A number of notifications for methane levels greater than 2.0% by volume have been reported from underground coal mine operations in NSW, the MSU said in its latest safety summary.
In another incident an employee received a reported electric shock while using a magnetic drill to install a cover plate on a hydrator mixer – possible because of a faulty drill or base.
Portable tools and extension leads used by a mine are to be routinely tested and an inspection tag attached, the MSU said.
As part of pre-start inspections, equipment and leads without an in-date tag must be tagged out of service and not used. Consideration should be given to the use of battery powered tools over low voltage (240V) tools and permanent magnet over 240V electro-magnetic drill bases.
