HSE publishes new study on mine rescue arrangements and guidance on support systems in coal mines

HSE Press Release E155:02 - 2 August 2002

A new study looking at alternative options for mines rescue arrangements and assessing their relative merits for the future coal mining industry, has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The study examines current mines rescue structures and organisation around the world along with a range of other emergency and rescue service functions in the UK.

Consideration was given to the geographic spread of mines; probable future for coal production; costs of rescue provision; and the potential for other countries' rescue structures to meet existing UK legislative requirements.

This report, by International Mining Consultants, and the work it describes were funded by the HSE. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

The latest in a series of booklets giving guidance on the design of ground control measures and their safe use in coal mines has also been published by the HSE.

This booklet covers free-standing supports, including: props, bars, arches or chocks; hydraulic props; powered roof supports and packing or stowing of excavated areas. Rockbolts and cablebolts were covered in previous guidance booklets.

It is aimed at owners, managers, safety reps, and at people whose duties include the assessment, design, supervision, monitoring, installation or withdrawal of free-standing supports.

Following this guidance means that people will normally be doing enough to comply with the Mines (Control of Ground Movement) Regulations 1999 and its associated Approved Code of Practice when free-standing support systems are used to keep the roof and sides of underground coal mine working places and roadways secure.

• The June edition of Quarry Fact File with a special feature on Worker representatives: reduce accidents and ill health is now available from the HSE.

Copies of Guidance on the design, installation and use of free-standing support systems (including powered supports) in coal mines, ISBN 0 7176 2128 6, price £11, are available from HSE Books.

Mines rescue arrangements: Future options (CRR 448/2002) is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/noframes/crr/index.htm

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