The Coal and Other Safety-Lamp Mines (Explosives) Regulations 1993

Firedamp in the general body of the air

19.—(1) Where any shotfirer or any person having immediate control of any mining operations being carried on in any part of the mine finds or has reported to him the presence of firedamp in a concentration of or greater than 1.25 per cent by volume in the general body of the air he shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that–

(a) the charging of shotholes or firing of shots ceases immediately at–

(i) the place where firedamp in the above concentration was found to be present, and

(ii) any part of the return side of that place which is within the same district or part of a mine as that place;

(b) the person for the time being in charge of the mine is informed forthwith; and

(c) if the concentration of firedamp in the general body of the air cannot be reduced below 1.25 per cent by volume, appropriate precautions are taken to prevent danger arising from any shothole situated at the place referred to in subparagraph (a)(i) of this paragraph which has been charged but not fired.

(2) Where the person for the time being in charge of the mine has the presence of firedamp reported to him in accordance with paragraph (1)(b) he shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that–

(a) the charging of shotholes and the firing of shots are prohibited in any part of the mine ventilated by such air as has been found to contain firedamp in a concentration of or greater than 1.25 per cent by volume in its general body;

(b) any charging of shotholes or firing of shots which has ceased in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) or which has been prohibited in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this paragraph is not resumed or, as the case may be, does not take place until he has–

(i) satisfied himself that such resumption or taking place is safe, and

(ii) authorised such resumption or taking place; and

(c) the circumstances are reported to the manager.

(3) The manager shall notify the Health and Safety Executive forthwith whenever the charging of shotholes or firing of shots ceases or is prohibited in accordance with this regulation.