Ventilacion

UNDERGROUND VENTILATION (METALLIFERROUS MINES)

GUIDELINE

MOSHAB Approved

December 1997

Document No: ZED569LF

Department of Minerals and Energy Document No. ZED569LF

Underground Ventilation (Metalliferrous Mines) Guideline

CONTENTS
Page

FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................... 21.0

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 3

2.0

LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS (WA) ................................................................ 4

3.0

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................ 4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Primary Ventilation................................................................................... 4 Primary Intake .......................................................................................... 6 Secondary Ventilation .............................................................................. 8 General Planning and Operating Practice.............................................. 10

4.0

SPECIFICHAZARDS........................................................................................... 10 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Gas Emissions ....................................................................................... 10 Oxygen Depletion................................................................................... 12 Blasting Fumes...................................................................................... 13 Summary................................................................................................ 13

Issued: December 1997 Version 1.0

Page 1

Underground Ventilation (Metalliferrous Mines) Guideline

Department of Minerals and Energy Do c u m e n t N o . Z E D 5 6 9 L F

FOREWORD
This Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) guideline is issued to assist in theunderstanding of underground ventilation in metalliferrous mines, and to provide guidance, at the practical level, on essential design aspects and operating practice.

It is not a comprehensive technical document and does not deal in detail with ventilation practice for specific tasks or operating procedures.

The procedures outlined in the body of this guideline are not regulations, andcompliance with them is not mandatory. However, adherence to the procedures indicated should

ensure a high level of worker health protection. Procedures different from those set out in the guideline may also be acceptable.

Comments on, and suggestions for, improvements to the guideline are encouraged. The guideline will be revised as appropriate, to accommodate comments and to take account of newinformation on improvements in technology and operational experience.

This is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Its publication on floppy disk means the contents may be subject to amendment and therefore can not be guaranteed.

The controlled version of this guideline is available in the Guidelines database in EXIS (External Information System). Registration to EXIS is free. For details regarding EXIScontact:

Mining Operations Division Department of Minerals and Energy 100 Plain Street EAST PERTH WA 6004

TEL:

(08) 9222 3095

FAX: (08) 9325 2280

Page 2

Issued: December 1997 Version 1.0

Department of Minerals and Energy Document No. ZED569LF

Underground Ventilation (Metalliferrous Mines) Guideline

1.0

INTRODUCTION

Ventilation in an underground mine is ofcritical importance to the occupational health and safety of underground employees.

The atmosphere underground is limited and confined, and is thus readily reduced to a substandard (or even dangerous) condition if contaminants produced in the course of operations are not controlled, or safely extracted or diluted to harmless levels.

The contaminants may include dust, aerosols, diesel fumes and...