While completing the final cutting cycle, trimming 300mm of coal tops from the roof, a gas blower was exposed when the cutter head picks came in contact with the stone roof. This resulted in a small flame emitting from the upper right hand side of the working face.

The NSW government recommended that the primary controls for prevention of frictional ignitions include adequate face ventilation and the prevention of sparking via horizon control, sprays, and pick selection.

“Mine operators working under immediate conglomerate roof should also consider mounting first aid fire hoses on all continuous miners,” it said in its weekly summary of safety incidents.

In other gas incident, a LW E6 monitor detected up to 3.97% CH4 max after the back-up surface diesel fan failed to start causing the loss of the main ventilation system.

Men were withdrawn as per normal procedures.

“Ensure that backup power supplies are maintained to a high standard to ensure reliability,” the NSW government recommended.