Learners/Examiners Guide

Learners/Examiners Guide
for the
Assessment and Certification
of
Blasting Certificate
Holders for Fiery Mines
February 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 : Introduction Page 3
SECTION 2 : Syllabi Page 4

Module 1 Generic Section Page 4 - 6
Module 2 Blasting Section Page 6 - 8
Module 3 Continuous Miner Section Page 8 - 9
Module 4 Long-Wall Mining Section Page 10 - 11
SECTION 3 : Assessment Guidelines (MQA Principles) Page 12
SECTION 4 : Assessment Score Sheets Page 13

4.1 Compulsory Questions Page 13
4.2 Choice Questions Page 13
SECTION 5 : Questions and Model Answers Page 14
Module 1: Generic Section Page 15

1. Flameproof equipment Page 16 - 21
2. Mine gases Page 21 - 25
3. Ventilation and dust Page 25- 33
4. Mine Health and Safety Act Page 33 - 37
5. Belt conveyors Page 37 - 42
6. Start of shift procedures Page 42 - 48
7. Strata control Page 48 - 54
Module 2: Blasting Section Page 55

1. Coal cutting Page 56 - 58
2. Electric drilling Page 58 - 66
3. Explosives Page 66 - 72
4. Blasting procedure Page 72 - 79
5. Loading Page 79 - 81
6. Pillar extraction (stooping) Page 81 - 85
Module 3: Continuous Miner Section Page 86

1. Legal requirements Page 87 - 88
2. Environmental control Page 88 - 92
3. Mining Page 92 - 99
4. General Page 99 - 103
5. Pillar extraction Page 103 - 108
Module 4: Long-Wall Mining Section Page 109

1. Equipment Page 110 - 113
2. Initial examination and ventilation Page 113 - 115
3. Mining Techniques Page 116 - 120
4. Legal requirements Page 120 - 121
2
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
The purpose of this guide is to assist examiners/assessors and training service providers towards implementing
a structured, fair and consistent method of assessment. It also attempts to bring about uniformity across the
various Regions of the Department of Mineral Resources.
SYLLABI
The syllabi is clearly defined so that the learners, training service providers and examiners/assessors are fully
aligned with the study, assessment/examination material for the Blasting Certificate of Competency for Fiery
Mines. The syllabi is contained in section 2 of this guide.
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
This section has been included to guide the learners and examiners/assessors on the assessment principles,
which have been implemented. The assessment guidelines are contained in section 3 of this guide.
ASSESSMENT SCORE SHEET
This section has been included for assessment purposes. There are two types of assessment score sheets
namely score sheet for compulsory questions and score sheet for choice questions. The two types of assessment
score sheets are referred to in section 4 of this guide.
QUESTIONS AND MODEL ANSWERS
Questions and model answers that are relevant to the Blasting Certificate for Fiery Mines are contained in section
5 of this guide.
GENERAL RULES FOR EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
Examinations/Assessments are to be conducted in accordance with this guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This Examiners/Learners Guide for the assessment and certification of Holders of Blasting Certificate for Fiery
Mines has been made available to all the Examiners/Assessors, Employers Representatives, Employees’
Representatives, Training Service Providers, Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and other interested parties.
Copies of this Examiners/Learners Guide for the assessment and certification of Blasting Certificate Holders for
Fiery Mines can be obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources.
3
SECTION 2
SYLLABI
BLASTING CERTIFICATE FOR FIERY MINES
This syllabi includes the relevant provisions of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) as amended
and the regulations under the Minerals Act, 1991 (Act 50 of 1991) still in force in terms of schedule 4 of the Mine
Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) as amended.
MODULE 1: GENERIC SECTION
1 FLAMEPROOF
1.1 Hazardous area
1.2 Define different type of apparatus
1.3 Intrinsically safe equipment
1.4 Duties of the competent persons
1.5 Dangers associated with damaged cables
1.6 Electrical protection mechanisms
1.7 Electrical interlocking
1.8 Diesel engines
1.9 Construction of flameproof enclosures
1.10 Reasons for using flameproof equipment
1.11 Causes of overheating
1.12 Types of flameproof joints
1.13 Intrinsically safe apparatus
1.14 Legal requirements regarding flexible trailing cables
1.15 Electrical protection mechanisms
1.16 Examination of flameproof lights
2 MINE GASES
2.1 Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Methane, Carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen sulphide, and Nitrous
fumes
2.2 Relative density
2.3 Composition in the air
2.4 Minimum quantity of oxygen
2.5 Flammable gases
2.6 Noxious gases
2.7 Combustible ranges of methane
2.8 Causes of methane ignitions
2.9 Sources of carbon monoxide
2.10 Maximum allowable quantity of carbon monoxide
2.11 Sources of hydrogen sulphide
2.12 Sources of nitrous fumes
2.13 Gases in old/abandoned workings
2.14 Headings under which mine gases are studied and the reasons for studying mine gases
2.15 Eight common gases and their symbols
2.16 Liberation of methane
2.17 Sources of hydrogen
2.18 Effects of carbon dioxide on a human body
2.19 Effects of carbon monoxide on a human body
2.20 Smell of hydrogen sulphide
2.21 Maximum allowable quantity of hydrogen sulphide
2.22 Maximum allowable quantity of nitrous fumes
4
3 VENTILATION AND DUST
3.1 Quality of mine air
3.2 Ventilation district
3.3 Quantity and velocity
3.4 Section electric fans
3.5 Ventilation appliances
3.6 Basic ventilation plans
3.7 Coal dust explosions
3.8 Incombustible dust
3.9 Reasons for ventilation
3.10 Managers duties regarding ventilation
4 MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

4.1 Objectives
4.2 Employees’ rights to health and safety
4.3 Rights and powers of health and safety representatives
4.4 Appointment of Chief Inspector of Mines
4.5 Functions of Chief Inspector of Mines
4.6 Assistance during inspections
4.7 Offences
4.8 Convictions
4.9 Definitions
4.10 Employer’s duties regarding code of practice
4.11 Employees’ duties
4.12 Employers’ responsibilities
4.13 Employees right regarding dangerous working place
4.14 Appointment of Health and Safety Representatives
4.15 Purpose of Mining Qualification Authority
4.16 Definitions
4.17 Exit medical examination
5 BELT CONVEYORS
5.1 Manager’s responsibilities
5.2 Legal requirements
5.3 Examination of conveyor and feeder equipment
5.4 Dust allaying
5.5 Precautions before any work may be carried out
5.6 Causes and solutions for possible problems on a belt conveyor
5.7 Firefighting equipment
5.8 Conveyors in series
5.9 Material used for manufacturing conveyor belts
5.10 Components of conveyor feeder system
5.11 Physical conditions at drive unit
5.12 Accumulation of dust
6 START OF SHIFT PROCEDURES

6.1 Change house
6.2 Appointment to search persons for prohibited articles
6.3 Duties of a Lampsman
6.4 Waiting place
6.5 Initial examination
6.6 Gas Detection Instrument
6.7 Reporting of gases
6.8 Miner’s responsibilities regarding safety of persons
6.9 Re-examinations of working places during the shift
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6.10 Section giving off flammable gas freely
6.11 Clothes for risk work
6.12 Appointment and duties of a banksman
6.13 Minimum number of Gas Measuring Instruments
6.14 Contraband
6.15 Waiting place layout
6.16 Miner’s duties at waiting place
6.17 Persons to accompany a miner during early entry examination
6.18 Safe Declaration of working places
6.19 Procedures for relieving a miner
6.20 Working place that is idle for more than 6 hours
6.21 Charge of working place during pillar extraction
7 STRATA CONTROL
7.1 Systematic support system
7.2 Action if attempt to take down ground unsuccessful
7.3 Precautions when withdrawing support
7.4 Causes of fall of ground accidents
7.5 Appearance of correctly installed roof-bolt
7.6 Dangers when intersecting dykes
7.7 Deviation from systematic support
7.8 Functions of breaker line
7.9 Factors influencing stability of joints
7.10 Reasons for poorly installed roof-bolt
7.11 Signs of horizontal stress
7.12 Support of slip
7.13 Actions when encountering poor roof conditions
7.14 Special support
7.15 Dangerous ground
7.16 Terminology
7.17 Slips
7.18 Resin
7.19 Position when sounding the roof
7.20 Timber packs
7.21 Occupational categories at higher risk to falls of ground accidents
7.22 Support of fault
7.23 Stabilizing coal pillars
MODULE 2: BLASTING SECTION
1 COAL CUTTING
1.1 Holding props
1.2 Appointment of operators
1.3 Dust suppression
1.4 Reasons for having two faces
1.5 Effects of faces incorrectly cut
1.6 Physical conditions before cutting commences
1.7 Reasons for cleaning a cut
1.8 Different trailing cables
1.9 Precautions when holing into two adjacent roadways
2 ELECTRIC DRILLING
2.1 Definitions
2.2 Marking off shot holes
2.3 Requirements before shot holes are marked off
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2.4 Physical examination prior marking off holes
2.5 Visual examination prior to marking off shot holes
2.6 Misfires that cannot be dealt with immediately
2.7 Method of marking off holes
2.8 Distance from any socket
2.9 Holes that deviate
2.10 Depth of shot hole
2.11 Deepening of existing shot hole
2.12 Removal of socket plugs
2.13 Metal implements
2.14 Removal of explosives from charged-up holes
2.15 Report on misfires
2.16 Drilling in a confined space in the presence of a misfire
2.17 Dust control
2.18 Tools and equipment needed to drill holes
2.19 Inspection of equipment
2.20 Inspection of equipment
2.21 Loose clothing
2.22 Safety precautions
2.23 Effects of incorrectly drilled holes
2.24 Benefits of correctly drilled holes
2.25 Causes of misfires
2.26 Hazards associated with misfires
2.27 Holes drilled to correct depth
2.28 Mobile face drill
3 EXPLOSIVES
3.1 Storage
3.2 Transportation
3.3 Use of explosives
3.4 Charging up
3.5 Equipment to be used for charging up
3.6 Breaking of blasting carthridge
3.7 Safe guarding assistants
3.8 When to charge up
3.9 What holes to be charged up?
3.10 Precautions when a charged up face cannot be blasted
3.11 Preparation of a primer
3.12 Old or damaged explosives
3.13 Sequence in which explosives must be used
3.14 Taking and relinquishing charge of explosives
3.15 Blasting and explosives keys
3.16 Hiding or burying of explosives
3.17 Definitions
3.18 Identification of permitted explosives
3.19 Two detonators per charge
3.20 Charging rod
3.21 Old explosives
4 BLASTING PROCEDURE
4.1 Conducting of blasting operations
4.2 Flammable gas
4.3 Firing of explosive charges
4.4 Firing cable
4.5 Actions immediately after firing
7
4.6 Shot firing apparatus
4.7 Driving through a dyke
4.8 Environmental control after firing
4.9 Precautions after firing
4.10 Misfires
4.11 Instructions to guards
4.12 Blasting accidents
4.13 Drive in advance of 50 metres
4.14 Geological disturbances when approaching a dyke
4.15 Quantity of explosives per shot hole in stone
4.16 Safety precautions
5 LOADING
5.1 Examination of trailing cables
5.2 Joints on trailing cables
5.3 Hazardous area
5.4 Flame proofing
5.5 Efficiencies
5.6 Operator’s duties
5.7 Dust allaying
5.8 Electrical apparatus in hazardous area
5.9 Shuttle car anchor points
6 PILLAR EXTRACTION
6.1 Description
6.2 Hazards associated with stooping
6.3 Controls to minimize risks
6.4 Extra support
6.5 Ventilation
6.6 Typical stooping methods
6.7 Procedure to extract a pillar
6.8 Section layout (45º)
MODULE 3: CONTINUOUS MINER SECTION
1 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
1.2 Re-testing of operators
1.4 Operator’s duties regarding flammable gas
1.5 Detection of flammable gas (operator’s duties)
1.6 Dust control
1.7 Operator’s duties regarding flexible trailing cables
1.8 Examinations of flexible trailing cables
1.9 Supply of water
2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
2.1 Influence of ventilation layout on dust suppression
2.2 Causes of dust
2.3 Dangers of insufficient ventilation
2.4 Daily inspections on scrubber box
2.5 Mine standards applicable to ventilation fans
2.6 Calibration of on-board CH4 monitor
2.7 Terminology
2.8 Factors that will influence air utilization
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2.9 Reasons for ventilation
2.10 Effect of cutting sequence on dust suppression
2.11 Dangers of coal dust
2.12 Stoppage of main fan
2.13 Types of dust suppression systems
2.14 Air utilization
2.15 Reasons for ventilation measurements
3 MINING
3.1 Positioning of machine prior to cutting
3.2 Safety tasks prior to cutting
3.3 Marking of 90 split using a laser
3.4 Pre- requisites for a pre-use checklist
3.5 End of shift procedures
3.6 Risk assessment
3.7 Safety precautions when parking a machine on a slope
3.8 Precautions when changing picks
3.9 Causes of damage to the continuous miner
3.10 Causes of damaged trailing cables
3.11 Shuttle car anchor points
3.12 Support system
3.13 Cutting sequence
3.14 Factors that will influence cutting rate
3.15 Mining sequence
3.16 Safety rules for board and pillar mining
3.17 Safety precautions during tramming operations of a continuous miner
3.18 Installation of a laser beam
3.19 Cutting cycle
3.20 Miner’s task at end of shift
3.21 Special safety procedures during repairs
3.22 Important points when installing temporary support
3.23 Purpose of the stab jack
3.24 Purpose of the cutter head and picks
3.25 Cycles of operation
3.26 Reasons for holing splits before headings are advanced
4 GENERAL
4.1 Advantages of using a continuous miner
4.2 Services and facilities required
4.3 Terminology
4.4 Changing picks
4.5 Effects when mining offline
4.6 Steps to rectify a heading that is offline
4.7 Advantages of using a continuous miner over normal conventional blasting method
4.8 Labour compliment
4.9 Power supply
4.10 Terminology
4.11 Suspension of laser
5 PILLAR EXTRACTION
5.1 Explanation
5.2 Hazards associated with stooping
5.3 Control to reduce hazards
5.4 Stooping methods
9
MODULE 4: LONG-WALL MINING SECTION
1 EQUIPMENT
1.1 Description and operation of shearer
1.2 Description of Armored Flexible Conveyor (AFC)
1.3 Purpose of AFC
1.4 Chain speed on the AFC
1.5 Chain tension on the AFC
1.6 Description of the face support
1.7 Spacing and attachment of face support to the pan line
1.8 Advancing of the face support
1.9 Description of the stage loader
1.10 Function of the stage loader
1.11 Explanation of the tail-end attachment to the stage loader
1.12 Description of the typical pantechnicon
1.13 Equipment required to operate a long-wall section
1.14 Function of the pantechnicon
1.15 Starting up of the AFC
1.16 Shearer motor
1.17 The primary function of AFC
1.18 Main function of the stage loader
1.19 Hydraulic fluids used to power support
2 INITIAL EXAMINATION AND VENTILATION

2.1 Miner’s duties in the main gate
2.2 The importance of ventilation control
2.3 Typical ventilation layout
3 MINING TECHNIQUES
3.1 Terminology
3.2 The controls exercised when cutting a web
3.3 The importance of horizon controls
3.4 Methods of controlling horizons
3.5 Face alignment
3.6 Face creep
3.7 Control of face creep
3.8 Methods of face creep
3.9 Efficiencies
3.10 Advantages of retreat mining methods
3.11 The main disadvantage of the retreat mining method
3.12 Face layout
3.13 Services
3.14 Power supply
3.15 Location of the main electrical switchgear
3.16 Description of the pantechnicon
3.17 Sequence of face operations
3.18 Typical labour complement
3.19 Factors that would influence the rate of production
4.2 Re-testing of operators
4.4 Operator’s duties
4.5 Dust control
10
4.6 Examination of flexible trailing cables
4.7 Water supply
11
SECTION 3
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
WHAT IS ASSESSMENT?
Assessment is a process of gathering evidence and making judgment about a person’s knowledge and skills.
There are various purposes and forms of assessment. In the case of the Blasting Certificate, the candidate’s
knowledge and skills is assessed, using the syllabi, questions and model answers contained in this guide.
During the assessment, evidence is collected that is used as the basis on which to make judgment about the
person’s knowledge and skills. Assessment should be as close as possible to the way that knowledge and skills
are applied.
ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES
It is envisaged that Blasting Certificate assessment process will be based on the principles listed below:
PRINCIPLES DEFINITIONS
Access to assessment Be conveniently available to all employees.
Developmental Yield results that candidates, programme planners and others can use as part
of development processes to improve the performance of learners and the
services of programmes, such as career counseling.
Fairness Use methods, instruments and processes which are sensitive to various forms
of bias and discrimination, such as cultural values, language, etc.
Integrative Assess the skills, knowledge and value outcomes of learning in an integrative
manner and not in isolation from each other.
Multi-lingualism Be conducted in accordance with the Directive for Blasting Certificate for Fiery
Mines so that language must not be a barrier to demonstrating one’s
competence.
Candidates have the right to assessment in the language of their choice,

whenever possible.
Outcomes-based Be based on learning outcomes stated in the Directive for Blasting Certificate
assessment for Fiery Mines.
Relevance Focus on skills, knowledge and values that are relevant to the learning
outcomes; and be appropriate and close to the ways in which people learned
and how they will use or apply the skills and knowledge which are being
assessed.
Reliability Be reliable, i.e. the assessment must produce similar results consistently,
regardless of assessor or context.
Transparency and Be clear and understandable to the candidates.
democracy
12
SECTION 4
The examination/assessment consists of two types of questions namely compulsory questions and choice
questions.
4.1 COMPULSORY QUESTIONS
a) The score sheet to compulsory questions attached as DMR 312 must be used in preparing for, and
assessing a candidate
b) The examiner must assess/examine the candidate on a minimum of five compulsory questions in each
subject (All candidates must be examined/assessed on equal number of questions).
c) The pass mark on compulsory questions is 100%.
d) Questions asked under the compulsory section relate to core knowledge that a miner is required to have.
e) The intention of the compulsory question is to ascertain whether the candidate has the knowledge of issues
that may impact on the health and safety of employees under his/her control.
f) The candidate must answer all questions asked that may impact on the health and safety of employees by
demonstrating an understanding of the associated risks to the satisfaction of the examiner in the
abovementioned part of the examination/assessment.
g) The examiner must record all questions asked and complete the ‘Assessor Remarks’ section on the score
sheet if the candidate gives an unsatisfactory answer.
4.2 CHOICE QUESTIONS
a) The score sheet for choice questions attached as DMR 313 must be used in preparing for, and assessing
a candidate.
b) The examiner must assess/examine the candidate on a minimum of five choice questions in each subject
(All candidates must be examined/assessed on equal number of questions).
c) The pass mark on choice questions is 60%.
d) The examiner is not restricted to only the abovementioned questions, provided that the question he/she
may ask are still within the boundaries of the syllabus and remain relevant to the Blasting Certificate of
Competency for Scheduled Mines.
e) The examiner must record all the questions asked and completes the ‘’Assessor Remarks’’ section on the
choice questions score sheet if the candidate gives an unsatisfactory answer.
13
SECTION 5
QUESTIONS AND MODEL ANSWERS
MODULE 1: GENERIC SECTION

8. Flameproof equipment
9. Mine gases
10. Ventilation and dust
11. Mine Health and Safety Act
12. Belt conveyors
13. Start of shift procedures
14. Strata control
MODULE 2: BLASTING SECTION

7. Coal cutting
8. Electric drilling
9. Explosives
10. Blasting procedure
11. Loading
12. Pillar extraction (stooping)
MODULE 3: CONTINUOUS MINER SECTION

6. Legal requirements
7. Environmental control
8. Mining
9. General
10. Pillar extraction
MODULE 4: LONG-WALL MINING SECTION

5. Equipment
6. Initial examination and ventilation
7. Mining Techniques
8. Legal requirements
14
COAL MINER’S CERTIFICATE
MODULE 1
GENERIC SECTION
15
1 FLAMEPROOF EQUIPMENT
A COMPULSORY QUESTIONS
Question 1
Define a hazardous area and state the legal responsibility regarding a hazardous area.
Answer [MA Definitions]

Hazardous area means:
a) In respect of a coal mine
i. a return airway; or
ii. an area within 180 metres of any working face, or
b) Any area in or at a mine or at a works in addition to an area referred to in (a) where there may be a risk of
igniting gas, vapour, or any other explosive material
c) Any hazardous area in or on a mine, identified by the manager and recorded on a plan or in a register
provided for that purpose.
Question 2
Define the following terms:
a) Explosion protected apparatus
b) Flameproof apparatus
c) Intrinsically safe apparatus
d) Increase safety apparatus
Answer [Code of Practice]

a) Explosion protected apparatus means any apparatus designed for use in a hazardous area and includes
flameproof apparatus, intrinsically safe apparatus and increased safety apparatus.
b) Flameproof apparatus means apparatus of which the enclosure will withstand, without damage, any
explosion of any flammable gas or vapour that may occur within it under practical conditions of operation
within the designed rating of the apparatus (recognized overload, if any, associated with rating) and will
prevent the transmission of flame such as will ignite any flammable gas or vapour which may be present in
surrounding atmosphere.
c) Components that produce incendiary sparks during normal operations must be housed in flameproof
enclosures. Components which do not produce sparks during normal operation but which may on occasion
be expected to fail and produce sparks under faulty conditions, such as conventionally designed motors
and transformers, must also be housed in flameproof enclosures.
d) Intrinsically safe apparatus means electric apparatus constructed in such a manner that, when connected
and used, any sparking that may occur under any service or faulty condition is not capable of igniting
flammable gas.
e) Increase safety apparatus means apparatus in which special precautions have been have been taken to
prevent sparking, arching and the occurrence of temperatures high enough to ignite gas.
Question 3
Give four examples of intrinsically safe equipment.
Answer
a) Blasting circuit tester
b) Telephone
c) Flammable gas measuring instrument
d) Flammable gas warning device
Question 4
State the duties of the component person in charge of a production section regarding the use of flameproof
equipment.
16
It is the duty of the miner or competent person in charge to ensure that only flameproof equipment, which is
maintained to the exact standards under which it was certified, is used in the production section and all other
hazardous area. If there is any doubt about equipment being in a fully flame-proofed condition, the inner or
competent person in charge must immediately report the fact to an official.
Question 5
Name three possible dangers that can arise from damaged cables.

a) Danger to human life by contact with the damage cable
b) Sparks igniting gas or coal dust resulting in either fire or explosion
c) Poisonous gases being formed when cables burns
d) Production losses
Question 6
Name the three most important electrical mechanisms.

a) Overload protection
b) Earth leakage protection
c) Electrical interlocking protection (no volt protection)
Question 7
Explain the method or electrical interlocking used between the trailing cable and the section switch.

a) In the case of apparatus supplied with power from the section switch by means of trailing cable, electrical
interlocking must be provided and so arranged that the plug at the section switch or at the apparatus cannot
be withdrawn without the section switch cutting the power supply.
b) It must not be possible to close the switch without the trailing cable plug at the section switch and the
apparatus first having been fully inserted in their respective plug sockets.
c) In trailing cables the pilot circuit conductors are embodied in the cable as one of the cores and is
recognizable in that the plug pin is shorter than the phase pins.
d) Earth continuity between the switch and machine casing must be made before the pilot circuit can be
operated to energize the pilot relay.
Question 8
State three reasons why a diesel engine can ignite a flammable atmosphere.
Answer
a) Flames or sparks emitted from exhaust or from the air inlet if a backfire occurs. A backfire may cause flame
emission through joints or deformed components
b) Excessive temperature of the exhaust system or engine components
c) Excessive temperature of exhaust gases
Question 9
State which type of internal combustion engine is legally permitted to work underground in any mine.

No internal combustion engine other than an approved diesel engine must be used underground in any mine.
Question 10
State when the operation of diesel engines must be discontinued underground.
17
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.8(5)(a)]
The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that when a compression ignition engine
system is found to have any defects which may cause a significant risk to the safety or health of persons, the use
of such engine systems is discontinued immediately. The operation of the diesel engine underground must be
discontinued until conditions have been remedied.
a) If the air at any place where it is being used is found to contain more than hundred parts of carbon monoxide
or 5 parts of oxides of nitrogen per 1 00 000 by volume; or
b) If the engine is found to have any defect which may cause danger to persons;
c) If the air at any place where such diesel engine is being used contains flammable gas of more than one
coma four parts per hundred by volume;
d) If the ventilation flow where such diesel engine is being used stops, weakens noticeably or reverses.
Question 11
Name the safety devices on the inlet system of a diesel engine.
Answer
a) Air cleaner
i. The intake air system must be fitted with an air cleaner to ensure that the air entering the engine is
cleaned.
b) Intake flame arrester
i. The intake air system must be fitted with the flame arrester that will prevent a flame caused by a back
fire or other explosion within the system from escaping and igniting flammable mixture that may be
present in the surrounding atmosphere.
ii. The intake flame arrestor must be positioned between the air cleaner and the intake manifold, attached
by means of shrouded bolts and constructed that it is capable of withstanding repeated explosions within
the intake system.
iii. The flame arrestor must be inspected and cleaned fortnightly.
Question 12
State the legal requirement for use of diesel engines in a fiery mine with regards to:
a) Idling
b) Fuel storage
c) Filling station
d) Refuelling
e) Fire extinguishers
f) Authorized entry
g) Notices
h) Service and repair stations
i) Garaging
Answer [MHSA Regulations 8.8(5)(b), (c), 8.8(6) & 8.8(7) and Code of Practice]
a) Idling
i. The engine of a diesel powered unit underground must not be kept running idling except while being
tested or during brief halts while in use.
b) Fuel storage
i. Diesel engine fuel must be delivered underground in such a manner that no spillage can take place
during delivery.
ii. When the fuel is piped underground the pipes must be drained each time after use.
iii. The fuel must be stored underground only in robust containers which do not leak.
iv. The quantity of diesel fuel stored underground must not exceed three (3) days estimated consumption.
v. The employer must take reasonable practicably measures to ensure that all areas where diesel fuel is
stored are clearly indicated on the mines rescue plans contemplated in regulation 17(19).
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c) Filling station
i. Every underground filling station, where diesel powered units are refuelled, must be adequately
ventilated, constructed of non-flammable materials and have a smooth impervious floor which at all
times must be kept clean.
d) Refuelling
i. Refuelling of diesel powered mobile units underground must be carried out only at such properly
established filling stations.
e) Fire extinguishers
i. An effective system for extinguishing fire must be installed and kept in proper working order at every
place where diesel engines are refuelled.
f) Unauthorized entry
i. No unauthorized person must enter any filling station and no person must smoke or use an open light
in the vicinity of any filling station.
g) Notices
i. In every mine, other than fiery mine, suitable notices prohibiting persons from smoking or using any light
within the vicinity of a filling station, must be kept posted up and maintained at the entrances to the filling
station.
h) Service and repair stations
a) Every station used for servicing or repairing a diesel powered unit underground must:
i. Be adequately ventilated
ii. Be constructed of non-flammable materials and have an impervious concrete floor;
iii. Be provided with active means other than a pit for inspecting the unit from below, and
iv. Be provided with equipment for extinguishing fire.
b) All services, maintenance and repairs to diesel-powered equipment are performed by a competent person.
i) Garaging
i. The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that every mobile diesel engine
powered unit, when not in use, is kept at a location that is sufficiently ventilated to prevent a build up of
diesel fumes in the air at that location sufficient to cause a significant risk when starting up that engine.
1 FLAME PROOF EQUIPMENT
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Explain how flameproof enclosures must be constructed.

a) Flameproof apparatus means apparatus of which the enclosure will withstand, without damage, any
explosion of any flammable gas or vapour that may occur within it under practical conditions of operation
within the designed rating of the apparatus (and recognized overloads, if any, associated with the rating)
and will prevent the transmission of flame such as will ignite any flammable gas or vapour which may be
present in the surrounding atmosphere.
b) Components that produce incendiary sparks during normal operations must be housed in flameproof
enclosure.
c) Components which do not produce sparks during normal operation but which may on occasion be expected
to fail and produce sparks under fault condition, such as conventionally designed motors and transformers,
must be also be house in flameproof enclosures.
Question 2
Name the reasons for using flameproof equipment.
Answer
a) Equipment used in a hazardous area of a fiery mine must not have a surface temperature sufficiently high
to cause a fire. It must produce incendiary sparks or if it does produce such sparks or flame capable of
19
igniting methane, the sparks or flames must be contained within an enclosure capable of withstanding a
methane explosion and capable of cooling the hot gasses resulting therefrom.
b) The principal safeguard against methane explosions is the provision of adequate ventilation to ensure that
methane concentration can never build up to an explosive level.
c) The use of approved equipment must be considered to be a secondary protection to cover the possibility
of ventilation failure.
d) If the ventilation is not sufficient to dilute the methane concentration to safe levels, the electric power supply
to the affected area should be isolated and all diesel engines stopped.
Question 3
Name three causes of overheating in flameproof equipment.
Answer
a) Overload settings which are not in accordance with the rated capacity of the cable and equipment
b) Accumulations of coal dust, oil and dirt on flameproof equipment
c) Lack of ventilation
d) When two banks of gate-and boxes are coupled in series, overloading of busbars can take place
Question 4
Name four types of flameproof joints.
Answer
a) External flange joint
b) Internal flange joint
c) Spigot joint
d) Screwed joint
Question 5
Explain what is meant by the term “intrinsically safe apparatus”.
Answer
“Intrinsically safe apparatus” means electric apparatus constructed in such a manner that, when connected
and used, any sparking that may occur under any service or fault condition (either in the apparatus or in a circuit
associated with the apparatus) is not capable of igniting flammable gas.
Question 6
Name three types of cables used in coal mines and give examples where each is used.

The cables used underground can be grouped into three main categories of flexibility depending on the mobility
and frequency of moving a machine during its normal operation. These categories apply to cables of all voltage
ratings. The categories are:
a) General purpose cables are not very flexible and their use should be restricted to fixed installations which
are not moved frequently, e.g. cables used from surface to underground main substations.
b) Semi-flexible cables for use with machinery which is stationery during their operating period but are
removed regularly to cater for face advance, e.g. cables supplying section transformers and section
switchgear.
c) Flexible trailing cables for use with mobile and portable machines which are continually moving about under
power during their operation e.g. coal cutters, loaders, drills etc.
Question 7
State the legal requirement regarding a flexible trailing cable and cable reel connection.
20
Answer [MHSA Regulation 3.23 and Code of Practice]
a) The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that all flexible cables or trailing cables
may only be used in connection with the operation of:
i. any self-propelled mobile machine which requires electric power to operate such machine;
ii. movable electric apparatus; or
iii. Portable electric apparatus.
b) Any cable reel used in connection with a self-propelled mobile machine must be provided with a device
which must interrupt the power supply to the cable before the complete cable in unreeled. At least one
complete turn of the cable must remain on the reel when the interruption of the power supply has been
effected, unless the machines maximum range of travel is limited to less than the permitted by the cable on
the reel for reason other than the length of the cable.
Question 8
State the legal requirement regarding the joints in a trailing cable.
Answer [MHSA Regulation 3.25]

The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that no flexible cable or trailing cable must
have more than fifteen joint repairs, including sheath patches over a length of 200 metres and no joint repair or
patch must be closer than 5 metres to an adjacent joint, repair or patch and no joint, repair or patch must be closer
than 3 metres to the cable plug or its terminal connection at the machine or apparatus.
Question 9
Name the three most important electrical mechanisms.
Answer
a) Overload protection
b) Earth leakage protection
c) Electrical interlocking protection (No volt protection)
Question 10
Explain how to examine the lights on mining equipment.

a) Check that light fittings are securely fastened to the machine
b) Check the cable entry gland for any obvious damage
c) Check the glass to ensure that it is not broken, cracked or chipped or dirty with mad or grease or any other
material
d) Check that all shrouded bolts are securely in position, are visibly tight and that not obvious gabs appear in
the enclosure
e) Check whether the IA number or GME approval stamp(old terminology), is evidence
Question 11
Name the safety devices on the exhaust system of a diesel engine.
Answer
a) Flame arrestor (scrubber box)
b) Heat sensor
c) Low water float level
d) Terminal cut-out
2 MINE GASES
21
Question 1
Define the relative density of a gas.
Answer
The relative density of a gas is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of gas to that of an equal volume of air.
Question 2
List the gases which comprise normal air and state their proportions.
Answer
a) +/-21% oxygen (O2)
b) +/-79% Nitrogen (N2)
c) +/-0.03% Carbon dioxide (C02)
Question 3
State the minimum quantity of oxygen in mine air.

The oxygen content of mine air must not be less than 19 parts per 100 of air by volume.
Question 4
Name the flammable gasses found underground.
Answer
a) Hydrogen (H2)
b) Methane (CH4)
c) Carbon monoxide (CO)
d) Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
Question 5
Name the noxious gases found underground.
Answer
a) CO - Carbon monoxide
b) H2S – Hydrogen sulphide
c) NO and NO2 – Nitrous fumes
Question 6
What are the combustibility ranges of methane?
Answer
a) Up to 5% it burns but does not support combustion
b) From 5% to 15% it explodes
c) At 10% the mixture reaches its greatest potential explosive intensity
d) Above 15% the mixture will not explode due to an oxygen deficiency
Question 7
Name eight causes of methane ignitions underground.
Answer
a) Brown-out shots
b) Faulty electrical equipment
c) Underground fires
d) Use of smoking materials
e) Lightning strikes
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f) Sparks from cutting picks
g) Flame cutting, welding etc.
h) Static electricity
Question 8
State the sources of carbon monoxide underground.
Answer
a) Blasting operations
b) Underground fires
c) Underground explosions
d) Spontaneous combustion of coal resulting from the slow oxidation of coal
e) Exhaust gases from diesel engines
f) Overheating of compressors (CO in compressed air)
Question 9
State the maximum quantity of carbon monoxide.
Answer
The amount of carbon monoxide must not exceed 100 parts per million of air per volume, i.e. 0, 01%
Question 10
State two sources of hydrogen sulphide underground.
Answer
a) Formed by reaction of acid water on iron pyrites and, therefore, often found in solution in stagnant water in
old workings
b) Inherent is in coal seams and expelled from the coal strata by heating
Question 11
State the source of nitrous fumes underground.
Answer
a) Produced by blasting operations underground
b) Exhaust gases from diesel engines
Question 12
What gases would you expect to find in the old workings that have been sealed off for a period of time? Also state
why you would expect to find these gases.
Answer
a) Deficiency of oxygen due to the oxidation process
b) Carbon monoxide due to:
i. Oxidation of coal
ii. Underground fire
iii. Underground explosions
iv. Spontaneous Combustion of coal
c) Carbon dioxide due to:
i. Underground fires
ii. Underground explosions
iii. Spontaneous Combustion of coal
iv. Oxidation of coal
v. Decay of timber
d) Methane due to no ventilation
e) Hydrogen sulphide due to:
23
i. Stagnant water- reaction of acid water and iron pyrites
ii. Inherent in coal seams
2 MINE GASES
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
List the headings under which the mine gases are studied.
Answer
a) Source
b) Properties
c) Effects on human body
d) Detection methods
e) Amount allowed by law
Question 2
Name eight common gases that may be found underground in a fiery coal mine and state their chemical symbols.
Answer
a) Oxygen - O2
b) Nitrogen - N2
c) Hydrogen - H2
d) Methane - CH4
e) Carbon monoxide - CO
f) Carbon dioxide - CO2
g) Hydrogen sulphide - H2S
h) Nitrogen fumes - NO and NO2, N2, and O3 etc.
Question 3
State three ways in which methane is liberated from the coal strata underground and briefly explain each.
Answer
a) Gradual exudation which is slow seeping of escaping gas and is easily diffused by good ventilation.
b) Blowers which are jets of gas released generally through slips and faults. The gas is blown out under
pressure, and is only diffused by large quantities of air.
c) Outburst which occur when large quantities of gas under pressure are released from the coal by bursting
forth. A very dangerous condition will result.
Question 4
State the sources of hydrogen both underground and on surface.
Answer
a) In underground battery charging stations are being charged, hydrogen may be liberated in dangerous
quantities when accumulators are put on charge and constitutes a serious hazard in the charging station.
b) In surface lamp rooms where cap lamp batteries are being charged, hydrogen may also be present in
dangerous quantities if the lamproom is not properly ventilated.
Question 5
State the effects that an atmosphere containing carbon monoxide will have on a human body.
24
Answer
a) The red blood cells in the bloodstream has a great affinity for carbon monoxide (300 times greater than
oxygen). It causes muscle paralysis and a small percentage causes death in a short time because the blood
cannot supply oxygen to the brain.
b) 0,1% (1000ppm) carbon monoxide will cause death to a human being in two (2) hours.
c) 1% carbon monoxide will cause death to human beings in five (5) minutes.
Question 6
What percentage is carbon dioxide in the air that we breathe constitutes a threat to life?
Answer
8%
Question 7
Explain why the “smell” test for hydrogen sulphide is not reliable.
Answer
Small quantities can be detected by smell. The “smell” test is not reliable because hydrogen sulphide can destroy
or dull the sense of smell and if ignored can lead to a serious case of gassing. If you suspect that your sense of
smell has been dulled, immediately evacuate the area, call for a second opinion and make a positive test for the
gas.
Question 8
State the maximum quantity of hydrogen sulphide in the air.
Answer
The amount of hydrogen sulphide must not exceed 20 parts per million of air volume, i.e. 0,002%
Question 9
State the maximum quantities of nitrous fumes in the air.
Answer
The amount of nitrous fumes must not exceed 5 parts per million of air by volume, i.e. 0, 0005%.
Question 1
State the legal requirements regarding the quality of mine air.

The air supplied to the underground workings of a mine must be:
a) Free from dust, fumes and other impurities
b) Able to maintain safe and healthy conditions for the workers
c) Able to dilute and render harmless any gasses and dust in the ambient air
Question 2
Define ventilation district
Answer [MA Regulations Definitions]

A ventilation district must mean such part of a mine having its own independent intake air way commencing from
the main intake air way and its own independent return air way terminating at a main return air way.
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Question 3
Explain what is meant by the term “recirculation of air” at a fan.
Answer
Recirculation of air means that the air delivered to the faces by the fan, or any other return air, returns to the intake
side of the fan and is passed through the fan again.
Question 4
State two reasons that could cause recirculation of air by fan.
Answer
a) Insufficient air available for the capacity of air by a fan
b) The fan is situated in-bye of the last through ventilation opening
Question 5
State the legal requirements regarding the operating conditions for fans underground.
Answer [MHSA Regulation 9.1(3) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must ensure that polymer underground ventilation control devices or appliances, which have
a potential for electrical static discharge:
i. Comply with SABS standards specifications 1287; Part I & Part II
ii. Are of anti-static characteristics when used in working places where there is a risk of igniting gas, dust
or vapour.
b) The fan must be operated according to instructions given by the manager or mine overseer.
c) Record of authorization and the safety instructions to be kept in a special book.
d) The manager or mine overseer are responsible to see that the shift boss and miner in charge are made
aware of the safety instructions referred in paragraph (c) above.
Question 6
State the legal requirements for ventilation doors.

a) Doors must be self-closing or operated by an attendant.
b) Doors must be of a strong construction.
c) Double doors must be installed in an area where the main intake airway connects with the main return
airway.
d) When doors are closed they must be airtight.
Question 7
Ventilate the workings shown on the given plan by making use of the conventional signs and the mine’s ventilation
code of practice where applicable.
Show two ventilating districts.
Use force fans and ducting where necessary.
26
Answer
Use three intake airways commencing at the vertical and incline downcast shaft and the return air up-casting via
the vertical fan shaft.
27
Question 8
By making use of the plan in the previous Question:
a) Explain how you would inspect the ventilation appliances;
b) State which ventilation system is used and explain its advantages and disadvantages;
28
c) Explain how you would measure the:
i. velocity of the air in the last through road
ii. quantity of the air
iii. air utilisation
d) Explain the differences between a scoop and a line brattice and state the reasons for their use.

a) Inspecting ventilation appliances
i. Cross brattices
 Made of none-flammable material
 Installed in the correct position
 Checked for excessive leakage
ii. Scoop brattice
 Correct distance from rib side
 Correct distance from face
 Installed where required
 Checked face velocity
 Ensure no person between rib side and scoop brattice
iii. Line brattice
 Correct distance from rib side
 Correct distance from face
 Installed where required
 Checked for leakage
iv. Brick stoppings
 Build of robust material
 Checked accessibility for inspection purpose
 Checked for leakages
v. Doors
 Checked if self-closing or manned by attendant
 Made of robust construction
 Checked if doors are in series where required
vi. Air crossings
 Made of robust construction
 Checked for leakage
 Built in accordance with mine’s code of practice
vii. Section electric fan
 Ensured that the fan is installed at a correct position.
 Checked if in compliance with operating conditions as stipulated in fan book
 Test for flammable gas
 Test for recirculation of air
b) Split ventilation system

i. Advantages
 Re-use of air is reduced.
 One side of the section is independent of the other side. (i.e. fewer people exposed to blasting fumes,
dust, etc.)
 Methane contamination maybe isolated to only one half of the section.
ii. Disadvantages
 Air velocities are generally low in the last through road.
 Air tends to bypass panel centres.
c) Calculations
i. Velocity
29
 Establish two points namely A and B,
 Point A must be on the upstream and point B must be on the downstream
 Point A and point B must be 3m apart
 The person who is in possession of the smoke tube must be positioned at point A (upstream)
 The person who is in possession of a stop watch must be positioned at point B (downstream)
 Smoke from the smoke tube must be released from point A to point B
 The time it takes for the smoke to travel from point A to point B must be recorded by the person who
is in possession of the stop watch.
 Velocity is equal to the distance travelled by the smoke from point A to point B divided by the time
taken by the smoke to travel from point A to point B (m/s)
ii. Quantity
 Calculate the area of the roadway by multiplying the width by the height roadway (m²).
 Quantity of air is equal to the velocity of air multiplied by the area of the roadway (m³/s).
iii. Air utilisation
 Air Utilisation is equal to intake air quantity divided by return air quantity multiplied by 100.
d) Differences between a scoop and a line brattice and reasons for use
Scoop brattice
i. Directs the air from last through road into the face.
ii. To keep the face positively ventilated.
Line brattice
i. Installed in line with the direction of mining and perpendicular to the cross brattice.
ii. It directs the flow of air into the section.
Question 9
Explain briefly how a coal dust explosion is propagated underground
Answer
For a coal dust explosion to take place the fine dust from the sides, roof and floor must be raised into the air in a
cloud and the ignited. The resulting explosion will raise subsequent clouds of dust, which will in turn explode,
giving a chain reaction effect, which may spread throughout the mine
Question 10
State six measures to be taken to prevent coal dust explosions.

a) Good ventilation to remove fine dust
b) Application of water, e.g. to wash dust off sides and roof, water down travelling ways and tipping points
c) Effective application of stone dust
d) Erecting stone dust barriers
e) Preventing spillage from belt conveyors
f) Reducing dust creation, e.g. using sharp picks and drill bits
Question 11
State five legal requirements regarding the quality of stone dust
Answer [MHSA Regulation 5.1(1)(a) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must ensure that a competent person reports to the employer, at appropriate intervals
determined in accordance with the mine’s risk assessment, on:
i. The effectiveness of the precautionary measures taken to prevent or suppress explosions of coal dust
or flammable gas.
b) The manager must ensure that the supply of incombustible dust equivalent to at least one week’s
requirements must always be available in the workings for distribution and use and that such incombustible
dust must:
30
i. Contain not less than 95 per cent by mass of incombustible matter
ii. Be of such fitness, that, when dry, all will pass through a sieve of 600 micrometres aperture and at least
50 per cent by mass through a sieve of 75 micrometres aperture
iii. Be a limestone dust that does not contain more than five per cent by mass of free silica, or be some
other dust that has been approved for the purpose by the Chief Inspector
iv. Be light in colour and of such character that, unless directly wetted by water, it does not cake and will
readily disperse into the air when blown upon, and
v. Be tested at intervals not exceeding three months for its incombustible matter content and fitness
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
State four reasons for ventilating a mine

a) To supply fresh air underground
b) To dilute gases
c) To render dust and fumes harmless
d) To reduce underground temperature
Question 2
Whose duty is it to see that a sufficient quantity of ventilating air is continuously supplied to all accessible
underground workings of a coal mine?
Answer
The employer
Question 3
State the requirements for the installation of a fan elsewhere than in the return airway from a ventilating district

Each such fan must be installed at a site personally selected and authorised by the manager or mine overseer.
Question 4
State the requirements for stoppings
Answer
a) All stoppings must be strongly built so as to prevent leakages.
b) One side of every stopping must be kept accessible for inspection.
Question 5
Ventilate the workings shown on the given plan by making use of the conventional signs and the mine’s ventilation
code of practice where applicable, and
a) Using a single intake airway
b) Showing three ventilating districts
c) Using force fans and ducting where necessary
31
Answer
32
Question 6
State three possible causes of coal dust explosions.

a) Methane explosions
b) Faulty electrical equipment
c) Shot-firing
Question 7
State conditions whereby electrical equipment could cause a coal dust explosion.

a) The arching of electrical equipment in faulty flameproof enclosures
b) Arching due to damaged trailing cables
c) Arching may cause a methane explosion which in turn could initiate a coal dust explosion
Question 8
State four causes of a blown-out shot
Answer
a) The shot-hole being drilled deeper than the undercut
b) Inefficient tamping
c) The burden on shot-hole being too big
d) Exceeding the maximum limit of explosives in the hole
Question 9
State which workings underground must be treated with stone dust.

The roof, rib sides and floor of every road or accessible working must be treated with stone dust to within a safe
distance to the working face determined by the risk assessment.
Question 1
List the objects of the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Answer [MHSA Section 1]

a) To protect the health and safety of persons at mines
b) To require employers and employees to identify hazards and eliminate, control and minimise the risk
relating to health and safety at mines
c) To give effect to the public international law obligations of the Republic that concern health and safety at
mines.
d) To provide for employee participation in matters of health and safety through health and safety
representatives and committees at mines
e) To promote the effective monitoring of health and safety conditions at mines
f) To provide for enforcement of health and safety measures at mines
g) To provide for investigations and inquiries to improve health and safety at mines
h) To promote:
i. culture of health and safety in the mining industry
ii. training in health and safety in the mining industry
iii. Co-operation and consultation on health and safety matters between the state, employers, employees
and their representatives.
33
Question 2
What are the employee’s duties with regard to health and safety?

Every employee at a mine, while at that mine, must:
a) Take a reasonable care to protect their own health and safety
b) Take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by any act or
omission of that employee
c) Use and take proper care of protective clothing and other health and safety facilities and equipment
d) Report promptly to their immediate supervisor ant situation which the employee believes presents a risk to
the health or safety that employee or any other person, and with which the employee cannot properly deal
with
e) Co-operate with any person to permit compliance with the duties and responsibilities placed on that person
in terms of this Act
f) Comply with the prescribed health and safety measures
Question 3
What rights do employees have with regards to leaving a dangerous working place and what must the employer
do to enable the employees to exercise this right?

a) An employee has the right to leave any working place whenever:
i. Circumstances arise at the working place which, with reasonable justification, appear to the employee
to pose a serious danger to that employees’ health and safety;
ii. The health and safety representative responsible for that working place directs that employee to leave
that working place.
b) The employer, after consultation with the health and safety committee or representatives, must determine
effective procedures to enable employees to exercise this right. These procedures must provide for:
i. Notification of supervisor and health and safety representative
ii. Participation of management and employee representative to solve the issue
iii. Participation, if necessary, of inspector or technical advisors to resolve the issue
Question 4
What are the rights and powers of a health and safety representative?

A health and safety representative may:
a) Represent employees on all aspects of health and safety
b) Directs any employees to leave a dangerous working place
c) Assist any employee who has a dangerous working place
d) Identify potential hazards and risks to health or safety
e) To make recommendations to the employer or health and safety committee on any matter affecting the
health or safety of employees
f) Inspect any relevant document which must be kept in terms of this Act
g) Be allowed to meet with the workers he/she represents
h) Request an inspector to investigate any matter regarding health and safety that he/she is concerned about
i) Be informed whenever there is an accident and when and where there is an inspection (he/she may partake
in any health and safety inspection)
j) Be allowed time off, with pay, to attend training courses
Question 5
Name the person that the Minister of Mineral Resources must appoint to assist him/her.
Answer [MHSA Section 48(1)]

Chief Inspector of Mines.
34
Question 6
State three functions of the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Answer [MHSA Section 49(1)

a) Administer the Act and Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate
b) Appoint Inspectors to assist him/her
c) Advice the Minister on health and safety in mines
Question 7
State what the Act requires employers and employees to do with regards to inspectors.

The Act requires that the employers and employees must provide an inspector with assistance and facilities that
he/she may reasonably require during his/her inspections.
Question 8
State what the Act requires about Answering Questions asked by an inspector.

Any person questioned by an inspector must answer each question unless the answer is self-incriminating.
Question 9
Name six offences listed under the Act.
Answer [MHSA Section 84, 86, 88, 89, 90 and 91]

a) It is an offence to damage, misuse or interfere in any way with health and safety equipment that is provided
to use in a mine.
b) It is an offence if a negligent act or omission by one person endangers the safety and health of another
person at a mine.
c) It is an offence if a person hinders any other person who is performing a function in terms of the Act.
d) It is an offence if a person attempts to obtain any certificate of competency in a dishonest or fraudulent
manner.
e) A person who fails to attend an inquiry which he was instructed or summoned to do, and who fails to Answer
Questions or give false evidence, commits an offence.
f) Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provision of the Act or any instructions issued under
the Act, commits an offence.
Question 10
State what can happen to a person found guilty of an offence under the Act.

Any person convicted of any offence in terms of Act may be fined by the court, or imprisoned as may be prescribed.
Question 11
a) Inspector
b) Employee
c) Employer
d) Hazard
e) Risk
f) Health and safety representative
g) Health hazard
h) Occupational health
35
Inspector means an officer appointed in terms of section 48(1)(c) of MHSA and a medical inspector appointed in
terms of section 49(1)(b) of the MHSA
Employee means any person who is employed or working on a mine
Employer means any person who employs employees
Hazard means a source of, or exposure to danger
Risk means the likelihood that occupational injury or harm to persons will occur
Health and safety representative means an employee elected and appointed in terms of section 29 of MHSA
Health hazard means any physical, chemical or biological hazard to health, including anything declared to be a
health hazard by the Minister
Occupational health includes occupational hygiene and occupational medicine
Question 12
State the employer’s duties with regard to codes of practice at a mine.
Answer [MHSA Section 9(1), (2) and (5)]

The employer:
a) May prepare and implement a code of practice on any matter regarding the health and safety of employees
and other persons;
b) Must implement a code of practice if the Chief Inspector requires it, in which case it must comply with the
guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector;
c) Must consult with the health and safety committee on the mine on the preparation and implementation of
any code of practice.
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
List the employer’s responsibilities with regard to health and safety at the mine.
Answer [MHSA Section 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 17]

a) Maintain a health and safe mine environment
b) Ensure an adequate supply of health and safe mine equipment
c) Staff the mine with due regard to health and safety, i.e. ensure that all employees are suitable qualified,
trained and supervised
d) Establish a health and safety policy for the mine in consultation with employees
e) Identify hazards to health and safety and take appropriate corrective action
f) Establish a system of medical surveillance of employees exposed to health hazards and keep a record for
each employee
g) Establish a system of medical surveillance of employees that leaves his employment and provide him with
a copy of the exit certificate
h) Arrange for an exit medical examination for each employee that leaves his employment and provide him
with a copy of the exit certificate
Question 2
Name three important rights with regard to safety and health that the Act grants to mine employees.
Answer [MHSA Sections 19, 23 & 24]

a) The right to Information
b) The right to leave a dangerous working place
c) The right not to pay for safety measures
Question 3
How is a safety representative appointed?
36
Answer [MHSA Regulation 6.9(a)]
In writing by the manager, after being elected by the employees.
Question 4
What is the purpose of the Mining Qualifications Authority?

The Mining Qualification Authority was established to advise the minister on training and qualifications in the
mining industry.
Question 5
a) Medical Inspector
b) Department
c) Health
d) Healthy
e) Health and safety committee
f) Occupational Hygiene
g) Working place

a) Medical Inspector means a medical inspector appointed in terms of section 49 (1)(b)
b) Department means the Department of Mineral Resources
c) Health refers to occupational health at mines
d) Healthy means free from illness or injury attributable to occupation causes
e) Health and safety committee means a health and safety committee established in terms of section 34
f) Occupation hygiene means the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of conditions at the mine
that may cause illness or adverse health effects to persons
g) Working place means any place at a mine where employees travel or work
Question 6
State the employer’s duties with regard to the medical examination of an employee leaving the employment of
the mine.

If an employee leaves the employment of the mine for any reason, the employer must arrange an exit medical
examination of the employee. A copy of the exit certificate must be given to the employee and a copy must be
entered in his record of medical surveillance.
5 CONVEYOR BELT INSTALLATIONS
Question 1
What are the employer’s responsibilities regarding the installation, operation, maintenance and patrolling of a
conveyor system in the underground workings of a mine?

In the underground workings of every mine where a belt conveyor is used, the employer’s must prepare and
implement a Code of Practice for the safe use of conveyor installations for the transportation of minerals, material
or personnel.
Question 2
What do the regulations require regarding stopping a belt conveyor?
37
Answer MHSA Regulation 8.9(1)(c) & (d) and Code of Practice]
a) In compliance with regulation 8.8(1) the employer must ensure that:
i. Driving machinery of the conveyor belt installation can be stopped by any person from any point, along
its length where access to the belt is possible
ii. The driving machinery of the conveyor belt installation is stopped should the belt break, jam or slip
excessively.
b) At every mine every accessible point along any belt conveyor must be equipped with some effective means
for stopping the belt conveyor from any point along its length, or where an attendant is stationed at the
driving head, effective means must be provided for signalling to such attendant from ant point along the
length of the conveyor.
Question 3
What do the regulations require regarding coal or dust accumulating on or around the moving parts of any belt
conveyor?

a) The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to prevent persons from being injured as a result
of the breaking, misalignment or damage of conveyor belting due to any mineral, material or coal dust
accumulating on or around the moving parts of any conveyor belt installation.
b) All reasonable measures must be taken to prevent coal or dust accumulating on or around the moving parts
of any belt conveyor where friction is likely to cause heating.
Question 4
What do the regulations require regarding conveyor when it breaks or jams?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.9(1)(d) and Code of Practice]

a) In compliance with regulation 8.8(1) the employer must ensure that the driving machinery of the conveyor
belt installation is stopped should the belt break, jam or slip excessively.
b) Every belt conveyor must be equipped with a device which will stop the drive automatically should the belt
break, jam or slip excessively.
Question 5
Name the components of a belt conveyor and feeder installation and list the items you would check when
examining each component.
Answer
1 DRIVE UNIT
a) The motor is not overheating
b) Gearbox oil levels
c) Ammeter reading for overloading of motor
d) Cleanliness
e) Lock-out switch is operative
f) Guards in position
2 BELT
a) For cleanliness under the belt
b) For any tears in the belt
c) That splices are in order
d) That fasteners are in order
e) For any holes in belt
f) For belt slipping
g) If belt is running off line
h) For wear on belt edges
i) For belt slipping
3 STRUCTURE
a) That structure trustless are on line and standing vertical
b) That structure pipes are straight and secure
c) For sticking idlers
38
d) For worn idlers
e) For noisy idlers
f) For loose idler frames
g) For rusted structure
4
TAIL PULLEY UNIT
a) For cleanliness under UNIT
b) That spill plates are in place and operational
c) That guards are in place and correctly installed
d) Lock-out switch is operative
5 FEEDER
(Not all collieries use a mechanical feeder)
a) That the area is adequately illuminated and that the lighting is flameproof
b) Flame proofing of the feeder motor and switch in order
c) That sprays are in good working order
d) For cleanness at tail-end and underneath the feeder and belt conveyor
e) That adequate guards are in position
f) That scraper on bottom belt is operative
g) That the flight chain is in good condition
h) That the emergency stop devices are operative
i) That the lockout switch is operative
j) That the necessary equipment is available and in good condition, i.e. long
k) handled scraper, broom, shovel and sledge hammer
Question 6
What is the requirement regarding dust allaying where rock, coal or other mineral is discharged?

a) The employer must implement a Code of Practice for an Occupational health programme on personal
exposure to airborne pollutants. Such code of practice must include the following measures:
i. Where rock, coal or other mineral is discharged into any main bin, ore-pass or at ant transfer point of a
conveyor belt or of an ore-pass system, a constant supply of clean water must be applied by means of
efficient atomizers or sprays which must be kept in good working order at all times, or dust extraction
system must be provided and operated, to prevent the escape of dust into the air while rock, coal or
other mineral is being discharged into the openings of such bins or ore passes or at transfer points.
Question 7
What precautions must be taken before work may commence on a belt conveyor or before any guard may be
removed?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.9(1)(b)

In compliance with regulation 8.8(1) the employer must ensure that the power supply and all sources of stored
energy of a stationary conveyor belt installation isolated, made safe and locked-out during either repairs,
maintenance or cleaning of spillage in the designated sections.
Question 8
States the causes and solutions for the following possible problems that may be encountered on a conveyor belt:
a) One section of belting runs off to one side all along the conveyor
b) Belt running off at head pulley
c) Belt running off at tail pulley
d) Fasteners pull out of belt
Answer
Problem Cause Solution
a) One section of belting Advance the end of the idler to
One or more idlers not at right angles
runs off to one side all which the belt has shifted in the
to longitudinal centre-line of belt
along the conveyor direction of belt travel
39
Conveyor frame not lined up properly; Stretch line along edge to
or idler stand, or stands not centered determine how much out of line
on belt and correct
Sticking idlers Replace, or free idler
Structure not level and belt tends to Level Structure
climb to the high side
Improve maintenance
Build-up of material on idlers
Install scrapers
Head pulley, or troughing idlers Check alignment of pulley and
b) Belt running off at head
approaching the head pulley, out of adjacent troughing idlers
pulley
alignment
Build-up of material on return idlers Removal material, ensure better
and/or on pulley housekeeping
c) Belt running off at tail
pulley Return pulley out of line Adjust at right angel to frame
Unequal loading Adjust loading chute, to properly
center the load on belt
Tension too high Decrease tension
Wrong type fasteners Select correct fasteners for the
duty. Tighten fasteners as
prescribed, incorporating ant ripple
fasteners tape
Terminal pulley too small Select correct fasteners and type
d) Fasteners pull out of belt of splice for the conveyor, taking
and smallest pulley diameter into
consideration
Use more acceleration steps in

starting
Control feed (feeders) at loading

points
5 CONVEYOR BELT INSTALLATIONS
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What are the requirements regarding the provision of fire-fighting equipment at a conveyor belt installation?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.9(3)]

The employer must take reasonable practicable measures to prevent persons from being exposed to flames,
fumes or smoke arising from a conveyor belt installation catching fire, including instituting measures to prevent,
detect and combat such fires.
Question 2
What do the regulations require where two or more conveyor belt installations are in series?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.9(1)(h)

In compliance with regulation 8.8(1) the employer must ensure that where two or more conveyor belt installations
are used in series, sequence interlocking is provided which will automatically:
a) stop all other conveyor belt installations feeding a belt conveyor that has stopped
b) prevent a conveyor belt installation from starting until the conveyor belt on to which it feeds is running
40
Question 3
What are the characteristics regarding the material used for manufacturing conveyor belts used in the workings
of a coal mine?
Answer [Conveyor Belt Code of Practice, paragraph 8.1.1, bullet 6 and 7]

a) In order to prevent persons from being injured as a result of a conveyor belt installation collapsing, catching
fire, a belt breaking or misalignment of the conveyor belt due to incorrect design, the COP must set out the
design criteria for the belt conveyor installation, covering at least the following:
i. Materials of which the conveyor belt is made of in order to minimise the risk of igniting flammable gas
or dust during installation or operation;
ii. Materials of which the conveyor belt is made of in order to minimise the risk of any part of the conveyor
belt catching fire;
b) Every conveyor belt which is installed or used in the workings of a coal mine must be of incombustible or
fire resistant material.
Question 4
Name the main components of the belt conveyor systems and feeder
Answer
1 Drive Unit
a) Electric motor
b) Fluid coupling
c) Reduction gearbox
d) Drive pulley
e) Snub pulley
2 Belt Structure
a) Structure trestles
b) Return Impact idlers
c) Troughing idler frames and idlers
d) Belt
3 Tail Pulley Unit
a) Return pulley
b) Impact idlers
c) Structure frame
d) Spillage plates
e) Guards
4 Feeder
a) Electric motor and switchgear
b) (b)Reduction gear box
c) (c)Flight chain
d) (d)Tipping bin
Question 5
What safety precautions must be taken regarding the roof and sides in the vicinity of the drive unit?

The roof and rib sides in the vicinity of the drive unit must be thoroughly barred down, supported and stone dusted.
Question 6
What substances may cause a fire hazard on and around electrical switchgear and motors underground, and
what preventative steps must be taken?
Answer [MHSA Regulations 3.7]

The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that all suspended electrical cables that could
cause a fire due to faults or mechanical damage, in stopes, haulages or shaft either through damage by moving
machinery or by fall of ground are properly protected by:
41
a) A switch gear which is electrically supplied and commissioned with discrimination settings for overload and
earth fault protection to prevent a fire
b) Switchgear installed which is correctly rated to prevent a fire or explosion
c) All cables in areas where a fire can occur must be fire retardant cables or be coated with fire retardant
material at areas in close proximity with timber
d) The employer must have a procedure to be followed in the event of such a fire
Question 7
State the causes and solutions for the following problems that may be encountered on a belt conveyor:
a) One section of belt runs off one side all along the conveyor
b) Excessive wear on bottom side of belt
c) Return belt has no definite running pattern (wanders from side to side at will)
Answer
Problem Cause Solution
Splices not square Re-splice, cutting end square
a) One section of belt runs
Crooked or “bowed” belt If bow is in new belt it will correct itself
off one side all along the
when belt becomes “broken in”,
conveyor
otherwise replace with new section
Increase tension on belt take-up device.
Lag drive pulleys or renew worn-out
Slippage between belt and drive
lagging
pulley, or pulleys
b) Excessive wear on bottom Increase arc of contact on drive pulley
side of belt with snub pulley, or use tandem drive
Sticking troughing idlers Replace, or free
Material grinding between pulley Install scrapers in front of tail pulley on
and belt the return belt
Insufficient friction between belt and Check idler spacing (bearing load caring
c) Return belt has no definite
rolls capacities in mind).
running pattern (wanders
Open idlers spacing by removing
from side to side at will)
alternate return, or by repositioning
idlers
6 START OF SHIFT PROCEDURE, WAITING PLACE AND STATUTORY EXAMINATIONS
Question 1
State the legal requirements regarding the provision and facilities of a change house.

The employer must provide and maintain suitable and adequate change houses to enable employees who perform
work involving hazardous substances to change into working clothes at the start of their shift and to wash
themselves and change their clothes at the end of their shift.
Question 2
State the legal requirements regarding notices at the change house, shaft head or other suitable places at the
mine or works.
Answer [MA Regulations 3.5, 3.7, 3.2 and 3.4]

a) One or more notices setting forth the approved procedure for the immediate treatment of cases of gassing,
heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and electronic shock must be posted up in a conspicuous place in every
change house.
42
b) A notice must be kept posted up at each shafthead showing the times within which shifts are lowered or
raised at such shafthead, as well as the times of blasting in the varies section of the mine.
c) An abstract, authorized by the Chief Inspector of the portions of the regulations directly concerning the
workers must be posted up at suitable places and every abstract must be in any of the official languages
as the Chief Inspector may prescribe.
d) Every regulation relating to the prevention of a compensatable disease as defined in section (1) of the
occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, (Act 78 of 1973), must, in so far as it concerns persons not
proficient in any one of the official languages, be translated into such other language as the manager may
determine and kept posted up in a conspicuous place in every change house.
Question 3
Who must be appointed to search persons for prohibited articles in the workings of a mine?
Answer [Code of Practice and MHSA Regulations 4.1(1)]

The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to prevent persons not authorized by the employer
from:
a) Gaining access to explosives;
b) Being in possession of explosives, or
c) Removing or attempting to remove explosives from a mine.
Question 4
State the duties of a lamp man regarding the maintenance and issuing of portable lamps.

At every fiery mine the manager must appoint a certificated lamp man in writing whose duties are as follows:
a) Keep the record of all portable lamps in use. They must be numbered and record must be kept to whom
they are issued so that the user can at any time be identified from the records.
b) Ensure that all lamps, flammable gas warning devices, flammable gas measuring instruments and self-
contained rescuers, are in good order and safe condition at the time of issue.
c) Ensure that every flame safety lamp has been properly cleaned, filled with fuel, assembled and locked or
sealed.
d) See that every portable electric lamp has been properly cleaned, assemble and lock or sealed.
e) Ensure that all portable lamp that were issued are returned to the lamp room at the end of the shift by the
person to whom they were issued.
Question 5
What are the legal requirements regarding a waiting place?
Answer [MA Regulation 2.10.6, 4.10 and Code of Practice]

a) The manager must provide or cause to be provided underground such waiting places as may be necessary
for the use of persons prior to entering their working places and must by such as the Principal Inspector
may have approved in writing, prevent such persons from proceeding of their working places until they have
been instructed to do so by the ganger or miner who is responsible for the safety of their working places
when they enter them and must further, satisfy himself by weekly reports from the shift bosses that this
regulation is being strictly observed.
b) Every waiting place required in terms of Regulation 2.10.6 must be adequately disinfected and kept in a
clean condition.
c) The ganger or miner must report to the shift boss of his section of the mine any person unlawfully present
in the working place before his arrival, or found to be unlawfully beyond the waiting place provided for in
Regulation 2.10.6.
d) At every fiery mine the ganger or miner in charge of a section of workings, or some other competent person
appointed by the ganger or miner with the approval of the mine overseer or shift boss, must, immediately
before any portable lamp is taken into the section of the ganger or miner by any member of his gang,
examine such lamp and assure himself as far as practicable from external observation, that in the case of
43
a flame safety lamp, such examination must be carried out personally by the ganger or miner. No lamp
which is found to be unsafe or not securely locked or sealed must be taken into the section.
Question 6
How would you conduct an initial examination, starting from the waiting place up to the working faces?
Answer
a) On Arrival at Waiting Place
i. Select the appropriate members to assist in barring, charging-up, watering down, ventilation, support
and operating the production machines
ii. Enquired from guards - illegal entry into section
iii. Checked on previous fireman's report (any unsafe conditions)
b) Examine section switchgear
i. Physical conditions safe
ii. Test for gas
iii. Flameproofing in order
iv. Trailing cable plugs uncoupled, clean, dry and suspended
c) Check at tail-end/feeder
ii. Test for gas
iii. Flameproofing in order
iv. Lights in order
v. Belt scraper present
vi. Machine guards in place
vii. Tools - shovels, brooms and scrapers present and in order
viii. Emergency stop switch operative
ix. Telephone - emergency numbers displayed
x. Fire extinguisher/fire-fighting equipment present and in order
xi. Water spray in order
xii. Stop signs present
d) Examine the travelling way to the first face (intake side of the section):
i. Physical. conditions safe
ii. Water supply in order
iii. Ventilation appliances in order
iv. No re-circulation of air
e) Examine the section auxiliary fan:
ii. Test for gas
iii. Examine flame-proofing
iv. Ducting in order
v. No re-circulation of air
f) Examine the first face
i. Ventilation - last through road
ii. Tested for flammable gas - entrance to face and in face
iii. Physical conditions safe
iv. *Overhangs and loose coal in face - corrected if necessary
v. *Misfires and sockets - treated if necessary
vi. Dust
vii. Water supply available
viii. Place signature and date on ribside or roof
NB: * In sections where explosives are used.
g) Examine all the remaining faces as above
h) Equipment: obtain operator’s report on the condition of the trailing cables and machine
i) Examine the oil store
44
ii. Drip trays in use
iii. Fire extinguisher present and in order
iv. . Neatness and cleanliness acceptable
j) Drinking water: check that an adequate supply of drinking water is available
k) Examine latrines
ii. Clean and disinfected
iii. Adequate number
iv. Easily access
l) Examine section explosives store
i. Physical conditions
ii. Adequate storage boxes and locked
iii. Distance between storage boxes correct
iv. Area dry and clean
v. Check contents
m) Examine first-aid equipment
i. First aid box containing first aid kit
ii. Two blanket and a stretcher available
n) Fireman’s report: completed fireman's report in duplicate using a pen
Question 7
What instrument must be used to test for flammable gas during the initial examination?
Answer [MHSA Regulations 5.1(5)]

The employer, at the any mine where the risk assessment indicate a risk of the presence of flammable gas, must
ensure that all flammable gas measuring instrument and flammable gas warning devices used at the mine for
the detection of methane or hydrogen or a mixture of both, comply with the SANS 1515-1:2006, Edition 2.1 “Gas
measuring equipment primarily for use in mines” Part 1: battery operated portable, flammable gas measuring
instrument”.
Question 8
What does the Flammable Gas Code of Practice state in terms of “flammable gas – no work”?

No further work may be done within 30m of the source and beyond the last through road and in any adjacent
working place within 30m of the point of issue of the gas where the atmosphere contains more than 1% of
flammable gas. Furthermore the miner must inform the mine overseer or shift boss by the quickest means
available.
Question 9
What are the miner's responsibilities regarding the safety of all persons in his section?
Answer
a) The miner must take all reasonable measures to prevent persons not required to assist him from entering
any working place until he/she has examined and made safe and until he/she has given them definite
instructions to enter.
Question 10
What are the legal requirements regarding the re-examination of working places during the shift?
45
a) The miner must ensure, if at any time a working place or part thereof becomes unsafe during a shift, that
all persons, other than those examining and making safe, are removed from such unsafe area and are not
permitted to return thereto until the working place has been declared safe by him/her.
b) The ganger or miner in charge must, in the course of his shift, make at least three inspections at intervals
not exceeding three hours of every working place in his section.
Question 11
How many working places may be under the charge of a miner in a section which is giving off flammable gas
freely, and state how frequent must inspections be carried out?

The ganger or miner must not have more than six working places under his/her charge and such working places
must be inspected at intervals not exceeding one hour.
6 START OF SHIFT PROCEDURE, WAITING PLACE AND STATUTORY EXAMINATIONS
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
State what is regarded as "clothes" for risk work.
Answer [MHSA Section 6(2) and MA Regulation 5.8.3]

a) Every employer must ensure that sufficient quantities of all necessary personal protective equipment are
available so that every employee who is required to use that equipment is able to do so.
b) No person must work or be present at, or near or cause or permit any other person to work or be present
at or near any place were there may be danger of falling minerals or material unless he/she or such other
person wears a hard hat in good condition and of a type approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Question 2
Who must be appointed to be stationed at the shaft entrance?
Answer
Banksman
Question 3
What is the duty of the banksman in a coal mine?
Answer
To search any person who is about to enter the workings of a mine for prohibited articles
contraband/explosives)
Question 4
State the legal minimum number of flammable gas measuring instrument and gas warning device that must be
available on a coal mine
Answer [MHSA Regulations 5.1(5) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer, at the any mine where the risk assessment indicate a risk of the presence of flammable gas,
must ensure that all flammable gas measuring instrument and flammable gas warning devices used at the
mine for the detection of methane or hydrogen or a mixture of both, comply with the SANS 1515-1:2006,
Edition 2.1 “Gas measuring equipment primarily for use in mines” Part 1: battery operated portable,
flammable gas measuring instrument”.
46
b) At every coal mine, the manager must provide a flammable gas measuring instrument to the miner and
issue at least one gas warning device to each operator of an electrically driven machine for cutting,
drilling, breaking or loading.
Question 5
Name the articles listed as contraband.
Answer
a) Any device or appliance to be used for the purpose of creating of an arc, spark or flame.
b) Any pipe, cigar, cigarette or tobacco other that chewing tobacco or snuff.
Question 6
Describe a typical waiting place a n d miners box lay-out

a) Waiting place
i. Well ventilated, in intake air
ii. Safe, supported and stone dusted
iii. Clean, disinfected and wetted down
iv. Latrines must be accessible
v. Drinking w a t e r a v a i l a b l e
vi. All entrances to section to be fenced o f f
vii. Well illuminated
viii. Notice b o a r d w i t h relevant notices
b) Miner's box
i. Fireman's report book
ii. Up-to-date plan of the section
iii. Support code of practice
iv. Ventilation code of practice
v. First-aid equipment
vi. Accident report book
vii. Daily production report
viii. Emergency procedure
Question 7
What are the miner's duties on arrival at the waiting place?
Answer
a) Check physical conditions.
b) Personally inspect all flammable gas measuring instruments and flammable gas warning devices.
c) Check:
i. Cap lamp examination carried out
ii. Absenteeism
iii. Injuries
iv. PPE
Question 8
Who should accompany the miner when carrying out the initial examination?
Answer
a) Team leader
b) Barring a ttendant
c) Support attendant
d) Ventilation attendant
47
e) Watering down attendant (usually only in blasting sections)
f) Health & Safety representative
Question 9
What proof must the miner have to indicate that he/she has examined a working place?
Answer
A work place examination declaration book
Question 10
What must the miner do if he/she finds any working place to be in an unsafe condition and which he/she cannot
make safe?
Answer
The miner must immediately fence off or erect a barrier at the entrance to any working place which he/she
finds to be in an unsafe condition and which he/she cannot make safe and he/she must not allow any person to
enter such working place except persons that are necessary to assist him/her in making such working place safe.
Question 11
When must a relieving Miner be appointed?

In cases of emergency, another Miner must be appointed in a Shift Boss logbook.
Question 12
What will the first duty of a relieving Miner/Ganger be?

He/she must re-examine and where necessary make safe the working place which he/she has taken over.
Question 13
State the requirements regarding the examination of a working place which has been idle for more than six hours
or any working place where blasting has taken place.

In every coal mine, every working place which has remained idle for more than six hours and every working
place in which blasting has taken place, must be examined and made safe by the certificated ganger or miner
in charge of the section in which such working place is located before any work is resumed in such working
place .
Question 14
How many working places may ganger or miner be in charge of during pillar extraction and what must his
inspections include?
Answer [MR Regulation 8.9.7]

Where coal pillars are extracted, the ganger or miner must not have charge of more than 12 working places
and the said inspections must include all accessible portions of the goaf edge of each working place.
7 STRATA CONTROL
48
Question 1
What are the legal requirements regarding the introduction and specification of a systematic support system
i n the workings of a mine?
Answer [MA Regulation 7.4.1, 7.4.2 and 7.4.4]

a) If the roof, hanging or sidewalls in the workings of any mine or part of a mine are in the opinion of the
Principal Inspector of Mines of a nature requiring systematic support he/she may give notice to that effect
to the manager who must, after consultation with the regional mining engineer (mining), specify the support
to be provided and the system according to which it must be placed.
b) The manager must ensure that all persons concerned are made aware of such system and that notices
setting out its specifications are posted up at suitable places where they conveniently be read.
If in the opinion of the Principal Inspector of Mines, the method of supporting the roof, hanging or sidewall
in the workings of any mine or part of the mine is unsafe either by reason of the distances between support
being excessive or for any other reason, he/she may by notice in writing require the manager to modify the
method.
Question 2
What action must the miner take if an attempt to take down ground is unsuccessful?

The ganger or miner in charge must not allow any person to work or remain where he may be endangered b y
ground which, to his/her knowledge, any person has attempted to take down to remove until such ground has
been made safe.
Question 3
What precautions must be taken by the miner to ensure safety when withdrawing temporary support?

a) Every person engaged in withdrawing props or other support must stand under securely supported or other
safe ground.
b) In the operation of pillar extracting or letting down roof, props must not be withdrawn except by a ganger
or miner who must be the holder of a permanent blasting certificate and who must be thoroughly
experienced in withdrawing props in stooping operations, or by persons in the actual presence and under
the immediate supervision of such ganger or miner.
Question 4
Name six causes of fall of ground accidents.

a) Inspections incorrectly done
b) Barring down not done correctly
c) Hazard identification not to standard
d) Working under unsupported roof
e) Breaking out between roof-bolts
f) Incorrect use of temporary support
Question 5
Describe the appearance of a correctly installed point anchored roof-bolt

a) Roof-bolt threads protruding 20mm
b) Washer plate flush
c) No rounded nut
d) Pull test = 70kN
49
Question 6
What are the dangers associated when intersecting dykes?

a) Friable roof (burnt coal)
b) Multiple slips
c) Flammable gas
Question 7
May any person deviate from the prescribed pattern of systematic support?
Answer [MA Regulation 7.4.3 and Code of Practice]

a) No. Any person who fails to comply with the specifications of such system will be guilty of an offence.
b) The only time that any person may deviate from the prescribed pattern of systematic support is when the
manager authorizes this in writing.
Question 8
Name three functions of a breaker line used in stooping operations

a) Assists in breaking the goaf
b) Protect people and equipment from the goaf
c) Prevent access into the goafed area
Question 9
Name at least eight factors which can lead to some joints being more unstable than other.

a) Strike
b) Dip
c) Roughness
d) Infill
e) Water
f) Spacing
g) Continuity
h) Nature of contact
Question 10
Name four (4) reasons for the thread not protruding on a mechanically anchored roof-bolt installation.

a) Crimp too heavy
b) Plate pushed flush against the roof
c) Roof-bolter torque too low
d) Soft strata
Question 11
Name two signs of horizontal stresses.

a) Floor heave
b) Guttering
Question 12
Given a sketch, show how and in which order you would support the slip.
50
Answer
Question 13
Name two actions which can be taken to improve strata control conditions if poor roof is encountered.

a) Narrow the bord widths
b) Increase the support density
Question 14
Name any eight types of special support used in coal mines.
Answer
a) Timber packs
b) "W"/Oslo straps
c) Mesh Concrete
d) Cable anchors
e) Steel sets
f) Cluster stick packs
g) Roof trusses
7 STRATA CONTROL
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What is the miner’s duty regarding the safety of all persons when encountering dangerous ground?
51
Before cutting hitches, setting props, building pigsties or packs or erecting other support in dangerous' ground,
or allowing dangerous ground or rock to be drilled into with the object of rock-bolting it or blasting it down, the
ganger or miner in charge must, by setting props or otherwise, adequately safeguard any person engaged in
such operations.
Question 2
Describe the following strata control terminology:
a) Slip
b) Fault
c) Dyke
d) Point anchor resin root-bolt
e) Full column resin roof-bolt
f) Safety factor

a) Slip means a break in the rock where movement has taken place
b) Fault means fracture in the rock where significant movement has taken place
c) Dyke is where molten lava rock has moved into a crack in the coal and then cooled down, forming solid
rock in the coal
d) Point anchored resin roof-bolt means the back point of the bolt is anchored into the roof by means of
resin
e) Full column resin roof-bolt means the whole length of the bolt is anchored into the roof by means of resin
f) Safety Factor means this factor is used when designing the size of the pillars, i.e. how much stress the
pillar can safely handle
Question 3
Demonstrate by means of a sketch which is the more dangerous side of a slip.
Answer
52
Question 4
How would you know when the shelf life of a resin has expired?

The expiry date is indicated on the cardboard container in which the resin is packed.
Question 5
What are the dangers of using t he resin after its expiry date?

The resin will not bond, thus resulting in an ineffective roof-bolt anchor.
Question 6
Where must you stand when sounding the roof?

Always ensure that you stand under roof already sounded and found to be safe. Never sound the roof directly
above yourself or anybody else.
Question 7
Sketch or describe two types of timber packs
Answer
Question 8
Name the occupational categories that are at higher risk from falls of ground.
Answer
a) Miner
b) Roof-bolter operator
c) Cable handler
d) Continuous Miner operator
e) Blasting attendant
f) Electric drill operator
53
Question 9
The following sketch shows a minor fault in the roof of your section. Identify the weak side and show where you would install
additional support and state what support elements you would use (type, length).
Answer
Question 10
Name any four methods of stabilizing coal pillars which are deteriorating.

a) Wire mesh
b) Roof-bolts
c) Shot-crete
d) Pillar wrapping
54
MODULE 2
BLASTING SECTION
55
1 COAL CUTTING
Question 1
When must sprags or holding props be installed when undercutting is done by machinery?

When undercutting is done by machinery, sprags or holding props must be set not more than two metres apart
as soon as the machine will permit.
Question 2
When may such sprags or holding props be removed?

Such sprags or holding props must not be removed until immediately before the coal is to be brought down by
blasting or other means.
Question 3
What are the legal requirements regarding the appointment of self-propelled mobile machine operators?
Answer [MHSA Section 85(1), MHSA Regulation 8.10.23.1, 8.10.28.2,

8.10.23.3, 8.10.23.4, 8.1.23.5 and 8.10.23.7]
a) No person may cause or permit an employee under the age of 18 years to work underground at a mine
b) The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that procedures are prepared and
implemented for the selection, training, appointment and licensing of trackless mobile machine operators,
which procedures must include:
i. physical and psychological pre-selection criteria;
ii. training programme for trackless mobile machine operators, covering:
 theoretical training in a training Centre;
 practical training; and
 on the job training.
iii. assessment of the trainee, on successful completion of the training programme, by a competent person
iv. that operators of trackless mobile machines are authorized in writing by their supervisor to operate
trackless mobile machines. Such authorization must detail their duties, responsibilities, limitations and
areas of operation.
v. that every operator of trackless mobile machines is issued with a license containing at least the following:
 a photograph to positively identify the operator;
 the trackless mobile machine types which the operator may operate;
 date of issue and expiry date; and
 the operator's company identification number.
Question 4
When must the operator of a self-propelled mobile machine be re-assessed and found competent?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 8.10.23.6]

When an operator has not operated a trackless mobile machine for a period of two years, such operator is re-
assessed to be competent by a competent person prior to being issued with a new license.
Question 5
What controls should be in place to reduce dust during coal cutting?
56
a) Effective water sprays
b) Good ventilation
c) Sharp picks and in a correct sequence
Question 6
What is the legal requirement with regards to having two free faces before initiating explosive charges in an
underground coal mine?

The employer of every underground coal mine must take reasonable measures to ensure that the ganger or miner
does not initiate explosive charges in an underground coal mine unless the coal to be blasted has two free faces.
Question 7
State the reasons for having two free faces

a) Reduces the chances of blown-out shots
b) Less powerful explosives can be used
c) Fewer holes can be used to break the coal
Question 8
State the possible effects of cutting a face incorrectly

a) Rib side damage (excessive bord width that will influence t h e safety factor)
b) Production loss
c) Uneven floor
d) Overhangs
Question 9
What standards must be complied with before cutting commences?

a) Roof must be made safe
b) Rib sides must be made safe
c) Ventilation must comply with mine standards
d) Working face must be free of flammable gas
e) Circulating air must be free of harmful dust
f) Stone dust must be applied to standard
g) Working face, rib sides and roof must be washed down for two metres (misfires)
h) Working face to be squared off and made safe
i) Centre line must be extended
j) Working place must be cleared of all loose coal
k) Misfires/sockets must have been treated according to legal requirements
l) Mine support code of practice must be complied with
1 COAL CUTTING
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Why must a cut be cleaned?
57
To maximize the efficiency of the explosives when blasting the face.
Question 2
Describe the difference between a loader and coal cutter cable.
Answer
The coal cutter cable diameter is larger due to higher amperage used by the coal cutter.
Question 3
What precautions must be taken prior to a possible holing into an adjacent roadway?
Answer
a) The adjacent face must be checked for explosives, misfires and sockets and any potential danger
eliminated
b) Persons and machinery must be removed from the adjacent roadway, and it must be, fenced off or a
guard placed
c) A test for flammable gas must be carried out in the adjacent roadway
2 ELECTRIC DRILLING
A COMPULSORY QUESTION
Question 1
Define the following:
a) Misfire
b) Socket
c) Shot hole
Answer [MHSA Regulations - Chapter 4 Definitions]

a) Misfire means any explosives which have failed to explode after initiation.
b) Socket means any shot hole, or part of any shot hole, known not to be a misfired hole, which remains after
having been charged with explosives and blasted or which, for any other reason, may be suspected of having
contained explosives at any time and includes any shot hole, or part of any shot hole, from which all
explosives have been extracted.
c) Shot hole means any drill hole charged with or intended to be charged with explosives.
Question 2
Who may mark off holes?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.4(1)(e)]

The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure, where primary or secondary blasting takes place, that a
competent person is appointed in writing to mark or indicate shot holes for drilling or to authorize the drilling of shot
holes marked or indicated by another person authorized to do so by the Employer, except where the shot holes
were marked or indicated by means of electronic software system, including but not limited to Global Positioning
System or Laser, the competent person must be required to over inspect and authorize the commencement of
drilling of shot holes
Question 3
What are the Miner/Ganger’s responsibility before marking any shot hole for drilling?
58
a) Removes or causes to be removed all loose or loosened rock, mineral or ground to a safe distance from the
shot hole determined by a risk assessment; and
b) Searches for any misfired hole or socket within a distance of at least two metres from the proposed position
or mark.
Question 4
Describe what physical examination must be conducted before marking off drill holes.

Before any person points out or marks any hole for drilling he/she must:
a) Remove or cause to remove all loosened rock, mineral or ground and must thoroughly wash over with water
under a pressure of not less than 150 kilo-pascals all surfaces to a distance of at least two metres in aldirections from
the proposed position or mark for the purpose of exposing any misfired hole and socket or, where the ground to be
examined is under water, blow it over with compressed air for the purpose of exposing any misfired hole and socket.
b) Search for any misfired hole or socket within a distance' of at least two metres from the proposed position or mark.
c) The ganger or miner must before marking any hole with wax crayon, paint or other suitable material or before otherwise
indicating to any driller working under him the position of any hole to be drilled, remove or cause to be removed all
loose or loosened rock, mineral or ground from the face and immediate vicinity and must carefully examine such
face in the immediate vicinity with a view to discovering misfired holes and sockets of holes.
Question 5
Describe how a socket must be treated.

Examine the socket to ascertain its direction and depth and whether it contains any explosives, by means of water under
adequate pressure or compressed air and water under adequate pressure applied through a device of a design and
material determined for that purpose by the employer in consultation with the explosive manufacturer or the supplier,
or where water under adequate pressure is not available, by means of a scraper of design and material determined for
that purpose by the employer in consultation with the explosive manufacturer or the supplier.
Question 6
Describe how to deal with misfires that cannot be dealt with immediately.

a) The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that a written procedure is prepared and
implemented, after consultation with the explosive manufacturer or supplier, to prevent persons from being
exposed to the significant risk associated with misfires, sockets and old explosives. Such procedure must
include measures to ensure that: no person gains inadvertent access to any misfired hole which is not
immediately dealt with, and which measures should include clearly marking the misfired hole or barricading
it off and requiring reporting of the misfired hole to all subsequent shifts, at the start of each such shift, until
the misfired hole has been dealt with.
b) On the discovery of any misfired hole which the miner does not immediately deal with, the miner must clearly
mark, where practicable, a ring round it with wax crayon, paint or other suitable material, and plug every such socket
and every such misfired hole with a plug supplied for that purpose by the manager.
Question 7
How must a drill hole be marked?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.12(1)(b)]

The employer must take reasonable measures ensure that a written procedure is prepared and implemented, after
consultation with the explosive manufacturer or supplier, to prevent persons from being exposed to the significant
59
risk associated with marking, drilling and blasting of shot holes. Such procedure must include measures to ensure
that in underground mines no person drills or causes or permits to be drilled any shot hole:
a) unless the competent person referred to in regulation 4.4(1) has clearly marked the position and direction of
the shot hole with paint or other suitably visible material, or, if such marking is impracticable, has pointed out
the exact position and direction of the shot hole;
b) unless it is placed more than 150 millimeters from any socket and is drilled in such a direction that it will
nowhere come nearer than 150 millimeters from any socket;
c) unless it is placed more than two metres from any misfire and is drilled in such a direction that it will nowhere
come nearer than two metres from any misfired hole; and
d) if it deviates from the position and direction indicated as contemplated in paragraph (i) above;
Question 8
How far must a shot hole be drilled from a socket/misfired hole when in coal?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.11(8)(b]

In underground coal mines the ganger or miner where a misfired hole or socket is in coal, drills or causes to be
drilled in his/her presence, a relieving shot hole parallel to and not nearer than 300 millimetres to the misfired hole
and he/she charges and initiates the explosives charge contained in the relieving shot hole before or at the end of
the shift.
Question 9
How far must a shot hole be drilled from a socket/misfired hole when in stone?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.11(12)(b)(ii]

Where a misfired hole is in stone, no person drills or causes or permits to be drilled any shot hole unless it is placed
more than 150 millimeters from any socket and is drilled in such a direction that it will nowhere come nearer than
150 millimeters from any socket.
Question 10
What must the miner do when a drill hole deviates from the position or direction indicated?

The miner must report, not later than the end of the shift, to the mine overseer or shift boss of his section or to the shift boss
on duty any person drilling a hole not so indicated or deviating from the position or direction indicated.
Question 11
What is the allowable depth of a shot hole?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.6(1)(b)]

The end of the shot hole must be at least 150mm shorter than the back of the cut providing the second of the
two free faces.
Question 12
Is a person allowed to deepen an existing hole and if so, under what conditions?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.12(1)(d)(i) (ii)]

No person must deepen or cause or permits any other person to deepen any hole which has been left standing or
which is not completed at the end of a shift, unless:
a) It has not been charged with explosives and, it has been clearly described by the ganger or miner in
charge of the shift leaving off work to the ganger or miner in charge of the shift leaving work to the ganger or
miner in charge of the shift about to commence.
b) The ganger or miner examines such hole and finds it not to contain any explosives or causes this to be
done.
60
Question 13
Who may remove socket plugs?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.11(5)

No person removes or causes any other person to remove the plugs that are used to plug sockets or misfired holes
unless removed by the ganger or miner for the purpose of inspection or are removed at the end of the shift prior to
initiating of explosive charge.
Question 14
May a person insert a metal implement into any socket or misfire?

Under no circumstances must an eyebolt or other metal implement other than a tool determined for that purpose
by the employer in consultation with the explosives manufacturer/supplier, be inserted into any socket or misfired
hole.
Question 15
Who may remove explosives from charged up holes?

a) No person other than the holder of a blasting certificate must extract or attempt to extract or be caused or
permitted to extract explosives from a hole which has been charged.
b) In stone, 110 person other than the holder of a blasting certificate valid for the class of mine to which the mine belongs,
must extract or attempt to extract or be caused or permitted to extract explosives from a hole which has been
charged.
Question 16
When and to whom must mi sf i re d holes be reported?

The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that a written procedure is prepared and implemented,
after consultation with the explosive manufacturer or supplier, to prevent persons from being exposed to the
significant risk associated with misfires, sockets and old explosives. Such procedure must include measures to
ensure that:
a) No person gains inadvertent access to any misfired hole which is not immediately dealt with, and which
measures should include clearly marking the misfired hole or barricading it off and requiring reporting of the
misfired hole to all subsequent shifts, at the start of each such shift, until the misfired hole has been dealt
with.
Question 17
Under what conditions a shot hole may be drilled in a confined space in the presence of a misfire?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.12(1)(c)]

In underground mines no person drills or causes or permits to be drilled any shot hole in any shaft, drive, crosscut,
winze, raise, bord, stall or other similar confined space underground where there is known to be a misfired hole
until the misfired hole has been dealt with.
Question 18
What difference in diameter should there be between the drill auger and the drill bit and why?

According to the manufacturers specifications it is recommended that the drill auger should be between 4-6 mm smaller
in diameter than the drill bit to prevent the auger from gelling stuck in the hole being drilled.
61
Question 19
What is the correct method to carry an electric drill?

Loop the cable through the handle and over the chuck of the machine to case strain on the cable entry gland.
Question 20
Why is there a difference between the plug of an electric drilling machine and that of a loader, coal cutler, etc.?
Answer
It is a different type of plug due to the difference in voltage.
Question 21
What length should the average trailing cable be?

Between 175 - 200 metres
Question 22
What is the purpose of the pilot circuit on an electric drilling machine?

When the control switch on the electric drilling machine is not activated there will be no current through the cable. It also
provides pilot protection, should the plug be pulled out under load, the contact in the drill panel is broken, causing the
switch to trip out.
Question 23
Why do we plug misfires and sockets?
Answer
To ensure nobody tampers with them.
Question 24
Why must the drill hole be at least 150mm shorter than the undercut?
Answer
a) Legal requirement
b) To prevent sockets
c) To prevent blown-out shots
Question 25
Why must the drill hole be cleaned after the hole has been drilled?
Answer
To ensure that there is no build up of duff between the explosives cartridges when charging-up, which may cause misfires.
Question 26
Name four critical points to be checked when examining drill holes?

a) Direction
b) Elevation
c) Depth
d) Marked position
62
2 ELECTRIC DRILLING
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
How is dust controlled during drilling?
Answer
a) Duff catchers
b) Ventilation (scoop brattices, force fans with ducting)
c) Sharp drill bits
d) Augers spirals not worn
e) Water (face drill)
Question 2
What tools and equipment are needed to drill holes?
Answer
a) Drill auger
b) Drill bits
c) Hand protector
d) Dust collector
e) Socket plugs
f) Electrical drilling machine with flexible cable
g) Drill trestle
h) Drill panel
i) Flammable gas warning device
Question 3
How would you examine the following equipment to enhance health and safety?
a) Drill bits
b) Augers.
c) Hand protector
d) Dust collector
e) Socket plugs
f) Electric drill and flexible trailing cable
g) Drill trestle
Answer
a) The drill bits must be sharp, the cutting angles correct and the two cutting arms of equal length
b) Generally two augers are supplied. The shorter of the two is known as a starter. The long auger is used to
complete the hole which is drilled 150mm shorter than the undercut. The augers must be straight and spiral
not excessively worn so that they will be able to remove the cutting fro2m the hole efficiently
c) The hand protector must fit loosely over the auger and be in good condition.
d) The dust collector should consist of a cone made of belting and mounted on a pipe. The pipe may be either
telescopic or be of various standard lengths to trap the dust from the drill hole at any height. The dust collector must
be in good condition.
e) Must ensure that there is sufficient supply of socket plugs on hand
f) The electric drill and flexible trailing cable should be examined as follows:
i. Check the flameproofing, making sure that all bolts and nuts are intact and light
ii. Switch on and see that the chuck runs freely and rotates in the correct direction
iii. Check that the casing and handles are undamaged
iv. Check the easy operation of the operators control switch
v. Make sure that the cable is of sufficient length to reach all faces
63
vi. Check that the cable gland is tight
vii. Examine the cable for any obvious cuts and damage
viii. Make sure that the cable is properly suspended out of the way of moving machinery and water
g) Examine the drill trestle for sturdiness and that it is not damaged
Question 4
What precautions must be taken with regard to clothing before drilling?

a) The employer must reasonable practicable measures to prevent persons from being injured as a result of
them, clothes being worn by them or any equipment being held by them coming into contact with or being
drawn into any moving part of any machine.
b) The operator must not wear loose clothing when drilling as it could become entangled with the drilling
equipment, causing injury.
Question 5
What precautions must be taken when handling the auger while drilling?

The hand protector must be used when drilling holes. The hand protector consists of 50mm x 300mm polythene
pipe fitted over the auger like a sheath, so that when the auger rotates the assistant holds the hand protector to
guide the auger on initial penetration into the coal, thus protecting his hands from injury by the rotating auger.
Question 6
What precautions must be taken when working in water?

The electric drilling machine and cable must not come into contact with water as it may cause the electrocution
of the operator and damage to the electric drill.
Question 7
What precautions must be taken with regards to long hair?

Long hair must be kept in a net when drilling as it could become entangled with the drilling equipment, resulting
in an accident.
Question 8
Explain the effects/results of incorrectly drilled holes be with regard to the f ollowing:
a) Roof, floor and face
b) Rib sides
c) A blasted face
Answer
a) Roof, floor and face
i. Extra time spent on making safe the unsafe conditions caused by roof damage
ii. Machinery breakdowns and tramming difficulties caused by floor damage
iii. Overhanging faces which will have to be blasted down before the production cycle commences
iv. Lower efficiency (less tons per hole)
b) Rib sides
i. Incorrectly drilled holes will result in damage to pillars and rib sides which leads to unsafe conditions and
takes time to make safe.
ii. It may reduce the safety factor of the mine by causing small pillars and wider bords.
64
c) Blasted face
i. Sockets which require time and labour to treat
ii. Blown-out shots which in turn could lead to an explosion
iii. Lower efficiency (less tons per blasted face)
Question 9
What are the benefits when holes are correctly drilled?
Answer
a) Good safe roof and floor
b) Solid faces
c) Maximum tons per blast
d) Good safe rib sides
Question 10
Name four causes of misfires
Answer
a) Faulty detonator
b) Detonator lead wire damaged wh ile charging up
c) Detonators accidentally r e m o v e d from primer during charging
d) Defective shot exploder
Question 11
Name two hazards associated with misfires.
Answer
a) Drilling into a misfire can cause the explosives to detonate
b) Explosives in loose coal can explode during loading operations
Question 12
How are sockets created?
Answer
a ) Blow out shots
b ) Drilling in the solid
c ) Drilling beyond the depth or the machine cut
d ) Burden too heavy for explosives used
e ) Incorrectly tamped holes
f ) Incorrect timing or delay detonators
Question 13
Name two hazards associated with sockets
Answer
a) Holes drilled into untreated sockets containing explosives could cause the explosives to detonate.
b) Metal objects inserted into untreated sockets containing explosives could cause the explosives to detonate.
Question 14
Explain how you would ensure that a hole is drilled to the correct depth
Answer
a) Measure off length to be drilled by pushing the auger the back or the undercut and dropping a line from the
hole position on the face to the auger
65
b) Mark this position on the auger with chalk (1st mark)
c) Remove the auger and measure 150mm less and mark the auger, this will be the drilling depth (2nd mark)
d) The depth of each hole must be measured individually.
Question 15
What are the advantages of a mobile face drill?
Answer
a) The operator is situated in a cab to protect him
b) Water is supplied through the axial hole in the drill steel to the cutting bit to reduce dust
c) The machine can maintain a high tempo
d) Improved direction control
e) Less labour intensive
Question 1 6
What are the dangers associated with a mobile face drill?
Answer
a) Moving machinery, which can cause accidents to personnel.
b) Electric cables, which may become damaged or faulty and cause accidents.
3 EXPLOSIVES
Question 1
Describe how explosives are stored in the section.

a) The employer must ensure that explosives that are not being transported or prepared for use are stored in
explosive stores, silos or containers which are securely locked or, as far as reasonably practicable, designed
and located so as to facilitate the safe and secure receipt, storage and issuing of explosives.
b) The miner may store explosives in his/her section at a place convenient to the working places, in boxes
or drums provided for that purpose by the employer.
Question 2
How much explosives can be kept in a section?
Answer [MHSA regulation 4.2(1)(b)(i)(d) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must ensure that every container used for the storage of explosives, including old explosives,
is of a capacity determined by the Employer in consultation with the explosive manufacturer or supplier; and
b) In a fiery mine, the miner may only keep a quantity which must not exceed 24 hours estimated consumption.
Question 3
How must an explosive storage container be constructed?
Answer [MHSA Regulations 4.2(1)(b)(i)(a), (b), (d) and (e)]

Every container used for storage of explosives must be:
a) of robust construction
b) provided with an effective lock and the k e y k ept onl y b y an a uthori ze d pers on
c) spaced apart from any other explosive container used for storage of explosive
Question 4
How must the boxes or drums be marked?
66
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(1)(b)(i)(c)]
Explosive boxes and drums must be clearly marked to indicate the type of explosive to be placed therein.
Question 5
What do the regulations require regarding how explosives boxes or drums must be kept underground?
.
Answer
a) They must be kept locked at all times by the miner while explosives are contained therein, except when:
i. it is necessary to place explosives in the box or drum or to remove explosives, or when such box or
drum’s contents are being inspected
ii. Provided that explosives in a sealed carton may be placed in an unlocked, empty box or drum, by any
person who must snap close the lock thereof
b) They must be kept in a safe and dry place at a distance determined by the employer in consultation with
the explosive manufacturer or supplier, from any other explosive box.
Question 6
What are the miner’s duties when explosives are delivered?

a) The employer must take reasonably practicable measures to ensure that the miner reports to the employer,
whenever explosives are delivered to the working place for which that competent person is in charge, whether
or not the correct quantity of explosives was delivered.
b) As soon as is practical during the shift in which explosives have been delivered to a working place, the
ganger or miner in charge must satisfy himself that all the explosives have been delivered. He must further,
in a manner prescribed by the manager, report whether or not the correct quantity of explosives was
delivered to his working place.
Question 7
Who may open a case of explosives?

Only persons authorized by the employer may gain access to or attempt to gain access to explosives
Question 8
How must detonators, safety fuses, capped fuses, igniter cord, electrical initiators and fuse igniters be stored?

They may be stored together in boxes provided for the purpose
Question 9
Describe how explosives may be transported in workings
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(1)(b)(vi) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that explosives are only transported in vehicles,
conveyances, unopened cases or locked containers approved in writing for that purpose by the employer.
b) Detonators must be transported in separate locked boxes provided by the employer.
c) Made up primers may be transported in locked boxes provided by the employer.
Question 10
Who may handle explosives?

a) The miner
67
b) Blasting assistant
c) Person authorized the employer in term of regulation 4.1(2)
Question 11
Describe how to charge up a shot hole.

a) Check the position of the hole
b) Check the depth, direction and elevation of the hole
c) Check if the hole is clean
d) Explosives inserted into shot holes, must be pressed home, not hit or rammed
e) Quantity of explosives to be inserted into the shot hole will be determined by the employer in consultation
with the explosive manufacturer or supplier
f) Tamp to the collar
Question 12
Describe the equipment used for charging up a shot hole.

a) Explosives, charging stick and tamping provided by the employer
b) Equipment used for charging up a shot hole must be determined by the employer in consultation with the
explosives manufacturer or supplier
Question 13
What are the requirements regarding the breaking of blasting cartridges?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.3(2)(b) and Code of Practice]

a) Under no circumstances must any blasting cartridge be broken or cut or a wrapper round any blasting
cartridge be interfered with, except when preparing the blasting cartridge for the insertion of a detonator or
detonating fuse.
b) No person must break or cut any blasting cartridge or open or interfere or remove the wrapper around
any blasting cartridge except when preparing primers.
Question 14
Who is responsible for the safeguarding of assistants?

The miner must take all reasonable precautions to safeguard persons assisting him in blasting operations against
accidents.
Question 15
When may a face be charged up?

The employer of every underground mine must take reasonable measures to ensure that explosives are not brought
to the working place where blasting is to be carried out unless the:
a) drilling of shot holes have been completed;
b) shot holes are ready to be charged with explosives; and
c) quantity of explosives do not exceed the estimated required quantity to be used for the blast.
Question 16
Which holes may be charged?
68
The miner must only charge the holes, or prepare only the charges that are intended to be fired at the next blast
and whilst explosives charges are awaiting firing, must ensure that they are not interfered with.
Question 17
If a face cannot be blasted after it has been charged with explosives, what precautions must be taken?

a) The miner must ensure that the face is not tampered with.
b) The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that a written procedure is prepared and
implemented after consultation with explosives manufacturer or supplier to ensure that sleep-over blasts are
carried out safely.
Question 18
Describe how to prepare a primer

The miner must, when preparing a primer, make a hole of sufficient diameter and depth in the cartridge with a
sharpened stick or pricker of non-ferrous material, press the detonator into the cartridge and securely fasten it to
the cartridge by means of string or other suitable material so that it cannot be inadvertently withdrawn.
Question 19
What do the regulations state concerning old or damaged explosives?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(1)(b)(ii) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must implement measures to ensure, at every mine where there is a significant risk of old
explosives being present, that adequate storage facilities are provided for such old explosives.
b) Old or damaged explosives recovered in the working place from misfired holes or broken ground must be
placed and kept in boxes provided for that purpose by the employer.
Question 20
Describe the sequence in which explosives must be used.

The employer must ensure that all explosives are used in the same sequence as they are issued.
Question 21
When may a miner relinquish charge of explosives?

No person in charge of explosives must relinquish such charge until some other person lawfully accepts charge
thereof or such explosives are placed in a store, box, container or drum provided for the purpose and such store,
box, container or drum is securely locked.
Question 22
Who may be in possession of the keys to stores, boxes, containers or drums in which explosives are kept?

The miner and any person authorized in terms of regulation 4.1(2).
Question 23
What does the regulation say concerning illegal hiding or removing of explosives?
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Subject to regulation 4.2(2), no person may, or cause or permit any other person to, bury, hide, submerge or
abandon any explosives.
Question 24
Why must a shot hole be tamped to the collar?
Answer
a) To prevent blown-out shots
b) To prevent the build up of methane gas in the shot hole
Question 25
Why must holes that have been drilled incorrectly be tamped before charging-up commences?
Answer
a) To ensure that they are not charged-up
b) To prevent blown-out shots
c) To prevent the build up of methane
Question 26
Why must the blasting cable not come into contact with any electrical equipment?
Answer
Accidental detonation can take place
Question 27
Why is the blasting cable rolled out to the intake ventilation side of the section?
Answer
To ensure that persons are not exposed to dust, fumes or smoke
Question 28
Why may "old explosives" not be re-used to charge a face?
Answer
They are damaged.
3 EXPLOSIVES
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Define a shot hole.
Answer [MHSA Regulation Chapter 4 Definitions]

A shot hole means any drill hole charged with or intended to be charge with explosives.
Question 2
How are permitted explosives identified?
Answer
a) SABS approval mark 1418.
b) Marking on wrapper.
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Question 3
Describe how explosives may be transported in the underground workings.
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(1)(b)(vi) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must implement measures to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that explosives are
only transported in vehicles, conveyances, unopened cases or locked containers approved in writing for that
purpose by the employer.
b) Any person may, in the underground working, convey explosives in an unopened case or container.
Question 4
When may cartridges and detonators be conveyed together?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(1)(b)(iv) and Code of Practice]

a) The employer must implement measures to ensure that primers are kept separate from other explosives and
stored in a container complying with regulation 4.2(1)(b)(i)
b) Detonators must not be conveyed in the same conveyance or receptacle cart, provided that made-up primers
may be conveyed in a receptacle provided by the manager.
Question 5
What type of explosives may be used in a charge?
Answer
Permitted explosives
Question 6
When may two detonators be used in a charge?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.16(8)(d)]

Except as may be necessary to re-initiate a misfired hole, the miner must not insert more than one detonator into
an explosive charge, provided that in wet workings two detonators may be used only if they are both inserted into
the same cartridge and securely fastened to it.
Question 7
Described a charging rod
Answer
The charging rod must be of wood or other material determined by the employer in consultation with the explosive
manufacturer or supplier for that purpose and must easily fit into the hole, and must have its end cut off square.
Question 8
Describe an old explosive box.
Answer [MHSA Regulations 4.2(1)(b)(i)(a), (b) and Code of Practice]

Every such box must:
a) Be of robust construction and be provided with an effective lock;
b) Be painted red and be clearly marked to indicate the type of explosives to be placed therein;
c) Be kept locked at all times expect when the explosives have to be removed for destruction; and
d) Be kept in a safe place not less than 15m from other explosives and may be kept not less than 3m from any
other old explosives box.
Question 9
Describe how old explosives boxes are cleared.
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Answer
The box must be cleared daily by the miner.
Question 10
May old explosives be destroyed underground in a fiery mine?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.2(3)(ii)]

No.
4 BLASTING PROCEDURES
Question 1
Who may conduct blasting operations in a fiery mine?
Answer
Only the holder of a blasting certificate
Question 2
Under what conditions may the holder of a provisional fiery mine blasting certificate initiate a blast?
Answer
Only under the supervision of the holder of a permanent fiery mine blasting certificate.
Question 3
At what percentage of flammable gas may a person not fire any explosives charged?
Answer
When the percentage of flammable gas in the atmosphere exceeds 1.4%.
Question 4
What examination must the miner carry out before firing any charge in a coal mine, and what instrument must be
used?
Answer
The miner must examine for flammable gas, using a flammable gas measuring or detection instrument.
Question 5
When and where must the miner examine for flammable gas before firing a charge in a coal mine?
Answer
a) After charging up and before firing the explosive charge.
b) At the place where the explosive charge is to be fired and at any accessible places which may be effected
by the explosive charge.
Question 6
What precautions must the miner take if flammable gas was detected in his/her section in the preceding 24 hours?
Answer
If flammable gas in excess of 1.4% has been detected in the preceding 24 hours, the miner will not fire any charge
unless he/she has examine not only the place where the charge is to be fired, but also all accessible places in a
radius 30 meter from where the charge will be fired, and he/she has satisfied himself that no flammable gas in
excess of 1.4% is present.
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Question 7
What is the miner’s responsibility towards person’s safety whilst carrying out a blasting operation?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.6(3)(b)(ii) and (iii)]

The employer must ensure that the miner does not initiate any explosive charge unless:
a) all persons have been removed from the working place where explosive charges are to be initiated;
b) all entrances to the working place(s) where explosive charges are to be initiated, or to places where the
safety of person(s) may be endangered by such initiation, are effectively guarded so as to prevent inadvertent
access to such place(s) while such explosive charges are being initiated; and
c) the miner gives or causes to be given due warning in every direction and is satisfied that no person remains
where they might be exposed to danger from the initiating of such explosive charges.
Question 8
What warning must the miner give before firing any charge?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.6(3)(b)(iv]

The employer must ensure that the miner does not initiate any explosive charge unless the miner gives or causes
to be given due warning in every direction and is satisfied that no person remains where they might be exposed to
danger from the initiating of such explosive charges.
Question 9
What precautions must the miner take after he has connected the firing cable to the detonator wires, and just prior
to firing the charge?

The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that, where initiating takes place by means of electricity,
the miner after such miner has connected the blasting cable to the detonator wires of any explosive charge or
charges and before such explosive charge or charges have been initiated, does not:
a) remain or approach, or cause or permit any other person to remain or approach, within a distance where
such person may be endangered by the initiating of such explosive charges, except for the purpose of
examining the blasting circuit; and
b) examine the blasting circuit, or cause or permit the blasting circuit to be examined, unless both leads are
disconnected from any source of electricity, whether for initiating explosive charges or testing the blasting
circuit.
Question 10
What blasting cable may a miner use when firing charges by means of electricity?

The employer must, where initiation takes place by means of electricity, take reasonable measures to ensure that
the miner only uses a blasting cable provided for that purpose and which is in good order and of sufficient length to
ensure that the blasting cable cannot come into contact with any other cable or electrical apparatus.
Question 11
What must the miner do immediately after firing or attempting to fire a charge?
Answer [MHSA Regulation 4.10(2)(f)]

except in the case of a remotely operated centralised electric blasting system, immediately after initiating or
attempting to initiate the explosive charges, disconnects both leads of the blasting cable from the initiating device
and then:
a) removes the operating handle or key of the initiating device; or
b) secures the locking arrangement of the initiating device and removes the key.
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Question 12
What type of shot firing apparatus may be used?

No person will fire any charge except by means of an electrical shot firing apparatus determined by the employer
in consultation with the explosive manufacturer or supplier.
Question 13
What precautions must be taken after driving through a dyke?

In any main development or exploration drive after a dyke has been driven through, no firing of charges must take
place unless the manager, mine overseer or shift boss has examined the place and satisfied himself/herself that
the atmosphere does not contain flammable gas in excess of 1.4%.
Question 14
What precautions must a miner take regarding environmental control before entering a face that has been blasted?

a) The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that after explosive charges have been initiated or
misfired holes have been re-initiated, the miner does not approach, or causes or permits any other person to
approach, within the range of the exploding charges until such competent person is satisfied that all the
explosive charges have exploded or until a period of 30 minutes has expired, after the initiation of the
charges.
b) The ganger or miner must not, after firing has taken place, whether by electricity or in any other manner,
enter or allow any person to enter the place in which such firing has occurred until the harmful smoke, gas,
fumes or dust caused by the explosion have dissipated.
Question 15
What precautions must a miner take concerning misfires in a face that has just been blasted?

The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that, after the explosive charges have been initiated by
means of electricity, the miner:
a) carefully examines for misfired holes where the charges have been initiated, before permitting any person to
work there;
b) instructs any person engaged in clearing the broken rock, mineral or ground to report immediately to such
competent person the finding of any wires that may lead to a misfired hole; and
c) carefully traces any such wires to determine whether or not a misfired hole has occurred.
Question 16
How must a misfire in a coal face be treated?

a) Remove tamping with approved scraper
b) Insert charging stick to ascertain direction and elevation of hole
c) Fasten protruding wires to prop or suitable marker
d) Drill a relieving hole after ensuring that the depth is marked off correctly
i. Not closer than 300mm from misfired hole
ii. Parallel to misfired hole
e) Charge the relieving hole with explosives
f) Tests for gas
g) Place guards
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h) Blast according to blasting procedures
i) After firing, make a careful search for explosives
j) As far as possible, the coal must be removed without the use of tools
k) Explosives to be removed (except coal being moved in search for explosives) until all explosives liberated
from the misfired have been recovered
Question 17
How must a misfire in a stone face treated?

a) Explosives must be extracted by means of water or water with compressed air through a pipe of design and
material approved
b) No person other than the valid blasting certificate holder for the class of mine must extract explosives from a
hole which has been charged up
c) The person extracting explosives from the hole must:
i. Ensure that all explosives in the hole are extracted
ii. Recover as far as practicable all explosives
d) This hole is now regarded as a socket and must be treated as such
Question 18
What restrictions apply in a heading in which there is a misfire?

No drilling allowed, except for drilling of a relieving hole to treat the misfire.
Question 19
What must be done when firing a coal face and no shot goes off?

a) Notify guards to stay where they are
b) Disconnect blasting cable from the shot exploder
c) Test with circuit tester from a safe place
d) Physically check detonator wire joints from faults
e) Check for fault by elimination (from a safe place)
f) Disconnect fault from circuit ( tie lead wires to a marker)
g) Carry out normal blasting procedure
Question 20
How must a misfire be treated in a full blasted face?

a) Check for loose explosives and remove explosives as far as possible by hand and place it in old explosives
box
b) Instruct loader driver to be on lock-out for explosives
c) If more explosives are found, call the miner immediately
d) Send for an old explosives box
e) If primer is found, remove the detonator
f) Put detonators and explosive cartridges in separate old explosive boxes.
Question 21
What must be done when firing a stone face and no shot goes off?
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a) Notify guards to stay where they are
b) Test with circuit tester
c) Disconnect blasting cable from shot exploder
d) Physically check detonator lead wires for faults
e) Find fault by elimination
f) If fault is in a blast hole, remove tamping and insert a fresh primer (ensure 800g is not exceeded)
g) Connect new primer’s detonator wires to circuit
h) Blast according to blasting procedures
Question 22
Describe the blasting procedure of a face which has already been charged up with explosives

a) Remove all people from the face and affected areas
b) Place guards
c) Get clearance from guards as per given number
d) If all is clear, test continuity through blasting cable from a safe place
e) Connect blasting wires up with shot exploder
f) Shout ‘fire’ and blast
g) Immediately disconnect both leads and remove the key from the shot exploder
h) Relieve the guards closest to the blasting position first and then the rest
Question 23
What instructions must the miner give each guard?

a) He/she must instruct him to be a guard and allocate him a number e.g. guard no. 1, guard no. 2 etc.
b) He/she will define the term “nobody” to the guards and explain to him to allow nobody to enter the danger
area
c) Explain where the blast is to take place
d) He/she will show each his area of responsibility
e) When he calls ‘No. 1”, or ”No. 2”etc. The guard must Answer if it is safe, otherwise he/she must keep quiet.
(The miner will come to him and investigate)
f) Guards to stay at their positions until relieved
Question 24
What is a blasting accident?
Answer
An injury to a person due to blasting or exposure to blasting fumes, gases or smoke is regarded as a blasting
incident.
Question 25
What steps must be taken in case of a blasting accident?

a) Get the injured person out if possible
b) treat the injuries and notify the mine overseer or shift boss who will call for an ambulance
c) report in preliminary accident report book, and record the time of the accident
d) send injured person out with a witness
e) indicate position of:
i. injured persons
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ii. guards
iii. miner
iv. witnesses
f) fence off and leave the place where the accident occurred undisturbed
4 BLASTING PROCEDURE
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Describe the conditions that you would expect to encounter when approaching a dyke
Answer
a) Burnt coal
b) Bad roof conditions
c) Slips
d) Water
e) Flammable gas
Question 2
Describe how you would treat the conditions which are encountered when approaching a dyke

a) Install additional support
b) Make use of support with a bigger face area, i.e. Lager area of support such as head-boards with roof-bolts
c) Reduce the mining width, i.e. smaller excavations
d) Make use of the minimum number of roads when going through the dyke
e) Leave longer pillars, i.e. staggered pillars
f) Deal with water and flammable gas
Question 3
How much explosive may you insert per hole in a dyke?
Answer
The amount of explosives will be determined by the employer in consultation with the explosives manufacturer or
supplier.
Question 4
On blasting a face, a slip (bad roof) has been exposed. Describe what precautions to take and how to load out the
face.

a) Determine where the last safe row of roof bolts is by means of a sounding stick.
b) Mark this position on the roof and both rib sides.
c) Instruct the operator to load until his body is in line with the marks on the roof and rib sides, and then to
withdraw the loader and call the miner.
d) Install temporary support.
e) Have roof-bolter install additional roof-bolts in temporary supported area.
f) Repeat procedure until coal is loaded out.
Question 5
What extra precautions are to be taken in bad ground?
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a) Use long cable anchors
b) Use timber poles together with larger head boards
c) Use cable anchors and W-straps
d) Use timber or steel sets
Question 6
When installing a resin bolt, what will happen if the spinning time of the bolt in the resin is:
a) too long; or
b) too short?
Answer
a) Too long: The bondage will break and resin will turn into powder
b) Too short: The bolt cannot be torque properly because the resin will not harden properly.
Question 7
Why does one install more resins and/or longer bolts at slips?
Answer
a) Mire resin with longer bolts are together, because the bond area in the hole is greater
b) To bond the loose side with the tight side
Question 8
How does one treat bad roof in the tramming road during the shift?

a) Fence off
b) Attempt to bar down
c) If unsuccessful, install temporary support
d) Support permanently using a roof bolter
Question 9
What would one do if a fall of ground occurs and the roof is too high for the roof bolter to support?

a) Report to the shift boss
b) Make use of fallen ground to build a ramp
c) Put in temporary support
d) Install roof-bolts
e) If unsuccessful, fence or barricade off
Question 10
A dense systematic support rule is already used in a section, but still little pieces fall out between the bolts, what
kind of support should be installed?

a) A support system with greater area coverage
b) "W" straps
c) Support with headboards
d) Wire mesh and bolting
e) Conveyor belting and bolting
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Question 11
When barring down a big piece of roof, there is a gap between the roof and the loose coal, but it still would
not come down, how should it be dealt with?

a) Use two or more persons (each with a proper length pinch bar) to assist
b) If unsuccessful, barricade off
c) Drill it and blast it down
Question 12
What precautions must a miner take if a drive has advance more than 50 metres beyond the last through road?

In any fiery mine where a development drive, heading or bord is more than 50 metres in advance of the general
line of workings, no person will fire a charge in such a place except between shifts.
5 LOADING
Question 1
By whom and how often must a trailing cable be examined?

Every electrical flexible trailing cable in use in the section must be examined at the beginning and again at least
once in the course of each shift by the ganger or miner in charge or by a competent person appointed by the manager, in
writing. If any such cable is damaged or becomes defective, its use must forthwith be discontinued. Such damaged or
defective cable must not be further used until after it has been sent to the surface and there properly repaired.
Question 2
What do the regulations state regarding joints on a trailing cable?

have more than 15 joint repairs, including sheate patches over a length of 20 metres and no joint repair must be
closer than 5 metres to an adjacent joint, repair or patch and no joint, repair or patch must be closer than 3 metres
to the cable plug or its terminal connection at the machine or apparatus.
Question 3
What is a flameproof enclosure?
Answer
It is an enclosure that is strong enough to withstand an explosion within and at the same time allow the cooled
down flame to escape via the flame path.
Question 4
How will you examine the flame-proofing on a mechanical loader?
Answer
a) Bolt and nut on electrical equipment must be in position and tight
b) Flame paths must be clean
c) Visually examine all glands for damage
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d) Check for any external damage on flameproof enclosures
Question 5
What safety devices are built into the section switchgear?

a) Earth leakage protection;
b) Overload protection;
c) No-volt coil;
d) Pilot circuit; and
e) Correctly rated.
Question 6
By making use of given figures calculate the shuttle car factor, e.g.
Tons produced = 1000
Shuttle cars booked = 120
Shuttle car capacity = 8 ton
Answer
Shuttle car factor = 1000 ÷ 120
= 8.33 ton/shuttle car
Question 7
What is meant by the term "wait on shuttle car time"?
Answer
"Wait on shuttle car" refers to a wait at the change-out point and not at the loader, i.e. when a full shuttle car
passes the change-out point on its way to the tip and an empty shuttle car is not waiting to go to the loader,
the time taken for the empty car to reach the change-out point is the "wait-on-shuttle car" time.
Question 8
What are the requirements regarding the operator's duties with respect to flammable gas?

The operator of any electrical drilling, cutting, breaking or loading machine must:
a) be instructed and found competent in testing for flammable gas;
b) test for the presence of flammable gas in any underground working place before such electrical machine
is taken into it, and
c) by means of a flammable gas warning device continuously monitor the atmosphere in the working place
where such electrical machine is in operation.
Question 9
What are the operator's duties if a concentration of more than one comma four parts per hundred by volume of
flammable gas is detected in a work place in a coal mine where any electrical machine is used?
Answer
The operator must isolate the electrical power supply to that working place forthwith, lock out and report the
matter to the ganger or miner in charge, who must ensure that the situation is dealt with.
Question 10
What are the requirements regarding the operator's duties with respect to flexible trailing cables?
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The operator must take all reasonable measures to safeguard the flexible cable against damage and he must
report immediately to the ganger or miner in charge any damage or defect he may observe in the cable. He must
not leave such machine while it is working and must before leaving the section, ensure that the power supply
to the flexible trailing cable is isolated.
Question 11
What are the requirements regarding dust control on machines used for ripping, picking, cutting, drilling or loading
rock, coal or other minerals in the workings of a mine?

Every machine must be fitted with means, or means must be provided, either for applying water effectively to
prevent dust being created by the operation of such machine, or for effectively trapping such dust by some
suitable apparatus approved by the employer.
5 LOADING
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What electrical apparatus may be used in a hazardous area of a fiery mine?
Answer
Only flameproof and intrinsically safe apparatus and an enclosed and locked or sealed light or lamp.
Question 2
Describe how to install and position a shuttle car trailing cable anchor point?

a) Anchor point to be situated on the same side as the cable drum.
b) Install two root-bolts horizontally into the rib side.
c) Loop trailing cable through tyre ensuring that there is adequate length to reach the switch gear.
d) Secure tyre to both roof-bolts by means-of safety chain.
Question 3
How would the ventilation flow (coursing or splitting) influence the loading cycle in the conventional section?
Answer
a) Splitting ventilation - the figure of "8" loading cycle will be used.
b) Coursing ventilation - "barrier to barrier" loading cycle will be used.
6 PILLAR EXTRACTION (STOOPING)
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Explain what is meant by pillar extraction (stooping).
Answer
It is the extraction or the coal left in pillars after primary bord and pillar development.
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Question 2
Name the hazards associated with stooping.
Answer
a) Removal of primary support pillars results in a goaf behind the last line of support
b) The weight of the roof before it goafs is thrown over to the working area causing extra loading stresses.
c) The goaf may breach the last line of support and run into the working area
d) Due to the extra stressed on the working areas, slips, joints, overhangs and other poor roof conditions may
require extra support to prevent roof falls
e) Major goafs, particularly the initial goaf of a stooping panel" can cause a large blast of air over the working
area. If the air contains accumulations of noxious or flammable gases and coal dust the risk of an ignition
may arise
f) Spontaneous combustion of the remaining coal may occur in the goaf area
g) Accumulations of explosive mixtures of flammable gas may occur undetected in the goaf
h) The collapse of the overlying strata may cause inrushes of water from the goaf
Question 3
What are some of the controls that may be put in place to eliminate or reduce the hazards associated with
stooping?
Answer
a) Extra support
During primary development the bords would have been supported with roof-bolts installed according to the
systematic support system laid down for the section. The panel should be designed to a higher safety factor than
normal. In the region of +2.0. During pillar extraction additional support in the form of breaker lines must be
installed along the goaf edge to protect persons and machinery and to control the roof collapse. These breaker
lines are generally single wooden props with headboards and according to the regulations must be a double row
of props with headboards set and maintained in good order and condition between the goaf edge and all places
where persons have to travel or work. 'The two rows of props must not be more than one metre apart, nor must
the props in each row be more than one metre apart and each row must terminate not more than one metre from
the solid coal pillar or the working face as the "case may be. This is a minimum requirement and the support density
will be increased if the roof conditions require additional support. The fenders of coal also assist in supporting
the roof.
b) Ventilation
Pillar extraction actions generally require more air per ton of coal broken than development sections. Faces are
more difficult to ventilate and gas emission is often increased by goafing, splitting or coursing ventilation systems
are used and the faces are ventilated in three ways:
i. Coursing the ventilation along the working faces in a similar manner to development sections
ii. Intake air entering the section in the centre, splitting left and right, coursing along the working faces and returning via
the returning airways in the left and right barrier roads.
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A typical splitting ventilation layout
Bleeding the return air, or portion thereof; through the goaf itself to an established return airway behind the goaf. During
development one road on either side of the panel is utilized as a return airway. When pillar extraction commences one of these
return airways is turned into a bleeder road by leaving a line of pillars intact, adjacent to the barrier pillar. Approximately 15% of
the section’s intake air is allowed to bleed over the goaf and through the bleeder road to the return airway. The
remainder of the ventilation returns via the normal section return.
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c) Stone dust
In addition to good ventilation controls stone dust must be applied and stone dust barriers erected as per mine’s
code of practice. Continuous gas monitoring instruments are often placed in strategic places to warn of gas
accumulations
Question 4
Describe a typical method of using conventional mechanised equipment to extract a coal pillar.
Answer
In this method, which is preferred in mechanised mining, the pillar is split and reduced by pockets, leaving fenders
of coal to supplement the artificial support which can be root-bolts and/or timber props. The tenders are extracted
leaving four small snooks which are destroyed by blasting or crushed by the roof. It is important that these
snooks are destroyed as they may hinder the complete caving of the goaf.
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Pocket and fender method of extraction using conventional mechanised equipment
PROCEDURE TO EXTRACT A PILLAR

a) Breaker lines BL1 and BL2 are installed once the previous row of pillars has been extracted
b) Main lift 1 (the pocket) through the pillar in order to subdivide the pillar into two fenders
c) Install. breaker line BL3 as soon as lift 1 holes through into the goaf
d) Cut, drill, blast and load fender No.2
e) Install breaker line BL4
f) Blast snooks from fender No 2 if necessary
g) Withdraw breaker lines BLl and BL3
h) Cut, drill, blast and load fender No.3
i) Install breaker lines BL5 and BL6
j) Blast snooks from fender NO.3 if necessary
k) Withdraw breaker lines BL2 and BL4
Question 5
Why is the layout of a conventional mechanised pillar extraction section generally done on 45° stooping line?
Answer
Conventional mechanised pillar extraction is generally done on a 45° stooping line. The reasons for this are that
every pillar being extracted is partially protected by at least two other solid pillars. It is important that the pillar
lines be kept straight in order to prevent any irregular projections into the goaf which will interfere with roof control.
The 45° pillar line is preferred to a pillar line because there are a greater number of working places available.
Another factor which favours the 45° pillar line is that only the corners of pillars instead of whole sides are
exposed to the higher abutment stresses ahead of the goaf.
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MODULE 3
CONTINUOUS MINER SECTION
86
A COMPULSORY
Question 1
What are the requirements of the Regulations regarding the appointment of an operator of self- propelled mobile
machine?
Answer [MA Regulation 18.2.1]

No person must drive or cause or permit any other person to drive any self-propelled mobile machine which is under
the control of the manager in or on a mine or works or private property in or on such a mine or at such a works,
unless such a person has been authorized thereto by the manager, mine overseer or competent person appointed
in terms of regulation 2.13.2.
Question 2
When does the Regulations require an operator of self-propelled mobile machine to be re-tested?

Whenever a person has been authorized to drive a self-propelled mobile machine, has for any reason whatsoever,
not driven such a machine for a period of 180 days or longer, he/she may be authorized again to drive such a
machine.
Question 3
What are the requirements of the Regulations regarding joints on trailing cables?

Question 4
What are the operator duties regarding flammable gas?

At every fiery coal mine the operator of any electrical drilling, cutting, breaking or loading machine must:
a) Be instructed and found competent in testing for flammable gas.
b) Test for the presence of flammable gas in any underground working place before such an electrical
machine is taken into it.
c) By means of flammable gas warning device continuously monitor the atmosphere in the working place,
were such an electrical machine is in operation. (Reg. 8.7.1)
Question 5
What are the operator’s duties if a concentration of more than 1.4% of flammable gas is detected in a working place
in a coal mine where electrical machines are used?

If the atmosphere in any underground working place in any fiery coal mine contains more than one comma four
parts per hundred by volume of flammable gas either after the entry into that working place of an electrical machine
or during its operation, the operator must cut off the electrical power supply to that working place forthwith and
report the matter to the ganger or miner in charge.
Question 6
What are the requirements regarding dust control at machines used for ripping, picking, cutting, drilling or loading
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In the workings of every mine, every machine for ripping, picking, cutting, drilling or loading rock, coal or other
minerals must be fitted with means, or means must be provided either for applying water effectively to prevent dust
being created by the operation of such machine, or for effectively trapping such dust by some suitable apparatus
determined by the employer in consultation with the manufacturer or supplier.
Question 7
What do the regulations require regarding the operator’s duties regarding flexible trailing cables?

The operator of an electrically driven coal cutter or other mobile or portable electric machine served by a flexible
cable must take all reasonable measures to safeguard the flexible cable against damage and must report
immediately to the ganger or miner in charge any damage or defect he may observe in the cable. He must not leave
such a machine while it is working and must, before leaving the section, ensure that power supply to the flexible
cable is cut off.
Question 8
What are the requirements of the regulations regarding examinations of flexible trailing cables?

Every flexible trailing cable in use in the section must be examined at the beginning and again at least once in the
course of each shift by the ganger or miner in charge or by a competent person appointed by the manager. If any
such cable is damaged or becomes defectives, its use must forthwith be discontinued. Such a cable must not be
further used until after it has been sent to the surface and there properly repaired.
Question 9
What are the requirements regarding the supply of water in the workings of every controlled mine?

In the working of every mine an adequate supply of clear and odourless water must be provided for dust allaying
purposes. Such water must be provided in pipes no less than 25mm in diameter at a working pressure of not less
than 150 kilopascals when all sprays, jets and other appliances supplied from the same pipe are being operated.
Unless exception in writing in granted by the Principal Inspector, such pipes must reach to a point within 50 metres
from the face, from which point a sufficient length of hose must be provided and used to bring up to every place
where it may be required for dust allaying purposes.
Question 1
Explain how the ventilation layout of a section would influence dust suppression.
Answer
a) Airflow direction in last through road to compliment the position of the scrubber fan on the continuous miner.
b) Jet fan on ducting to be in upstream of the airflow direction in the through road in the face.
c) The first cut into the heading must be on the jet fan or ducting side.
Question 2
What are the main causes of dust in a continuous miner section?
Answer
a) Cutting with picks – the blunter the picks the more dust being created.
b) Speed of the cutting drum and spacing of picks.
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c) Grinding of coal at one place.
d) The scrubber fan on the continuous miner drawing more than 50% of the air supplied by the jet-fan.
e) Blocked or damaged sprays on the cutting head of the continuous miner.
f) Water pressure to the continuous miner is too low.
g) Faulty booster pump.
Question 3
What are the dangers of insufficient ventilation?
Answer
a) Dangerous accumulation of gasses.
b) Excessive high dust levels.
c) Overheating of underground atmosphere.
d) Unhealthy and dangerous working environment.
e) Spontaneous combustion of coal may take place
Question 4
Describe the daily inspections of the scrubber box.
Answer
a) Rinse the scrubber sump.
b) Check and clean the sprayer nozzles at the screens.
c) Inspect and clean the screens.
d) Inspect all the nozzles of all the sprayers on the continuous miner.
e) Check and clean the de-mister.
Question 5
Explain what is the mine standard procedure for the calibration of an on-board flammable gas monitor on the
continuous miner?

a) Person appointed to carry out the test.
b) Frequency of test.
c) Method of testing.
d) Care and maintenance.
Question 6
Explain what is meant by the following terms:
a) Heading
b) Last through road
c) Recirculation
d) Primary ventilation
e) Secondary ventilation
f) Positive ventilation
Answer
a) A heading is any road (straight or split) that has advanced more than one bord distance from a point of
through ventilation.
b) The last through road is the closet holing to the working faces between two headings, which carry a
unidirectional flow of air from the intake to the return of the section.
c) Recirculation means any amount of air which has been delivered by a particular system, ventilating a
heading, re-enters the inlet of that same system.
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d) Primary ventilation means the ventilation that enters the ventilating district from the main ventilation and
reaches the ventilation appliances in the section (i.e brattices and fans) that are used to provide secondary
ventilation systems.
e) Secondary ventilation means the ventilation air that flows through the working areas of a ventilating district
and is controlled by means brattices, fans, line brattices and scoop brattices.
f) Positive ventilation means any air current that is forced into a heading.
Question 7
Explain what is meant by the following terms:
a) Exhaust system
b) Force system
Answer
a) Exhaust system is used when the air is drawn out via one shaft which becomes the up-cast shaft. The air
pressure underground becomes less than the atmospheric pressure, resulting in the fresh air from the surface
entering through the down-cast shaft into the workings. As the fan remain in operation this process exist
continuously.
b) Force system is used when the air is forced down the downcast shaft, through the mine workings and up
the up-cast shaft.
Question 8
Name the factors that will influence air utilisation in an underground section.
Answer
a) Leakage through permanent stoppings
b) Condition of line and scoop brattices and fan ducting
c) Leakage through temporary stoppings
d) Poor installation of fan ducting
e) Number of open roadways
f) Fall of ground
g) Accumulation of water
h) Leakage through ventilation doors and air crossings
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Name four reasons for ventilating the underground workings of mine?
Answer
a) To maintain a healthy and safe environment for workers.
b) To reduce underground temperatures.
c) Dilute and remove noxious, toxic and flammable gas.
d) Dilute and remove dust and fumes.
Question 2
What is the effect of the cutting sequence on dust suppression?
Answer
a) If the cutting sequence is done correctly:
i. Most dust will be captured in face.
ii. There will be less dust in rest of the section.
iii. The visibility and safety will improve.
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b) If the cutting sequence is done incorrectly:
i. There will be re-circulation of dust and air in the face.
ii. Less dust will be captured in the face.
iii. There will be more dust being present in the rest section.
iv. The visibility will be poor.
v. There will be an accumulation of coal dust.
Question 3
What are the dangers of coal dust?
Answer
a) Highly explosive
b) Danger to health
c) Causes bad visibility
d) Damages the machines
Question 4
Why is it unhealthy to inhale coal dust?
Answer
Respirable dust (i.e dust particles which are 7 micron and less in size) can cause lung disease (pneumoconiosis) if
inhaled in sufficient quantity over a period of time.
Question 5
How will any person know that the main fan has stopped?
Answer
a) The Code of Practice requires that every fan must have an alarm which will give a warning.
b) Underground workers should immediately detect a difference in airflow.
c) The control room must contain a warning device and must inform persons working underground.
Question 6
Name five types of dust suppression systems used on continuous miners?
Answer
a) Water spray blocks with sprays
b) Dust scrubber fan
c) Exhaust hood system
d) Physical cross curtain
e) Air movers and/or blowers
Question 7
How is the flow of air in the last through road maintained?

a) By keeping walls and brattices up to date
b) By allowing no recirculation of air
c) With the aid of section fans
Question 8
Why are the ventilation measurements taken?
Answer
a) To ensure that ventilation standards are complied with.
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b) To give regular feedback.
c) To identify problem areas and make recommendations for improvements.
3 MINING
Question 1
How must a continuous miner be positioned in a face before cutting commences?

The continuous miner, when cutting the right hand side of the face, must be positioned so that the light from the
laser beam (normally red) strikes that last row of cutting picks on the left hand side of the cutting drum. When cutting
the left side of the face, the light from the laser beam must strike the last row of cutting picks on the right hand side
of the cutting drum.
Question 2
What is a miner’s safety tasks prior to cutting?

a) Ensure that picks are in good condition (i.e. sharpened correct size) and all present.
b) Ensure that there is sufficient water for dust allaying.
c) Ensure that water sprays and jets are all open and functioning properly.
d) Ensure that scrubber system is functioning properly.
e) Ensure that ventilation is to standard.
f) Ensure that cable is in good condition.
g) Ensure that on-board gas monitoring system is tested and in order.
Question 3
Describe how you would mark off 90 split by using a laser beam and a deflection box?
Answer
The deflection box is installed in the following manner:
a) When a split is to be started it is first necessary to box the roadway. This can either be a double or a single
box. To start a box, mark off the centre of the split from the previous survey peg.
b) Drill a short hole where the laser beam and marked off centre cross. Knock a wooden block into this hole.
Where the laser beam and the centre mark cross in the wooden block knock in a nail.
c) Suspend the laser deflection box from nail. Make a chalk mark or paint mark against the face where the laser
beam strikes the face (centre of the split). Turn laser deflection box around and put a mark against the
opposite ribside.
d) Remove the deflection box and cut the box. Once the box has been completed, the deflection box is once
again suspended from the centre peg. Another peg is installed approximately1m behind the centre peg. The
laser beam can now be suspended between these two pegs, and the split can be cut using normal cutting
methods.
Question 4
What items should be included in the pre-use checklist for a continuous miner?

All pre-use checklists should have the following items in common:
a) Pre-start alarms
b) Flame-proofing
c) Guards
d) Alarms (when moving)
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e) Interlocking
f) Cables (conditions)
g) Brakes
h) Emergency brakes
i) Lock-out systems
j) General conditions
k) Lights
l) Valid licence
m) Flammable gas monitor
n) Operator protection (canopy)
o) Idling indicator (flashing light)
p) Dust suppression equipment
Question 5
Describe the procedures that a miner must follow at the end of the shift?

a) The continuous miner must be trammed out of the face and parked in a safe place.
b) The power supply to the continuous miner must be isolated and locked-out.
c) The roof bolter must be trammed out of the face and parked in a safe place.
d) The power supply to the roof bolter must be isolated and locked-out.
e) The miner must personally ensure that each face has been fenced off to prevent unauthorized access.
f) The water valves must be closed properly.
g) The miner must ensure that stone dusting is up to date.
h) The miner must complete his/her daily production reporting indicating:
i. The position of all the machines.
ii. Areas where the machines have cut during the shift.
iii. Any special remarks/notes pertaining to the section or the machines.
i) Ensure that the entrance to the section is barricaded to prohibit unauthorized access.
j) Proceed with the whole crew to surface.
Question 6
What are four steps to safety in a risk assessment program?
Answer
a) Is this a dangerous situation?
b) Are there tools or equipment present which are dangerous?
c) Are the men/women doing anything dangerous?
d) What must be done about it now?
Question 7
What are the miner’s responsibilities when parking a continuous miner on a sloping surface?

a) Turn the machine with one end of the loader head facing or touching the left hand pillar side and swivel tail
against the right hand pillar side.
b) Lay the cutter head flat on the floor.
c) Switch off the power supply.
Question 8
What safety precautions must be taken when changing picks?

a) Move the machine back to the supported roof area.
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b) Lower the cutter head to the ground.
c) Isolate and lock-out the power supply to the machine.
d) Ensure PPE is used
e) Ensure that correct tools are used.
f) Use the tools correctly.
Question 9
What damage can be done to the continuous miner when cutting into the roof and the floor unnecessarily?
Answer
a) Damage to motors.
b) Damage to pick and pick boxes.
c) Damage to gear boxes.
Question 10
How can trailing cables be damaged?
Answer
a) Cables can be damaged if not properly hung up
b) Placed against the rib-sides, damaged by falls of rib-sides
c) Cable lying in the water
d) Falls of roof
e) Cable reel tension too high
f) Cable sheave wheel damaged.
g) Cable anchor point not at correct height.
h) Cable current setting too high.
i) Wrong size cable used.
Question 11
Where and why must anchor points of shuttle cars be installed?

a) As close to the tip as possible.
b) In the sidewall at the same height as the cable reels.
c) On the same side as the cable reel.
NB: The reasons for this are to minimise cable damage and to enhance production.
Question 12
Describe, with the aid of sketches, the support system on the colliery you are employed on?
Given:
Mining parameters:
Bord width - 6 metres
Pillar sizes – 14 metres square
Answer
Mining parameters:
Bord width - 6 metres
Pillar sizes – 14 metres square
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Question 13
Describe, with the aid of sketches, the cutting sequence used on the colliery that you are employed on under the
following headings:
a) Incompetent roof conditions
b) Competent roof conditions
Answer
a) Typical cutting sequence for competent roof conditions
b) Typical cutting sequence for incompetent roof conditions
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Question 14
Name the factors that will influence the effective cutting rate of a continuous miner.
Answer
a) The size of the continuous miner (cutting capacity) and the shuttle car pay load capacity.
b) The “wait on shuttle car” time from the change-out point to the continuous miner.
c) Pillar centres.
d) Number of roadways and shuttle car routes.
e) Roof conditions (poor roof conditions will cause the CM to move from face to face more often).
f) Floor conditions.
Question 15
With the aid of a section plan, indicate a typical mining sequence for a CM section?
Answer
Typical mining sequence
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3 MINING
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What are the five golden rules for bord and pillar mining?
Answer
a) Never mind bords wider than stipulated.
b) Always mine on line.
c) Never exceed the stipulated mining height.
d) Prevent roof falls.
e) Break away correctly.
Question 2
What safety precautions must be taken during the tramming operations of a Continuous Miner?

a) No unauthorized personnel may start or operate the machine.
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b) No person must be allowed within the working range of the machine before it is started.
c) Do not stand at or near the following places when the power supply is on:
i. In front of the machine.
ii. In the range of the gathering apron.
iii. In the surveillance range of the cutter boom and turret.
iv. In the surveillance range of the conveyor.
d) Warn all personnel standing within the working range of the machine, before moving the machine.
e) In a dangerous situation, the power supply to the machine must be tripped immediately via the emergency
stop switch.
f) The operator may not leave the machine while it is in operation.
g) The power to the machine must be switched off, if the machine is stopped for the extended period of time.
h) An attendant must remove all the material and equipment in the way of the machine.
i) Under no circumstances should the machine be driven over any obstacle.
j) The Cable must be hung up (Under no circumstances may the operator drive over the cables).
k) Seek the shortest route from one working place to another, taking into consideration the route the cable must
follow. Have machinery that is blocking the shortest route removed.
l) When tramming, the operator should listen for stop signals given by the cable handler who will pay particular
attention to bystanders who may be in dangerous positions (check corridors).
m) When tramming, there must be cable handlers to hang up the water hose and the cable on cable hooks.
n) During tramming, the cable handler must release the cable slack to enable the helpers to hang up the cable.
o) Always tram with the cutting head leading in the direction of travel, except when tramming out of the roadway
where the face was cut.
p) Never tram past persons who are walking or standing in the roadway.
q) The driver must always check if his second driver (assistant) is in a safe position.
r) When tramming, the second driver must walk behind the machine at end of the swivel tail.
s) A whistle must be blown whenever turning around corners.
Question 3
Describe the correct installation of a laser beam.

a) The laser beam must be suspended from the survey pegs
b) Install a line or wire between the centre peg and direction peg.
c) Pull the line as tight as possible and suspend the laser beam frame from this line or wire.
d) The laser beam must throw its light onto the face, close to the roof. If it does not, then lower or raise the back
or the front until the light is in the correct position.
Question 4
Describe the cutting cycle of a Continuous Miner?
Answer
a) Sump in at the top to a depth of 800 - 950 mm
b) Lower the stab jack to support the Continuous Miner?
c) Shear down to floor level
d) Lift the stab jack from the floor.
e) Tram the Continuous Miner backwards for ±1.5 meters to shear off any cups left on the floor.
Question 5
What are miner’s duties at the end of the shift?

a) Ensure roof-bolting is up to date.
b) Ensure stone dusting is up to date.
c) Ensure ventilation is to standard.
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d) Ensure CM operator has:
i. Withdrawn the machine to last through ventilation road.
ii. Lowered the cutter head of the machine to the floor.
iii. Switched off the power supply to the machine.
iv. Removed the cable plug.
e) Ensure main water valve to the section is turned off.
Question 6
What special safety procedures must followed when repairs are being done on a CM?

a) Repair and maintenance work must not be carried out during machine operations.
b) When it is necessary to work below the cutter boom, chain conveyor, gathering apron and bridge belt
conveyor, these must be secured so that they do not lower/fall unintentionally.
c) Do not park the machine, work or carry out repairs within a dangerous face area or under unsupported roof.
d) Work on electrical equipment must be carried out by authorized personnel only.
Question 7
What are the important points to remember points to remember when installing temporary support?
Answer
a) Only props of a type, which is listed and approved by the employer, may be used.
b) No person must be allowed to move beyond the last row of permanent support before temporary support has
been installed.
c) Temporary support must be installed before performing any work in unsupported area.
d) Install props in correct sequence from permanently supported area or solid abutment towards unsupported
area.
e) Props must not be removed until the installation of the permanent support is complete.
f) Where there is a soft roof, the props should ideally be equipped with headboards.
g) Make sure that operators are supplied with sufficient props, which are in good working order.
h) Always sound the roof from under permanent support before installing temporary support.
Question 8
What is the purpose of the stab jack on the Continuous Miner?
Answer
A stab jack is fitted towards the back of the machine beneath the conveyor boom for stabilizing purposes. This jack
is lowered to the floor to stabilize the machine when it is cutting.
Question 9
Name three reasons for cutting the splits through, before advancing the headings.
Answer
a) To bring the ventilation as close as possible to the face being worked.
b) To reduce the machine and shuttle car tramming time.
c) To reduce delays caused by cable handling.
4 GENERAL
Question 1
What are the advantages of using a CM over the normal conventional blasting method of mining?
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Answer
a) Improved safety – no damaged to surrounding strata due to blasting concussion.
b) Higher productivity – fewer people and less equipment necessary.
c) Improved supervision – coal winning operation concentrated on one face at a time.
d) Effective ventilation – ventilation can be concentrated on operating face.
e) Seam heights up to 6 metres can be mined in one operation.
Question 2
On a given plan, indicate the services and facilities required in typical CM section.
Answer
LEGEND:
A – Section conveyor and tip G – Water pipe line
S – Switchgear H – Water hoses for continuous miner & roof-bolter
C – Flexible trailing cable L - Latrines
D – Semi-flexible armored cable M - Lighting
E – Mobile transformer R – Transport road
F – Armored feeder cable T - Telephone
Question 3
Briefly explain the meaning of the following mining technology:
a) Barricade
b) Boundary pillars
c) Safety factor
d) Mining horizon
e) Fissure
f) Plant yield
g) Staple pit
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Answer
a) Barricade means any barrier, fence or obstruction set up prevent unauthorized entrance to unsafe
underground working places or abandoned area.
b) Boundary pillars are solid coal pillars, left around the boundary of a coal mine with similar functions as
barrier pillars except that they separate one mine from another.
c) Safety factor is ratio between pillar strength and pillar load.
d) Mining horizon is the section of the coal seam that is to be mined or extracted to ensure that the required
quality of coal is obtained.
e) Fissure is a narrow crack or opening in the strata through which water and gas are liberated into underground
workings.
f) Plant yield is the portion that remains when run out-of- mine coal is washed in a coal preparation plant to
get rid of the unwanted material.
g) Staple pit (box hole) in an underground shaft, usually vertical, connecting two coal seams underground for
transferring coal from one seam to the other.
Question 4
Briefly explain what is meant by the term ‘’primary support’’ and ‘’secondary support’’.
Answer
a) Primary support means the support provided by the coal left in the form of pillars to support the roof where
mining has taken place.
b) Secondary support means the use of mechanical means to support the roof during and after mining
operations (i.e. timber, roof bolts, steel, bricks, waste rock, concrete, ash, sand, etc.).
Question 5
Name the steps to be followed when changing picks on a Continuous Miner?

a) Withdraw the machine from the face so that the cutting head is under permanent supported.
b) Lower the cutting head so that it is 1m above the floor.
c) Isolate power to the machine and lock out.
d) Change blunt picks ensuring that:
i. All personnel use the necessary personal PPE.
ii. The correct tools are used.
iii. Extra safety precaution is taken when the cutting head is rotated.
e) Place the picks that have been removed (blunt picks) is designated container.
f) Place tools away.
g) Remove all persons between the face to be cut and cutting head
h) Restore the power and proceed with the cutting sequence.
Question 6
Name the negative effects arising from heading being mined offline.
Answer
a) A decrease in pillar size which will reduce the safety factor.
b) Additional extra-ordinary support must be installed.
c) Increased costs.
Question 7
How can a heading that has been mined off line be rectified?

a) Set up the laser beam in the roadway using the survey pegs.
b) Make a mark in the face or the new centre as indicated by the laser.
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c) Mark off the bord width on the side that the face allows.
d) Determine how much of the pillar must be slyped.
e) Develop the heading according to the cutting sequence until it is online.
f) Re-mark the bord width on the face on the correct centre.
4 GENERAL
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What are the disadvantages of using a CM over normal conventional blasting method of mining?
Answer
a) Poor control over coal sizing.
b) Geological disturbances can have an adverse effect on the efficient operation of the CM.
c) Mining horizon control is difficult.
Question 2
Briefly explain how a Continuous Miner/Road Header section is manned?
Answer
The number of people required to man a Continuous Miner/ Road Header section varies from mine to mine. A
typical complement of labour in a Continuous Miner/Road Header section would comprise of the following:
Miner 1
Fitter 1
Electrician 1
Artisan aides 2
CM operators 2
S/car drivers 2
Roof bolt operators 2
LHD driver 1
Tip attendant 1
General (water and ventilation) 3
Total Complement 16
Question 3
Give a brief description of the power supply to the Continuous Miner section?
Answer
The power supply to the continuous miner section is fed via the mobile section transformer which steps the 6600
volts supply down to 1000 volts for the section production equipment. A higher operating voltage is necessary
because of the larger electric motors on the continuous miner.
Question 4
Briefly explain the meaning of the following mining terminology?
a) Primary support
b) Secondary support
c) Safety pillar
d) Access way
e) Barrier pillar
f) Virgin coal
g) Mining yield
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Answer
a) Primary support means the support provided by the coal left in the form of pillars to support the roof where
mining has taken place
b) Secondary support means the use of mechanical means to support the roof during and after mining
operation e.g. roof bolts, props, cable anchors, packs, etc.
c) Safety pillar means a pillar used for the support of the surface, as well as buildings and important structures
thereon. They also support permanent excavations such as shafts and shaft bottoms to prevent vertical
ground movement.
d) Access way means any entrance or opening through which a person can gain access to any underground
area where mining operations have ceased or are still in progress.
e) Barrier pillar means solid coal pillars left around the boundary of production panels, dividing the whole mine
into separate production areas.
f) Virgin coal means unworked and untouched areas of coal where no coal mining has yet taken place.
g) Mining yield means an indication of the percentage extraction from coal winning operations.
5 PILLAR EXTRACTION (STOOPING)
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What is pillar extraction (Stooping)?
Answer
The extraction of the coal left in pillars after primary bord and pillar development.
Question 2
Name the hazards associated with stooping.
Answer
a) Removal of primary support pillar results in a goaf behind the last line of support.
b) The weight of the roof before it goafs is thrown over to the working area causing extra stress on the roof
pillars in the working area.
c) The goaf may breach the last line of support and run into the working area.
d) Due to extra stresses on the working areas, slips joints, overhangs and other poor roof conditions may require
extra support to prevent roof falls.
e) Major goafs, particularly the initial goaf of a stooping panel, can cause a large blast of air over the working
area. If the air contains accumulations of noxious or flammable gases and coal dust, the risk of an ignition
arises.
f) Spontaneous combustion of the remaining coal may occur in the goaf area.
g) Accumulations of explosives mixtures of gas may occur undetected in the goaf.
h) The collapse of the overlying strata may cause inrushes of water from the goaf.
Question 3
Explain, under the following headings, what precautions should be taken to eliminate or reduce these hazards:
a) Extra support
b) Ventilation
Answer
a) Extra support
i. The panel should be designed to a higher safety factor than normal, in the region of +2,0 for primary
development
ii. During primary development the bords would have been supported with roof bolts installed according to
the systematic support system laid down for the section.
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iii. During pillar extraction additional support in the form of breaker lines must be installed along the goaf
edge to protect the persons and machinery and to control the roof collapse.
iv. These breaker lines are general single wooden props with headboard. The regulations require that it must
be a double row of props with headboards set and maintained in good order and condition between the
goaf edge all places where persons have to travel or work. The two rows of props must not be more than
one metre apart, nor must the props in each row be more than one metre apart and each row must
terminate not more than one metre from the solid coal pillar or the working face as the case may be.
v. This is minimum requirement and support density will be increased if the roof conditions require additional
support. The fenders of coal also assist in supporting the roof.
b) Ventilation
Pillar extraction sections generally require more air per ton of coal broken than developments sections. Faces
are more difficult to ventilate and gas emission is often increased by goafing. Splitting or coursing ventilation
systems are used and faces are ventilated in three ways:
i. Coursing the ventilation along the working faces in similar manner to the development section.
ii. Intake air entering the section in the centre, splitting left and right, coursing along the working faces and
returning via the return airways in the left and right barrier roads.
Coursing
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Splitting
iii. Bleeding the return air or portion thereof, through the goaf itself to an established return airways behind
the goaf. During development one road on either side of the panel is utilized as a return airway when pillar
extraction commences one of these return airways is turned into a bleeder road by leaving a line of pillars
intact, adjacent to the barrier pillar.
iv. Approximately 15% of the section intake air is allowed to bleed over the goaf and through the bleeder
road to the return airway. The remainder of the ventilation returns via the normal section return.
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a) In addition to good ventilation controls stone dust must be applied and stone dust barriers erected as per the
mine COP.
b) Continuous gas monitoring instruments are often are often placed in strategic places to warn of any gas
accumulation.
Question 4
Briefly describe the pocket and fender method of pillar extraction (stooping)
Answer
Method 1
In one method the pillar is extracted by taking oblique cuts into the pillar. In addition to breaker lines, finger lines
are installed in the centre of each complete cut. A finger line consists of a single line props with head-boards, 1.5m
apart, extending obliquely across the existing roadway up to 1.5m from the face.
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Procedure
a) Breaker lines BL1 and BL2 are installed when the previous pillar is extracted
b) Finger lines FL1 and FL2 are installed before extraction commences
c) Cut 1 is made and FL3 is installed whilst cut no. 2 is being made
d) Whilst making cut 3m FL 4 is installed and whilst making cut 4 FL5 is installed.
e) When cut 4 is completed. The CM must wait until FL6 has been installed before making cut 5
f) On completion of cut 5, the CM is trammed to the next pillar and breaker lines BL3 and BL4 are installed
g) Breaker lines BL1 and BL2 and all finger lines are then removed
METHOD 2 (Typical example)

The pillar is split into two fenders by a 6m wide pocket development through the centre of the pillar. The pillars are
always split perpendicular to the goaf line and fender adjacent to the goaf is extracted first. Only in cases where
roof problems are experienced in the roadway parallel to the goaf line will a pillar be split and extracted parallel to
the goaf line. Systematic roof support is installed in the pocket development if necessary and a breaker line is
installed where the development breaks through into the goaf (BL2).
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Breaker Line BL1 is installed on the extraction of the previous pillar, and BL2 is installed when the pocket
development breaks through into the goaf. The fender is then extracted without installing any further breaker line.
If any deterioration of the roof in the intersection occurs, additional roof bolts are installed in the intersection.
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MODULE 4
LONG-WALL SECTION
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1 EQUIPMENT
Question 1
Give a brief description of a shearer and its operation
Answer
a) A shearer is a double-ended ranging drum machine designed to cut the coal seam in one pass along the
face.
b) This pass is called a web.
c) The two cutting drum diameters are determined by the seam height to be cut, a double rotation pick and
sleeve arrangement is fitted to the pick boxes which are welded onto the vanes of the cutter drum.
d) The vanes are designed to move the cut coal away from the face and onto the Armored Flexible Conveyor
(AFC).
e) The shearer machine is hauled along the face by the way of rack wheels driven by two traction motors fitted
to the main gate and tail gate sides of the machine, the teeth of the rack wheels engage into the rack bars
installed on the goaf side of the AFC on the face side of the spill plates.
f) The trapping shoes hold the shearer in position on the pans.
g) A modern shearer operated at full speed can obtain the cutting speeds of up to 22 meters per minute.
Question 2
Give a brief description of an Armored Flexible Conveyor (AFC)
Answer
a) An Armored Flexible Conveyor (AFC) consist of line pans, re-router pans and ramp pans grading up to the
main and tail gate drive frames.
b) The pans are 1.5 meters long and are join together with the dog bones fitted to face the goaf sides of the
pans, which allows the flexibility necessary when pushing over the AFC.
c) Modern pans are closed at the bottom by means of a plate, which necessitates the installation of inspection
pans, normally every sixth pan.
d) The purpose of the inspection pan is to allow access in the event of the AFC chain breaking on the bottom.
e) The AFC chain itself is driven by the main and tail drive motors and gearboxes via toothed sprockets, the
teeth of which enter the link on the chain.
f) A twin chain inboard assembly is used with the flight bars installed at 1 meter spacing.
g) The flight bars are held in position on the pan by the top and bottom sigma sections.
Question 3
State three purposes that the AFC serves
Answer
a) It loads and carries the coal cut by the shearer
b) It carries the shearer used to cut the coal
c) It acts as an anchor when advancing the face support
Question 4
What is a typical chain speed of an AFC and what peak production rates can it achieve?
Answer
A typical chain speed of an AFC is 1.3 meters per second and it is capable of peak production rates of up to 2000
tons per hour.
Question 5
Why is the chain tension on the AFC extremely important?
110
Answer
Incorrect chain tension can cause damage to the chain and lead to considerable production losses.
Question 6
Briefly describe the face supports used on a long-wall face?

a) The roof of the long-wall face is supported by hydraulically powered supports. A typical support is designed
to hold up to 875 tons and numerous design configurations are available depending on the seam height, the
roof and goafing characteristics of the seam to be mined.
b) Modern support can be electro-hydraulically operated with shearer initiation being used on some faces.
Question 7
Describe how the supports (chocks) are attached to the pan line?

The supports are normally spaced 1.5 meters and are attached to the pan line via a clevis pin through a nosepiece
attached to the relay bar and clevises welded onto the pan line.
Question 8
Describe how the supports (chocks) are advanced to the face after the shearer has passed?

A relay bar is attached to a double acting ram, which pushes over the AFC after the shearer has passed. In order
to advance the support, it is lowered and the double acting ram is put in the pull mode and the support is pulled in
and set against the roof.
Question 9
Briefly describe the stage loader?
Answer
a) The design is very similar to the AFC with the addition of a goose neck to elevate the discharge end of the
stage loader.
b) A crusher is often integrated onto the stage loader to deal with slabs, which typically slab from the face in
high seam operations.
c) The stage loader can either straddle the belt conveyor, or more typically on modern faces with high capacity
loop take up arrangements on the belt conveyor drives.
d) The tail pulley or tail end is hydraulically steered.
Question 10
What is the function of the stage loader?
Answer
The basic function of the stage loader is to collect the coal from the AFC, transfer the flow through 90 degrees and
to lift the coal flow to a suitable height for transferring it onto the belt conveyor system.
Question 11 [Code of Practice]

Explain how the tail end of the conveyor is attached to the stage loader?
Answer
a) The tail end of the conveyor belt is attached to the stage loader, which allows the stage loader to be pushed
over while production on the face is maintained.
b) The tail pulley or the tail end itself is hydraulically steered to allow training of the belt as the face is advanced.
c) Typically 50 metres of retreat is possible before slack is removed from the conveyor belt.
111
Question 12
Describe a typical pantechnicon on a modern long-wall face?

The pantechnicon on a modern long-wall face consists of the following items linked together:
a) 4 x Cable skids
b) 1 x Control skid
c) 1 x LC 33 Switchgear skid
d) 1 x TD 33 Switchgear skid
e) 1 x Toolbox skid
f) 1 x Lubricator skid
g) 1 x Filtration skid
h) 1 x Hydraulic pump skid (inbye)
i) 1 x Soluble oil tank
j) 1 x Hydraulic pump skid (out-bye)
k) 1 x Tool safe skid
l) 1 x Self Rescuer skid
m) 1 x Spares skid
n) 1 x Sub assembly skid
o) 2 x Transformer skids
p) 1 x Slack feed cable basket skid
q) 1 x Staker unit
1 EQUIPMENT
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
Name the equipment required to operate a long-wall section?

a) Shearer
b) Armored Flexible Conveyor (AFC)
c) Face supports
d) Stage loader
e) Pantechnicon
f) Belt conveyor system
Question 2
What function does the pantechnicon serve?

The pantechnicon basically powers the face units, supplies the hydraulics for the face and houses all the necessary
capacity for maintaining the face in the form of spares and the tools necessary to carry out the repairs.
Question 3
Describe what will happen when the AFC is started?
Answer
On starting the AFC, the tailgate-drive starts first in order to tighten the bottom chain and prevent slack chain from
falling into the path of the stage loader chain. The main drive motor starts up at the determined delayed interval.
Question 4
What size motor is used on the main drive of the AFC?
112
Answer
375 – 525Kw and dual speed.
Question 5
What is the primary function of the AFC?
Answer
To convey the coal along the face to an intermediate haulage unit, called a stage loader, which is positioned in the
main-gate at 90 degrees to the long-wall face.
Question 6
What is the main function of the stage loader?
Answer
The stage loader is a chain conveyor with a crusher, which sizes the coal and ensures its orderly transfer onto the
section conveyor.
Question 7
What hydraulic fluid is used to power the supports (chocks)?
Answer
The hydraulic fluid used to power the supports is typically a solution of 1% to 5% soluble oil and 95% to 99% water
at a pressure of 30 MPa (Mega Pascal)
NOTE: 1bar = 100kPa

300 bar = 30 000kPa = 30MPa
Question 8
Why is a dye added to the hydraulic fluid?
Answer
The soluble solution has a dye added which allows leaks to be readily identified on the system.
2 INITIAL EXAMINATION AND VENTILATION
Question 1
What must the miner examine in the main gate on arrival in the section?

a) Examine the roof and side-wall from the pantechnicon to the face.
b) Bar down loose coal and install support if necessary.
c) Test for flammable gas (CH4).
d) Measure the ventilation flow using a velometer, the calibration of which is tested in the lamp-room prior to
going underground.
e) Check that all brattices are in position and effectively sealed.
f) Ensure that the roof is supported according to the mine support rule.
g) Check tail end for cleanliness and the area in front of the face for tramp metal or objects which could damage
the belt.
h) Check the position of the creep gauge relative to the painted centerline of the roadway.
113
Question 2
What would the miner typically delegate to his/her crew after satisfying himself/herself that the main gate area is
safe?

a) The stage loader attendant to check the operation of the tail end and run the belt at least one full revolution
to check the belt joints.
b) Change shearer picks and the fitter to check AFC chain tension.
c) Removal of belt structure.
d) Check main gate cables visually for damage and clearance.
Question 3
What checks would a miner conduct in the face from the main gate through to the tail gate?

a) Test for flammable gas every 10 chocks with a flammable gas measuring instrument.
b) Check the functioning of the airview velocity monitor by checking the velocity with the velometer and
comparing it with the reading obtained in the control room.
c) Check the roof throughout the face.
d) Visually check cables for damage.
e) On arrival in tail gate check the condition of the roof and existing support.
f) Test for Methane and note the reading at the airview and Trollex sensor head.
g) Check in front of the AFC for tramp metal or objects, which could be pick up by the AFC or shearer.
h) While the miner is checking the AFC, the electrician can check the calibration on the Trollex Methane System.
After completion of checking the AFC, the miner can start up the AFC and proceed to the main gate.
i) Reports the findings of the initial examination to the control room and starts up the face.
Question 4
What velocity is considered to be adequate on a long-wall face?

Two metres per second
Question 5
Name and describe two methods of bleeding methane from the goaf in a long-wall panel?

a) Bleeder boreholes are normally drilled 250 metres apart above the coal seam and can yield high volumes
of methane. They are usually fitted with a water trap and are sealed when they downcast, or if the percentage
yielded is less than 35%.
b) Bleeder roads can be used to keep the tail gate area clear of methane while extracting inter panel pillars.
This method uses a pre-erected double line of packs 1m apart which forms a return/bleeder road for the
panel. Both the main and tail gates are intakes, with the higher intake quantity of ±15m³/s on the main gate
side and 5m³/s on the tail gate side. This ensures a face velocity of 2m/s.
Question 6
Describe a typical methane monitoring system employed in a long-wall face other than a hand held methane
monitor?

A typical methane monitoring system is a dual system with two sensor heads located on a support canopy close to
the tail gate motor, set to alarm at 0.8 to 1% of methane. One system alarms at the control skid and the other
system alarms in the control room on surface.
114
Question 7
Why is ventilation controls so critical on a long-wall face?
Answer
The goaf at times hang up for long distances and methane can accumulate in high concentrations in this void. When
it does goaf the displacement of air pushes this gas into the working face. It is therefore very important to bleed off
the gas by way of the methods mentioned above in order to ensure a safe working environment.
Question 8
With the aid of a long-wall section plan, illustrate a typical ventilation system.
Answer
115
3 MINING TECHNIQUES
Question 1
What is meant by the term “Bi-directional preparation (Bi-Di)” in the main gate?
Answer
a) When the shearer cuts out in the main gate the AFC is pushed over, normally 12 supports behind the
machine.
b) The machine then cuts back towards the tail gate until the drums of the machine are fully sumped into the
coal face.
c) The pans are then pushed over between the machine and the main gate and the machine is again cut out in
the main gate.
d) The supports are then advanced and set from the tail gate side, the shearer is then cut back towards the tail
gate.
e) This prepares the face for a web to be cut from the main gate to tail gate, hence the term Bi-Di, which is short
for bi-directional preparation.
Question 2
What are the most important controls to be exercised when cutting a web with a shearer?
Answer
a) Horizon control.
b) Face alignment control.
Question 3
Why is horizon control important?
Answer
a) Steps cut in the floor result in the AFC pans forming humps which can be so severe that it can cause damage
to the shearer and AFC pans.
b) A step in the floor result in the supports becoming iron bound (i.e. unable to be raised or lowered or to be
advanced, because they become wedged between the roof and the floor).
c) Steps are common cause of double acting ram failures.
Question 4
Why is face alignment critical on a long-wall face?
Answer
a) A face with bends causes excessive wear to the pans and flight bars of the AFC.
b) The goaf on a long-wall face breaks immediately behind the support canopies if the face is bent or lagging
to such an extent that a straight line encroaches onto the face side of the support. Roof falls and face breaks
can occur.
Question 5
What is face creep?
Answer
It is a tendency for the face to become skew, either towards the main gate or tail gate side and, if not arrested, can
cause the main gate frame to crash into the rib side either in the main gate or tail gate.
Question 6
How is face creep controlled?
116
Answer
By measuring from the centre line in the main gate, using a gauge attached to the main gate frame. The
measurement of the distance from the centre line either to the main gate or tail gate side is plotted on a plan and
the creep can be monitored and remedial action implemented before it becomes a serious problem.
Question 7
If it is necessary to creep the face towards the main gate, give two methods of doing so?
Answer
a) Take wedge cuts on the tail gate side if it is necessary to creep the face quickly towards the main gate
b) When pushing over the AFC do so only from the tail gate side when cutting in both directions.
Question 8
With the information given below, calculate the following:
a) Tons per web
b) Tons per minute
c) Tons per shift
Effective cutting rate = 240 minute/shift

Rated cutting capacity of shearer = 12 metres/minute
Web factor = 0.7 metres
Time taken to cut one web = 27 minutes
Mining height = 1.9 metres
Face length = 200 metres
Relative density = 1.5
Answer
a) Tons per web = Mining Height x Face length x Web factor x Relative density
= 1.9 x 200 x 0.7 x 1.5
= 399 tons
b) Tons per minute = Tons per web ÷ Time taken to cut one web
= 399 ÷ 27
= 14.8 tons (15 tons)
c) Tons per shift = Effective cutting rate x Tons per minute

= 240 x 15
= 3600 tons
3 MINING TECHNIQUES
B CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What are the advantages of the retreat mining method used in long-wall mining?
Answer
a) Developing around the proposed mining area reduces the risk of encountering unknown geological hazards.
b) Panel development is separated from the production processes, leading to a simpler face operation.
c) Risk of spontaneous combustion is greatly reduced and the control and sealing off of the panel is simplified.
d) Salvage of the face equipment is more rapid and complete as the face finishes close to the main transport
system.
117
Question 2
What is the main disadvantage of the retreat mining method used in longwall mining?
Answer
The main disadvantage is low productivity during panel development. The introduction continuous miners, capable
of achieving high production rates in two or three road development sections has, however, largely overcome this
problem.
Question 3
On the given plan, describe a typical retreat long-wall face?
Answer
A – Hydraulic roof supports

B – Armored flexible conveyor
C - Shearer
D – Stage loader
E – Section Belt Conveyor
F – Main gate
G – Intake airway
H – Return airway
I – Tail gate
118
Question 4
Name the essential services that are required on the long-wall face?
Answer
a) Power supply
b) Signal and communication
c) Hydraulic fluid supply
Question 5
Describe the power supply from the section transformer to the machines?
Answer
Power for the machines is supplied from the section transformer through to the switchgear and via separate cables
to the electrically powered machines, which improves performance by reducing voltage-drop effects.
Question 6
Describe where the main electrical switchgear should be situated in a longwall section?
Answer
The main electrical switch gear is mounted on the energy and services pantechnicon situated alongside the stage
loader and section belt conveyor in the main gate.
Question 7
Describe a typical energy and services pantechnicon?
Answer
Due to the high rate of face advance the service equipment has to be continually moved. Hence, all the equipment
i.e. hydraulic pump station, switchgear, compressors etc. are mounted on a mobile energy services pantechnicon
situated alongside the stage loader and section belt conveyor in the main gate.
Question 8
Briefly explain the sequence of face operations in a long-wall section?
Answer
a) The single or double drum shearer, mounted on top of the AFC, shears the coal off the face, in 0.70 to 1
meter webs, from the main gate to the tail gate and back again (bi-directional cutting).
b) The cut coal is directed by the shearer drum onto the AFC and transported along the face and discharged
onto the stage loader.
c) The stage loader, equipped with an in-line crusher to size the coal, discharges the coal onto the section
conveyor for ultimate delivery, via the underground conveyor system, to surface of the mine.
d) The immediate roof strata are supported by hydraulic powered supports.
e) After each web all the equipment is moved forward. In this manner the longwall face retreats back along the
pre-developed chain roads, removing the block of coal between them and allowing the roof to cave behind
the supports.
Question 9
Describe a typical labour complement required for a longwall face using a single or double drum shearer.
Answer
Face boss (miner, section supervisor) 1
Stage loader operator 1
Shearer operators 2
Roof support operators 3
Roof support mechanic 1
119
Electrician 1
Fitter 1
General worker 1
Total Complement 11
Question 10
Briefly explain the factors that would influence the rate of production in a long-wall section.
Answer
a) Web width
b) Cutting speed
c) Length of face
d) Seam height
e) Effective production time
Question 1
What are the requirements of the Regulations regarding the appointment of an operator of a self-propelled mobile
machine?

No person must drive or cause or permit any other person to drive any self-propelled mobile machine which is under
the control of the manager, on private property, in or at a mine or at a works, unless such a person has been
authorized thereto by the manager, mine overseer or competent person appointed in terms of regulation 2.13.1,
2.13.2 or 2.13.3.
Question 2
When do the Regulations require an operator of a self-propelled mobile machine to be re-tested?

Whenever a person has been authorized to drive a self-propelled mobile machine has for any reason whatsoever,
not driven such a machine for a period of 180 days or longer, such person may be authorized again to drive such
a machine.
Question 3
What are the requirements of the Regulations regarding joints on trailing cables?

Question 4
What are the operator’s duties regarding flammable gas?

At every fiery coal mine the operator of any electrical drilling, cutting, breaking or loading machine must:
a) Be instructed and found competent in testing for flammable gas
b) Test for the presence of flammable gas in any underground working place before such an electrical machine
is taken into it
120
c) By means of a flammable gas warning device continuously monitor the atmosphere in the working place,
where such an electrical machine is in operation.
Question 5
What are the operators duties if a concentration of more than one comma four parts per hundred by volume of
flammable gas is detected in a working place in a coal mine where electrical machines are used?

If the atmosphere in any underground working place in any fiery coal mine contains more than one comma four
parts per hundred by volume of flammable gas either after the entry into that working place of an electrical machine
or during its operation, the operator must cut off the electrical power supply to that working place forthwith and
report to the ganger or miner in charge.
Question 6
What are the requirements regarding dust control at machines used for ripping, picking, cutting, drilling or loading

In the workings of every mine, every machine for ripping, cutting, drilling or loading rock, coal or other minerals
must be fitted with means, or means must be provided either for applying water effectively to prevent dust being
created by the operation of such machine, or for effectively trapping such dust by some suitable apparatus approved
by the employer in consultation with the manufacturer or supplier.
Question 7
What are the operator’s duties regarding flexible trailing cables?

The operator of an electrically driven coal cutter or other mobile or portable electric machine served by a flexible
cable must take all reasonable measures to safeguard the flexible cable against damage and must report
immediately to the ganger or miner in charge any damage or defect such operator may observe in the cable. The
operator must not leave such a machine while it is working and must, before leaving the section, ensure that the
power supply to the flexible cable is cut off.
Question 8
What are the requirements regarding examinations of flexible trailing cables?

Every flexible trailing cable in use in the section must be examined at the beginning and at least once in the course
of each shift by the ganger or miner in charge or by a competent person appointed by the manager. If any such
cable is damaged or becomes defective, its use must forthwith be discontinued. Such a cable must not be further
used until after it has been sent to the surface and it has been properly repaired.
Question 9
What are the requirements regarding the supply of water in the workings of every controlled mine?

In the workings of every mine an adequate supply of clear and odorless water must be provided for dust allaying
purposes. Such water must be provided in pipes no less than 25mm diameter at a working pressure of not less
than 150 kilopascals when all sprays, jets and other appliances supplied from the same pipe are being operated.
121

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Learners/Examiners Guide

Assessment and Certification

Holders for Fiery Mines

SECTION 1 : Introduction Page 3

SECTION 2 : Syllabi Page 4

SECTION 3 : Assessment Guidelines (MQA Principles) Page 12

SECTION 4 : Assessment Score Sheets Page 13

SECTION 5 : Questions and Model Answers Page 14

Module 1: Generic Section Page 15

Module 2: Blasting Section Page 55

Module 3: Continuous Miner Section Page 86

Module 4: Long-Wall Mining Section Page 109

ASSESSMENT SCORE SHEET

QUESTIONS AND MODEL ANSWERS

GENERAL RULES FOR EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT

Examinations/Assessments are to be conducted in accordance with this guide.

BLASTING CERTIFICATE FOR FIERY MINES

MODULE 1: GENERIC SECTION

4 MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

6 START OF SHIFT PROCEDURES

MODULE 2: BLASTING SECTION

MODULE 3: CONTINUOUS MINER SECTION

2 INITIAL EXAMINATION AND VENTILATION

Candidates have the right to assessment in the language of their choice,

4.1 COMPULSORY QUESTIONS

4.2 CHOICE QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS AND MODEL ANSWERS

MODULE 1: GENERIC SECTION

MODULE 2: BLASTING SECTION

MODULE 3: CONTINUOUS MINER SECTION

MODULE 4: LONG-WALL MINING SECTION

Answer [MA Definitions]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

1 FLAME PROOF EQUIPMENT

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [MHSA Regulation 3.25]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

3 VENTILATION AND DUST

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [MA Regulations Definitions]

Answer [MHSA Regulation 9.1(3) and Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

b) Split ventilation system

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [MHSA Regulation 5.1(1)(a) and Code of Practice]

3 VENTILATION AND DUST

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

Answer [Code of Practice]

4 MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

Answer [MHSA Section 1]

Answer [MHSA Section 22]

Answer [MHSA Section 23]