Mine Safety and Emergency Response

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Questions and Answers

At what angle do avalanches rarely start?

More than 45°

What type of snow is most common in winter after storms?

Dry powder snow

What is a characteristic of Loose Snow Avalanches?

They require snow with poor cohesion

What triggers Slab Avalanches?

Poor cohesion between snow layers Signup and view all the answers

What is an environmental factor that affects snow conditions?

Wind Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of natural trigger for avalanches?

New snow Signup and view all the answers

What type of avalanches are common in spring and summer?

Wet snow avalanches Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Slab Avalanches?

They involve a slab of fairly cohesive snow Signup and view all the answers

What happens to persons exposed to household voltages?

They may suffer a muscle spasm and become locked-on to the electrical source Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of fires involving electrical equipment?

Presence of combustible materials Signup and view all the answers

What happens at very high voltages, such as from power lines?

The casualty is often quickly blown clear of the circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with electrical arcs?

Serious eye damage from ultraviolet rays Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of exposure to a low voltage current?

Many electrical fatalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the voltage on the body?

It pushes the current through the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical nature of electrical equipment in normal operating conditions?

Safe Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if someone is exposed to an electrical source for a relatively long period?

They may suffer serious internal damage Signup and view all the answers

How many provinces or territories are mentioned in the manual as areas where mine rescue teams operate?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of mine rescuers in an emergency response?

Ensuring their own safety and the safety of their team Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of this manual?

To demonstrate the basic equipment, procedures, practices, and principles of mine rescue Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not performing mine rescue properly?

Mine rescue can be dangerous work Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mine officials in the event of an emergency?

To be familiar with their roles and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in becoming a mine rescue team member?

Reading this manual and training course Signup and view all the answers

What type of incident is mentioned in the manual as a potential response for mine rescue teams?

Electrical fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mine rescue teams' training and practice?

It enables them to come back safe and sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the most dangerous type of avalanche?

Simultaneous avalanche over a large area Signup and view all the answers

Who plays a crucial role in the successful rescue of a person buried in an avalanche?

Unburied survivors Signup and view all the answers

When crossing an avalanche track, what should you do to prepare?

Tighten your clothing and smaller packs Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required equipment for every avalanche rescuer?

Probe, Avalanche transceiver, and Shovel Signup and view all the answers

When traveling on ice, what should be tested frequently in various locations?

The thickness of the ice Signup and view all the answers

What type of ice requires careful consideration when traveling on it?

River or lake ice with movement of water beneath Signup and view all the answers

What determines the strength of the ice when traveling on it?

The smallest thickness of the ice Signup and view all the answers

Why should you assign a spotter at the top and bottom of the track when crossing an avalanche track?

To agree on a warning signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinctive odour of hydrogen cyanide?

Bitter almonds Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature does hydrogen cyanide condense to a liquid?

-26°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the explosive range of hydrogen cyanide?

5.6%–40% Signup and view all the answers

How is hydrogen cyanide formed?

Reaction of hydrochloric acid on cyanide compounds Signup and view all the answers

Where may hydrogen cyanide occur?

Concentrator areas where cyanide is used as a reagent in the milling of gold ore Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hydrogen cyanide on the human body?

It interferes with the normal use of oxygen by nearly every organ of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a low concentration of hydrogen cyanide on humans?

Minor symptoms such as weakness and giddiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the IDLH of hydrogen cyanide?

>50 PPM Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mine Rescue

Every mine must maintain a mine rescue team to ensure the safety of workers and property in B.C., Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Mine Rescue teams have responded to incidents and disasters in northern and western Canada for over a century.

Avalanche Response

Avalanches can be triggered by natural events (new snow, temperature changes, sun, rain, thawing) or human activities (explosives, working on a slope, mobile equipment, recreational activities).
Two types of avalanches:
- Loose Snow Avalanches: dry powder snow or wet snow, confined to surface layers, relatively small.
- Slab Avalanches: cohesive layers of snow, poorly bonded, breaks off along a fracture line, most dangerous.

Avalanche Safety

To cross an avalanche track:
- Select the shortest possible route high on the slope or low in the run-out zone.
- Plan an escape route.
- Wear protective gear (mitts, hats, tight clothing).
- Assign a spotter at the top and bottom of the track and agree on a warning signal.
- Cross quickly, maintaining space between rescuers.

Avalanche Rescue Gear

Minimum required equipment:
- Probe
- Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
- Shovel

Ice Travel

Testing ice thickness is crucial for safe travel on frozen lakes and rivers.
Table 3.1 indicates the weight that will be supported by varying thicknesses of clear blue lake-ice.

Electrical Emergencies

Exposure to electricity can cause muscle spasms, electrical shock, and cardiac arrest.
Voltage, current, and frequency affect the severity of electrical injuries.
Special considerations for electrical emergencies include combustible materials and faulty electrical equipment.

Gas and Chemical Symbol: Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Properties: colorless, tasteless gas with a distinctive odor of bitter almonds.
Formation: reaction of hydrochloric acid on cyanide compounds, such as potassium/sodium cyanide.
Effects on humans: fast-acting and deadly poison, causes paralysis of the respiratory system and chemical asphyxiation.
Physiological effects:
- 0-20 PPM: may detect odor, minor symptoms.
- 20-50 PPM: restlessness, increased respiratory rate, weakness, giddiness, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, headache.
- >50 PPM: immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

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