Published in March 2008 Australian Longwall Magazine

The face deputy

Once easily recognisable with his Davy lamp, shot firing key, wooden stick and gas sampling bulb, the deputy was responsible for the safety, health and welfare of all people and horses within his jurisdiction. The modern day equivalent carries electronic sampling devices capable of instantly measuring a variety of gases, and has access to a variety of computer information systems.

Old style job description – the deputy by definition “deputised” for the mine manager under the Coal Mines Act and was responsible for the safety, health and welfare of all people in his district. His duties included:

*Testing for gases (such as firedamp and blackdamp) using a flame lamp (typically a Garforth or Wolf), sampling bulb and stick (yes, the stick is a gas sampling tool not a walking stick);

*Ensuring adequate ventilation on his district;

*Examination of roof and sides, and ensuring they were adequately supported (checks often made using the stick again);

*Ensuring the required levels of incombustible dust were maintained at all times on the roof, sides and floor;

*Recording the names of all people entering and leaving his district;

*Compilation of statutory reports (pre-shift inspections);

Modern day job description – the longwall shift boss is statutorily responsible for a multimillion dollar complex comprising state-of-the-art mining technology (typically to the value of $60 million), and he or she is responsible for the following:

*Coordinating the operation of the complete longwall system during his or her shift;

*Supervising all personnel within the confines of the longwall district;

*Ensuring the safety, health and welfare of all persons within his or her jurisdiction;

*Ensuring adequate ventilation at all times;

*Testing for flammable gases, noxious gases, and oxygen levels using real time electronic test equipment (methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxygen);

*Ensuring the correct operation of dust suppression equipment;

*Examination of the strata conditions on the longwall and implementing the correct mode of operation of the longwall equipment;

*Monitoring of computers on the powered support system which show system setting pressures and supports that may be yielding;

*Monitoring face alignment, and taking corrective action to eliminate bends;

*Monitoring of horizon control so the longwall is navigated through the coal seam via the correct three dimensional track;

*Management of armoured face conveyor (AFC) creep which must be measured constantly to steer the longwall between the gate roads;

*In the event of roof failure, the LSB must have a thorough knowledge of when to stop the longwall operation and take remedial action. This includes use of resin injection technology, roof bolting and cavity filling techniques;

*The LSB must have the knowledge and experience to determine when the longwall can be stopped for maintenance. Conversely, he must know when not to stop the longwall under any circumstances (for example, yielding supports, cycling loading);

*The LSB must be able to communicate with all levels of mine management in all disciplines as and when required;

*Compile statutory reports and production reports.

The main gate operator

In years gone by, this was regarded as the least skilled job on the longwall. Often referred to as the “stage loader driver”, this was once a mind-numbing occupation. The modern day equivalent has multiple functions to perform, requiring a range of skills.

Old style job description – the stage loader driver operated the start and stop buttons for the stage loader and AFC. He was responsible for communication with the surface via a telephone. He was required to keep the boot end area clean with the aid of a shovel.

Modern day job description – the coal clearance and communications operator is responsible for:

*Monitoring of longwall computer systems such as PLCs, PMCRs, RS20s, SCCs and more;

*Communications on face and to the surface via DAC and telephone;

*Coal clearance operations including the operation of track-mounted boot end or hydraulically-operated Matilda boot end and removal of conveyor structure;

*Retreat of beam stage loader (BSL) and associated equipment;

*Operation of monorail systems and/or pantechnicon.

And the point of this exercise?

The modern day longwall miner requires a range of skills to operate highly technical equipment in an environment that is still potentially hazardous compared to many other work places. The level of education and training must reflect the responsibilities placed on today’s modern miner and must be a continuous process.