Unannounced Inspection Close out 4th May 2017
MRE – Grosvenor Coal Mine + comments unannounced – 04.05.2017
POINTS TO NOTE
A reminder to all ERZ Controllers their reports are a permanent record and, should always be written in a manner that leaves no doubt or questions as to locations inspected, findings of the inspection and, actions taken.
HOW MANY TIMES DOES THIS COME UP?
HAVE MANAGEMENT EVER ADDRESSED THE ISSUES DESPITE NUMEROUS PRIOR COMMITMENTS TO DO SO?
- Surface Statutory board maintenance. Mr Garde explained the recent changes in positions on site, the management of this notice board would be addressed.
PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT AND SOME CURRENT SUCH AS MR BULL HAS NOT FIXED IT DESPITE GIVING ASSURANCES THEY WOULD ADDRESS IT
Longwall 102 install face feedback.
DOES NOT SET OUT HOW MANY BASIC PROBLEMS INSPECTOR FOUND.
NO INDICATION OF ANY ACTION BY EITHER MINE OR INSPECTOR
Respirable dust SEGs. Discussed the interaction with Techserve employees on the day and how they have not been flagged for monitoring. I requested Mr Garde to investigate this further if there are people consistently missing this opportunity. With the added focus the monitoring has had since 2013 and changes in Legislation it is now time to review the effectiveness of this system.
DOES NOT GIVE ANY DIRECTIVES REGARDING RESPIRABLE DUST.
JUST “DISCUSSED WITH SSE GARDE AND INVESTIGATE AND TIME TO REVIEW”
The MG 103 floor heave events were discussed in detail.
I highlighted the incident report dated 1/05/17, this incident report identified “Off Scale” alarms on the 4 gas Altair instrument. The report also identified 1.35% methane present within the fan ducting. The incident report does not contain the level of detail required to fully understand all circumstances and actions taken. The fact the Altair is recorded as off scale should escalate the investigation process and determine if CMW’s where exposed to danger being, methane greater than 2.5% in general body.
The incident dated 2/05/17 does not identify the level of gas that tripped the auxiliary fan which was stated by UMM Ivers to be 2.01% methane, again more detail and further investigation required.
There are numerous reports of floor heave through Statutory reports from 3/05/17 and back to 6/03/17 (which was as far back as I checked while on site).
There was a report on the 6/03/17 (report number 12984) of an auxiliary fan trip due to surge of methane.
Another report on 9/04/17 (report number 14091) of an auxiliary fan trip due to surge of methane after floor heave event.
INDICATES THESE MULTIPLE FLOOR HEAVE AND METHANE INRUSHES HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED AS A METHANE HPI TO THE DNRME INSPECTORS
My concerns from these events is there is a lack of follow up investigation into the circumstances. The current phenomenon of floor heave in the gateroads is not fully understood meaning understanding and tracking the mechanism that is initiating the heave and, where is the reservoir of methane that is being released during the floor heave events? The hazard is not currently identified on the
Geological Hazard Plans and is not referenced within the Permit to Mine. A Directive was issued to the SSE in relation to the risk presented by the floor heave events.
1 . Conducting investigations into the floor heave events causing uncontrolled releases of methane contained within MREs dated 3/05/17, 4/05/17. (to be completed by 19/05/17) and:
2. Identify SHMS controls to be developed or reviewed specifically for identifying, managing and controlling the risk of uncontrolled methane releases induced by floor heave. Provide the Inspector with a report of actions taken immediately and proposed actions to address the issue. (to be completed by 26/05/17)
GIVEN 2 WEEKS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO SATISFY THE DIRECTIVE
