ISRP 2002 Abstract

ISRP 2002 abstract

Presenter/author

Title

Abstract

Kravitz, Jeffery

Special Projects and Mine Emergency Operations, MSHA, US Department of Labor, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, USA

The Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus during a Prolonged Mine Disaster Response and Safeguards Required to Protect Rescue Team Members from Biological Hazards

On September 23, 2001 the worst American coal mine disaster in 17 years occurred at the Jim Walter Resources, Inc. No. 5 mine located in Brookwood Alabama. The explosion claimed the lives of 13 miners. Mine rescue teams from Jim Walters Resources, Inc., Pittsburg and Midway, the State of Alabama, Drummond Coal Company, U.S. Steel Mine Co., LLC, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration worked tirelessly for over 3 months to recover their fellow miners. The mine rescue teams accumulated over 33,000 man-hours under oxygen, in irrespirable atmospheres, often experiencing severe heat stress, high humidity, high water, and numerous obstacles.

This paper discusses the physiological impact of the atmosphere and how self-contained breathing apparatus, in conjunction with monitoring and prevention strategies were successfully used to recover the bodies of the victims and the mine. We will also discuss special safeguards put in place during this operation to protect team members from biological hazards that may have existed due to blood borne pathogens and decay of the bodies.