
141. VGP and VVU consist of operating and standby units. VGP and VVU provide the delivery into the mine of not less than the design air flow rate. In VGP and VVU, automatic start-up of the fan unit held in reserve shall be provided for in the event of the stoppage of one of the operating units. The flow rate of air entering the mine workings during the switching from the operating to the standby fan shall not change by more than 10 per cent. In gassy mines, VGP and VVU shall have reliability of power supply of the first category (with automatic activation of the reserve) and shall have a 100 per cent reserve of the power source for auxiliary needs. In non-gassy mines, VGP may consist of a single unit with a standby electric drive. When a non-gassy mine is transferred to the gassy category, the mine is brought into conformity with the requirements of paragraph 4 of these Safety Rules. After the detection of methane and (or) carbon dioxide in the mine workings of a non-gassy mine, in the event of the stoppage of the operating unit to replace the electric drive with the standby one, the people in the mine shall be evacuated to the mine workings of a horizon ventilated by means of the general mine depression, or to the surface of the mine, by order of the mine dispatcher. Mining operations may be resumed by order of the chief engineer of the mine after the start-up of the fan unit and the inspection of the workplaces by the ITR of the structural subdivisions and (or) the AB district. Installation and commissioning work for the commissioning of the standby fan unit when a non-gassy mine is transferred to the gassy category is carried out in accordance with documentation for the conduct of work approved by the chief engineer of the mine, providing for actions in which the procedure for supplying electric power to the fan unit, the VGP buildings, the mine hoisting and drainage installations, and the mine workings of the mine before the commissioning of the standby fan unit is determined. The fans are equipped with braking or locking devices preventing spontaneous rotation of the working rotor of the fan.
142. In VGP and VVU, measures shall be provided for to prevent icing of the flow passage of the fans, the ducts and the switching devices, and also measures to prevent the ingress of rock mass and water into the flow passage of the fan installation. The placement of foreign objects in the ventilation ducts is excluded. The ventilation ducts are equipped with an airlock exit to the surface. In the duct of the VGP and VVU, at the junction with the shaft (prospecting shaft, borehole) and in front of the fan wheel, guard gratings not less than 1.5 m in height are installed.
143. VGP and VVU provide the emergency ventilation modes of the mine workings of the mine provided for by the PLA. Scheduled practical checks of the emergency ventilation modes (reversing) provided for by the PLA are carried out in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the drawing-up of accident elimination plans at mines. During reversing, it shall be prohibited to carry out any work in the mine other than work to maintain the life-support of the mine. The switching of the VGP and VVU to the reversing operating mode is performed in not more than 10 minutes. The flow rate of air in the reversing ventilation mode passing through the mine workings during accidents for which the PLA provides for reversing of the ventilation current shall be not less than 60 per cent of the flow rate of air passing through them under the normal ventilation mode.
144. The serviceability of the reversing, switching and sealing devices of the VGP and VVU is checked by the chief mechanic of the mine and the head of the AB district not less than once a month.
145. The condition of the VGP and VVU is checked by the servicing personnel daily. Twice a month, the condition of the VGP and VVU is checked by the chief mechanic of the mine and (or) the ITR of the mine designated by him. The procedure for carrying out the checks of the condition of the VGP and VVU is determined by the chief mechanic of the mine. An aerodynamic examination of the VGP and VVU is carried out by the ITR of the mine when switching from one unit to another and when the angle of rotation of the blades of the impellers or of the guide vane apparatus is changed. Switching from one unit to another is carried out not less than once a month. Inspection, adjustment and aerodynamic examination of the VGP and VVU are carried out in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation and the operational documentation of the mine not less than once every two years. Specialised organisations may be engaged for this work.
146. VGP and VVU are equipped with remote control and monitoring equipment in accordance with the MFSB design. VGP and VVU not equipped with remote control and monitoring equipment, as well as VGP and VVU consisting of a single unit with a standby electric drive, are continuously attended by an on-duty operator. The on-duty operator monitors the operating parameters of the VGP and VVU and records them in accordance with the procedure established by the chief mechanic of the mine. The building of the VGP and VVU is equipped with communication with the mine dispatcher. Changes in the operating modes of the VGP and VVU beyond the operating limits are recorded by the mine dispatcher.
147. The stopping of the VGP and VVU, other than emergency stoppages, and a change in their operating mode are carried out by written order of the chief engineer of the mine. The chief engineer of the mine brings the decision to stop the VGP to the attention of the head of the AB district. In the event of an emergency stoppage of the VGP and VVU, the mine dispatcher acts in accordance with the PLA. The duration of switching to the standby VGP shall be not more than 10 minutes.
148. GOU are installed and operated in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
149. The ventilation of dead-end mine workings of mines shall be carried out by continuously operating VMP or by means of the general mine depression. From dead-end mine workings being driven, the simultaneous driving of other dead-end mine workings shall be prohibited.
150. At mines, automatic monitoring of the operation and remote control of the VMP shall be organised. In mine workings ventilated by means of VMP, continuous automatic monitoring of the parameters of the mine atmosphere, the dust content and the air flow rate, and the monitoring and control of the operation of the VMP, are organised in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines. In non-gassy mines, by decision of the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, the monitoring and control of the VMP are carried out without the use of automation means in accordance with actions approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation. In non-gassy mines, by decision of the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, the voltage on the electrical equipment of the automated pumping installations installed in dead-end mine workings is not switched off when the VMP ventilating these mine workings are stopped. In gassy mines, continuous ventilation of dead-end mine workings and the performance of the functions of the AGK systems shall be ensured before the start of their driving. In gassy mines, dead-end mine workings ventilated by VMP are equipped with standby VMP and standby power supply in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
151. Calculations substantiating the selection of the VMP and graphic documentation containing diagrams of the placement in the mine workings of the mine of the VMP and technical devices ensuring the ventilation of the mine working and the operation of the VMP are included in the documentation for the conduct of mining operations in mine workings ventilated by VMP. A VMP operating in the forcing mode is installed in a mine working with a fresh air current at a distance of not less than 10 m from the return current. The installation of VMP in longwalls shall be prohibited, except in cases of the driving of bypass mine workings in zones of local geological disturbances where there are two exits from the longwall, and closer than 25 m to places of the permanent presence of people (loading points, boarding platforms). The actual output of the VMP shall not exceed 70 per cent of the air flow rate in the mine working at the place of its installation. When several VMP operating on separate ducts and located less than 10 m from one another are installed in a single mine working, their total output shall not exceed 70 per cent of the air flow rate in the mine working at the place of installation of the first VMP, counting in the direction of the current. If the distance between the VMP is more than 10 m, then the output of each VMP shall not exceed 70 per cent of the air flow rate in the mine working at the place of its installation. In gassy mines, the ventilation of two or more dead-end mine workings by means of a single duct with branches shall be prohibited. By decision of the chief engineer of the mine, a VMP may be installed in a mine working with a return air current ventilated by means of the general mine depression, provided that the maximum concentration of methane at the place of installation of the VMP does not exceed 0.5 per cent and the composition of the air complies with the requirements of these Safety Rules. In front of VMP installed in a mine working with a return air current, monitoring of the methane concentration is ensured by the AGK system. The installation of VMP shall be prohibited in mine workings through which passes a return air current from seams hazardous in terms of sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas. In front of the VMP, a signboard is installed containing data on the actual air flow rate in the mine working at the place of installation of the VMP, the actual output of the fan, the design and actual air flow rate at the face of the dead-end mine working, the maximum length of the dead-end part of the mine working ventilated by the given fan installation, the ventilation time of the mine working after blasting operations, the date of completion of the signboard, and the signature of the ITR of the mine who carried out the measurements.
152. When using a VMP with a pneumatic motor for the ventilation of ventilation mine workings being driven or abandoned that adjoin a longwall, the following measures to ensure the safety of the conduct of mining operations shall be observed: the VMP is located at a distance of not less than 15 m from the junction with the longwall, counting in the direction of the ventilation current; the length of the dead-end part of the mine working does not exceed 30 m; the composition of the air at the place of installation of the VMP and in the current returning from the dead-end part of the mine working complies with the requirements of these Safety Rules, and the methane content does not exceed 1 per cent; the design of the VMP excludes the possibility of ignition of methane in the event of impacts and friction of the rotating parts against the fan casing.
153. The ventilation of dead-end mine workings is organised in such a way that the distance from the end of the ventilation duct to the face does not exceed 5 m. The ventilation duct is maintained in a condition ensuring the design air flow rate at the face.
154. The ventilation of dead-end mine workings up to 6 m in length by means of diffusion is permitted, provided that mining operations are not being carried out in them. For dead-end workings more than 6 m in length ventilated by means of diffusion and commissioned before the entry into force of the requirements of this paragraph, actions approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation are provided for, excluding the formation of impermissible concentrations of mine gases, with the use of ventilation devices (inclined baffles, ventilation stoppings, flexible partitions of airtight material), air and air-water ejectors, fans with a pneumatic or hydraulic drive, and swirling ducts.
155. Fan installations for the ventilation of vertical mine workings driven from the surface are installed at a distance of not less than 20 m from their mouth. The temperature of the air entering the vertical mine workings being driven is maintained at not less than 2° C. The distance from the end of the ventilation tubes to the face of the vertical mine working being driven does not exceed 15 m, and during loading with a grab - 20 m.
156. Mines in which methane and (or) carbon dioxide and (or) other harmful and hazardous gases have been detected are classified as hazardous in terms of the detected gas (gassy). For mines hazardous in terms of gas, categories in terms of gas (methane and (or) carbon dioxide) are established in accordance with Appendix No. 6 to these Safety Rules. In the design of mines, their categories in terms of gas (methane and (or) carbon dioxide) are established according to the natural gas content of the coal seams planned for extraction. For operating mines, their categories in terms of gas (methane and (or) carbon dioxide) are established according to the data on the actual gas emission into the mine workings in accordance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
157. The opening-up of gas-bearing coal seams by mine workings is carried out in compliance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts in the field of industrial safety containing requirements for the aerological safety of coal mines and requirements for the safe conduct of work on the opening-up of gas-bearing coal seams. The near-face part of the opening-up mine working is equipped with active means of explosion localisation.
158. The permissible concentration of methane in the atmosphere of operating mine workings and in pipelines is given in Appendix No. 3 to these Safety Rules.
159. Where the methane concentration in operating mine workings exceeds 1 per cent, except at workplaces at drilling rigs and shearers, in the near-face spaces of dead-end and ripping workings, at sinking or intermediate stages in vertical shafts, in the dead ends of workings being closed behind the extraction faces, and at bunkers, work is stopped, and the voltage is removed from the electrical equipment, with the exception of electrical equipment of the RO type. Workers who detect exceedances of the methane concentration report this to the mine dispatcher and take measures to reduce the methane concentration to the established norm. Where the methane concentration in a mine working is exceeded continuously for more than 30 minutes, persons proceed to mine workings with a fresh air current. The presence of persons in mine workings with a methane concentration exceeding 2 per cent shall be prohibited, irrespective of the duration of the gas accumulation. In gassed workings, signs prohibiting access to them are posted. The gas accumulation is reported to the mine dispatcher or the AGK operator. The mine dispatcher shall record information on gas accumulation or disruption of ventilation and report it to the chief engineer of the mine, the head of the AB section, and the head of the section in whose mine workings the gas accumulation occurred. The procedure for the actions of the mine dispatcher in the event of gas accumulation in mine workings is provided for in the PLA. The gas clearing of mine workings is carried out in accordance with actions developed in accordance with the regulatory legal acts in the field of industrial safety that contain requirements for the aerological safety of coal mines. The methane content in the ventilation current returning from a gassed working shall not exceed 2 per cent, and that of carbon dioxide - 1 per cent. Where local accumulations of methane exceeding the permissible norms form at drilling rigs and shearers, the operation of the drilling rigs and shearers is stopped, and the voltage is switched off from the supply cable. The operation of the drilling rigs and shearers is resumed after the methane concentration falls below 1 per cent.
160. In gassy mines, where the angle of inclination of a longwall face exceeds 10°, the air movement in it and in all mine workings through which the ventilation current returning from these longwall faces passes (except for mine workings less than 50 metres in length) shall be ascending. The chief engineer of the mine takes the decision on the descending ventilation of longwall faces with an angle of inclination of up to 15°, subject to the implementation of measures ensuring the safe conduct of mining operations: the ventilation of the extraction district is carried out according to a through-flow or combined ventilation scheme; the air velocity in the longwall face is not less than 2 m/s; the support of the mine workings through which the ventilation current returning from the longwall face passes, except for mine workings adjoining the longwall face, is non-combustible or low-combustible; in the mine workings through which the ventilation current returning from the longwall face passes, the technical means of the AGK system are installed in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines. When working seams that are not hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas with extraction pillars along the dip (rise), the chief engineer of the mine takes the decision on the placement of electrical equipment and cables in mine workings adjoining the longwall faces, with a descending movement of the return ventilation current along them, subject to compliance with measures ensuring the safe conduct of mining operations: the angle of inclination of the mine working with the return ventilation current is less than 15°; the methane emission in the extraction district does not exceed 5 m3/min; the extraction district does not receive a return ventilation current from development mine workings being driven; the support of mine workings with a descending movement of the return ventilation current shall be non-combustible or low-combustible; the crosscuts connecting mine workings with the return and fresh ventilation currents are supported with non-combustible support, and at least two fire stoppings with working and reversing doors made of non-combustible materials are constructed in them. The angle of inclination of a mine working is determined from the difference in the elevation marks of the junctions of that mine working with other mine workings.
161. The ventilation of dead-end mine workings of gassy mines, except for dead-end mine workings adjoining longwall faces, is organised in such a way that the ventilation currents returning from them do not enter longwall faces and dead-end mine workings. By decision of the chief engineer of the mine, the air current returning from a development mine working is released into mine workings with a fresh air current entering longwall faces and dead-end mine workings, provided that: the methane concentration in the air current entering the longwall faces and dead-end workings does not exceed 0.5 per cent; the composition of the air in the current entering the longwall faces and dead-end mine workings complies with the requirements of these Safety Rules; the composition of the mine atmosphere and the air flow rate in the current entering the longwall faces and dead-end mine workings are monitored by the AGK system. From development and extraction mine workings, on seams hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas or by blowers, the release of the return ventilation current into ventilation currents ventilating extraction districts and development mine workings shall be prohibited.
162. When opening gas-bearing coal seams by mine workings, on approaching a gas-bearing seam, the drilling of exploratory boreholes is carried out. The drilling locations and the parameters of the positioning of the boreholes are marked on the surveying documentation. When opening gas-bearing coal seams, continuous monitoring of the methane content at the opening location is organised.
163. VMPs with electric motors that ventilate a dead-end mine working driven along seams hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas or along outburst-hazardous rocks are installed in mine workings with a fresh air current at a distance of not less than 150 metres from the mouth of the dead-end mine working. The procedure for the arrangement of the technical means of the AGK system at the VMP installation location and for the performance of its functions is determined in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines. VMPs with pneumatic motors that ventilate a dead-end mine working driven along seams hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas or along outburst-hazardous rocks are installed, by decision of the chief engineer of the mine, at a distance of less than 150 metres from the mouth of the dead-end mine working, subject to compliance with the requirements for the arrangement of the technical means of the AGK system and provided that the design of the VMP with a pneumatic motor precludes the possibility of ignition of methane from frictional rubbing of the rotating parts and the housing.
164. In the event of a stoppage of the VGP or the VVU, in the event of a disruption of the ventilation of mine workings, work in the mine workings in which the ventilation is disrupted is stopped, the supply voltage of the electrical equipment is switched off, and persons leave them, in accordance with the PLA, for mine workings with a fresh air current. Where the stoppage time of the VGP or the VVU exceeds 30 minutes, the procedure for the actions of the persons located in the mine workings is determined by the PLA. After the restoration of the ventilation of the mine's workings, actions for the gas clearing of the mine workings are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines. The decision to resume the power supply of the mine and to resume work after the restoration of the ventilation of the mine workings is taken by the chief engineer of the mine after measurements of the methane content by the ITR of the structural subdivisions at the places where work is carried out, at electrical machines and apparatus, and at a distance of not less than 20 metres from the places of their installation in all adjoining mine workings.
165. Cases of blower emission (outburst) of methane into mine workings shall be subject to recording in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
166. The degassing of the seams being worked and/or the goaf areas shall be mandatory when: it is impossible, by means of ventilation work, to ensure a methane concentration in the mine atmosphere of the mine's operating workings of less than 1 per cent; the natural methane content of the coal seam exceeds 9 m3/t and it is impossible, by means of ventilation work, to ensure a methane content in the return current of the extraction mine working of less than 1 per cent; the methane concentration in the gas-venting pipelines and gas-drainage workings exceeds 3.5 per cent; the coal seam is classified as hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas. The degassing of seams during the driving of mine workings shall be mandatory when the coal seam is classified as hazardous by sudden outbursts of coal (rock) and gas. The procedure for planning and organising degassing operations, for equipping and operating degassing boreholes, gas pipelines and degassing stations (units), for conducting degassing work, for selecting the schemes and methods of degassing the sources of gas emission, for determining the volumes of extracted methane, for monitoring the parameters of the captured gas-air mixtures, for calculating the gas pipelines and selecting the vacuum pumps, for conducting vacuum-gas surveys, and for assessing the quality of the sealing of the degassing boreholes shall be determined by the design documentation developed in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
167. At operating gassy mines and gassy mines being liquidated, except for mines located in permafrost areas, the identification of areas of the earth's surface at which methane and/or other gases are emitted from coal seams and enclosing rocks (hereinafter - mine gases) is organised. When areas of the earth's surface at which mine gases are emitted are identified, monitoring of the methane concentration in buildings and structures is organised, and measures are taken to protect buildings and structures from gas accumulation in accordance with the procedure approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation.
168. Mines in which liquid and vaporous hydrocarbons, as well as gaseous hydrocarbons (other than methane), are emitted, if the content of the latter exceeds 10 per cent of the total volume of combustible gases, are classified, by order of the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation, as mines hazardous by oil-and-gas shows. The procedure for conducting mining operations at mines hazardous by oil-and-gas shows shall be determined by the design documentation. Where, in the mine workings of a mine not hazardous by oil-and-gas shows, the smell of petroleum products not connected with the technology used is detected, the chief engineer of the mine organises the sampling of the mine atmosphere and the determination of the content of liquid, vaporous and gaseous hydrocarbons in it.
169. At mines in whose mine workings sulphur dioxide or hydrogen sulphide is emitted, the documentation for the conduct of mining operations provides for measures to ensure the safety of the conduct of mining operations upon the emission of these gases into the mine atmosphere.
170. At every mine, actions for the dust removal from the mine atmosphere and the cleaning of dust in the mine workings shall be carried out.
171. The design documentation for the construction of new and the reconstruction of existing mines (horizons) and for the opening and preparation of blocks, panels and extraction fields includes a section containing the selection of a set of actions and the justification of the methods of dust removal from the mine atmosphere, and a section on dust-explosion protection. The documentation for the conduct of mining operations specifies the methods and measures for the dust removal from the mine atmosphere and for dust-explosion protection.
172. At a mine, the possibility of ignition of methane from the frictional rubbing of the cutting picks of the working members of mining machines against rocks (hereinafter - the frictional hazard of rocks) shall be determined. The frictional hazard of rocks is determined for each extraction district during the driving of the mine workings outlining the extraction district, within a period of not more than one month after the start of their driving. Until it is determined in the mine workings being driven within the extraction district being prepared, the frictional hazard of rocks is taken to be the same as the frictional hazard of rocks in the adjacent extraction district, provided that the mining operations for the driving of the mine workings within these extraction districts are conducted in mining and geological conditions analogous to those of the adjacent district. The decision on the determination of the frictional hazard of rocks during the driving of mine workings and the working of extraction districts, in cases of changes in the mining and geological conditions, is taken by the chief engineer of the mine.
173. The operation of extraction and development technical devices with faulty or missing dust-suppression systems, and, on seams containing frictionally hazardous rocks, with faulty or missing explosion-protective spraying systems, shall be prohibited. The operating parameters of the dust-suppression means of the technical devices shall comply with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation of the technical devices. The places of formation of coal (rock) dust are equipped with dust-suppression means.
174. The pressure of the liquid at the nozzles (sprayers) in the spraying systems at loading and transfer points shall be not less than 0.5 MPa, and the pressure at the nozzles (sprayers) of extraction and development shearers shall be determined by the design documentation.
175. The need to carry out the preliminary wetting of the coal in the massif, the selection of the technological schemes for its performance and of the parameters of the injection of liquid into the seam shall be determined by the design documentation.
176. Receiving bunkers, tipplers, and devices for loading and unloading skips are equipped with aspiration and air-cleaning means and with devices for preventing the spillage of the mined mass and the blowing-out of dust.
177. At a mine, monitoring of the dust-explosion safety of the mine workings and of the performance of the actions for the dust removal from the mine air and the cleaning of dust in the mine workings shall be organised.
178. The conduct of mining operations shall be prohibited in the absence of, or with non-operational, dust-suppression means.
179. Seams with a volatile matter yield of the coal of 15 per cent or more, as well as coal seams with a lower volatile matter yield whose dust explosibility has been established during laboratory research and testing of the coal dust for explosibility, are classified as seams hazardous by coal-dust explosions. Mines working seams hazardous by coal-dust explosions are classified as hazardous by dust.
180. The lower explosibility limit of the deposited coal dust and the rock-dusting standard are determined for each mine seam.
181. At mines, for the localisation and prevention of coal-dust explosions, rock-dust dust-explosion protection and/or water dust-explosion protection and/or combined dust-explosion protection (hereinafter - the methods and means of dust-explosion protection) are used. At mines hazardous by methane gas and/or dust, for the explosion protection of the mine workings and the reduction of the damaging factors of explosions of dust-gas-air mixtures, methods and means for the prevention and localisation of explosions of dust-gas-air mixtures (hereinafter - the methods and means of explosion protection of mine workings) are used.
182. The methods and means of explosion protection of mine workings and/or the methods and means of dust-explosion protection used at mines shall be justified by the design documentation.
183. The selection of the type and installation locations of the means of explosion protection of mine workings at a mine is carried out by the technical manager of the coal-mining organisation in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
184. The procedure for monitoring the means of explosion protection of mine workings and the performance of the actions for the prevention of coal-dust explosions is established by the chief engineer of the mine. The means of explosion protection of mine workings, with an indication of their type, are marked on the ventilation scheme of the mine.
185. In the mine workings of mines hazardous by methane gas that connect seams hazardous and not hazardous by coal-dust explosions, actions for the prevention and localisation of explosions of dust-gas-air mixtures are carried out.
186. Where facts of mine workings of the mine being in a dust-explosion-hazardous state are identified, mining operations in these mine workings are stopped, and the voltage is removed from the electrical equipment (with the exception of electrical equipment of the RO type). Before the resumption of mining operations in these mine workings, the chief engineer of the mine takes measures ensuring that they are brought into a dust-explosion-safe state. The conduct of work shall not be permitted in mine workings in which dust-explosion protection is not ensured, or the means of explosion protection of mine workings provided for by the design documentation are faulty or missing.
187. To ensure the dust-explosion safety of mine workings, at places of intensive dust deposition, monitoring of the dust content of the air by portable and stationary measuring instruments of an approved type that have passed verification, with output of the information to the mine's dispatch centre, and visual monitoring of dust deposits are carried out. Visual monitoring of dust deposits is carried out by the ITR of the technological section - every shift, and by the ITR of the AB section - not less than once per day. The results of the monitoring are recorded in the work-order tickets. The monitoring of dust deposits by portable instruments is carried out not less than once per ten-day period by the ITR of the AB service. The measurement results are entered in the dust-deposit monitoring log. Based on the results of the laboratory analysis of samples of coal dust deposited in the mine workings, monitoring shall be carried out: not less than once per month at places of intensive dust deposition, and not less than once per quarter in the remaining mine workings at places of possible dust accumulation. The places of intensive dust deposition are: the loading points of longwall faces on steep seams (between the working and ventilation winzes), gently sloping and inclined seams, and the loading points of coal passes, winzes and chutes, as well as sections of haulage drifts over a length of not less than 25 metres on both sides of these places; sections of haulage workings over a length of 25 metres on both sides of the tipplers, and sections of haulage drifts, dip roadways and brake inclines over a length of 25 metres from their junction; development workings driven along coal and rock, over a length of 50 metres from their faces; conveyor workings along which coal is transported: the floor and the structural elements of the conveyor; in the area of the loading points and over a length of 25 metres from them in the direction of the ventilation current. The procedure for the incorporation of stationary measuring instruments into the dust-deposit monitoring and dust-suppression control system, which forms part of the MFSB, shall be determined by the design documentation.
188. When monitoring the mine atmosphere, the concentration of methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, the content of dust in it, the temperature, the relative humidity and the air flow rate are measured.
189. The monitoring of the state of the mine atmosphere in the mine workings of the mine is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts that establish requirements for aerological safety in coal mines. When monitoring the state of the mine atmosphere, an assessment is carried out of its quality and of the conformity of the actual distribution of air over the mine workings with the design distribution determined by the design documentation and the documentation for the conduct of mining operations. Measurements of the concentration of gases, the velocity, the temperature and the relative humidity of the mine atmosphere are performed by portable and stationary measuring instruments of an approved type that have passed verification.
190. At mines hazardous by methane, monitoring of the methane content on development and extraction shearers shall be organised by means of instruments that ensure the automatic disconnection of electrical power to the development and extraction shearers when the pre-emergency set-points of the instruments for the methane concentration are exceeded at the places of their installation.
191. For the monitoring of the state of the mine atmosphere at mines hazardous by methane, workers engaged in work in the mine workings shall be provided with methane alarms combined with cap lamps. At gassy and non-gassy mines, the ITR of the mine and of contractor organisations and specific workers designated by the head of the technological section (his deputy or assistant) who monitor the state of the mine atmosphere during the shift shall be provided with portable instruments for measuring the concentration of gases. At gassy mines, workers engaged in work in dead-end mine workings, longwall faces and mine workings with return ventilation currents from extraction districts, extraction or dead-end workings, mixing chambers or the mine wing shall be provided with portable individual instruments for measuring the concentration of gases. Methane alarms built into mine cap lamps shall signal when the methane concentration in the mine atmosphere exceeds 2 per cent. The results of measurements of methane, oxygen and carbon monoxide by portable measuring means are stored in the AGK (MFSB) system. The procedure for monitoring methane, oxygen and carbon monoxide by portable measuring means, with an indication of the measurement locations, and the recording of the results of these measurements are determined by the chief engineer of the mine.
192. The results of the checking of the air composition in the mine workings of the mine are recorded in the ventilation log.
193. The procedure for measuring the air flow rate in the mine workings of the mine, with an indication of the measurement locations, and the recording of the results of these measurements are determined by the chief engineer. At all places of measurement of the air flow rate, notice boards are installed on which are indicated the date of the measurement, the cross-sectional area of the mine working at the measurement location, the velocity of the air current, and the design and actual air flow rates.
194. In the operating mine workings of the mine, in accordance with the AGK design, stationary technical means intended for the performance of the functions of the AGK system are installed. The use of portable measuring instruments in the AGK system shall be determined by the AGK design.
195. The monitoring of the methane content during blasting operations in the underground mine workings of mines is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the conduct of blasting operations at hazardous production facilities.
196. Managers and the ITR of the mine, when visiting the mine workings of the mine, perform measurements of the content of methane, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Where an impermissible content of methane, oxygen, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide in the mine workings of the mine is identified, the managers and the ITR of the mine act in accordance with the procedure established by the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
197. The results of measurements of the concentration of methane and carbon dioxide at the places of their measurement are recorded, in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines, in the work-order tickets drawn up in accordance with the procedure for issuing assignments for the conduct of mining operations and the procedure for admitting workers to the performance of work orders, approved by the mine manager. The ITR of the structural subdivisions who issue the work order and the ITR who approves the work order for the mine shall be familiarised with the results of the monitoring of the state of the mine atmosphere.
198. Cases of gas accumulation in mine workings shall be subject to investigation and recording in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the aerological safety of mines.
199. Information on gas accumulation shall be transmitted to the territorial body of the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service (Rostechnadzor).
200. The methods and means of conveying persons to the workplace and back shall be provided for in the design documentation. The transport of persons along the mine workings is carried out by technical devices intended for these purposes, in accordance with the technical documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
201. During the transport of persons in passenger cars (trains) along horizontal mine workings with rail transport, the speed of movement shall not exceed 20 km/h. One passenger car for the intra-shift transport of workers accompanying the train may be included in a goods train, located behind the locomotive at the head of the train. The speed of a goods train with a passenger car, when persons are being transported in it, shall not exceed 12 km/h. It shall be prohibited to couple to a passenger car platforms with materials and equipment, as well as cars carrying a load whose dimensions exceed the clearance gauge.
202. Every shift, before the start of the transport of persons, the locomotive driver inspects the serviceability of the cars, the coupling and signalling devices, the wheelsets and the brakes. The driver reports the results of the inspection to the shift supervisor. Permission for the transport of persons is granted by the shift supervisor, with an entry in the route sheet of the locomotive driver. Weekly, the passenger cars are inspected by the ITR (mechanic) of the structural subdivision.
203. On cars used for the transport of persons along double-track mine workings, as well as along mine workings in which the boarding platforms are located on one side, the openings on the non-working side and the space between the tracks shall be closed off completely.
204. During the transport of persons along inclined mine workings with rail transport, technical devices are used that ensure the smooth stopping of the train (car) when the established speed is exceeded by 25 per cent, when the rope, the hitching device or the coupling breaks, with the possibility of checking its operability from a manual drive.
205. Every shift, before the start of the transport of persons along inclined mine workings, the cars, the safety-catch and hitching devices and the fastening of the rope to the cars are inspected by the servicing personnel. The results of the inspections are recorded in accordance with the procedure established by the coal-mining organisation. Every day, the ITR (mechanic) of the structural subdivision performs the inspection of this equipment and the checking of the safety-catch devices by engaging the manual drive. The same check is performed once per month by the chief mechanic of the mine or the person deputising for him. The results of the inspections are entered in the hoisting installation inspection log.
206. The testing of the safety catches is carried out in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation upon the commissioning of the cars and once every six months.
207. During the transport of persons along inclined mine workings, the cars are connected to one another by double couplings, and a red light signal is installed on the first car in the direction of movement of the train.
208. The simultaneous operation, in a single inclined mine working, of technical devices for the lowering (hoisting) of persons and of rail transport means for the lowering (hoisting) of loads shall be prohibited (except in cases of repair of these mine workings). The use of a single technical installation for the lowering and hoisting of persons and loads is permitted only in the case where the changing (re-coupling) of the hoisting vessels (cars) is not carried out.
209. In inclined mine workings equipped with rail transport intended for the transport of persons and loads, the support and the tracks are inspected daily by a person designated by an administrative document of the mine manager. The results of the inspections are recorded in accordance with the procedure established at the mine. Before the transport of persons, the passenger cars are run once along the mine working in both directions without persons present in them.
210. By an administrative document for the mine, the chief engineer designates the persons responsible for organising the transport of persons along inclined mine workings.
211. The following shall be prohibited: the transport of persons along mine workings by transport means not intended for these purposes; the transport of persons in trains with tools and spare parts projecting beyond the sides of the cars, or with explosive, readily flammable and caustic materials; the coupling of goods cars to trains transporting persons; the presence of persons between cars during the movement and the standing of the train.
212. The electric locomotive driver takes the decision on the transport of persons in the electric locomotive provided that the electric locomotive has a second cab or there is a second seat in the driver's cab. For the transport of tools along horizontal mine workings, not more than two cars are coupled at the end of the train.
213. The transport of persons along underground mine workings by belt conveyors is carried out in accordance with the procedure approved by the mine manager.
214. The operation of suspended rope-and-chair, monorail and floor-mounted roads is carried out in accordance with the designs.
215. At the places where persons board the rolling stock of monorail roads, there shall be a passage not less than 1 metre wide on the boarding side. For boarding platforms that are periodically relocated during operation, the width of the passage may be reduced to 0.7 metres.
216. Boarding platforms shall be equipped with decking such that the distance between the floor of the passenger cabin (platform) and the decking is from 0.2 to 0.4 metres. The length of the decking shall be not less than the length of the passenger part of the train.
217. Boarding platforms and mine workings for monorail roads shall be illuminated.
218. Boarding platforms shall be equipped with telephone communication connected to the mine-wide network.
219. During the transport of persons along horizontal and inclined mine workings, the driver shall be located in the control cab situated at the head of the train.
220. During the performance of passenger runs, goods trolleys for the transport of hand tools may be included in the train. The transport of persons on goods trolleys shall be prohibited.
221. The performance of passenger runs in conveyorised mine workings with angles of inclination exceeding 10° and of goods runs in mine workings with angles of inclination exceeding 18° is permitted only when the conveyor is switched off.
222. The speed of movement of the trains of diesel monorail roads shall be not more than 2 m/s. During the transport of long and oversized loads, the speed of movement of the trains of diesel monorail roads shall be not more than 1 m/s.
223. At boarding platforms, notices shall be posted indicating the code of the signals used, the total number of seats in the train, and the surname and position of the person responsible for the transport of persons.
224. Persons transported by a rail floor-mounted road, including the workers operating it and accompanying the load, shall be located in special passenger cabins, whose arrangement in the train and method of installation on the load-bearing trolleys shall be determined by the documentation for the installation of the rail floor-mounted road in the mine workings of the mine. Accompanying the load on foot shall not be permitted.
225. The following shall be prohibited: transporting people by floor-mounted rail track in trains carrying a load. This prohibition does not apply to the worker operating the floor-mounted rail track and accompanying the load; operating the floor-mounted rail track by persons without the appropriate qualification; transporting people on cargo trolleys (mine cars); operating floor-mounted rail tracks in mine workings with defective support and in the absence of the required clearances across the cross-section of the mine working, as well as when the track, rolling stock, braking systems, control equipment, signalling and communication facilities are defective; coupling platforms carrying long-length materials or oversized equipment behind or in front of the cab of the train of the floor-mounted rail track in which a person is present; the presence of people and of workers servicing the floor-mounted rail track in an inclined mine working during its operation.
226. It shall be prohibited to use, for transporting loads, technical devices (transport units of sectional trains, monorail roads and floor-mounted rail tracks) with: defective wheel half-sets (loose wheels, missing fastening bolts and pins, bent axles of wheelsets and cracks on the axles, deep gouges on the wheels); defective couplings, shackles and other traction parts, as well as couplings worn beyond the permissible limits; defective buffers and brakes; defective locking mechanisms and loosely fitting bottoms of mine cars (sectional trains) with bottom discharge; deformed or destroyed under-car stops; walls of mine car bodies that are destroyed or bulged outward by more than 50 mm; defective inter-section floor coverings of sectional trains.
227. The following shall be prohibited: pushing uncoupled trains, coupling directly to the locomotive platforms or mine cars carrying long-length materials, as well as platforms and mine cars loaded with timber or with equipment projecting beyond the upper gauge of the vehicles; coupling and uncoupling mine cars by hand while the train is moving, as well as coupling and uncoupling hook couplings without the use of special appliances; coupling and uncoupling mine cars in inclined mine workings, in mine workings with a self-rolling gradient and on curves; leaving rolling stock on sections of mine workings that have a self-rolling gradient; making up a train from mine cars with couplings of different types; pushing a train with locomotives using props, sawn timber or boards, as well as with a locomotive moving on a parallel track; coupling and uncoupling mine cars closer than 5 m from tipplers, ventilation doors or other obstacles; using makeshift means to brake and hold rolling stock; leaving cars, trains or locomotives at passing loops closer than 4 m from the stock rail of the points. The stopping places of rolling stock are marked with the appropriate signs.
228. When delivering long-length materials and equipment in trains, the mine cars or platforms intended for this purpose, coupled together by rigid couplings, shall be used. The length of the rigid coupling is chosen so that a distance of not less than 300 mm is maintained between the long-length material or equipment located on adjacent platforms.
229. At stationary loading points and near tipplers, technical devices ensuring the movement of mine cars (hereinafter referred to as the pusher) are used. The pushers are controlled from points located in recesses or in other places that are safe for the servicing personnel, provided there is an interlock preventing the simultaneous switching-on of the tippler and the pusher. At other loading points, winches or locomotives may be used.
230. During haulage by technical devices with a rope drive along inclined mine workings, the technical devices shall be equipped with devices preventing mine cars from running back onto the lower and intermediate landing areas in the event of breakage of the rope, the coupling device or the coupling: at the upper landing areas of inclined mine workings with horizontal entries, retaining stops are installed; above the lower landing areas, safety barriers equipped with shock-absorbing technical devices with automatic or remote control are installed. Until inclined mine workings are equipped with shock-absorbing barriers, removable car catchers or safety ropes and rigid remotely controlled barriers are used. In mine workings with an angle of inclination of up to 10°, with a small number of mine cars (one or two in the train), rigid-type barriers may be provided; below the upper landing areas, as well as in the entries of intermediate mine workings, rigid-type remotely controlled barriers may be installed, the strength of which is determined by calculation. In mine workings up to 30 m long, intended for transporting auxiliary materials and equipment, manually controlled barriers may be used. At the lower and intermediate landing areas of the horizontal sections of mine workings, recesses are provided for sheltering the workers and for accommodating the control and communication panels. The requirements of this Section do not apply to inclined mine workings used for transporting people in personnel and personnel-and-materials vehicles equipped with parachute devices.
231. The raising and movement of people along inclined mine workings during the operation of process equipment while loads are being raised and lowered shall be prohibited. Where intermediate drifts cross brake inclines, dip inclines and inclined shafts, barriers, illuminated display boards and warning signs are installed in the drifts.
232. During the operation of process equipment for moving loads, access to the areas where the coupling and uncoupling of mine cars is carried out shall be prohibited for persons not taking part in this work. The areas are cordoned off with prohibitory signs.
233. The re-railing of rail transport vehicles that have derailed is carried out under the direction of the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision, in compliance with the measures ensuring the safety of the work, as approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
234. During manual pushing, a lit white lamp is hung on the front outer wall of the mine car. The distance between mine cars during manual pushing is not less than 10 m on tracks with a gradient of up to 5 per cent and not less than 30 m on tracks with a greater gradient. On gradients of more than 10 per cent, manual pushing shall be prohibited.
235. When moving mine cars (platforms) by endless and end ropes, coupling and hitching technical devices that do not permit spontaneous uncoupling are used, and when moving loads by an endless rope in mine workings with an angle of inclination of more than 18°, counter-ropes are used.
236. The manufacture of mine car couplings, of hitching technical devices for moving loads by end and endless ropes, as well as of locomotive couplings, at production facilities that do not have special process tooling shall be prohibited.
237. Load runs by technical devices along suspended monorail roads while the conveyor is operating, in mine workings with angles of inclination from 10 to 18°, may be made provided that the conveyor is equipped with belt catchers or with cable-integrity monitoring devices (for rubber-cable belts). Load runs in mine workings with angles of inclination exceeding 18° may be made only when the conveyor is switched off.
238. For carrying out shunting operations and the haulage of mine cars in horizontal mine workings with a gradient of up to 5 per cent, winches having a speed of up to 1 m/s may be used. For transporting materials and equipment, as well as for removing rock during support repair in inclined mine workings, winches meeting the following requirements may be used: the ratio of the diameter of the drum (pulley) to the diameter of the rope is not less than 20, and multi-layer winding of the rope onto the drum is permitted; the speed of the rope at the mean winding radius shall not exceed 1.8 m/s; the winches are equipped with two brakes, one of which acts on the drum (pulley). Each of the brakes provides, when the drive is in the braked state, not less than a 2-fold ratio of the braking torque to the static torque; the winches provide for automatic switching-on (actuation) of the safety brakes when the supply of electric power is interrupted.
239. The movement of people along vertical mine workings is carried out in cages. During the sinking, deepening and holing-through of vertical mine workings and their equipping with shaft steelwork, the movement of people may be carried out in kibbles.
240. The operation of cages used for the lowering and raising of people shall be prohibited where there are: defective or missing solid metal opening roofs or hatches in them; a breach of the continuity of the cage floor; defective or missing sheet-metal cladding over the full height of the long sides (sides) of the cage; openings or other breaches of continuity in the side walls, within zones at a distance of up to 0.5 m on either side of the axis of the guides; defective or missing handrails along the long sides of the cages; defective or missing doors or other guarding devices preventing people from falling out of the cage from the short (end) sides of the cage; defective or missing external bolts on the cage doors, or interlocks against spontaneous opening of the door outward and against the interlock slipping off while the cage is moving. It shall be prohibited to alter the design of the doors or other guards provided by the manufacturing organisation, or to make the height of their upper edge above the level of the cage floor less than 1.2 m, or of their lower edge more than 1.5 m. The transport of people simultaneously present on each deck of the cage in a number exceeding the number calculated at the rate of five workers per 1 m2 of floor shall be prohibited. Cages intended for lowering loads in mine cars shall not be operated with defective or missing stops that retain the mine cars while the cage is moving along the shaft.
241. Cages for moving people and the counterweights of personnel and personnel-and-materials hoisting installations are provided with technical devices (parachutes) for smoothly braking and stopping them in the event of breakage of the hoisting ropes. The drive spring of the cage parachute is enclosed by a protective casing. The absence of parachutes is permitted: on the cages and counterweights of multi-rope hoisting installations with four or more ropes; on the cages and counterweights of two- and three-rope hoisting installations; on the cages and counterweights of emergency-repair and load hoisting installations; on the counterweights of operating inclined hoisting installations; on the counterweights of operating hoisting installations of vertical shafts, if the cage and counterweight compartments are separated from each other by a partition of rails or by ropes. The absence of a partition is permitted if the height of the counterweight frame exceeds two shaft-steelwork pitches with a two-sided arrangement of the guides and one shaft-steelwork pitch with a one-sided arrangement of the guides. In this case, the counterweight is also fitted with safety shoes not less than 400 mm long. The deceleration when braking empty cages with parachutes shall not exceed 50 m/s2, and when braking cages with the maximum number of people shall be not less than 6 m/s2. Testing of the parachutes shall be carried out not less than once every six months in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The parachute devices are replaced with new ones together with the replacement of the cage, with the exception of parachutes with braking ropes, which are replaced not less than once every five years from the date of hanging. Extension of the service life of parachutes with braking ropes by two years is permitted. The decision to extend the service life is taken by a commission headed by the chief mechanical engineer of the mine, where the results of flaw detection obtained during the inspection and adjustment of the hoisting installations are positive, the wear of the hinged joints does not exceed that specified in the documentation of the manufacturing organisation, and the results of the parachute tests are satisfactory. The parachute springs shall be replaced in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
242. When moving people in kibbles: the kibbles move along guides. The movement of kibbles without guides is permitted within a distance of not more than 20 m from the face. When sinking machines (loading machines, grabs) are used in the sinking of vertical mine workings, the distance may be increased to 40 m; the movement of people in kibbles without guide frames and canopies shall be prohibited. The guide frame is equipped with signalling indicating that it has jammed. During emergency work in the shaft, the movement of people in kibbles without guide frames is permitted, in which case: the speed of the kibble along the shaft does not exceed 0.3 m/s; the clearances between the edge of the kibble and the projecting structures of the shaft elements are not less than 400 mm; a safety canopy is installed above the kibble; the guide frame is securely fixed at the discharge platform, and the discharge trapdoors are closed; the boarding of people into the kibbles and their exit from them are carried out at the lower landing area by a ladder or the steps of the kibble, with the trapdoors closed and the kibble stopped; the boarding of people into the kibbles and their exit from them at intermediate horizons are carried out from hinged platforms, and on stages and tensioning frames only when the side of the stopped kibble is at the level of the bell-mouth or of the deck floor, where there are doors in the bell-mouth; it shall be prohibited to ascend or descend while standing or sitting on the edge of the kibble, or in a loaded kibble. When moving loads, the kibble is under-filled by 100 mm below the upper edge of the side. It shall be prohibited to use a kibble without a device for holding the bail in the lowered position (cams). The height of the cams is not less than 40 mm. When moving loads and people in kibbles, the sinking hoisting installations are equipped with interlocking devices that prevent the kibble from passing through the bell-mouth in the lower stage when a loading device is located beneath the bell-mouth.
243. The movement of people in skips and load cages shall be prohibited, except in cases of inspection and repair of the shaft, the performance of mine-surveying work and emergency cases. The movement of people in tipping cages is permitted where there are interlocks guaranteeing that people cannot be tipped into the bunker and that the cage cannot tip while moving along the shaft. The movement of people in cages fully or partially loaded with a load shall be prohibited, except when carrying out repair work. Where a personnel-and-materials hoist and a load hoist are located in the same shaft, operation of the latter during the lowering and raising of people shall be prohibited.
244. Inspection and repair of the shaft are carried out from the roof of the cage or from an inspection platform fitted on the skip or counterweight. The area of the platform is not less than 0.6 m2, with one of the linear dimensions being not less than 0.4 m. The height of the platform guard-rail is not less than 1.2 m. To prevent people who are on the roof of the cage or on the inspection platform from falling from a height, safety belts are used. Above the roof of the cage or above the inspection platform, overhead coverings are provided to protect people from falling objects. During the repair (inspection) of the shaft, only persons engaged in this work may be on and inside the hoisting vessel. For the inspection and repair of sections of the support and shaft steelwork that are remote from the hoisting vessels, hinged (removable) stages are used. On hoisting installations with counterweights, inspection and repair of the shaft are carried out using a balancing load in the hoisting vessel.
245. The structure of the floor-mounted rail track in mine workings shall be defined by the documentation for carrying out mining work. The radii of curvature of the rail tracks and of the switch curves in newly commissioned mine workings shall be not less than 12 m for a 600 mm gauge and not less than 20 m for a 900 mm gauge. At the junction of mine workings not intended for locomotive haulage, a curve with a radius of not less than four times the greatest rigid wheelbase of the rolling stock is permitted. The radius of curves of rail tracks with a 600 mm gauge in operating mine workings shall not be less than 8 m, and for rail tracks with a 900 mm gauge not less than 12 m.
246. The maximum widening of the track during laying is 4 mm, and the narrowing is 2 mm, compared with the nominal width of the rail gauge. The maximum widening of the rail gauge during operation is: 15 mm on straight sections and 10 mm on curved sections.
247. The operation of rail tracks shall be prohibited where there is: vertical wear of the rail head of more than 12 mm for rails of type R-24, 16 mm for rails of type R-33 and 20 mm for rails of type R-38; contact of the wheel flange with the bolt heads; the presence of longitudinal and transverse cracks in the rails, spalling of the rail head, or chipping of part of the rail foot; rails not fastened to the sleepers; gaps at the rail joints of more than 5 mm; deviation of the rails from the track axis at the joints (kink) of more than 50 mm over a rail length of less than 8 m.
248. The operation of the points shall be prohibited where there are: switch blades (tongues) that are battered, spalled or bent in the longitudinal and transverse directions; disconnected switch rods; closure of the switch with a gap of more than 4 mm between the closed switch blade (tongue) and the stock rail; the absence of fixing of the position of the points by means of retainers; open channels for the rods of the point drives.
249. The mechanical and manual drives of the points of haulage tracks are installed on the side of the personnel passage so as to provide a clear distance of not less than 0.7 m from the most projecting part of the drive to the edge of the rolling stock.
250. The points in shaft-bottom yards and at the intersections of main haulage mine workings (with one another and with district mine workings) are equipped with remote control from the cab of a moving electric locomotive (locomotive). At the entries of inclined haulage mine workings, the points are equipped with remote control. This requirement does not apply to occasionally used points installed at the entrances to garages, the central underground substation (hereinafter referred to as the CUS), drainage chambers and explosive materials stores.
251. Temporary garages for the repair of locomotives on the surface are provided on dead-end tracks at a distance of not less than 30 m from the shaft. On the rail tracks connecting the locomotive garages with the shafts, permanently closed barriers are installed.
252. The track, track devices, drainage ditches, points, track signals and signs, clearances and passages in horizontal and inclined mine workings, as well as the contact network of electric-locomotive haulage, are checked by a person appointed by an administrative document of the head of the mine not less than twice a month, in accordance with a schedule approved by the chief engineer of the mine. During the inspections, the width of the rail gauge and the excess height of one rail over the other are measured. Not less than once a year, the chief mine surveyor's service of the mine carries out a check of rail wear and a levelling of the profile of the haulage tracks.
253. Locomotive haulage is arranged in horizontal mine workings with an angle of inclination of not more than 5 per mille. Haulage by locomotives in mine workings with a gradient of more than 5 per mille is carried out in accordance with the procedure approved by the head of the mine.
254. Locomotive haulage in mine workings equipped with conveyor transport may be combined, for the servicing and repair of the conveyors and mine workings, provided that they operate separately.
255. The distance travelled by the train from the moment the driver acts on the control of the braking system until the complete stopping of the train (the braking distance), on the maximum gradient of the mine working, shall not exceed: 40 m when transporting loads; 20 m when transporting people.
256. During movement, the locomotive shall be at the head of the train. The locomotive may be at the tail of the train only during shunting operations carried out on a section not more than 300 m long at a speed of not more than 2 m/s. Trains of mine cars may be pushed towards the face during the driving of single-track development mine workings over a distance of not more than 400 m.
257. For the light marking of the train, a lamp with a red light is installed on the last mine car. When the locomotive moves without mine cars, a lamp with a red light is installed on the rear (in the direction of travel) part of the locomotive if there is no red headlight on it. When the locomotive is at the tail of the train, a lit lamp with a white light is hung on the front wall of the first mine car in the direction of travel.
258. The self-propelled movement of battery electric locomotives without a roof over the cab, and their towing with the driver in the cab, on sections of rail track under a contact wire that is under electrical voltage, shall be prohibited.
259. A vertical clearance of not less than 0.4 m is provided between the loading device and a locomotive with a cab without a roof.
260. The operation of locomotives shall be prohibited where there is: a breach of the explosion safety of the equipment on the locomotives; a removed cover of the battery box of a battery electric locomotive or a defective interlocking device of it; a defect in the electrical equipment, interlocking devices and protective means, or speed indicators; defective or unadjusted brakes; a defect in the sandboxes or the absence of sand in them; a defect in the coupling devices; a defect in the buffers; brake shoes worn by more than 2/3 of their thickness and tyre wear of more than 10 mm; non-illuminating or defective headlights; a defect in the signalling devices.
261. The locomotive shall be operated by a driver located in the cab of the locomotive. It shall be prohibited to hand over control of the locomotive to another person or to carry out manual operations for coupling and uncoupling the locomotive with the train from the cab.
262. A locomotive in operation is inspected at the following intervals: every shift - by the driver when taking over the locomotive; when the locomotive is released onto the line - by the electrician on duty; weekly - by the head of the electric-locomotive depot or the mechanic of the structural subdivision of the mine transport; once a month - by the chief mechanical engineer of the mine together with the mechanic of the structural subdivision of the mine transport; once a quarter - by the head of the power-and-mechanical service of the coal-mining organisation together with the chief mechanical engineer of the mine and/or the mechanic of the structural subdivision of the mine transport. The results of the every-shift inspections are recorded in the waybill, and those of the other types of inspection in the locomotive inspection book. Annually, a technical inspection of the locomotives is carried out in accordance with the regulation developed by the coal-mining organisation.
263. For haulage by trolley electric locomotives, direct current with a voltage of not more than 600 V may be used. The direct-current contact network in underground mine workings is constructed in accordance with the design.
264. In the traction substations and charging installations of electric-locomotive haulage, protection without time delay against overload, earth leakage currents and short circuit in the converters, transformers and outgoing feeders supplying the contact network is provided.
265. In trolley haulage, to reduce the resistance, electrical connectors are installed on the rail tracks.
266. At mines where electric blasting is carried out, all rail tracks not intended for haulage by trolley electric locomotives are, at the points of contact with the current-carrying rails, electrically insulated from the latter at two points spaced from each other by a distance equal to the maximum possible length of the train.
267. The minimum suspension height of the contact wire above the rail head shall be: in the mine workings of the shaft-bottom yard, on the sections where people move to the boarding place - 2.2 m; in the mine workings of the shaft-bottom yard, at the boarding and loading-and-unloading areas, at the intersection of mine workings along which people move with mine workings in which the contact wire is suspended - 2 m; in all other mine workings where there is mechanised transport of people, or in separate mine workings (compartments) for the movement of people - 1.8 m.
268. The minimum distance from the contact wire to the cap of the support of the mine working is 0.2 m. The minimum distance from the current collector of the locomotive to the support of the mine working is 0.2 m.
269. During the lowering and raising of people, the contact wire is switched off on the section from the shaft to the boarding point located in the shaft-bottom yard.
270. On the territory of the industrial site, the contact wire is suspended at a height of not less than 2.2 m above the level of the rail head, provided that the haulage tracks do not cross carriageways or footpaths.
271. The contact network is sectioned by switches, the distance between which does not exceed 500 m. Section switches are also installed on all branches of the contact wire. In the contact networks of double-track and multi-track sections, parallel connection of the contact wires by means of switches is permitted. Until section switches are developed, section isolators and circuit breakers used in alternating-current networks may be used. Where the contact network is supplied from several substations, each of its sections connected from a separate substation is insulated from the others.
272. The contact wire is switched off at places where mine workings are repaired and where long-length materials are unloaded (loaded) at the boarding areas, for the duration of these works and of the boarding (alighting) of people. At the loading points, boarding and loading-and-unloading areas and intersections of mine workings along which people move, as well as at the exits from longwall faces, chutes and other mine workings, means of switching off the section of the contact wire are provided. The places where the contact wire crosses ropes, cables and pipes shall exclude the possibility of their contact. The diagrams of these crossings are approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
273. The charging of storage batteries is carried out in charging chambers on charging tables. During the preparation of new horizons, storage batteries may be charged on the frame of the locomotive in temporary chambers. During the charging of storage batteries, the cover of the battery box is removed. The accumulators and the battery box may be closed only after gas emission from the accumulators has ceased, but not earlier than one hour after the end of charging. The battery box is earthed during the charging of the battery. It shall be prohibited to charge or use for their intended purpose defective or contaminated storage batteries. The minimum permissible values of the insulation resistance of the electrical equipment and cables relative to the body of the locomotive, and the frequency of their checking, are adopted in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation. Monitoring of the insulation resistance during the charging of storage batteries in mines is carried out by means of a current-leakage monitoring relay built into the charging device, and on the line by insulation-resistance monitoring devices located in the circuit breakers on the battery electric locomotives. Before an explosion-safe locomotive is released onto the line, the hydrogen content in the battery box is measured, the maximum permissible concentration of which is 2.5 per cent. In the charging chambers of gassy mines, general-purpose battery testers may be used provided that the voltage is measured not earlier than 10 minutes after the cover has been removed from the battery box. Valve-regulated storage batteries consisting of sealed cells in which the electrolyte is absorbed (soaked) into the separator may be charged in underground mine workings with a fresh air current, outside the charging chambers, provided that the connection is made by means of quick-release explosion-protected connectors.
274. The repair of battery electric locomotives involving the opening of electrical equipment is carried out only in the electric-locomotive depot.
275. For protection against burns from the electrolyte, means neutralising its action are kept in the charging chambers.
276. The equipping of mine workings with monorail roads is carried out in accordance with the documentation approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
277. The maximum angles of inclination and the turning radii of the mine workings in which the roads are installed shall be defined by the documentation of the organisation manufacturing the monorail road and the rolling stock.
278. The distance from the most projecting part of the gauge of the rolling stock of the monorail road, or of the load being transported, to the support of the mine working (or to equipment located in the mine working) shall be not less than 0.3 m. It may be reduced to 0.2 m where the speed of the rolling stock on this section of the mine working is 1 m/s or less. This same distance, in the part of the mine working intended for the movement of people, shall be not less than 0.7 m.
279. In horizontal and inclined mine workings equipped with conveyor and monorail transport, a passage for people is provided between the rolling stock and the support of the mine working. The distance from the rolling stock to the conveyor shall be not less than 0.4 m. On sections of the mine working where the transloading (loading) of the mined rock mass is carried out and/or a conveyor drive station is installed, the clearance between the rolling stock and the conveyor may be locally reduced to 0.25 m. At these sections of the mine workings, warning signs are installed. On these sections, the rolling stock shall move at a speed of not more than 1 m/s and with an audible warning signal.
280. The simultaneous use, in the same mine working, of suspended monorail transport, rail transport, a floor-mounted rack railway and self-propelled wheeled transport shall be prohibited.
281. The clearance between the gauges of the rolling stock of two monorail roads (in mine workings with double-track monorail transport) shall be not less than 0.4 m.
282. When transloading points are equipped at the junctions of monorail roads with one another or with other types of transport, passages for people are provided along both sides of the mine working.
283. The clearances from the rolling stock of the suspended monorail road to the support of the mine working on sections where the mine working changes its direction, and on the straight sections of mine workings adjoining them, and the length of these straight sections, are adopted in accordance with Appendix No. 7 to these Safety Rules.
284. The distance between the rolling stock and the floor of the mine working or equipment located on the floor shall be not less than 0.4 m. The transport of large-sized equipment along mine workings in which the distance from the rolling stock to the floor of the mine working or to equipment located on the floor is less than 0.4 m but more than 0.2 m is carried out in accordance with the procedure approved by the chief engineer of the mine, provided that the load is accompanied by the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision. In cases where the transport is carried out along mine workings equipped with belt conveyors, the conveyors are switched off and their starters are locked.
285. The travel speed of rolling stock on monorails shall not exceed 2 m/s, and when transporting long and large-sized loads - 1 m/s.
286. Mine workings with monorail transport and the rolling stock of monorails are equipped with signalling means and safety signs.
287. The making-up of the rolling stock of monorails is carried out on horizontal sections of mine workings in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
288. The rolling stock of a monorail is loaded in such a way that a distance is maintained between the loads on adjacent trolleys that ensures the passage of the train on curves and bends of the track, but not less than 0.3 m. Along the entire length of the monorail, the clearance between the transported load and the monorail shall be not less than 50 mm.
289. The driver, in the cab of the diesel locomotive, shall be positioned at the head of the train. When the rolling stock of monorails operates to lower a load along mine workings with an inclination angle of 20° or more, the driver may be positioned in the cab of the diesel locomotive at the rear of the train.
290. The use of monorails shall be prohibited: in mine workings with defective support used for suspending the monorail, and where the required clearances across the cross-section of the mine working are absent; where the monorail track, the rolling stock, the braking system, the control and signalling equipment are defective, or the wear of the traction-wheel tyres and brake shoes exceeds the values specified in the documentation of the manufacturing organisation and these Safety Rules.
291. During the operation of the monorail track and when the points are closed, the gaps at the joints of the working surfaces shall not exceed 5 mm, and the misalignment of the working surfaces vertically and horizontally - 3 mm.
292. The angle of deflection of the axes of the straight monorail sections at the joints in the horizontal plane shall not exceed 4°. The permissible gap value at the joints (5 mm) is maintained on the inner side of the monorail.
293. The changing over of a manually operated point is carried out only when the train is stopped and braked.
294. At the terminal points of the monorail track, end stops are installed to prevent the rolling stock from coming off the monorail.
295. Every shift, before starting work, the driver manually checks the rolling stock, the locomotive, the couplings, the signalling devices and the operability of the braking trolleys. The monorail track, the braking devices and the electrical equipment are checked, at least once per day, by a responsible worker appointed by an administrative document of the mine. The check of the condition of the monorail is carried out weekly by the mechanic of the structural subdivision in whose charge the monorail is, and quarterly - by the chief mechanic of the mine. The results of the checks are recorded in accordance with the procedure established by the head of the mine.
296. On monorails in mine workings with an inclination angle of more than 6°, a test of the emergency braking system is carried out monthly under the supervision of the mechanic of the structural subdivision in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The results of the tests are documented in a report.
297. The emergency braking devices of monorail transport undergo dynamic testing, at least once every six months, for conformity with the technical characteristics specified in the documentation of the manufacturing organisation. The results of the tests are documented in a report.
298. The procedure for the operation of diesel-powered machines and their technical monitoring are carried out in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation.
299. The operation of diesel-powered transport machines shall be prohibited in mine workings with an air flow rate insufficient to dilute the exhaust gases to sanitary standards, and where the permissible standards for methane content are exceeded.
300. Belt conveyors are equipped with: sensors for lateral belt displacement that switch off the conveyor drive when the belt runs off to one side by more than 10 per cent of its width. The sensors for lateral belt displacement are installed at points of possible friction of the belt web against the stationary structures of the conveyor and the support on the upper and lower runs of the conveyor; dust-suppression means, automatically activated at transfer points during the transport of the rock mass; devices for cleaning the belt web and the drums; protective means ensuring the automatic disconnection of the electrical power to the conveyor when the permissible level of the transported rock mass at the transfer points is exceeded, when the speed of the belt web falls to 75 per cent of the nominal (slippage), or when the nominal speed of the belt web of bremsberg conveyors is exceeded by 8 per cent; a device for switching off the conveyor from any point along its length; braking devices; interlocking devices that switch off the conveyor when the water pressure in the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline falls below the established standard; interlocking devices that switch off the conveyor when the guards are removed. Belt conveyors installed in mine workings with an inclination angle of more than 10° are equipped with: catching devices for both runs of the belt web, if the conveyor operates in bremsberg mode; catching devices for the upper run of the belt web, if the conveyor operates in incline mode; catching devices on those runs of the belt web that are intended for carrying people. Periodic monitoring of the integrity of the cords of rubber-cord belt webs is carried out using special non-destructive testing means. Upon expiry of the standard service life of conveyor belt webs, an expert examination for the extension of the safe operation period shall be carried out.
301. Conveyor lines consisting of several conveyors are equipped with equipment for automatic or remote automated control of the conveyor lines that ensures: the starting of the next conveyor in the line after the nominal belt-web travel speed of the preceding conveyor has been established; the automatic disconnection of the electrical power to conveyors transporting the rock mass onto a stopped conveyor, and, in a line consisting of scraper conveyors, in the event of a fault in one of them - the automatic disconnection of the electrical power also to the scraper conveyor located ahead; the impossibility of remotely restarting a faulty conveyor upon operation of the electrical protections of the electric motor, a fault in the mechanical part of the conveyor, operation of the protections owing to a prolonged conveyor start, a fall of the belt-web speed to 75 per cent of the nominal (slippage), or the nominal belt-web speed of bremsberg conveyors being exceeded by 8 per cent; a local interlock preventing the starting of the given conveyor from the control console; the automatic disconnection of the electrical power to the conveyor in the event of a prolonged start; two-way telephone or loudspeaker communication between the conveyor drives and the control console; an interlock of belt-conveyor operation when the water pressure in the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline is below the standard value; an interlock of conveyor starting when a guard is removed.
302. In inclined mine workings equipped with conveyors, the laying of rail track and the installation of winches intended for transporting the materials and equipment required during the driving and repair of these mine workings and conveyors are permitted. To preclude the simultaneous operation of the conveyor and the winch, appropriate electrical interlocks are installed.
303. For securing the drive, take-up and end stations of conveyors in mine workings, for the mechanised shifting of conveyors in longwall faces, for tensioning the conveyor chain during its assembly and disassembly, for drawing together the ends of the belt web when it is spliced on conveyors, and also for clearing spillage from conveyors, the devices provided for in the documentation of the manufacturing organisation are used.
304. In mine workings with conveyors, crossings over the conveyors are provided.
305. The following shall be prohibited: the repair, lubrication of moving parts and cleaning of conveyors during their operation, work with a conveyor clogged with spillage and with defective rollers or in their absence; the operation of a conveyor when the belt web rubs against the stationary elements of the conveyor structure or the support, with defective fire-extinguishing and dust-suppression means, and where they are not supplied with water; the carriage of people, long materials and spare parts on conveyors not equipped for these purposes.
306. A routine inspection of the conveyor, the control equipment, the rollers, the take-up and loading devices, the belt web and its joints, as well as of the devices ensuring the safe operation of the conveyor (braking devices, belt-web catching means), is carried out every shift by the servicing personnel. The inspection and checking of the operation of the control and protection equipment, the devices ensuring the safe operation of the conveyors, the fire-protection means and the water pressure in the fire-fighting pipeline is carried out once per day by the mechanic of the structural subdivision servicing the conveyor, or by the person acting in his place. Every month, stationary conveyors are inspected by the chief mechanic of the mine or the person acting in his place. Before commissioning and during operation, once per year, a specialised commissioning organisation carries out an inspection and adjustment of the stationary conveyor lines.
307. Belt conveyors shall be equipped with a device for smooth starting. Fluid couplings on conveyors shall be operated with serviceable protection provided by temperature relays or special calibrated fusible safety plugs. The operation of conveyors without sealed casings (service hatches) of the fluid couplings shall be prohibited. The filling of fluid couplings is carried out with non-combustible liquids.
308. The maximum speed of raising and lowering people and loads along vertical and inclined mine workings shall not exceed the values given in Appendix No. 8 to these Safety Rules.
309. The value of the average deceleration of the hoisting installation during the raising of the design load, both under safety braking and under working braking in emergency cases, shall not exceed the values given in Appendix No. 8 to these Safety Rules. The value of the average deceleration of the hoisting installation during the lowering of the design load under safety braking is ensured to be not less than 0.75 m/s2 at inclination angles of the mine workings of up to 30° and not less than 1.5 m/s2 at inclination angles of the mine workings of more than 30°. Average deceleration means the ratio of the maximum speed to the time elapsing from the moment braking begins until the complete stop of the hoisting machine. On hoisting installations with friction sheaves, the value of the average deceleration is determined on the steady-state section of the braking process. In workings with a variable inclination angle, the deceleration value of the hoisting installation for each section of the path with a constant angle does not exceed the values given in Appendix No. 8 to these Safety Rules. The deceleration values for intermediate inclination angles of the mine workings not specified in Appendix No. 8 to these Safety Rules are determined by linear interpolation. In installations with friction sheaves, the deceleration, both under working and under safety braking, shall not exceed the value of the slippage of the rope on the sheave. On single-rope and multi-rope skip hoisting installations with a friction sheave, the lower limit of deceleration is limited to 1.2 m/s2, provided that the equipment of such installations is fitted with an interlock precluding the possibility of lowering the load at a speed of more than 1 m/s. Hoisting installations with friction sheaves on which the required decelerations cannot be ensured by adjusting the braking system are equipped with systems of selective or automatically controlled safety braking. The requirements of this section do not apply to shaft-sinking winches and winches for rescue ladders (with a rope travel speed of not more than 0.2 and 0.35 m/s respectively).
310. On existing hoisting installations with inclination angles of the mine working of up to 30°, decelerations of less than 0.75 m/s2 may be permitted if the stopping of the ascending conveyance within the overwind path, and of the descending one - on a clear section of the path located below the boarding (unloading) landing, is thereby ensured.
311. To protect against overwind and speed excess, the mine hoisting installation is provided with the following safety devices: (a) a limit switch installed in the mine working or the headframe and intended to apply the safety brake when the conveyance (counterweight) is raised 0.5 m above the level of the upper landing (the normal position during unloading), and a duplicating limit switch on the depth indicator (or in the travel setting and monitoring apparatus). In inclined mine workings, the limit switches are installed at the upper landing at a distance of 0.5 m from the normal position determined by the working process. Hoisting installations with tipping cages are equipped with additional limit switches installed on the headframe 0.5 m above the level of the platform intended for the boarding of people into the cage. The operation of these limit switches is also duplicated by limit switches installed on the depth indicator (in the travel setting and monitoring apparatus). This requirement does not apply to hoisting installations with self-tipping buckets during the sinking of vertical shafts. Duplicating limit switches may be installed on the headframe at the same level as the main ones, provided they are supplied by separate cables. The additional limit switches (main and duplicating) on installations with tipping cages are connected into the protection circuit depending on the set mode "load" or "people". To check the serviceability and correct installation of the main and duplicating switches, buttons or selector switches (without position latching) are installed on the driver's console. Latching shunting elements may be used if the circuit provides signalling (audible, visual) of their closed state; (b) a speed limiter causing the safety brake to be applied in the event of: the speed exceeding the protective diagram during the deceleration period, the value of which at each point of the deceleration path is determined from the conditions of preventing an emergency overwind of the skips and the cage; the uniform-travel speed being exceeded by 15 per cent; the conveyance approaching the upper and lower landings, as well as the rigid guides with rope equipping of the shaft, at a speed of more than 1 m/s during the lowering-raising of people and 1.5 m/s during the lowering-raising of loads. These requirements apply to existing hoisting installations with a travel speed of more than 3 m/s and to newly designed ones with a speed of more than 2 m/s (except for load inclined underground installations equipped with winches). The remaining hoisting installations are equipped with devices that switch off the installation in the event of the uniform-travel speed being exceeded by 15 per cent. The winches of load and existing personnel inclined hoists in underground mine workings, until they are fitted with speed limiters, are equipped with a device causing the safety brake to be applied in the event of the uniform-travel speed being exceeded by 15 per cent, and with speed monitoring at one or two points on the deceleration section; (c) shock-absorbing devices installed on the headframe and in the shaft sump of a shaft with a multi-rope hoisting installation, except for installations being reconstructed with hoisting machines installed on the ground.
312. Mine hoisting installations are equipped with the following protective and interlocking devices: an interlock against excessive wear of the brake shoes, actuated when the maximum permissible gap, established by the manufacturing organisation, between the drum rim and the brake shoe is exceeded. This requirement does not apply to load underground and shaft-sinking winches; maximum and zero protection; protection against sagging of the rope string; an interlock of the safety gates precluding the possibility of their being opened before the arrival of the hoisting conveyance at the landing and activating the "stop" signal on the driver's console when the gates are open; an interlock permitting the motor, after an overwind of the conveyance, to be switched on only in the direction of eliminating the overwind; an interlock not permitting the release of the safety brake if the handle of the working brake is not in the "braked" position and the handle of the control apparatus (controller) is in the zero position; an interlock ensuring the stopping of the bucket as it approaches the zero landing with the trap doors closed, and also an interlock ensuring, during shaft sinking, the stopping of the bucket 5 m before it approaches the working stage and as it approaches the shaft bottom; a device giving a signal to the onsetter or the driver when the brake ropes are pulled out at their fastening points in the sump; a device giving a signal to the driver upon an impermissible rise of the loop of the balance rope; a duplicating speed limiter or a device ensuring monitoring of the integrity of the transmission from the shaft of the hoisting machine to the depth indicator, if the speed limiter does not have full self-monitoring; a device signalling to the driver the position of the swinging platforms and the landing chairs; an automatic bell signalling the start of the deceleration period (except for load hoisting installations operating in automatic mode).
313. Sheaves with cast or stamped rims for which the use of lining is not provided for are replaced with new ones when the flange or rim wears by 50 per cent of its initial thickness and in all cases when the ends of the spokes become exposed. Surfacing of the sheave groove is permitted when it wears in depth by not more than 50 per cent of the initial thickness, with subsequent quality control of the work performed by the non-destructive testing method.
314. In case of a breakdown of the hoisting machine or the jamming of cages in the shaft, emergency-repair hoisting installations are provided. Where one shaft has two hoisting installations, or one hoisting installation and a ladder compartment, the additional emergency-repair installation may be absent. The absence of a stationary emergency-repair hoisting installation is permitted where the detachment of the emergency rescue units servicing the mine is equipped with a mobile hoisting installation. At mines with a depth of up to 100 m, the use for this purpose of manual winches equipped with brakes and a ratchet stop is permitted. For shafts (boreholes) equipped with a single hoist used only in emergency cases and for repair work, actions for the evacuation of people from a jammed (stuck) hoisting conveyance are developed. During the sinking and deepening of shafts, in case of an accident with the hoist, a suspended emergency rescue ladder shall be available, of a length ensuring the simultaneous accommodation on it of all the workers of the largest shift by number. The ladder is attached to the rope of a winch equipped with brakes and having a combined drive (mechanical and manual). The manual drive of the winch ensures the raising of the ladder in the event of an emergency power cut. On the lower deck of the working stage, an emergency rope ladder of the required length is placed for people to exit from the shaft bottom to the sinking stage. Where the rescue ladder passes through the stage down to the bottom, the presence of an emergency rope ladder is not provided for. During the sinking of shafts with a depth of up to 100 m, the winches for suspending emergency rescue ladders may have a manual drive and be equipped with brakes and a ratchet stop.
315. The passage of people across the hoisting compartments of the shaft shall be prohibited. At all levels of the mine, safety gates are installed in front of the shafts to prevent people from passing across the hoisting compartments. At the upper levels, work in the personnel and load modes without landing chairs is permitted. During the raising and lowering of people, and also during the operation of the hoist in "inspection" mode, the load (mine car) exchange mechanisms at all landings of the shaft are switched off. At existing mines, the use at the upper landing of guillotine-type doors is permitted where there is additional guarding preventing access of people to the shaft until the complete stop of the cage, and during its departure. The requirement to activate the "stop" signal on the driver's console when the gates are open does not apply to hoisting installations equipped with guillotine-type doors.
316. In mine shafts for which the lowering and raising of people is not provided for, the use of hoisting installations is permitted only to persons engaged in the inspection and repair of these shafts.
317. During the sinking of shafts, while equipment is being lowered and raised by shaft-sinking winches, the operation of the hoist is permitted only for moving the people supervising the lowering and raising of the equipment.
318. All intermediate, lower and upper landings of vertical shafts along which loads are raised and lowered in mine cars, as well as the platforms in front of the tippler, are equipped with stop devices that ensure single-unit metering and prevent the spontaneous rolling of mine cars. The inspection of operating shafts equipped with mine hoists is carried out at least: once per day by the head and (or) the mechanic of the hoist; once per week by the chief mechanic of the mine; once per month by the chief engineer of the mine; once per quarter by the chief mechanic of the coal-mining organisation.
319. The total clearance between the sliding guide shoes of the hoisting conveyance (counterweight) and the guides upon their installation is: at the base mark (the section of the guides from the unloading point of the hoisting conveyance to the installation point of the overwind limit switch) in the frontal and lateral directions - 10 mm for rail guides and 20 mm for wooden ones; over the depth of the shaft in the frontal direction - 10 +/- 8 mm for rail guides and 20 +/- 10 mm for wooden ones. At the base mark, the nominal dimension of the guide gauges is ensured. When elastic working roller guide devices are used on hoisting conveyances, safety shoes are installed which are mounted directly on the load-bearing structure of the hoisting conveyance and are structurally not connected to the working guide devices. The total clearance between the contact surfaces of the sliding safety shoes and the guides upon their installation at the base mark is: 20 mm for rail guides and 30 mm for box-section ones. The sliding shoes or their replaceable liners shall be replaced when the wear of the contact surfaces exceeds 8 mm per side. The maximum total wear of the guides and shoes per side in the frontal and lateral directions: 10 mm for rail guides and 18 mm for wooden ones. The overall maximum wear of the lateral surfaces of the shoe and the rail guide of a two-sided arrangement is 20 mm. The depth of the jaw of open-type working sliding guide shoes upon their installation: 60 mm for rail guides and 80 mm for wooden ones. The depth of the jaw of sliding safety shoes upon their installation: 65 mm for guides made of rails and 110 mm for box-section ones. The internal diameter of new liners of sliding working guide devices for rope guides upon their installation shall be 10 mm greater than the diameter of the guide rope. The depth of the groove of the rollers, when guide roller supports are used, is not less than 1/3 of the diameter of the guide rope. For safety guide devices, when rope guides are used, the difference in the diameters of the new liner and the guide rope is 20 mm, and the permissible wear of the guide liners - 15 mm in diameter.
320. An instrumental check of the wear of the guides is carried out at each tier of the shaft equipping: for metal ones - after one year; for wooden ones, and also in shafts where the service life of the metal guides is less than five years, - after six months. The person responsible for the check is the chief mechanic of the mine. The guides shall be replaced when the wear per side in the frontal and lateral directions is: for rail guides - more than 8 mm, and, in shaft equipping with a two-sided arrangement of guides relative to the conveyances, for a total lateral wear - more than 16 mm; for wooden guides - more than 15 mm; for box-section guides - more than half the wall thickness. The wear of the web connecting the head of the rail guides to the foot is permitted to be not more than 25 per cent of its nominal thickness. In individual cases, wear of the rail guides of up to 12 mm per side is permitted (a total wear with a two-sided arrangement of guides - up to 24 mm). In this case, the decision on the possibility of their further operation is taken by a special commission under the supervision of the chief mechanic of the coal-mining organisation on the basis of the results of an instrumental examination of the shaft equipping and the performance of calculations taking into account the kinematics and dynamics of the interaction of the conveyances with the guides. In this case, the instrumental check of the wear of the guides is carried out at least every six months. With cutting-type safety catches, the wooden guides in the shaft shall be replaced when their total lateral wear exceeds 20 mm.
321. The clearances between the maximum projecting parts of the hoisting conveyances of stationary hoisting installations, the support and the buntons in vertical shafts correspond to the values given in Appendix No. 9 to these Safety Rules. During the sinking and deepening of the shaft, the clearance between the middle guide ropes is not less than 300 mm. Where the depth of the shaft is more than 400 m, rubbing ropes or other devices are installed to prevent the possibility of collision of the buckets. These devices are not required if the clearances between the middle guide ropes are equal to 250 + H / 3 mm, where H is the depth of the shaft, m. The clearance between the moving buckets and the shaft support or the projecting parts of equipment located in the shaft (pipelines, beams) is not less than 400 mm. The clearance between the walls of the funnel of the sinking stage and the projecting parts of the moving guide frame of the bucket is not less than 100 mm. During the sinking of shafts with parallel or subsequent equipping, the clearances between the most projecting part of the bucket or the guide frame and the buntons are: with rope guides located in the plane perpendicular to the buntons - not less than 350 mm; with rope guides located in the plane parallel to the buntons - not less than 400 mm; with rigid guides, between the most projecting part of the post of the guide frame and the guide - not less than 30 mm. Before starting a newly hung or repaired hoisting conveyance (counterweight), as well as after repair work in the shaft involving the straightening of the shaft equipping, the guides or the support, after objects that may affect the position of the shaft equipping have fallen into the shaft, a check of the clearances is carried out. After a repair involving the replacement of the shaft equipping or the guides, a profiling of the guides is carried out. The clearances between two hoisting conveyances in inclined mine workings are not less than 200 mm. The clearance between the support of the mine working and the most projecting edge of the outline of the hoisting conveyance shall be: with wooden, metal and reinforced-concrete-post support - not less than 250 mm; with concrete and masonry support - not less than 200 mm.
322. Personnel and personnel-and-load hoisting installations have an electric drive. An asynchronous drive with rheostatic control is equipped with a dynamic braking system. In the event of a disturbance of its circuit, the dynamic braking system applies the safety brake. Winches serving for the lowering and raising of people in cages and mine cars along inclined and vertical mine workings shall meet the requirements imposed on hoisting machines.
323. During the sinking of vertical shafts, prospecting pits and boreholes, for hanging shaft-sinking equipment and carrying out lowering-and-raising operations with various equipment and materials, shaft-sinking winches complying with the requirements of the standards and these Safety Rules are used.
324. Hoisting machines and winches are provided with a device (indicator) showing the driver the position of the conveyances in the shaft. When the hoisting machine operates on the sinking or deepening of a shaft, a mark of the upper edge of the funnel of the suspended sinking stage is applied on the flange of the drum. On winches intended for suspending equipment during the sinking of vertical shafts, a depth indicator is not required. Each hoisting machine is equipped with: a device for the diagnosis and recording of the main parameters and operating modes, including the monitoring of the speed of the hoisting conveyances; a voltmeter and an ammeter; pressure gauges showing the pressure of the compressed air or oil in the braking system.
325. Hoisting machines and winches have a working brake and a safety brake with independent actuation of the drive. The brake acts on the winding member. Shaft-sinking winches and winches for rescue ladders (the travel speed of the terminal load being not more than 0.2 m/s and 0.35 m/s respectively) are equipped with: a manoeuvring brake on the motor shaft or on the intermediate shaft; a safety brake; a stop device on the drum (a ratchet stop); an interlock precluding the starting of the electric motor in the direction of lowering the load when the safety brake and the stop device are engaged.
326. With the hoisting machine (winch) braked (stationary), the ratios of the values of the moments created by the safety brake to the maximum static moments (K = M_brake / M_static) have the following minimum values at angles of inclination: up to 20° - 2.1, up to 25° - 2.6, 30° and more - 3.0. The value of the coefficient K for intermediate angles of inclination is determined by linear interpolation. For mine workings with variable angles of inclination, the braking moment is calculated for each section of the path with a constant angle of inclination and is taken as the greatest of the values obtained. The working brake, with the hoisting machine stationary, shall provide a moment not less than the moment created by the safety brake. When repositioning the drums, the braking device provides on the clamped drum a moment equal to not less than 1.2 times the static moment created by the mass of the empty conveyance and the mass of the head (balancing) rope. When repositioning the drums and moving the conveyance, the presence of people in the conveyance and the shaft shall be prohibited. For shaft-sinking winches and winches for rescue ladders (with an end-load travel speed of up to 0.2 m/s and 0.35 m/s respectively), the braking moments created separately by the manoeuvring brake and the safety brake provide not less than a 2-fold greatest static load moment. The engagement of the safety brake is accompanied by automatic actuation of the manoeuvring brake.
327. The duration of the idle travel of the safety brake of operating hoisting machines does not exceed: 0.5 s - for a pneumatic-weight drive; 0.6 s - for a hydraulic-weight drive; 0.3 s - for pneumatic-spring and hydraulic-spring drives, as well as for all newly created braking device designs. The brake actuation time, regardless of the type of brake drive, shall not exceed 0.8 s, only when lowering a load (counterweight). For hoisting machines with friction pulleys equipped with systems of selective or automatically regulated safety braking, this requirement applies only to the mode of lowering a load (counterweight). For shaft-sinking winches, the duration of the idle travel shall not exceed 1.5 s. At single-ended hoisting installations in inclined mine workings, devices shall be installed that control the safety brake and prevent the running of the cars onto the rope during safety braking. The actuation time of the safety brake in this case may exceed 0.8 s.
328. After replacing elements of the braking system (brake shoes, rods, cylinders), it is necessary to carry out its testing. The results of the test are documented in a report.
329. At surface vertical and inclined man-riding and man-and-materials hoists, as well as underground ones with an angle of inclination of more than 60°, single-layer winding onto the drums of the machines is used. At the hoisting machines of materials vertical and inclined hoists installed on the surface, and of man-riding and man-and-materials hoists in underground mine workings with an angle of inclination from 30 to 60°, single-layer or two-layer winding of ropes onto the drums is used. Three-layer winding is used at all the other hoists, as well as during the sinking of vertical and inclined mine workings. At emergency-repair and auxiliary materials hoisting installations (rock shafts, hoisting of loads onto trestles, lowering and hoisting of loads and auxiliary materials along vertical and inclined mine workings with a number of cycles of not more than 10 per shift), as well as at shaft-sinking winches with a speed of not more than 0.4 m/s and winches for rescue ladders (speed up to 0.35 m/s), multilayer winding is permitted. When more than one layer of rope is wound onto the drum, the following conditions shall be ensured: the drum flange is 2.5 rope diameters higher than the top winding layer; the critical section of the rope with a length of a quarter of the last coil of the bottom row (transition to the top row) is kept under constant monitoring (accounting for wires broken at this place); every two months the rope is shifted by a quarter of a coil. The drums of shaft-sinking winches have flanges on both sides, projecting above the top winding layer by not less than 2.5 rope diameters. On operating inclined hoisting installations, during the working-out of horizons, exceeding the specified number of winding layers by one is permitted, provided that the requirements of this paragraph of these Safety Rules are met and provided that there is a device for the smooth transition of the rope from one layer to another, and, in the case of four-layer winding of the rope onto the drum, provided that there is protection excluding the possibility of the hoist operating when the rope is wound onto the fifth layer. On shaft-sinking winches having a speed of not more than 0.4 m/s, the height of the flange above the top winding layer shall be not less than 1.5 rope diameters. The drum lining has cut grooves regardless of the number of rope winding layers. On shaft-sinking winches (speed not more than 0.2 m/s) and winches for rescue ladders (speed up to 0.35 m/s), drums without lining and cut grooves may be used. During the construction and reconstruction of mines with a block opening-up scheme and during the sinking of flank shafts, as well as where it is necessary to drive the shaft-bottom workings through the skip shaft, two-layer and three-layer winding of ropes onto the drum of man-and-materials hoists on the specified shafts is permitted during the period of driving horizontal and inclined mine workings. In this case, in addition to complying with the conditions specified above, the mine construction organisation develops additional actions ensuring the safety of the lowering and hoisting of people.
330. To reduce the tension of the rope at the point of its attachment to the drum, there shall be on the surface of the latter not less than three friction turns lined with wood and moulding compound, and not less than five friction turns on drums without lining.
331. Shaft-sinking winches used for hanging stages, formwork and guide ropes, as well as winches for extending process pipelines and installing tubbing and steelwork elements, are equipped with rope tension monitoring devices.
332. At each hoisting installation, the following reserve is provided: a tested rope suitable for hanging, or a full set of ropes for multi-rope hoists; a hoisting conveyance with an attachment device; an electric motor or a full set of spare parts for it, and, in the case of a direct-current system, also for the generator; a compressor with an electric motor, in the absence of a supply from the mine-wide pneumatic system; a set of brake shoes; a set of lining (for hoisting machines with a friction pulley); the necessary quantity of spare bushings or rolling bearings, high-speed shafts and rapidly wearing elements of the monitoring, control and protection apparatus, as determined by the manufacturing organisation.
333. The hoisting conveyances, safety catches, stops, suspension devices, guide shoes, landing, loading and unloading devices, guide and deflection pulleys, their lining and bearings, the braking system and other elements of the hoisting machine, the protection apparatus and the control system are inspected and checked daily by the mechanic of the structural subdivision or by a person having the appropriate qualification and appointed by an order issued at the mine for this purpose. This same person inspects the shaft steelwork and support daily at a conveyance travel speed of up to 1 m/s and not less than once a week at a speed of 0.3 m/s. Sections of shafts under repair are inspected daily at a speed of 0.3 m/s. Simultaneous inspection of the steelwork in adjacent compartments of the shaft is permitted where the difference in height levels between the hoisting conveyances from which the inspection is carried out is not more than 5 m. Before hanging a new rope and thereafter not less than once a quarter, the chief mechanical engineer (deputy chief mechanical engineer) of the mine carries out an inspection of the pulleys. In doing so, the cross-section of the groove and the thickness of its body are measured through the control hole, and a sketch is made of the most worn place of the groove cross-sectional area. The chief mechanical engineer (deputy chief mechanical engineer) of the mine, not less than once every 15 days, carries out a check of the correct operation of the safety brake and the protective devices, and, not less than once a month, of the serviceability of all the other above-mentioned elements of the hoisting installation. The results of the inspections are entered in the book of inspection of the hoisting installation. The headframes are inspected by a commission chaired by the chief engineer of the mine. The inspection of steel and reinforced-concrete headframes is carried out once a year, and of wooden and sinking headframes - twice a year. The standard service life of headframes, on the expiry of which it is necessary to carry out an expert examination of the technical condition, is twenty-five years. The expert examination is carried out by a specialised organisation. Subsequent examinations are carried out not less than once every five years.
334. The checking of shaft-sinking winches is carried out every shift and before each lowering-and-hoisting operation by the electrical fitter, once a week - by the mechanic of the structural subdivision, once a month - by the chief mechanical engineer (deputy chief mechanical engineer) of the mine. The results of the checks are recorded in documentary form in the manner established by the head of the mine.
335. Persons with a total length of service at the mine of not less than one year, who have undergone special training, obtained the appropriate certificate and completed a two-month traineeship, may be appointed as hoisting machine operators by an order issued at the mine. Persons who have worked for not less than one year on materials hoisting machines are appointed as operators of man-riding and man-and-materials hoists, as well as multi-rope hoists. During the sinking and deepening of shafts, persons who have undergone special training, obtained the appropriate certificate and completed a three-month traineeship on a hoist during shaft sinking may be appointed as hoist operators. When transferring to the operation of another machine, and also after a break in work of more than one month, the operator undergoes a traineeship. The duration of the traineeship is determined by the chief mechanical engineer of the mine. On completion of the traineeship, the chief mechanical engineer (deputy chief mechanical engineer) of the mine carries out a check of the knowledge and working skills of the hoisting installation operator at the workplace. The results of the check and the admission to independent work are recorded in the book of shift handover and acceptance of hoisting installation operators. Not less than once a year, the check of the operators' knowledge is carried out by a commission chaired by the chief mechanical engineer of the coal-mining organisation.
336. During the hours of lowering and hoisting of the shift of workers, in addition to the shift operator, a second operator having the right to operate this machine is present, whose duties include monitoring the hoisting and lowering process and taking the necessary measures in the event of a disturbance in the operation of the hoisting machine or of incorrect actions by the shift operator.
337. The operator taking over the shift, before the start of work, performs an every-shift inspection and check of the serviceability of the machine. The results of the inspection and check of the condition of the hoisting installation, carried out by the operators when taking over and handing over the shift, are recorded by the operators in the book of shift acceptance and handover. The automation elements in automated hoists are inspected by the electrical fitter in accordance with the operating manual, and, in its absence, with the instruction approved by the chief mechanical engineer of the mine. Lowering and hoisting of people is permitted after a preliminary idle run of both hoisting conveyances down and up. The hoisting machine operator reports any noticed malfunctions to the hoist mechanic or the chief mechanical engineer of the mine and the mine dispatcher, who authorise the operation of the hoisting machine after the operator's report.
338. During the operation of the cage hoist, banksmen are located on the receiving (landing) platform of the pit-top building, and onsetters - in the shaft bottoms of the operating horizons. When boarding the cage and people exiting the cage from different sides, the banksmen and onsetters shall have assistants located on the other side of the cage. At all shafts equipped with mechanical hoisting and serving for the raising of people only in emergency cases, the presence of hoisting machine operators, onsetters and banksmen at the receiving platforms shall be determined by the emergency response plan. If people are simultaneously boarding several decks of a multi-deck cage or exiting from them, then a banksman is located at each receiving platform, and an onsetter - in the shaft bottom, who give signals to the chief banksman and the chief onsetter respectively. At intermediate horizons at which the receiving and dispatch of loads is not carried out and there is working signalling to the operator and the banksman, as well as direct telephone communication with them, the lowering (hoisting) of people is permitted in the absence of onsetters at them, under the following conditions: the cage has a device for direct signalling to the banksman and the operator, as well as telephone communication; a lift operator (onsetter) is located in the cage. A hoisting installation controlled from the cage is served by a lift operator. For operation in the lift mode, a special design is drawn up.
339. At all boarding points and in the machine room, notices are posted indicating: the surname of the person responsible for the safe organisation of the lowering and hoisting of people; the schedule of hoisting and lowering of people; the signals used; the number of people simultaneously raised and lowered in each deck of the cage, in a bucket or a man-riding car. Concerning prohibitions or restrictions on the use of the hoisting installation for the lowering and hoisting of people, notices are posted at the boarding points and a briefing of the hoist operators, onsetters and banksmen is carried out with an explanation of the reasons for such prohibitions or restrictions.
340. At all receiving platforms, tables are posted indicating the permissible loading of the cages, and, for hoisting installations with friction pulleys - instructions on the simultaneous loading of both cages to prevent the danger of slipping. The onsetters and banksmen are instructed not less than once a quarter about the rules and standards of loading. The lowering and hoisting of long-length materials or large-size equipment beneath the cage is carried out under the supervision of the shift engineering and technical worker of the production section. It is necessary to report this in advance to the dispatcher, the onsetters of the intermediate horizons, the banksman and the hoist operator.
341. Before commissioning and thereafter once a year, a specialised organisation, with the participation of representatives of the power-and-mechanical service of the mine, carries out the inspection and adjustment of the hoisting installation in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturing organisation and the operational documentation of the mine. This requirement does not apply to materials winches intended for the lowering and hoisting of equipment and materials. The electrical part and apparatus of automated hoisting installations shall be subject to inspection and adjustment after six months. Not less than once a year, the surveying service of the mine or a specialised organisation entitled to do so carries out a full check of the geometric alignment of the mine hoist and the headframe. Based on the results of the check, a report is drawn up, which is approved by the chief engineer of the mine. One copy of this report is handed over to the chief mechanical engineer of the mine. After the inspection and adjustment of the hoisting installation, the chief mechanical engineer of the mine and a representative of the adjustment organisation carry out its control tests; on carrying out the control tests, a protocol is drawn up, which is approved by the head or the chief engineer of the mine. Six months after the inspection and adjustment, each operational shaft-sinking hoisting installation is subjected to a technical inspection and testing by a commission headed by the chief mechanical engineer of the mine. A report is drawn up on the inspection and testing carried out.
342. At the hoisting installation there are: the hoist operation schedule, approved by the chief engineer of the mine, indicating the time necessary for carrying out the daily inspections of the elements of the hoisting installation; the data sheet of the hoisting machine and the reduction gear; a detailed diagram of the braking device indicating the main dimensions; the as-built electrical diagrams (schematic, wiring); a diagram of the safety-catch devices with the controlled dimensions; instructions for hoisting installation operators; the laced book of inspection of the hoisting installation, book of inspection of ropes and their consumption, and book of shift acceptance and handover, the recommended template of which is given in Appendix No. 10 to these Safety Rules. The diagram of the braking device, the as-built electrical diagram, the diagram of the safety-catch devices and the instructions for the operator are posted in the machine room.
343. Each hoisting installation is equipped with a device for giving a signal from the onsetter to the banksman and from the banksman to the operator, as well as with repair signalling used during the inspection and repair of the shaft, the hoisting conveyances and the elements of the headframe structure. In shafts more than 500 m deep, wireless communication means are used for repair signalling.
344. At man-riding and man-and-materials vertical and inclined hoisting installations (with an angle of inclination of the mine working of more than 50°), in addition to the working and repair signalling, reserve signalling shall be provided with a separate power supply via a separate cable or channel ensuring its operability in the event of a malfunction of the working signalling. In terms of functional capabilities, the reserve signalling does not differ from the working signalling. Where there are two hoisting installations in one shaft, each of which provides the lowering and hoisting of people from all horizons, the reserve signalling may be absent.
345. When hoisting people out of the mine by skips in emergency cases provided for by the emergency response plan, the possibility of giving signals from the landing platform to the upper receiving platform and from the upper receiving platform to the hoist operator is provided.
346. A hoisting installation serving several horizons is equipped with a device showing from which horizon a signal has been given and with a device preventing the simultaneous arrival of signals from different points.
347. At single-cage man-riding hoisting installations equipped with signalling from the cage, the giving of a signal from the cage to the operator is performed by a worker who has undergone training and been appointed by an order issued at the mine. At man-and-materials single-rope hoisting installations equipped with signalling from the cage, signalling from the receiving platforms shall be provided, as well as a device not permitting the simultaneous giving of signals from the cage and from the receiving platforms. Repair signalling at such hoisting installations may be absent.
348. Cars for transporting people along horizontal mine workings are equipped with devices for giving a "stop" signal to the locomotive operator. At man-riding hoists with passenger cars in mine workings with an angle of inclination of up to 50°, signalling shall be provided ensuring the giving of signals by the miner (conductor) to the hoist operator, from the train. This signalling may be used during the inspection and repair of mine workings and the rail track, as well as for giving a "stop" signal in emergency cases. If a train for transporting people consists of more than three cars, signalling to the miner (conductor) shall be provided that is accessible to all passengers located in the cars. All receiving platforms are provided with telephone or industrial loudspeaker communication with the hoist operator.
349. Each hoisting installation used during the sinking and deepening of a shaft is equipped with not less than two independent signalling devices, one of which performs the functions of working signalling, and the second - of reserve and repair signalling. The working signalling device provides the possibility of giving signals from the face to the stage, from the stage - to the banksman and from the banksman - to the operator, and the repair or reserve signalling device, if it performs the functions of repair signalling, - from any point of the shaft.
350. Where there are two equivalent hoisting installations in one shaft under sinking, the functions of reserve and repair signalling may be performed by a single signalling device, provided that it is accessible from the conveyances of both hoisting installations. If a shaft is equipped with more than one hoisting installation, the giving of the executive signal is performed only by the banksman of each hoisting installation.
351. The shaft signalling scheme of all hoisting installations provides for the possibility of giving a "stop" signal from any horizon directly to the operator. A non-standard (unclear) signal is perceived by the banksman, the onsetter and the operator as a "stop" signal. Resumption of operation of the hoisting installation is permitted only after the operator has personally ascertained the reasons for giving the non-standard (unclear) signal.
352. It shall be prohibited to transmit a signal from the shaft bottom directly to the operator, bypassing the banksman. This prohibition does not apply to: signalling devices having an interlock preventing the starting of the machine until a permissive signal is received from the banksman; single-cage hoisting installations with signalling from the cage; skip hoisting installations; installations with tipping cages when hoisting a load only; repair signalling. Giving a signal for the operation of the hoist is permitted only after closing the cage door and the shaft gates.
353. Between the hoisting machine operator and the banksman, as well as between the banksman and the onsetter, direct telephone communication shall be provided. The same communication is also provided at skip hoisting installations between the operator and the operators of the loading and unloading devices. At newly constructed mines, by the time of their commissioning, two-way loudspeaker communication is installed.
354. During the sinking and deepening of shafts, direct two-way telephone communication or loudspeaker communication between the surface and the stage shall be provided.
355. In mine shafts, ropes with a flame-retardant sheath are used.
356. For man-riding and man-and-materials hoisting-and-transport installations, hoisting and haulage man-and-materials ropes of grades VK and V are used, and the rest - not lower than grade 1.
357. The ropes of mine hoisting installations, when hung, provide a safety factor not lower than the values given in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules.
358. For vertical shafts, where the maximum plumb length is more than 600 m, the ratio of the total breaking force of all the wires of the hoisting rope to the end load (without taking into account the mass of the hoisting rope) shall be not less than the values given in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules. When ropes are hung according to the ratios given in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules, their safety factor, calculated taking into account the mass of the rope, is provided at not lower than 4.5-fold for materials hoisting installations and 5-fold for man-riding and man-and-materials hoisting installations.
359. The use of single-lay ropes made of round wires for hanging sinking equipment, as well as of locked-coil hoisting ropes as guides of the bucket hoist, shall be prohibited.
360. At single-rope hoisting installations with rope guides, head ropes of the same diameter, construction and direction of lay are hung for both hoisting conveyances.
361. At a multi-rope hoist, not less than two balance ropes are installed.
362. The safety factor of the ropes of auxiliary transport haulages of mines and for endless-rope haulage along mine workings shall, when hung, be not lower than the values given in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules.
363. The safety factor of the working (haulage) ropes used for moving face equipment shall be not less than 3-fold in relation to the nominal haulage force on their working drums.
364. The safety factor of the safety ropes of face machines shall be not less than 6-fold in relation to the mass of the winning machine, taking into account the angle of dip of the seam.
365. Mine ropes are tested at rope-testing stations before hanging and during operation. A reserve tested rope need not be re-tested before hanging if its storage period does not exceed twelve months.
366. All hoisting ropes of vertical and inclined mine hoists, with the exception of ropes on materials inclined hoists with an angle of inclination of less than 30°, ropes for suspending stages, rescue ladders and sinking cradles, are tested before hanging.
367. Ropes of hoisting installations and sinking ropes, tested before hanging, with the exception of ropes in installations with single-rope and multi-rope friction pulleys, and ropes for suspending stages, are re-tested at the following intervals: every six months at man-riding and man-and-materials hoisting installations, as well as for sinking cradles; twelve months after hanging and thereafter every six months at materials, emergency-repair and mobile hoisting installations, as well as for rescue ladders; six months after hanging and then every three months for multi-strand non-galvanised low-rotation hoisting ropes (materials and man-and-materials); eighteen months after hanging and then every six months for ropes of vertical hoists and inclined man-riding, man-and-materials hoists (with an angle of inclination of over 60°), checked with rope flaw detectors. The period for re-testing ropes is calculated from the moment of their hanging. Ropes used for suspending rescue ladders and sinking cradles need not be re-tested if they are checked in accordance with the requirements given in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules. Six-strand hoisting ropes of drum-type man-riding, man-and-materials and materials hoisting installations located in shafts with rigid landing devices are re-attached to the attachment devices not less than every six months.
368. The haulage and tension ropes of underground passenger cable roads, and the haulage ropes of monorail and floor-mounted roads, are tested before hanging. Only the haulage ropes of monorail and floor-mounted roads are re-tested every six months.
369. During re-testing, a rope is removed and replaced with another if the total cross-sectional area of the wires that have failed the tests for breaking and bending reaches 25 per cent of the total cross-sectional area of all the wires of the rope.
370. It shall be prohibited to hang and use steel ropes with torn, bulged or sunken strands, with knots, "loops" and other damage, as well as with a reduction of the nominal diameter by more than 10 per cent. The use of spliced ropes is permitted only for endless-rope haulage of loads along horizontal and inclined mine workings with an angle of inclination of up to 30°, as well as on underground passenger suspended cable, monorail and floor-mounted roads. During shaft sinking, in the case of using ropes more than 1000 m long for suspended equipment, their connection by factory-made devices is permitted. Rope-connecting devices are inspected once a week. In the case of using thimble splices with clamps, it is necessary to check the reliability of the connection once every three months by tightening the nuts.
371. For each hoisting installation, a book of inspection of ropes and their consumption is kept; the recommended template of the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption is given in Appendix No. 10 to these Safety Rules. In the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption, the results of the every-shift, daily, weekly and monthly inspection of the head and tail (for a hoist with a friction pulley), haulage and tension (for passenger cable roads) ropes are recorded. For balanced hoists of the drum system and multi-rope hoisting installations, a separate book of inspection of ropes and their consumption is kept for the tail ropes. The results of the scheduled and periodic instrumental monitoring of the loss of metallic cross-section of the rope wires are recorded in the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption. In cases of emergency loading of the rope, its inspection is carried out within twenty-four hours, with the results of the inspection and the measurement of the elongation being recorded in the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption. For the duration of the inspection, the operation of the hoist is stopped. The chief mechanical engineer makes a note in the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption about the results of the inspection after emergency loading. When ropes are changed, an entry is made in the book of inspection of ropes and their consumption about the removal of the rope and the hanging of the new rope, with a description of the construction, the lay, the diameter of the rope, the number of the certificate and the date of its last test at the rope-testing station. Responsibility for the correct keeping of the book and its timely completion rests with the chief mechanical engineer of the mine. The book shall be numbered, laced and sealed. The ropes of mine hoisting installations shall be subject to inspection by persons appointed by an order issued at the mine at the following intervals: daily - the hoisting ropes of conveyances and counterweights of vertical and inclined hoisting installations, the balance ropes of hoisting installations with friction pulleys, the ropes for suspending mechanical loaders (grabs) during shaft sinking. At multi-rope hoisting installations, when the number of broken wires of the rope does not exceed 2 per cent of the total number of wires over the length of one lay, it is permitted for one worker to inspect simultaneously not more than two head or balance ropes. When two rubber-cable balance ropes are hung on one attachment device, their inspection may be carried out by one worker; weekly - the balance ropes of hoisting installations with drum-type machines, the brake and guide ropes, the ropes for suspending stages, cables and sinking equipment, as well as the hoisting and balance rubber-cable ropes, with the participation of the mechanic of the structural subdivision. monthly - the shock-absorbing and buffer ropes, the hoisting and balance ropes, including the sections of rope attachment, as well as the ropes permanently located in the shafts, with the participation of the chief mechanical engineer (deputy chief mechanical engineer) of the mine.
372. All ropes are inspected along their entire length at a travel speed of not more than 0.3 m/s. Damaged sections of ropes, as well as the butt joints of rubber-cable ropes, are inspected with the rope stationary. At hoisting installations, the daily inspection of ropes in which the number of broken wires does not exceed 2 per cent of the total number of wires of the rope over the length of one lay is carried out at a travel speed of not more than 1 m/s. At multi-rope hoisting installations, the above-mentioned inspection is carried out by several workers, with one worker inspecting not more than two adjacent ropes. Weekly, the inspection of all ropes is carried out at a travel speed of not more than 0.3 m/s.
373. The operation of steel stranded ropes of mine hoisting installations shall be prohibited where, at any section, there are wire breaks whose number per lay length reaches the following share of their total number in the rope: 10 per cent - for the ropes of goods inclined hoists with an angle of inclination of up to 30°, and for balance, brake, buffer, guide and rubbing ropes; 5 per cent - for the hoisting ropes of the other hoists and ropes for the suspension of stages and mechanical loaders (grabs). In the rope inspection and consumption log, the most damaged section (lay) at which the number of broken wires exceeds 2 per cent of the total number of the rope's wires is recorded.
374. The operation of locked-coil hoisting ropes shall be prohibited in the event of: wear of the wires of the outer layer by more than half of their height; disruption of the interlock of the shaped-profile outer wires (delamination of the wires); a wire coming out of the interlock onto the surface of the rope, if it cannot be tucked back into the rope or soldered; the presence of three broken wires, including soldered ones, of the shaped profile of the outer layer over a section length equal to five of their lay lengths, or of twelve - over the entire working length of the rope. Ropes having wave-like sections without disruption of the interlock of the outer wires and retaining a smooth surface may be operated until an evident disruption of the interlock (delamination) of the outer wires or until one wire comes out of the interlock at that section. Where one outer (Z-shaped) wire comes out of the interlock on a straight rope (whether without or with a break), it may be unwoven along the entire length of the rope and its operation continued, if the gap that appears in the layer of outer wires does not lead to disruption of the interlock between them.
375. Guide ropes shall be replaced: upon wear of 15 per cent of the nominal diameter, but not more than half the height or diameter of the outer wires; if, over 100 m of the length of a locked-coil rope, two breaks of outer wires are detected. If, upon a break, the outer wires in a locked-coil rope come out of the interlock, they shall be soldered.
376. Ropes are replaced upon expiry of the maximum service life in accordance with the requirements set out in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules. The decision to extend the service life of a rope is taken by a commission chaired by the mine chief mechanic. The service life of ropes that have served the term specified in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules may be extended by the same commission on the basis of a conclusion of an expert organisation, following flaw detection, analysis of the operating dynamics of the hoisting installation and determination of the residual durability of the rope.
377. When ropes are installed on a multi-rope hoisting installation, and also at least once a week, monitoring of the load distribution between the ropes shall be carried out. After the installation of the ropes and until the intensive stretching of the ropes ceases (not less than two weeks of hoist operation), monitoring of the load distribution is carried out daily. If the relative overload of one of the ropes of a multi-rope hoisting installation, with the hoisting conveyances in the lower position, exceeds 15 per cent, or 25 per cent in the upper position, the hoisting installation is stopped to adjust the distribution of the load on the ropes.
378. The ropes of auxiliary transport shall be subject to inspection: daily, by an appointed person - the ropes of passenger aerial ropeways and man-and-materials monorail and floor-mounted railways, and the ropes of auxiliary winches in inclined mine workings; weekly, by the engineering and technical personnel of the structural subdivision - the ropes of passenger aerial ropeways, endless-rope haulages, monorail and floor-mounted railways, and the ropes of scraper, shunting and auxiliary winches; once every six months, by a person appointed by the mine chief mechanic - the ropes of passenger aerial ropeways and monorail and floor-mounted railways. The ropes of railways and winches in horizontal and inclined mine workings are inspected over their entire length at a movement speed of not more than 0.3 m/s. The inspection of ropes on operating railways having a speed of less than 0.3 m/s, and of the ropes of winches with a non-adjustable speed, is carried out with the rope stopped, by walking along it.
379. The operation of steel stranded ropes of auxiliary transport shall be prohibited where, at any section, there are wire breaks whose number per lay length reaches the following share of their total number in the rope: 5 per cent - for the ropes of underground passenger aerial ropeways and monorail and floor-mounted railways; 15 per cent - for the ropes of goods winches in inclined mine workings; 25 per cent - for the ropes of endless-rope haulages along inclined mine workings and the ropes of scraper, shunting and auxiliary (along horizontal mine workings) winches.
380. The ropes for moving and holding face equipment are checked every shift, before the start of work, by the operator or the operator's assistant. Weekly, the district mechanic carries out a check of these ropes, determining the maximum number of breaks per lay length. The ropes are replaced if, per lay length, the number of wire breaks reaches 10 per cent of their total number.
381. Stranded hoisting ropes operated in vertical shafts and on man-riding and man-and-materials hoists in inclined mine workings, ropes for the suspension of stages during the sinking of shafts more than 600 m deep, and ropes for the suspension of shaft-sinking machines, installed with a safety factor of less than 6-fold, are subjected to instrumental inspection by the servicing personnel of a specialised organisation to determine, along their entire length, the loss of the steel cross-section of the wires. When ropes subject to instrumental inspection are installed, including when the service life is extended in the manner and under the conditions set out in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules, control lengths are cut from them, which are kept in the hoist building throughout the entire service life of the rope. The times (frequency) of instrumental inspection are set out in Appendix No. 11 to these Safety Rules. In mine workings with an angle of inclination of less than 60°, where the established service life of ropes is more than six months, the frequency of inspection is established by the mine chief mechanic.
382. Ropes are removed and replaced with new ones when the loss of the steel cross-section of the wires reaches: 10 per cent - for hoisting ropes in vertical shafts with a plumb length of more than 900 m, for the hoisting ropes of man-riding and man-and-materials, two-rope and three-rope hoisting installations not equipped with safety catches, for stage ropes installed with a safety factor of less than 6-fold under a block-and-tackle stage-suspension scheme, and also for the brake ropes of safety catches; 15 per cent - for hoisting ropes with a metal core, triangular-strand ropes, ropes with round plastically-compacted strands, and for ropes of all constructions in vertical shafts with a plumb length of up to 900 m; 18 per cent - for round-strand ropes with an organic core on vertical and inclined man-riding and man-and-materials hoists, and also of a diameter of 45 mm or less on goods hoists, and also for guide ropes during the construction and operation of mines and ropes for the suspension of sinking equipment; 20 per cent - for round-strand ropes of a diameter of more than 45 mm with an organic core on vertical goods hoists with a safety factor of not less than 6.5-fold, for rubbing ropes and ropes for the suspension of stages; 24 per cent - for balance ropes.
383. The integrity of the cords of rubber-cable balance ropes is determined during instrumental inspection.
384. The cages of man-riding and man-and-materials hoists have a double independent suspension - a working suspension and a safety suspension. Where conveyances and counterweights are fastened to the ropes at not fewer than two points, a safety suspension is not fitted on multi-rope hoists. The counterweights of single-rope hoists are not fitted with a safety suspension. Round balance ropes are attached to the conveyance by means of swivel devices.
385. The safety factor of suspension and attachment devices upon installation (in relation to the design static load) shall be not less than: 13-fold - for the suspension and attachment devices of man-riding hoisting installations, and also for the attachment devices and bails of sinking buckets; 10-fold - for the suspension and attachment devices of the conveyances of vertical and inclined hoists for man-and-materials and goods purposes, of monorail and floor-mounted railways, for the attachment devices of shaft-sinking equipment (stages, formwork) and of the balance ropes of hoisting installations. In this case, the suspension and attachment devices of man-and-materials hoisting installations provide a 13-fold safety factor in relation to the design static load with the maximum number of people being lowered. The safety factor of attachment devices for balance ropes is determined in relation to their weight; 6-fold - for the attachment devices of guide and rubbing ropes, the coupling devices of mine cars and attachment devices in endless-rope haulage; 4-fold in relation to the yield strength of the material - for attachment devices of the "baranchik" type in endless-rope haulage.
386. Attachment devices provide a strength of the rope secured in them of not less than 85 per cent of the aggregate strength of a new rope. On operational hoisting and transport installations, the service life of suspension and attachment devices is not more than five years (on emergency-and-repair installations, and also on the hoisting installations of flank and ventilation shafts used for transporting people in emergencies, not more than seven years), and that of the attachment devices of buckets and bucket bails, not more than two years. By a decision of a commission chaired by the mine chief mechanic, based on the results of an instrumental check using non-destructive testing methods, the service life of suspension and attachment devices may be extended for operational installations by two years, and for the attachment devices of the bails of sinking buckets by one year. The service life of suspension and attachment devices that have served more than seven years may be extended by the same commission on the basis of a conclusion of an expert organisation, following defect examination and flaw detection of the elements of the suspension (attachment) devices, analysis of the dynamics of the hoisting installation and determination of the residual durability of the devices. The maximum service life of suspension and attachment devices, taking extensions into account, does not exceed 11 years. The bail of a bucket shall be replaced or repaired where its eye or the replaceable bush in the eye is worn by more than 5 per cent of the diameter of the axle. The total wear of the eye or the replaceable bush of the bail and of the axle connecting it to the bucket shall not exceed 10 per cent of the diameter of the axle. The attachment devices of buckets have fittings that reliably close the mouth of the hook during the movement of the bucket and prevent its spontaneous uncoupling. Suspension and attachment devices of all types shall be factory-made and shall bear a marking indicating the factory number and the date of manufacture. The use, as safety suspensions, of chains made by forge welding or manual electric welding shall be prohibited.
387. During the driving of inclined or vertical mine workings, suspension devices are tested to double the end load upon installation and every six months during their operation. Attachment devices, in end-rope haulage along inclined mine workings, are tested after completion of the work to secure the rope to the attachment devices, by lowering and raising the maximum load. The results of the tests are recorded in documentary form in the manner approved by the mine manager.
388. The suspension devices of sinking equipment and all rope-fastening assemblies in the shaft are inspected daily by the duty fitter, once a week by the sinking mechanic and once a month by the chief mechanic of the mine or of the organisation carrying out the work to drive inclined or vertical mine workings. If, during operation, a suspension device has been subjected to extreme loads, the work is stopped immediately to inspect it. The results of the inspection and the measures taken to eliminate faults are recorded in documentary form in the manner approved by the manager of the mine or of the organisation carrying out the work to drive inclined or vertical mine workings.
389. Underground stationary and mobile compressor units and air pipelines in the mine workings of the mine are located and operated in accordance with the operational documentation of the mine and the technical documentation of the manufacturer.
390. Underground mobile compressor units are equipped with thermal protection that switches off a dry-compression compressor at a compressed-air temperature of more than 182 °C, and an oil-flooded one at a temperature of more than 125 °C. The working pressure of the compressed air of the compressors shall not exceed 0.8 MPa. The safety valve of the compressor is set to an actuation pressure of 0.88 MPa and is sealed.
391. In the rooms of compressor units, the storage of materials, tools and other extraneous objects shall be prohibited.
392. An underground mobile compressor unit is located on a horizontal site in a fresh-air current, in places with non-combustible support. The distance from the compressor unit to coal loading points shall be not less than 30 m.
393. Mobile compressor units are used in the dead-end mine workings of mines subject to compliance with the following conditions: the presence of an automatic fire-extinguishing installation; the presence of an interlock ensuring automatic disconnection of electrical power at the compressor unit during operation of the heading machine or the loading machine; the air filter of the compressor is equipped with a filter-clogging indicator and shall provide air cleaning of 99 per cent at a dust concentration in it of 30 mg/m3; the oil carry-over during operation of the compressor shall not exceed 0.02 g/m3; the first 3 m section of the pneumatic line from the distribution manifold shall be of a quick-release type for cleaning the carbon deposits inside it. The cleaning of the quick-release section of the pneumatic line of carbon deposits is carried out weekly; the oil used for lubrication and cooling of the compressor shall have an ignition temperature of not less than 200 °C; the compressor unit shall have not fewer than three stages of thermal protection, one of which is that of the electric motor. At the locations of the compressor unit, power cables and communication cables are laid on the opposite side of the mine working and are protected from damage. On both sides of the unit, boxes with sand or inert dust of a capacity of not less than 0.4 m3 and five powder fire extinguishers each are placed.
394. All moving and rotating parts of compressors, electric motors and other mechanisms are guarded.
395. The bodies of compressors, coolers and moisture-and-oil separators are earthed.
396. Compressor units are fitted with control and measuring instruments: pressure gauges installed after each compression stage and on the delivery line after the compressor, and also on air receivers or gas receivers; at a pressure at the final compression stage of 300 kgf/cm2 and above, two pressure gauges are installed; thermometers or other sensors for indicating the temperature of the compressed air or gas, installed at each stage of the compressor, after the intermediate and final coolers, and also at the water outlet; and instruments for measuring the pressure and temperature of the oil supplied for the lubrication of the motion mechanism.
397. Underground compressor units are serviced by a worker trained in a safe method of working with compressor units. An underground mobile compressor unit is inspected daily - and one installed in a dead-end mine working, every shift - by the worker responsible for its safe operation; at least once a week, by the district mechanic; at least once a quarter, by the mine chief mechanic.
398. The results of the inspection, of the cleaning of the quick-release section of the pneumatic line of carbon deposits, and of the replacement (cleaning) of the air and oil filters are recorded in the log for the inspection of the operation of the compressor unit.
399. The switching on and operation of an underground mobile compressor unit shall be prohibited where there is: a methane content at the location of the unit of more than 1.0 per cent; an absence or malfunction of the thermal protection; a malfunction of the capacity regulator, safety valves, pressure gauges or thermometers; an oil leak; reverse rotation of the compressor screws; clogged air and oil filters.
400. As gasket materials for the flange joints of air pipelines, paronite, asbestos or other materials with a smouldering temperature of not less than 350 °C shall be used.
401. The operation of damaged air pipelines shall be prohibited.
402. For the power supply of mine electrical installations, networks with the neutral of the transformers insulated or earthed through a resistor are used. For the power supply, at a voltage of 380 V (220 V), of the electrical installations of the buildings of the surface process complex adjoining the mine workings, an earthing system with automatic disconnection of the supply in the event of a fault and with protective equipotential bonding is used.
403. The mine chief power engineer develops and approves the general single-line diagram of the power supply of consumers at a voltage of 6000 (10000) V. The diagram indicates the values of the short-circuit currents, the values of the actuation settings of the maximum current protection devices, and the grades and lengths of the cables. For mines with a branched system of mine workings, the diagram may be drawn up in separate parts. At least once a year, the general single-line diagram of the power supply of consumers at a voltage of 6000 (10000) V is revised and approved. The selection and checking of electrical apparatus and cables at a voltage of 6000 (10000) V are performed in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
404. At extraction and development districts, structural diagrams of the power supply and control of the extraction (heading) complex or machine are developed, which indicate the composition and the arrangement in the mine workings of the switching equipment assembled into a distribution point (hereinafter - the RP), and separately from it - the machines, equipment, cables, control panels, sensors and actuating devices of the stationary automatic gas monitoring equipment, and the direction and characteristic (intake, return) of the ventilation air current. Changes to the power supply diagram are made no later than the following day. The power supply, and the selection and checking of electrical apparatus, cables and relay protection devices in the district networks of mines at a voltage of up to 1200 V, are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
405. The commissioning, testing, repair and overhaul of switching apparatus, mobile transformer substations and the electrical units of face machines are carried out in accordance with the documentation of the manufacturer. In mines hazardous in respect of gas, before the start of this work, monitoring of the methane content is carried out with individual automatic instruments. The checking of insulation and the search for damage to power cables are carried out at a methane content of not more than 1 per cent in the mine workings along which they are laid.
406. A switching apparatus, a complete switchgear (hereinafter - the KRU) and the power output of a control station are marked with an inscription indicating the installation or district being switched on, and also the design value of the actuation setting of the maximum current protection. The covers of the compartments of the equipment that contain electrical protections and interlocking and adjustment devices are sealed with personal seals.
407. The following shall be prohibited: to service and repair electrical equipment and networks without the instruments and tools intended for these purposes; to carry out operational servicing of electrical installations at a voltage above 1200 V without protective equipment (dielectric gloves, boots or insulating platforms); to carry out operational servicing of electrical installations not protected by current-leakage protection devices without dielectric gloves, except for electrical equipment at a voltage of 42 V and below, and also electrical equipment with intrinsically safe circuits and telephone communication equipment; to repair electrical equipment and cables that are live, and to connect and disconnect spark-hazardous electrical equipment and electrical measuring instruments, and devices with intrinsically safe circuits, while live; to operate electrical equipment with defective explosion-protection means, interlocks, earthing or protection devices, with disruption of the control or protection circuits, or with damaged cables; to keep live electrical networks that are not in use, except for standby ones; to open the covers of the enclosures of flameproof electrical equipment without first removing the voltage from the compartment of the enclosure being opened and measuring the methane content (not more than 1 per cent); to change the factory design and circuit of electrical equipment, or the circuits of control, protection and monitoring equipment, without agreement with the manufacturer; for a worker not authorised to do so, to remove signs, inscriptions and seals from apparatus; to switch on an electrical network with ruptures of the hose sheaths and damage to the insulation of the cable cores.
408. In the underground mine workings of mines, in shafts with a return air current and in the shaft-top buildings adjoining these shafts, and also in shafts with a fresh air current and the shaft-top buildings adjoining them, in mines hazardous in respect of sudden outbursts of coal, rock and gas, where the penetration of mine air into these buildings is not excluded, mining flameproof electrical equipment is used (hereinafter - the RV type). Electrical equipment with autonomous power sources that is not disconnectable by the aerogas protection system, including portable electronic measuring and monitoring devices, communication devices and photographic and video equipment, shall be of the RO type. Electrical equipment of intrinsically safe electrical systems and fibre-optic communication systems that is installed on the surface of mines and connected to electrical equipment installed in underground mine workings shall have input and output intrinsically safe electrical and optical circuits of the RO type.
409. At mines, in the rooms of ventilation and air-heater installations, general-purpose electrical equipment may be used provided that the mine atmosphere and coal dust do not enter these rooms. Under the same condition, general-purpose electrical equipment may be used in the electrical machine rooms of the hoisting installations located on the headframes of the mines' shafts with a return air current.
410. RV-type electric locomotives are fitted with automatic gas protection. Battery electric locomotives with the level of explosion protection "increased reliability against explosion" (hereinafter - the RP type) and of the mining-normal type (hereinafter - the RN type) shall not be permitted to be used in the haulage mine workings of mines hazardous in respect of gas and (or) dust.
411. The use, in the underground mine workings of mines hazardous in respect of gas and (or) dust, of RN-type electrical equipment, including the periodic use of portable electrical devices of the RP or RN type or of general purpose, including communication devices and photographic and video equipment, is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines. At the places where such electrical equipment is used, monitoring of the methane content is carried out with individual automatic instruments, and the maximum methane concentration shall not exceed 1 per cent.
412. RP-type electrical equipment may be used in the mine workings of mines not hazardous in respect of gas and dust. The list of such mine workings is approved by the technical manager (chief engineer) of the coal-mining organisation.
413. In charging chambers with separate ventilation, including at mines hazardous in respect of sudden outbursts, electrical equipment of a type not lower than RP is used. In this case, the air current ventilating the batteries being charged shall not wash over the electrical equipment of the charging chamber. At mines being liquidated and at liquidated mines, for dewatering installations in boreholes and shafts, submersible pumps with general-purpose electric motors may be used.
414. For the transmission or distribution of electrical energy and information in underground mine workings, cables and wires that do not propagate combustion shall be used.
415. For stationary laying, armoured paper-oil-insulated cables and screened cables with copper cores insulated with cross-linked polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride plastic compound or rubber are used. When laying along capital and main vertical and inclined mine workings and boreholes with an angle of inclination of more than 45°, armoured cables with wire armour are used, and also armoured cables with tape armour where they are fastened to a steel rope. For horizontal and inclined mine workings driven at an angle of up to 45° inclusive, armoured cables with tape armour may be used. Stationarily installed electric motors may be connected to the starting apparatus by flexible screened cables, if the entry devices of these motors are intended only for a flexible cable. The selection and checking of the cable network at a voltage of 6000 (10000) V are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
416. For the connection of mobile transformer substations, the district RPs and lighting networks, armoured or flexible screened cables are used.
417. The connection of mobile machines and mechanisms in extraction or development faces, and also in the sections of mine workings classified as hazardous in respect of layered methane accumulations, is made by flexible cables whose design ensures that, in the event of damage to the outer sheath of the cable, the cable is disconnected (the voltage is removed) before the insulation of the main cores is damaged and a short circuit occurs. The selection and checking of the low-voltage cable network are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines. For mine district networks at a voltage of 3300 V, the selection and checking of the cable network are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
418. For monitoring circuits, control circuits and signalling, during stationary laying along vertical and inclined mine workings with an angle of inclination of more than 45°, fibre-optic control cables or control cables with copper cores with a polyvinyl chloride plastic compound sheath and wire armour are used, and also with tape armour where they are fastened to a steel rope. In horizontal mine workings, armoured and flexible control cables with copper cores or fibre-optic control cables shall be used. For the monitoring circuits, control circuits and signalling of mobile machines and mechanisms, flexible cables, the auxiliary cores or the optical fibre of flexible power cables are used.
419. For telephone and dispatcher communication lines, mine telephone cables with copper cores and optical fibre shall be used. For local communication lines at faces, flexible control cables may be used.
420. For intrinsically safe circuits of control, communication, signalling, telemonitoring and dispatching, separate mine telephone cables and spare cores in communication cable lines may be used. Bare wires (other than aluminium) may be used for the signalling and emergency-stopping lines of electrical installations at a voltage of not more than 24 V. The condition for their use is the provision of intrinsic safety.
421. The auxiliary cores in screened power cables may be used for control, communication, signalling and local lighting circuits. The use of the auxiliary cores of one cable for both intrinsically safe and spark-hazardous circuits shall not be permitted if these cores are not separated by screens.
422. The use of cables of all purposes (power, control) with aluminium cores or in an aluminium sheath in the underground mine workings of mines shall be prohibited.
423. The laying of power cables along inclined shafts, gravity inclines and dips that supply a fresh air current and are equipped with rail transport using mine cargo cars shall be prohibited, except in cases where that transport is used only for the delivery of equipment and materials and the performance of repair work. This prohibition also applies to vertical shafts with timber support.
424. Separate lengths of cable may be joined by means of flameproof devices. Flexible cables that require disconnection during operation may be joined to one another by in-line voltage connectors, provided that intrinsically safe remote-control circuits with protection against a short circuit in the control circuit are used. The contact pins of the voltage connectors, when the circuit is opened, except for intrinsically safe circuits at a voltage of not more than 42 V, shall remain de-energised, for which purpose they are mounted on the cable on the side of the electrical consumer (the electric motor).
425. The joining and repair (restoration) of flexible and armoured cables in mines may be carried out by means of hot vulcanisation and sets of repair materials made of compounds and cold-shrink tubes.
426. For supply cable lines at a voltage of up to 3300 V, through which the total load current of the consumers passes, cables of one cross-section are used. For these lines, cables with different core cross-sections may be used provided that all sections of the line are provided with protection against short-circuit currents. At the points of branching from the main supply line where the core cross-section of the cable decreases, a device for protection of the branch against short-circuit currents is installed. Branches from the supply line of a length of up to 20 m may be provided if protection against short-circuit currents is ensured by the device of the main line. The use of distribution boxes without installing protection devices on the branches to the electric motors may be permitted only for multi-motor drives, provided that the cable of each branch is protected against short-circuit currents by a group protection device.
427. Cables laid in longwall faces shall be protected from mechanical damage by devices forming part of the complex. The part of the flexible cable supplying mobile machines that is nearest to the machine may be laid along the floor for a length of not more than 30 m. For machines having a cable retriever or other similar devices, the flexible cable may be laid along the floor of the mine working. When shearers operate in seams of a thickness of up to 1.5 m, the flexible cable may be laid along the floor of the longwall face, if the design of these machines does not provide for a cable-laying device.
428. Flexible cables that are live are laid and suspended. It shall be prohibited to lay live flexible cables in coils. This prohibition does not apply to screened, non-flame-propagating cables with sheaths that, according to their operating conditions, are held in coils or on drums. In this case, the current load on the cable is reduced by 30 per cent of the rated value.
429. Shearers are equipped with an electrical interlock against the pulling-out of the supply cable from the input device of the electrical unit (or from the electrical connector), with automatic stopping of the shearer's movement or disconnection of the voltage supply.
430. Power supply to machines and apparatus is provided using a mains voltage, for: stationary consumers of electrical energy, mobile substations and transformers - not higher than 10000 V; mobile power consumers - not higher than 3300 V. The use of a voltage of 10000 V or 6000 V for mobile power consumers may be permitted under a pilot-industrial testing regime; hand-held machines and tools - not higher than 220 V; remote-control and signalling circuits of KRU - not higher than 60 V, if none of the conductors of this circuit is connected to earthing; remote-control circuits of stationary and mobile machines and mechanisms - not higher than 42 V.
431. The short-circuit power in the underground network of the mine shall be limited to a value corresponding to the rated characteristics of the electrical equipment installed in the mine and to the cross-section of the cables, and shall not exceed 100 MVA. The breaking capacity of the circuit breakers of general-purpose KRU, when installed in mines, shall be twice as high as the short-circuit power of the network.
432. The cable entries of electrical equipment are sealed. Unused cable entries are closed with plugs corresponding to the explosion-protection level of the electrical equipment.
433. The connection of cable cores to the terminals of electrical equipment is carried out by means of lugs, special washers or other equivalent devices that prevent strands of the cable core from remaining outside the terminal. The connection of several cable cores to a single terminal shall be prohibited unless this is provided for by the design of the terminal.
434. It shall be prohibited to use switching and starting apparatus and power transformers containing a combustible technical liquid in underground mine workings. This requirement does not apply to KRU installed in chambers lined with materials of the highest degree of fire resistance. The construction of chambers for oil-filled KRU between parallel mine workings shall be prohibited. In chambers between parallel mine workings, KRU with electromagnetic or vacuum oil-free circuit breakers shall be installed.
435. In all chambers where oil-filled electrical equipment is installed, lattice and solid fire doors are provided. In the remaining chambers, lattice doors with a locking device are provided. The doors of chambers in which there is no permanent attending personnel are kept closed. A sign reading "Entry Prohibited for Unauthorised Persons" is posted at the entrance to the chamber, and appropriate warning signs are placed in a conspicuous position within the chamber. In chambers where oil-filled electrical equipment is installed, a threshold at least 100 mm high is provided.
436. In substation chambers and electrical-machine chambers more than 10 m long, two exits are provided, located in the parts of the chamber that are furthest apart from each other.
437. Between machines and apparatus in chambers, passages are provided that are sufficient for transporting the machines and apparatus during their repair or replacement, but not less than 0.8 m. On the side of the chamber walls, installation passages at least 0.5 m wide are provided. If access to the machines or apparatus from the rear and side for servicing, installation and repair is not required, they may be installed close up against each other and against the chamber wall. The distance from the upper part of the apparatus to the roof is not less than 0.5 m.
438. Mobile transformer substations and KRU are placed in well-supported locations convenient for servicing and are protected from dripping water and mechanical damage. The distance from the electrical equipment to the rolling stock or to the conveyor shall be not less than 0.8 m, and to the side of the mine working and to the roof - not less than 0.5 m. The installation of substations in inclines equipped with rail transport shall be prohibited, with the exception of niches and lay-bys protected by a barrier and an arrester. In individual cases, complete electrical equipment may be installed above a scraper conveyor, if this is provided for by the design. In this case, the gap between the electrical equipment and the roof shall be sufficient for servicing, but not less than 0.5 m, and between the upper edge of the conveyor side and the platform - not less than 0.4 m. At these locations, there shall be no domes or other factors in the roof conducive to the formation of local (layered) accumulations of methane.
439. In underground networks with a voltage above 6000 (10000) V, protection of lines, transformers (mobile substations) and electric motors against phase-to-phase short circuits and single-phase earth faults is provided.
440. The selection and verification of electrical protection devices in underground networks with a voltage above 6000 (10000) V are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
441. At mines under construction and reconstruction, the installation of earth-fault protection is also provided on the lines feeding the TsPP.
442. The selection and verification of electrical devices and relay-protection units in mine district networks with a voltage of 3300 V are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
443. The total length of cables connected to a single transformer or to transformers operating in parallel is limited by the capacitance to earth to a value of not more than 1 µF per phase.
444. Where underground power consumers are supplied from the surface through boreholes, an automatic circuit breaker with a protective device may be installed beneath the borehole at a distance of not more than 10 m from it. In this case, when the protective device operates, the power consumers on the surface and the cable in the borehole need not be disconnected, provided that there is on the surface a device for monitoring the insulation of the network which does not affect the operation of the protective device, and the power consumers are directly related to the operation of the mine (fans, winches) and are connected by means of cables.
445. Earth-fault protection and monitoring of the network insulation need not be applied to circuits with a voltage of not more than 42 V, to remote-control and interlocking circuits of KRU, and also to the local-lighting circuits of mobile substations supplied from built-in lighting transformers, provided that they have a rigid or flexible metal external connection to the substation housing, that a switch is present in the lighting circuit, and that the luminaires bear the inscription "Open after disconnecting from the network".
446. The requirement for earth-fault protection and monitoring of the network insulation does not apply to intrinsically safe systems.
447. The power supply of an underground district for coal extraction and the driving of mine workings is provided in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines.
448. For connecting to the network mobile substations and transformers installed in the mine workings, with an outgoing air stream, of mines that are hazardous with respect to gas and (or) dust, KRU are used with a leakage-relay unit (hereinafter - BRU) that monitors the insulation of the network with respect to earth, and with remote control over intrinsically safe circuits. Telemechanical control of KRU from the console of the mine dispatcher (operator) may be permitted. KRU are installed in chambers on the fresh air stream. For switching on the district RP and other electrical equipment located in mine workings with an outgoing air stream, switching apparatus with a BRU that provides protective disconnection is used.
449. To supply voltage to face machines in mines, starters (magnetic stations) with intrinsically safe control circuits are used.
450. The external circuits of the control systems for face machines, equipment and hand-held tools in mines shall provide intrinsically safe parameters. For newly created systems, these control circuits laid in the cable supplying the machine, equipment or hand-held tool are classified as intrinsically safe when the power voltage is disconnected from the cable and the power consumers.
451. The mine shall be equipped with the following types of communication and signalling: a telephone communication system; a mine-wide emergency notification system; local systems of operational and warning signalling at the technological districts; a recorder of official communications at the mine dispatcher's position. The listed types of communication and signalling shall be structurally combined.
452. All underground lines of intrinsically safe communication systems shall be two-wire and galvanically separated from the surface communication lines and power networks. The use of one of the wires as an earthing conductor shall be prohibited.
453. Telephones are installed in accordance with the layout of telephones in the mine workings of the mine, approved by the chief engineer of the mine, which provides for their placement at the extraction districts, at the haulage and cargo-transport points, at the points where people board vehicles, in electrical-machine chambers, the TsPP, RP with a voltage above 6000 (10000) V, at the shafts, in the VM stores, in the mine workings being driven and at the locations provided for by the PLA. Each telephone shows the emergency number and the number of the mine dispatcher.
454. The mine-wide emergency notification system in the mine workings provides: notification of an accident to persons who are underground; receipt on the surface of an accident message transmitted from the mine over the telephone communication system; the holding of conversations and the transmission, with automatic recording on an information carrier, of instructions relating to the elimination of the accident. The transmission of an accident notification over the telephone communication system shall be possible from all telephones connected to the telephone network, by dialling a single emergency accident-notification number. In addition to the mine-wide emergency notification and communication equipment, the means of local technological communication shall be used to transmit an accident message.
455. The emergency communication and notification equipment is installed: in the mine - at the subscribers, as directed by the chief engineer of the mine and in accordance with the PLA; on the surface - at the dispatcher and at the chief engineer of the mine.
456. Longwall faces on gently sloping and inclined seams are equipped with loudspeaker communication between the console of the shearer operator and the communication posts installed in the longwall face and in the mine workings adjoining it.
457. Cages intended for raising and lowering people are equipped with means of communication with the machine room for use during the technical servicing and repair of the shaft.
458. The supply of transport signalling devices from a contact network with a voltage of not higher than 275 V may be permitted, provided that the signalling devices are rated for the specified voltage. Their connection to the contact wire is made by a cable (special connecting devices), and their protection is provided by fuses.
459. Communication devices with mains power are provided with a back-up autonomous source ensuring operation for at least three hours.
460. The following shall be subject to earthing: the metal parts of electrical devices that are not normally live but that may become live in the event of insulation damage, as well as pipelines and signal ropes located in mine workings where there are electrical installations and wiring. The construction, inspection and measurement of the resistance of mine earthing arrangements are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts on the power supply of mines. In mines, single metal air ducts and pneumatic fans are earthed against static electricity. The metal support, the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline, non-current-carrying rails and metal devices for suspending cables shall not be subject to earthing.
461. A common earthing network is created by continuously electrically interconnecting all the metal sheaths and earthing cores of the cables, irrespective of the voltage, with their connection to the main and local earthing electrodes. The current-carrying rails used as the return conductor of the contact network of electric-locomotive haulage are connected to the common earthing network. Where there are several horizons in the mine, the common earthing network of each horizon is connected to the main earthing electrodes. For this purpose, the armour of the power cables laid between the horizons may be used. In the absence of such cables, the connection of the common network of a horizon to the main earthing electrode is made by means of a separately laid conductor. For stationary lighting networks, local earthing may be arranged every 100 m of the cable network, with the earthing of the last luminaire in the line. For telephone-communication equipment and cable couplings on a section of the network with unarmoured cables, local earthing without connection to the common earthing network may be permitted. In the case of haulage by contact electric locomotives, the earthing of direct-current electrical installations located in the immediate vicinity of the rails is carried out by connecting the structure to be earthed to the rails used as the return conductor of the contact network.
462. The earthing of the housings of mobile machines, face conveyors and apparatus installed in longwall faces and in the faces of development mine workings, and of luminaires connected to the network by flexible cables, as well as of electrical equipment installed on platforms travelling on rails (with the exception of mobile substations), is carried out by connecting them to the common earthing network by means of the earthing cores of the supply cables. The earthing core is connected at both ends to the internal earthing terminals in the cable couplings and input devices.
463. The maximum total contact resistance of the earthing network, measured at any earthing electrode, shall be not more than 2 Ohm.
464. At the surface site of the mine, the following shall be lit: all workplaces, the landing platforms at the shaft, stairways, passages for people, the premises of electromechanical installations, and road, rail and other tracks.
465. In the buildings of the hoisting machine, the main ventilation installation and the compressor station, in the machine rooms of the refrigeration installations, the headframe buildings of the shafts, the buildings of the winches of the waste dumps and the cableways, the buildings of the degassing installations, the boiler houses, the buildings of the coal bunkers, and in the administrative and amenity complexes, emergency lighting from an independent power source is provided. In all the listed buildings, except the buildings of the hoisting machines, the use of individual luminaires for emergency lighting may be permitted.
466. Luminaires powered from the electrical network illuminate, in underground conditions: electrical-machine, winch and dispatcher chambers, the TsPP, locomotive garages, first-aid stations, VM issuing chambers, underground repair workshops; transport mine workings within the shaft-bottom yard; the landing platforms of the inclines and gravity inclines, passing places in the shaft-bottom and district haulage mine workings, sections of the mine workings where coal is transhipped, the points where people board vehicles and the approaches to them; the face zone of shafts, junctions and chambers during sinking, and the sinking suspended platforms; longwall faces on gently sloping and inclined seams equipped with mechanised complexes and plough installations (by the luminaires forming part of the complex or installation); continuously attended electrical-machine installations, mobile substations and RP outside the special chambers; mine workings equipped with belt conveyors and suspended chair-lift ropeways intended for carrying people; man-travelling ways equipped with mechanised transport of people. The face zone of development mine workings driven with the use of driving complexes or roadheaders is illuminated by the luminaires built into the complex or roadheader.
467. To supply underground lighting installations, a voltage of not higher than 220 V is used. For hand-held portable luminaires supplied from intrinsically safe sources, a voltage of not higher than 42 V may be permitted.
468. A worker engaged in work in mine workings shall be provided with a cap lamp throughout the entire time of his stay in underground conditions.
469. Cap lamps are sealed before their use. The unauthorised opening of a lamp in the mine shall be prohibited.
470. Cap lamps are checked on a selective basis by the ITR of the mine at least once a month, in the manner approved by an administrative document of the head of the mine. The chief power engineer of the mine or a person appointed by him carries out a selective control check of the lamps and charging stations.
471. Luminaires intended for the workers of the drilling-and-blasting district are separated into a distinct group, and the self-service regime shall not be permitted for these luminaires. The luminaires are serviced by the workers of the lamp room, who provide continuous monitoring of their serviceable condition. In newly created luminaires, the device for charging the storage batteries is made in such a way as to exclude the possibility of removing a dangerous potential in mine conditions in the event of damage to, or contamination by conductive dust of, the charging contacts located on the external surfaces of the battery housing or the headpiece.
472. Cap lamps are stored and serviced in premises intended for these purposes.
473. The fire protection of the mine shall be designed and implemented in such a way as to prevent the possibility of a fire and, in the event of its occurrence, to ensure the effective localisation and extinguishing of the fire at its initial stage.
474. In the design documentation for the construction (reconstruction) of the mine, in the documentation for the conduct of mining operations and in the operational documentation of the coal-mining organisation for the technical devices used at the mines, the following measures to prevent fires and to preclude the exposure of people to the hazardous factors of a fire shall be provided for: the use of ventilation schemes and methods ensuring the prevention of the formation of an explosive and fire-hazardous atmosphere, the control of ventilation streams in an emergency situation and the safety of the exit of people from the mine or to a fresh air stream; the use of fire-safe methods of opening and preparing mine fields, systems for working seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion, the provision of timely and reliable isolation of extraction districts after they have been worked out and the possibility of rapid localisation and active extinguishing of fires; the development of measures to prevent fires from the spontaneous combustion of coal; the use of methods and means of reducing the chemical activity of the coal, reducing the air permeability of the goaf, safe ventilation regimes, increasing the tightness of isolating structures and monitoring the signs of fires when working seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion; the use of fire-safe technical devices and power-supply schemes; the use of non-combustible and low-combustibility substances and materials; the use of automatic means of detecting the initial stages of underground fires, of fire-extinguishing installations and of interlocks that prevent the operation of technical devices when the parameters of the fire water supply fall below the design value; the use of centralised monitoring and control of the fire water supply.
475. The fire-fighting equipment used, the means of fire prevention and fire protection, and their placement in the mine workings of the mine shall be determined by the fire protection design (hereinafter - PPZ). The PPZ shall be subject to correction in accordance with the plans and schemes for the development of mining operations. At the surface sites of the central and flank shafts (where present) intended for lowering materials and equipment into the mine, surface stores of fire equipment and materials are located. The surface stores of fire equipment and materials shall be equipped with lifting mechanisms. Where there are two or more surface stores of fire equipment and materials, one of such surface stores shall be stocked with materials for the erection of blast-resistant isolating stoppings in the volume necessary for isolating an operating extraction district. In coal-mining organisations operating two or more mines, a common surface store of fire equipment and materials for the surface sites of the central shafts may be established. Where such a surface store of fire equipment and materials is located, the possibility of delivering fire equipment and materials to any of the surface sites of the central shafts of the operating mines within not more than one hour shall be ensured. The stocking of the surface store of fire equipment and materials is determined by the PPZ design. In the mine workings of the mine, underground stores of fire equipment and materials are located. The places of their location, their number and their stocking are determined by the chief engineer of the mine. Where an underground store of fire equipment and materials is located in a mine working, the possibility of approach (access) to it from the side of the fresh ventilation air stream shall be ensured.
476. The procedure, methods and time limits for implementing the preventive measures against underground endogenous fires when working seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion shall be determined by the technical design and (or) the design documentation.
477. Coal-mining organisations determine, at least once every three years, the proneness of the seams being worked to spontaneous combustion. The proneness to spontaneous combustion of seams being worked for the first time, which are planned to be worked in accordance with technical designs, is determined, before the start of their opening and preparation, on the basis of the results of geological-exploration work. The list of seams prone to spontaneous combustion is approved annually by the chief engineer of the mine. The list of seams prone to spontaneous combustion, after its approval, is sent to the PASS(F) servicing the mine and to the territorial body of Rostechnadzor.
478. The opening and preparation of seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion shall be carried out by means of mine workings driven through the rocks or through the coal seams, with the application of measures ensuring the safe conduct of mining operations as regards preventing the occurrence of spontaneous combustion of the coal. The opening mine workings at the points where they intersect seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion, and for a distance of 5 m on both sides of that intersection, are treated with a sealing inert material that prevents air from penetrating to the coal mass.
479. The working of seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion is carried out with the leaving of coal pillars whose dimensions ensure the safe working of the adjacent extraction districts. The locations and dimensions of the coal pillars shall be determined by the technical design and (or) the design documentation.
480. With the storey scheme of preparation of thick seams, coal pillars are left between the haulage drift of the upper horizon and the ventilation drift of the lower horizon, or airtight isolating strips of non-combustible hardening materials are erected. The working of steep and steeply inclined seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion is conducted in separate extraction blocks, with fire-protection pillars left between them, which are cut through only at the level of the haulage and ventilation horizons. The size of the pillar along the strike is equal to the thickness of the seam, but not less than 6 m.
481. When working seams of coal prone to spontaneous combustion, it shall be prohibited to leave in the goaf any pillars and packs of coal not provided for by the technical design, or any broken and crushed coal. Where pillars or packs of coal are left in the goaf, measures to prevent the spontaneous combustion of the coal are carried out.
482. Worked-out districts are isolated within the time limits determined by the technical design and (or) the design documentation. The design of the isolating structures, the frequency of the visual inspection and instrumental monitoring of the tightness of the isolating structures, and of the measurement of the parameters of the mine atmosphere at (behind) an isolating structure, is determined by the chief engineer of the mine.
483. The chief engineer of the mine organises the identification of surface subsidences formed during the conduct of mining operations, the periodic monitoring of their condition and the taking of measures for their elimination.
484. In the mine workings of the mine, places for storing combustible substances and materials shall be arranged.
485. The belting, ventilation ducts, parts of technical devices, sheaths of electric cables and other non-metallic articles used in the mine workings and headframe buildings shall be made of non-combustible or low-combustibility materials. For the manufacture of the mounting bars and pads under the belt and scraper conveyors (except the drive sections), the use of wooden materials impregnated with a fire-retardant compound may be permitted.
486. In the mine workings equipped with belt conveyors, technical means, forming part of the MFSB system, for detecting the early signs of endogenous and exogenous fires shall be installed.
487. The system for monitoring and controlling the fire water supply, forming part of the MFSB, shall be interlocked with the control systems of the technical devices and shall provide the transmission of data on the parameters of the technological readiness of the fire water supply.
488. In the mine workings of the mine, automatic fire-extinguishing installations are installed, information on the technological readiness and operation of which is transmitted to the MFSB.
489. In the operating mine workings, a fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline shall be laid in accordance with the PPZ. The underground fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline shall provide the supply of water for extinguishing a fire and for the arrangement of water curtains in the path of its spread at any point of the mine workings of the mine. The diameter of the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline is taken in accordance with the PPZ. The minimum diameter of the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline is 100 mm. It shall be prohibited to use the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline for purposes other than its intended purpose.
490. On the fire-fighting sprinkler pipeline, in accordance with the PPZ and the design-and-engineering documentation, stationary monitoring means are installed, information from which is transmitted to the MFSB.
491. The localisation and extinguishing of an underground fire, after its detection, are carried out in accordance with the PLA and the operational plans for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents. The decision on the development of operational plans for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents is taken by the person in charge of the accident-elimination work.
492. For the localisation and extinguishing of an underground fire that could not be extinguished as a result of carrying out the measures provided for by the PLA and the operational plans for the localisation and elimination of the consequences of accidents, blast-resistant isolating structures shall be erected in the mine workings of the mine. The decision on the erection of blast-resistant isolating structures is taken by the person in charge of the accident-elimination work. After the erection of the blast-resistant isolating structures, the extinguishing of the underground fire is carried out in accordance with the design documentation developed for these purposes, which shall provide for measures to extinguish the underground fire, monitoring of the state of the mine atmosphere in the operating mine workings and in the isolated mine workings of the fire district, the boundaries of the fire district and measures to reduce the length of the isolated mine workings.
493. Underground fires shall be subject to investigation and registration. For underground fires, the boundary of the fire district and the zone of influence of the hazardous factors of the fire shall be determined.
494. Extinguished underground fires shall be subject to registration as extinguished. The transfer of a fire from active to extinguished is carried out by a commission set up by an administrative document of the head of the mine. The transfer is documented, and it is approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
495. The procedure for inspecting the mine workings within the boundaries of a fire district in which the underground fire has been extinguished is approved by the chief engineer of the mine. When inspecting the mine workings and conducting work for their restoration after a fire, the requirements of industrial safety shall be observed. The opening of the mine workings of an isolated district with an extinguished underground fire, their inspection and degassing are carried out by the workers of the PASS(F).
496. After the degassing of the opened mine workings, the chief engineer of the mine, over a period of not less than three days, organises the checking of the composition, temperature and humidity of the mine atmosphere and of the air flow rate by the ITR of the mine and the workers of the PASS(F). If signs of a fire are identified within three days, the fire district is isolated.
497. For underground fires, the following shall be determined: the boundary of the active fire and the zone of influence of the hazardous factors of the fire.
498. Mining operations within the boundaries of an extinguished fire are carried out in accordance with the design documentation approved by the chief engineer of the mine, which contains requirements for ensuring industrial safety.
499. In the mine workings of the mine, in accordance with the technical design and (or) the design documentation, main drainage installations, district drainage installations, pumping stations and mobile pumping installations (hereinafter - drainage installations) are arranged. The drainage installations shall provide the pumping-out of water from the mine workings of the mine at the places of their installation in a volume not less than the maximum inflow of water into them.
500. In the operating mine workings with the minimum elevation marks within the mine field being worked, main drainage installations are arranged.
501. The main and district drainage installations shall have not less than two water sumps that are not interconnected. The water sumps of the main drainage shall fill, at the maximum inflow of water into them, in not less than 4 hours, and the water sumps of the district drainages - in not less than 2 hours. In mines into whose mine workings large volumes of water may enter within a short interval of time (hereinafter - water inrushes), measures to prevent the flooding of the mine workings during water inrushes shall be provided for. Where the inflows of water into a mine working are less than 50 m3/h, a district drainage installation may have one water sump. The arrangement of district drainage installations without special chambers may be permitted where the inflows are less than 50 m3/h.
502. Main and district water drainage installations are equipped with working and standby pumps. The number of standby pumps shall be not less than two, one of which may be under repair. The delivery of each pump, or of a group of pumps operating simultaneously, excluding standby pumps, shall ensure the pumping-out of the maximum daily water inflow in not more than 20 hours. When mine workings are driven, standby pumps are not connected to the pipeline and are placed near the operating pump. When shafts are sunk, standby pumps are placed at the shaft mouth.
503. Main water drainage installations and district water drainage installations with a water inflow exceeding 50 m3/hour are connected to not less than two pipelines. Each pipeline shall ensure the pumping-out of the maximum daily water inflow from the water sump in not more than 20 hours.
504. On the pipelines in main water drainage installations, shut-off valves are installed that ensure the pumping-out of water while repair work on the pumps is carried out.
505. In vertical shafts, in the sections located opposite the cage doors, the laying of pipelines used for pumping out water, with a pressure exceeding 6.4 MPa, shall be prohibited.
506. The water drainage pipelines of main water drainage installations are tested for leak-tightness after their installation and, during operation, once every five years, at a pressure 1.25 times greater than the pressure generated by the pumps when pumping out water.
507. The mine manager establishes, by an administrative document, the procedure for the inspection and checking of the operability of water drainage installations. An instrumental check of the operability of a water drainage installation is carried out not less than once a year.
508. The procedure for conducting mining operations in subsoil areas where water inrushes into active mine workings may occur (hereinafter - areas hazardous in respect of water inrushes) shall be determined by the technical design and/or the documentation for conducting mining operations in areas hazardous in respect of water inrushes, approved by the chief engineer of the mine.
509. In the technical design and/or the documentation for conducting mining operations in areas hazardous in respect of water inrushes, the boundaries of areas hazardous in respect of water inrush (hereinafter - hazardous zones) shall be determined.
510. Mining operations in hazardous zones are conducted in compliance with measures to prevent water inrush into active mine workings.
511. When signs of a possible water inrush appear in mine workings being driven within the boundaries of hazardous zones, people leave these mine workings and report this to the mine dispatcher.
512. The chief engineer of the mine reports the flooding of mine workings by telephone to the mine dispatchers of adjacent mines and reports in writing to the chief engineers of adjacent mines.
513. Mining operations for the extraction of coal beneath riverbeds (including beneath drying-up riverbeds), water bodies, water-bearing horizons and watered zones are conducted in accordance with the design documentation.
514. Subsoil areas hazardous in respect of the inrush of clay and pulp include: when the first horizon is mined by systems with roof caving - areas of coal seams covered with clayey deposits and located beneath gullies, flooded river floodplains, water-conducting river deposits, waterlogged basins, or beneath mined-out spaces (including open pits) filled with clayey rocks the moisture content of which exceeds their plasticity limits by more than 3 per cent; when the second and lower-lying horizons of coal seams with dip angles exceeding 55° are mined by systems with roof caving, either to the full thickness or with division into packets (layers) - areas of seams where the initial thickness of the dusty-clayey deposits at the seam outcrops is 10 m or more, and/or areas of seams beneath collapses formed as a result of the working of the upper horizons and backfilled with clayey soil where the thickness of the deposits is from 5 to 10 m, and/or areas located beneath the mined-out space of the overlying horizons into which, when silting work on it was carried out, a volume of silting clay was fed exceeding 10 per cent of the volume of the extracted coal.
515. Before the commencement of mining operations in an extraction district classified as hazardous in respect of the inrush of clay and pulp, or located beneath silted-up areas in the overlying seam, where the interseam thickness measured along the normal is less than five times the thickness of the seam being mined, the chief engineer of the mine organises monitoring of the condition of the isolating structures in the mine workings of the extraction district, the condition of the ground surface above the extraction district, the amount of water in the collapses formed during mining operations, and the amount of water entering the active mine workings. Exploration is carried out by drilling boreholes with a diameter of 75-100 mm from the mine workings of the ventilation horizon of the district being mined or from adjacent seams. The results of the exploration are documented in a report. The exploration, opening-up and working of areas classified as hazardous in respect of the inrush of clay and pulp, or located beneath silted-up areas in the overlying seam, shall be conducted in accordance with documentation approved by the chief engineer of the mine and containing safety measures for conducting this work. If water or liquid clay is present in the mine workings of the undermined district, measures are taken to dewater the clay and release the water before the commencement of extraction operations.
<*> The width of the passages for people and the clearances are measured at a height of the mine working of not less than 1.8 m from the floor (footway).
Note. V - the speed of movement in the sections where the mine working changes its direction and in the adjoining straight sections of mine workings, m/s; H - the amount of widening of the working, m.
<*> In column 4, the operator enters a record of the presence and condition of all fire-fighting equipment, making the entry: "Complete" or "Incomplete".
<**> In column 5, the operator makes a note on the cleanliness of the premises, making the entry: "Clean" or "Dirty".
<***> In columns 6-19, the operator records the condition of the components of the hoisting machine, making the entry: "Serviceable" or "Faulty".
<****> In column 21, the operator makes entries on the condition of components of the hoisting machine that are not included in the list of columns 6-19. In the same column, the signature of the supervisor, of the hoisting mechanic, of the chief mechanic of the mine or of the coal-mining organisation is placed on the day of the inspection of the hoisting machine.
<*> For hoisting installations, column 4 is filled in each shift, columns 1, 3, 5 and 10 - daily, columns 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 - weekly. All columns are filled in monthly.
<**> For passenger ropeways, columns 1, 3, 4 and 10 are filled in daily, columns 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 - monthly.