PPE Canary Mine Gases: Questions and Answers

 

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Translation:
Mine Gas Charts linked below
Coal     M/NM 

✔Carbon Dioxide ✔Carbon Monoxide ✔Diffusion of Gases
✔Hydrogen ✔Hydrogen Sulfide ✔Methane
✔Mine Damps ✔Miscellaneous ✔Nitrogen
✔Oxides of Nitrogen ✔Oxygen ✔Sulfur Dioxide

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All references to the flame safety lamp below have been struck since these are no longer used in underground mines in the United States.
Methane
Q:What is the specific gravity of Methane?
A:0.5545.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Methane?
A:CH4.
Q:Where you would generally find Methane?
A:Methane may be found anywhere, but is most likely to be encountered in virgin coal, roof cavities, high places, abandoned workings, and places that are improperly ventilated.
Q:What is a flammable mixture of Methane and air which can either burn or explode when ignited called?
A:Firedamp
Q:What is the ignition temperature of Methane?
A:1100 - 1380 F.
Q:What instruments are most often used in detecting Methane?
A:The flame safety lamp and Methane detectors.
Q:What is the least percentage of Methane that can be detected with a flame safety lamp?
A:About one percent (1%).
Q:What effect does the presence of Methane have upon the explosibility of coal dust?
A:The coal dust is more easily ignited and the force of the explosion is greater.
Q:What effect does coal dust in the air have upon the explosibility of Methane?
A:The lower explosive limit is decreased.
Q:What dangerous gas is most likely to be encountered above a pillar fall?
A:Methane.
Q:What dangerous gas is most likely to be encountered above a pillar fall?
A:Methane.
Q:Why will Methane accumulate in an inadequately ventilated place?
A:It is lighter than air and will rise and stratify if not properly diffused.
Q:What is the principle combustible gas usually found in coal mines?
A:Methane.
Q:Is Methane (CH4) poisonous?
A:No.
Q:What is the color of Methane?
A:Methane is colorless.
Q:Which is the heaviest, one cubic foot of Methane or one cubic foot of air?
A:One cubic foot of air.
Q:What gas is found near the roof and cavities on falls?
A:Methane (CH4).

Q:What gas is odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, colorless and explosive in the concentration of 5%-15%?
A:Methane
Q:What is the source of Methane in coal mines?
A:It is liberated from coal and adjoining strata.
Q:Where is Methane usually found in mines?
A:Along the roof, to the rises, in the vicinity of working faces, in dead ends and above falls.
Q:Is Methane an explosive by itself?
A:No.  Oxygen is required to support combustion.
Q:Why can there be no explosion when the percentage of Methane is greater than fifteen percent (15%)?
A:Because the amount of Oxygen present is insufficient for rapid combustion to occur.
Q:How can Methane gas be detected in a coal mine?
A:Chemical analysis, flame safety lamp and Methane detectors.
Q:What is the explosive range of Methane?
A:5% - 15%.
Q:To what extent must the oxygen content be reduced before an explosion of methane and air is impossible?
A:For a mixture of strictly methane and air, the oxygen content must be 12 percent or less.  It is however, significant to note that there is a combination of combustible gases following explosions and during fires, so the maximum allowable oxygen will vary according to variations in the combustible and inert gases.
Q:What is the percentage of Methane required for maximum explosive violence?
A:Ten percent (10%).
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Methane at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Four hundred twenty-four ten thousandths of one pound (0.0424).
Q:How many explosion disasters have occurred over the years?
A:According to database records found on our companion site, usminedisasters.com, External Link 520 of the 864 mine disasters listed have been attributed to EXPLOSION. External Link
See more Properties and Facts about Methane

Carbon Monoxide
Q:What percent of Carbon Monoxide can cause death in less than one hour?
A:0.4 percent or more.
Q:What is the ignition temperature of Carbon Monoxide?
A:1100 F.
Q:Why are small quantities of Carbon Monoxide injurious?
A:Because it is not easily eliminated and it accumulates in the blood.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Carbon Monoxide?
A:CO.
Q:What is the specific gravity of Carbon Monoxide?
A:0.967.
Q:What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
A:It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, combustible, and poisonous gas.
Q:How can Carbon Monoxide be detected?
A:By Carbon Monoxide detectors, and by chemical analysis.
Q:Workers should not be employed for a period of 8 hours where the Carbon Monoxide content exceeds what?
A:50 PPM (0.005%).
Q:What percentage of Carbon Monoxide might produce symptoms of poisoning if breathed indefinitely?
A:0.01% (100 ppm).
Q:What is the source of Carbon Monoxide?
A:It is the product of incomplete combustion (combustion with an insufficiency of Oxygen).
Q:When is Carbon Monoxide most likely to be found in mines?
A:Carbon monoxide may be found in small quantities after blasting and will be found after an explosion or in the return from a mine fire and use of diesel equipment underground.
Q:What does the presence of CO in a sealed mine area indicate?
A:A fire.
Q:What percentage of blood saturation by Carbon Monoxide (CO) will cause death?
A:70% - 80%.
Q:What is the explosive range of Carbon Monoxide?
A:12.5% - 74%.
Q:What percentage of Carbon Monoxide will produce slight symptoms in several hours?
A:200 PPM (.02%).
Q:What percentage of Carbon Monoxide will produce discomfort in two or three hours?
A:400 PPM (.04%).
Q:What percentage of Carbon Monoxide will produce a tendency to stagger in one and one-half (1 ) hours?
A:1200 PPM (0.12%).
Q:What percentage of Carbon Monoxide will produce symptoms of unconsciousness in thirty (30) minutes?
A:2000-2500 PPM (0.20% - 0.25%).
Q:How much greater affinity does hemoglobin have for Carbon Monoxide than for Oxygen?
A:About three hundred (300) times.
Q:What is the principal poisonous gas produced by explosions?
A:Carbon Monoxide.
Q:What effect does Carbon Monoxide have on life?
A:It is extremely poisonous.
Q:How does Carbon Monoxide cause injury to life?
A:By combining with the hemoglobin of the blood and excluding Oxygen.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Carbon Monoxide at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Seven hundred forty ten thousandths of one pound (0.0740).
See more Properties and Facts about Carbon Monoxide

Oxides of Nitrogen
Q:How are Oxides of Nitrogen formed?
A:From the use of explosives in mines.
Q:How do Oxides of Nitrogen cause death?
A:Causes fluid to accumulate in lungs resulting in asphyxia.
Q:How are results from analysis of Oxides of Nitrogen reported?
A:In terms of Nitrogen dioxide.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Nitrogen Dioxide?
A:NO2.
Q:What is the threshold limit value for Oxides of Nitrogen?
A:5 ppm (0.0005%).
Q:What is the specific gravity of Nitrogen Dioxide?
A:1.589.
Q:What is the specific gravity of Nitric Oxide?
A:1.036.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Nitrogen Peroxide at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Twelve hundred seventeen ten-thousandths (0.1217) of one pound.
See more Properties and Facts about Nitogen Dioxide

Hydrogen
Q:What is the specific gravity of Hydrogen?
A:It is the lightest of all gases with a specific gravity of 0.0695
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Hydrogen?
A:H2.
Q:What are the sources of Hydrogen in a mine?
A:Charging batteries, mine fires, and explosions.
Q:Hydrogen is always present after what type of explosion?
A:Coal dust explosions.
Q:Is Hydrogen explosive?
A:Yes.
Q:To what extent must the oxygen content be reduced before an explosion of Hydrogen is impossible?
A:5 percent or less.
Q:Name the gas which is generated from a storage battery.
A:Hydrogen (H2).
Q:What is the explosive range of Hydrogen?
A:4.0% - 74.2% with as little as 5% Oxygen present.
Q:How is Hydrogen detected?
A:By chemical analysis.
Q:Is Hydrogen flammable?
A:Yes.
Q:Is Hydrogen water soluble?
A:No.
Q:What concentration of Hydrogen produces the most violent explosion?
A:Very violent explosions are possible when air contains more than 7 to 8 percent Hydrogen.
Q:Can Hydrogen affect the explosive range of other gases?
A:Yes, the presence of small quantities of Hydrogen greatly increases the explosive range of other gases.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Hydrogen at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Fifty-three ten thousandths (0.0053) of one pound.
See more Properties and Facts about Hydrogen

Miscellaneous
Q:What is considered to be a dangerous mine atmosphere?
A:A dangerous mine atmosphere is one that is or is likely to become poisonous to breathe, deficient in oxygen, or explosive.
Q:What is the specific gravity of normal air?
A:1.000
Q:Write down the chemical symbols of Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide.
A:CH4 and H2S
Q:Name the common gases found in coal mines following a mine fire or explosion?
A:Carbon monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and other hydrocarbons.
Q:Name the non-explosive gases found in coal mines.
A:Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen (N2)
Q:Name the explosive gases found in bituminous coal mines in Pennsylvania.
A:Methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).
Q:Which gases are most likely to form in layers?
A:Methane and Hydrogen.
Q:What is TLV?
A:Threshold limit value.
Q:Convert 0.01 percent of Carbon Monoxide to ppm.
A:100 ppm.
Q:What is a noxious gas?
A:Any gas in the air which is harmful to life when inhaled.
Q:What are the two main causes of oxygen deficiency?
A:Displacement of oxygen by other gases, and consumption by oxidation, including mine fires and explosions.
Q:To what extent must the oxygen content be reduced before an explosion of methane and air is impossible?
A:For a mixture of strictly methane and air, the oxygen content must be 12 percent or less.  It is however, significant to note that there is a combination of combustible gases following explosions and during fires, so the maximum allowable oxygen will vary according to variations in the combustible and inert gases.
Q:What effect does an atmosphere with a reduced Oxygen content have upon the explosibility of Methane?
A:A greater percentage of Methane is necessary to start an explosion in an atmosphere which contains less than the normal percentage of Oxygen.

Oxygen
Q:What is the specific gravity of Oxygen?
A:1.105.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Oxygen?
A:O2.
Q:What percentage of the earth's atmosphere is Oxygen?
A:20.94% Oxygen.
Q:A sealed area of a coal mine after a period of time will be found to have the absence of what?
A:Oxygen.
Q:Can there be a mine fire or an explosion without the presence of Oxygen?
A:No.
Q:Is Oxygen flammable or explosive?
A:No, Oxygen alone will not burn or explode, it merely supports combustion.  However, Oxygen enriched atmospheres, along with the presence of the ignition of a flammable material will produce extremely rapid burning and in some cases flash, which perpetuates the myth that Oxygen is flammable and explosive.
Q:Mine air should not contain less than what percentage of Oxygen?
A:19.5%.
Q:How does the body receive Oxygen?
A:Through breathing, the Oxygen is taken up by the hemoglobin of the blood and carried to all parts of the body.
Q:What supports the chemical reaction that produces fires and explosions?
A:Oxygen.
Q:What percent Oxygen allows a person to most easily work?
A:20.9%.
Q:What percent Oxygen will a person breathe faster and deeper while at work?
A:17%.
Q:A flame safety lamp will go out when the Oxygen is below what percentage?
A:16%.
Q:What element in the air is essential for life?
A:Oxygen.
Q:When is the Oxygen (O2) level in air considered to be dangerous?
A:When the Oxygen (O2) level falls below 16%.
See more Properties and Facts about Oxygen

Nitrogen
Q:What is the specific gravity of Nitrogen?
A:0.967.
Q:What percent of the earth's atmosphere is Nitrogen?
A:78.09% Nitrogen.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Nitrogen?
A:N2.
Q:What is the threshold limit value of Nitrogen?
A:81%.
Q:What is Nitrogen?
A:It is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas which will neither support life nor combustion.
Q:Is Nitrogen combustible?
A:No.
Q:What effect does Nitrogen have towards propagating an explosion?
A:None.
Q:What effect does Nitrogen have upon life?
A:It has no effect, except when it depletes Oxygen to the extent that there is a deficiency of Oxygen.
Q:Does Nitrogen have an ignition temperature?
A:No, Nitrogen will not explode.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Nitrogen at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 of mercury pressure?
A:Seven hundred fifty ten thousandths of one pound (0.0750).
See more Properties and Facts about Nitrogen

Diffusion of Gases
Q:Once two or more gases mix uniformly will they separate or come apart.
A:False.
Q:Define the term "diffusion of gases."
A:Diffusion is a phenomenon by which gases mix by natural forces.
Q:What is the law of diffusion?
A:The rate of diffusion varies inversely as the square root of specific gravity.
Q:What is stratification?
A:When gases do not diffuse completely, layers of gas'stratify horizontally.
Q:What type of atmosphere is easy for the detection of a gas, a diffused one or a stratified one?
A:A stratified one.

Carbon Dioxide
Q:Is Carbon Dioxide combustible?
A:No.
Q:What is the specific gravity of Carbon Dioxide?
A:1.529.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Carbon Dioxide?
A:CO2.
Q:Where might concentrated accumulations of Carbon Dioxide ordinarily be found?
A:Near the floor, in inadequately ventilated places.
Q:What effect does Carbon Dioxide have upon life?
A:Respiration is increased as concentration of Carbon Dioxide increases.
Q:How is Carbon Dioxide detected?
A:Usually by chemical analysis.
Q:What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
A:Carbon Dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas formed by the chemical combination of Carbon and Oxygen.
Q:How is Carbon Dioxide formed in a mine?
A:By combustion, by breathing of miners and animals, by decay of vegetable and animal matter, by the oxidation of coal and by chemical action of acid water on carbonates.
Q:What is a product of complete combustion?
A:Carbon Dioxide.
Q:Where might concentrated accumulations of Carbon Dioxide ordinarily be found?
A:Near the floor, in inadequately ventilated places.
Q:What effect does Carbon Dioxide have upon life?
A:Respiration is increased as concentration of Carbon Dioxide increases.
Q:How is Carbon Dioxide detected?
A:Usually by chemical analysis.  However, in poorly ventilated areas of a mine, increased CO2 levels will be present when low Oxygen is detected.
Q:How is Carbon Dioxide formed in a mine?
A:By combustion, by breathing of miners and animals, by decay of vegetable and animal matter, by the oxidation of coal and by chemical action of acid water on carbonates.
Q:What is a product of complete combustion?
A:Carbon Dioxide.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Carbon Dioxide at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches mercury pressure?
A:Eleven hundred seventy ten thousandths (0.1170) pounds.
See more Properties and Facts about Carbon Dioxide

Sulfur Dioxide
Q:How is Sulfur Dioxide formed in a mine?
A:By burning coal containing pyrites.
Q:What is the specific gravity of Sulfur Dioxide?
A:2.263.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Sulfur Dioxide?
A:SO2.
Q:What is the particular danger of Sulfur Dioxide?
A:It is extremely poisonous even in small amounts.
Q:How is Sulfur Dioxide detected?
A:By the sense of smell and its effect on the air passages.
Q:What is the first effect on a person exposed to Sulfur Dioxide?
A:It is extremely irritating and suffocating and is intolerable to breathe.
Q:Is Sulfur Dioxide combustible?
A:No, it is incombustible.
Q:Is Sulfur Dioxide soluble in water?
A:Yes.
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Sulfur Dioxide at 60 degree Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Seventeen hundred thirty-three ten thousandths (0.1733) pound.
Q:Has Sulfur Dioxide ever been the cause of death in mines?
A:There have been several singular fatalities where sulfur has been mentioned, however, according to database records found on our companion site, usminedisasters.com, External Link the only one to mention sulfur is the Otto Red Ash Colliery explosion External Link on October 2, 1871.
See more Properties and Facts about Sulfur Dioxide

Hydrogen Sulfide
Q:What is the specific gravity of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:1.191.
Q:What is the chemical symbol of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:H2S.
Q:What are the properties of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:Poisonous and colorless with an odor like rotten eggs.
Q:What mine gas can be detected by its odor?
A:Hydrogen Sulfide.
Q:What is the origin of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:It is liberated by burning explosives containing Sulfur such as black powder or dynamite.
Q:Where you would generally find Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:Hydrogen sulfide may be found in old pipelines, stagnant water, fire areas and occasionally in active workings, usually associated with broken bottom.
Q:How can Hydrogen Sulfide be detected other than by sense of smell?
A:By the Hydrogen Sulfide detector or by paper dipped in acetate of lead, which will turn black immediately on exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide.
Q:What distinctive odor does Hydrogen Sulfide gas'smell like?
A:Smells like rotten eggs.
Q:What is the explosive range of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:4.3% - 45%.
Q:At what concentration is Hydrogen Sulfide most explosive?
A:14.2%
Q:Is Hydrogen Sulfide poisonous?
A:Yes, it is extremely poisonous even in small amounts.
Q:Is Hydrogen Sulfide water soluble?
A:Yes.
Q:What is the immediate effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on a person?
A:It is extremely irritating to the eyes.
Q:What is the threshold limit value of Hydrogen Sulfide?
A:10 PPM (0.0001%).
Q:Among Methane, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide, which one has the lowest ignition temperature?
A:Hydrogen Sulfide (700 F).
Q:What is the weight of one cubic foot of Hydrogen Sulfide at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 30.00 inches of mercury pressure?
A:Nine hundred eleven ten-thousandths (0.0911) pound.
Q:Have there been any mine deaths attributed to Hydrogen Sulfide poisoning?
A:Most definitely, yes.  Five incidents that we know of involving H2S poisoning were at the following:
Read more about Hydrogen Sulfide Safety External Link and the Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide. External Link
See more Properties and Facts about Hydrogen Sulfide

Mine Damps
Q:What is meant by the term "blackdamp"?
A:An atmosphere deficient in Oxygen.
Q:What is the effect of blackdamp on flame safety lamp?
A:The flame of a safety lamp is dimmed or extinguished depending on concentration of gases present.
Q:What is the most simple and safe test for the presence of blackdamp?
A:A flame safety lamp.
Q:Stinkdamp refers to which gas?
A:Hydrogen Sulfide.
Q:Whitedamp refers to which gas?
A:Carbon Monoxide.
Q:What is Firedamp?
A:Firedamp is a mixture of Methane in air that will burn or explode when ignited.
Q:How much Methane is present in a Firedamp atmosphere?
A:30% - 70%.
Q:What is Afterdamp?
A:Afterdamp is a mixture of Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Hydrogen.
Q:Can you provide a list of mine disasters where asphyxiation was the cause of death?
A:According to database records found on our companion site, usminedisasters.com, External Link thirty-six (36) mine disasters are listed with Asphyxiation External Link as the cause of death.

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