THE QUEENSLAND Mines Inspectorate has issued a warning after a Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) failed to activate correctly during an emergency exercise.
The Level 2 Emergency Exercise at an underground coal mine had stipulated the use of the SCSR unit, which was at the end of its service life. When the wearer extended the breathing bag to activate the unit, a plug within the bag failed to dislodge from one side of the canister, causing a blockage in the breathing circuit.
The plug dislodged when the pressurised exhalation side of the breathing bag was squeezed. The wearer then put on the unit and used it to evacuate the mine as instructed by the exercise.
The SCSR unit could be used for the forty minutes needed to evacuate the mine, despite its malfunction. At the end of the exercise, the breathing bag was cut open and inspected.
Inspectors found the plug from the exhaust side of the canister had been detached from the nipple spigot on the breathing bag. Dust was present in the bottom of the breathing bag and on the plate inside the canister.
They concluded the spigot on the breathing bag had not been correctly inserted into the plug, resulting in blockage, and the dust in the canister came about due to the deterioration of chemical granules over time.
Although in this case, the malfunction meant the SCSR could still be used, the Mines Inspectorate recommends all mines batch-test their units by taking a representative sample and activating them to ensure they are operating correctly.
If malfunctions are encountered, the manufacturer and supplier of the unit, as well as the Inspectorate should be informed.

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