Southern Coal Fields Outburst Seminar Shotfiring Training Alan Phillips

Agenda Background on shotfiring, grunching and explosives in underground Coal Mines Shotfiring Legislation including Licencing Shotfiring training for Deputy & Undermanager candidates Practical exercises using a Shotfiring training Model in the class room environment.

Shotfiring in the Southern District Coal mining has a long history of mining coal with explosives particularly prior to mechanization during the 1940’s. All Mines in the Bulli seam carry out a considerable amount of shotfiring, mainly in stone - excavating for overcasts, conveyors, workshops and Intrusions

Grunching The term used for mining a roadway in coal with the use of explosives by blasting of the solid, ie no slot or undercut (Only one free face ) It is a method of mining coal remotely which is a mandatory requirement if above threshold coal is to be mined where gas drainage has not drained in an area effectively using traditional methods. Structures Tight coal

Why is training important? Shotfiring like any process in underground mines can be hazardous. Safe operating procedures, safe and fit for purpose equipment and competent well trained personnel ensure that hazards and risks from shotfiring are well managed and conducted safely. A proper designed, drilled, loaded and fired round results in very little risk

Explosives – What are they? They are chemical compounds initiated by shock, heat or impact. They transform rapidly, releasing heat and (mainly) high pressure gases They create a stress wave and exert pressure. Deflagrating (notably black powder) High (permitted and non-permitted) Initiating (notably PETN and ASA)

Senatel 1000 Sentatel 1000 explosives are widely used in underground coal mines a P1 explosive only approved for use in stone Cartridge emulsion high explosive VOD – 4200 metres /second Very safe and stable compared with the old nitro glycerin based explosives – low sensitivity but very high energy Low explosives <2000 metres per second High explosives >2000 metres per second Initiating explosives = 5000m to 7500m

Detonating an explosive Carrick II Detonators are low incendive, short delay detonators approved for use in underground coal mines. They are an electric delay detonator, containing a sleeved fusehead, a delay element (except for 0 delay), a priming composition and a Tetryl base charge inside a cylindrical copper shell. They have very high sensitivity to impact.

Carrick Detonators How many milliseconds in a second?

Approval Process – P1 in coal Risk Assessment - MDG1010 Independent review Risk assessment and Control measures 2 weeks notice - Chief Inspector or Delegate Safety file containing risk assessment, review document, vent plan and other details

Shotfiring Training 2 Units of Competency Support Shotfiring – minimum pre-requisite OR Conduct Shotfiring – required for Blasting Explosives User Licence (BEUL) – Shotfirer Certificate IV in Underground Coal Operations (Deputy) Dip of Underground Coal Mining Management (Undermanager) Adv Dip of Underground Coal Mining Management (Manager)

Shot Firing Training The main difference between the units of competency is that Conduct shotfiring has: more information of Blast hole patterns and designs requires log book evidence of assisting in the firing of at least 3 shots Both units will contain information on grunching

Shotfiring Training Course Class room environment A lot of good information A lot of PowerPoint slides Videos, but all are hard rock blasting and open cut Learners receive the class room presentations, a copy of the notes, a study guide and are given a assessment to complete and return for marking

Key learning points Identifying hazards and risks Shotfiring operations – Explosives Management Plan Shotfiring procedures Ensure the area is thoroughly stonedusted Maintain housekeeping and standards Ensure Holes are drilled to the authorised plan Flush, clean and test holes Loading and stemming

How do we do this in the classroom? Practical Exercises Test a blast cable Test for breaks in shot holes Make up primers Load and stem Test the circuit Deal with issues

Testing a blasting cable Open circuit test Closed circuit test

Examine Blastholes A shothole shall not be charged unless it has been tested with an approved break detector and found to be free of breaks.

Components Training detonators and primer

Training Detonators – Contains No Explosives

Making up the Primers Primers must not be made up until immediately before charging commences.

Making up the primers

Version 1 of the Shotfiring Model

In the workplace – Face drill ready to fire

Shotfiring Plan for Training Model

Drilling Plan for Training Model

Working out the Wedge for the model

Under construction - to scale

Installing the shotholes

Training Model 1 metre = 5 meters 600 millimetres = 3 meters

Conclusion - Practical Training With the Model, PowerPoints, Learner Guide and the whiteboard the trainees can better learn the processes including Loading and stemming the round. Testing the round. Dealing with problems Understand the process 3 ways, Seeing Reading Doing Before exposure in the workplace

Any Questions ? Thank you