New Miner Training

1
New Miner Training

• Rock Dusting in Coal Mines

2
Purpose of Rock Dusting

• Prevent the initiation of or propagation of a
  coal dust explosion.
• Assists with illumination.

3
What is rock dust?

• Pulverized limestone
• Shall not contain more than 5 quartz or free
  silica
• 100 will pass through a twenty mesh screen and
  75 will pass through a 200 mesh screen
• Bulk or Bags (40 lbs)

4
How is it applied?

• Bulk dust is applied by pressurized air tanks
  pushing rock dust through a hose.
• The dust is then sprayed on to the mine roof,
  ribs and floor.
• Trickle dusters.
• By hand or shovel.

5
When and where is it applied?

• As soon as possible following the extraction of
  coal at the working face.
• Along belts where coal dust accumulates.
• In return air ways.
• Along intake travel ways and haulages.

6
Emergency use

• Placed at areas where combustible materials are
  stored. ( oil stations, emergency materials
  locations etc.)
• Rock dust is applied to small fires.

7
Personal protective equipment

• Respirators.
• Well fitted.
• Correct filters.
• Cleaned and maintained.