Why did Westray mine explode?

and two mine managers, a public inquiry got underway. The Westray Public Inquiry under Justice Peter K. Richard found the likely cause of the explosion was a spark from a coal-cutting machine hitting stone. This ignited a build-up of methane near the roof.

How many people died in the Westray mine disaster?

26 miners
The disaster. On Saturday, May 9, 1992, methane gas and subsequent coal dust explosions at 5:18 a.m. ADT killed 26 miners. It was Canada’s worst mining disaster since 1958, when a bump at another Nova Scotia coal mine in Springhill claimed the lives of 75 miners.

What was the main issue identified in the Westray coal mine disaster of 1992?

The “Westray Bill” established a legal duty for all persons who “direct the work of others” to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of workers and the public. It introduced new sections in the Criminal Code of Canada so that corporations and their representatives can be charged criminally if they fail to do so.

When was the Westray mine disaster?

May 9, 1992
On May 9, 1992, 26 men were laboring in the deeps, when at 5:18 a.m., a blue flame lit up the dawn sky at Plymouth. A black cloud roared from the mine portal – a massive coal dust blast, triggered by a methane explosion. By 6:40 a.m. a Westray draeger team was heading down the mine on foot.

At what percentage of methane underground would cause equipment to shut down to prevent an explosion?

1%
Large fans circulate air in mines to provide ventilation to the working areas. These fans operate to dilute the methane to well below explosive levels (5-15%). Monitors installed on mining machines deactivate the machine when the methane concentration reaches 1%.

How many miners died in mine 9?

Seventy-eight miners
On November 20, 1968, a catastrophic explosion rocked the Consol No. 9 coal mine outside of Farmington, West Virginia. Seventy-eight miners perished in that accident.

What is the Westray Bill?

The Westray bill or Bill C-45 was federal legislation that amended the Canadian Criminal Code and became law on March 31, 2004. The Bill (introduced in 2003) established new legal duties for workplace health and safety, and imposed serious penalties for violations that result in injuries or death.

Can you drink methane?

It is not known to be a health hazard when ingested. However, methane can be flammable and explosive when mixed with air, and it can displace oxygen if released into a confined space, resulting in asphyxiation. Methane can also cause problems with the operation of the well pump and water system.

Can you taste methane gas?

Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and combustible gas.

Is Miner 9 a true story?

BLUEFIELD — West Virginia native and actor, Kevin Sizemore recently starred in a new movie called Mine 9. It is inspired by true events of coal mine disasters, but not one accident in particular. Instead, the movie was written as a juxtaposition of realistic portrayals of miners and their families.