Death caused due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in an Underground Copper Mine

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous substance produced by the incomplete burning of gasoline, wood, coal, oil, propane gas, or anything else that contains carbon. The primary danger with carbon monoxide is that it cannot be easily detected. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, and thus gives its victims no advance warning. Commonly referred to as "coal gas" or "white damp".

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in even small amounts of the gas. When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it gets into your blood stream and prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Without oxygen, your body tissue and cells die. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health when breathed in over a long period of time. Long term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include Paralysis and brain damage.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING – WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is as follows

•         headaches
•         dizziness
•         nausea
•         breathlessness
•         collapse
•         loss of consciousness

Occurrence of Carbon Monoxide in Mines

Carbon monoxide can be found in underground and surface mines in poorly ventilated or confined spaces. At typical mining operations the most common sources of CO are internal combustion engine exhaust, Spontaneous combustion, Coal dust explosions and explosives detonation. In coal mines, CO can also be produced by the low temperature oxidation of coal. Ambient levels of CO in mine atmospheres may vary depending on the characteristics of the coal. Elevated levels of CO are commonly found adjacent to gob areas and in bleeder entries and must be carefully monitored. 

During recovery operations following underground mine fires or explosions, special attention must be given to the detection of CO. Although fires and explosions are rare events, they can produce significant volumes of CO.

Precautions against Carbon Monoxide poisoning in Mines

•        All working places should be supplied with fresh and adequate air.
•       Proper training in the use of CO detectors and procedures to follow when CO is detected.
•      Proper checking should be done after every blast for CO gas by a competent person.
•      Carry Carbon Monoxide Detectors to the work places by mining Supervisors.
•      Don't allow to store gasoline, carbonaceous and wooden  material at Working Places.

Treatment for CO poisoning

Treatment for CO poisoning includes removing the victim to fresh air and rest. If the victim has lost consciousness a medical emergency has occurred and immediate emergency medical attention is required. Medical technicians will administer oxygen and transport the victim to the hospital for additional treatment. Fortunately, most CO poisoning victims recover completely.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• .      The P.S Detector
• .      The Hopcalite Detector
• .      The Holamite Tube
• .      Drager Multi Gas Detector
• .      MSA CO Detector
• .      EMCOR CO Detection and Monitoring System