Mine Gas Flashcards

(65 cards)

1
Q

What is air?

A

A transparent medium surrounding the earth, a mixture of gases

Air is essential for life and is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and traces of other gases.

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2
Q

What is the specific gravity of air?

A

1.0

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3
Q

What is the percentage composition of nitrogen (N2) in pure, dry air?

A

78.09 per cent

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4
Q

What is the percentage composition of oxygen (O2) in pure, dry air?

A

20.94 per cent

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5
Q

What gases may contaminate mine air?

A
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
  • Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Oxides of nitrogen (NOX)
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6
Q

What are some causes of gas contamination in mines?

A
  • Blasting or other explosions
  • Mine fires
  • Naturally occurring gas emissions
  • Absorption of O2 by water, timber or ore
  • Use of diesel engines underground
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7
Q

What are the three categories of harmful gases?

A
  • Combustible or explosive
  • Poisonous
  • Capable of displacing O2
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8
Q

What does IDLH stand for?

A

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

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9
Q

What is the definition of TWA?

A

Time-weighted average limit for exposure to a hazardous substance

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10
Q

What is the definition of STEL?

A

Short-term exposure limit for a hazardous substance over a 15-minute period

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11
Q

What does a TWA of 5,000 ppm refer to?

A

The time-weighted average limit for carbon dioxide (CO2)

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12
Q

How are mine gases typically measured?

A

In parts per million (ppm) or per cent volume

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13
Q

What is the explosive range for methane (CH4)?

A

5 to 15 per cent volume or 50,000 to 150,000 ppm

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14
Q

What is the specific gravity of nitrogen (N2)?

A

0.97

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15
Q

Is nitrogen (N2) combustible?

A

No

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16
Q

What is the specific gravity of oxygen (O2)?

A

1.11

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17
Q

What is the physiological effect of oxygen deficiency at 7-10% O2 concentration?

A

Nausea, vomiting, collapse, loss of consciousness

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18
Q

What is the specific gravity of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

A

1.53

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19
Q

What are the symptoms of carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure at 5% concentration?

A

Headaches, dizziness, restlessness, disorientation

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20
Q

What is the specific gravity of carbon monoxide (CO)?

A

0.97

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21
Q

What is the IDLH concentration for carbon monoxide (CO)?

A

1,200 ppm

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22
Q

What is the primary hazard of carbon monoxide (CO)?

A

It has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, causing poisoning

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23
Q

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at 30-40% blood saturation?

A
  • Severe headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Dimness of vision
  • Nausea
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24
Q

What is the maximum concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowed for TWA?

A

5,000 ppm

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25
Fill in the blank: The presence of _______ in mine air can lead to a dangerous accumulation of gases.
poor ventilation
26
True or False: Oxygen (O2) is required for combustion.
True
27
What happens to a person exposed to less than 6% O2 concentration?
Convulsions, respiratory collapse, death
28
What is the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) that is Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)?
1,200 ppm ## Footnote IDLH levels indicate concentrations where immediate effects may occur, posing a severe risk to life.
29
At what concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) can unconsciousness occur within 1-2 minutes?
6,400 ppm ## Footnote High concentrations lead to rapid onset of severe symptoms.
30
What are the immediate effects of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure at 12,800 ppm?
Unconsciousness, danger of death ## Footnote This concentration can lead to rapid and severe health risks.
31
What factors influence the onset of symptoms from carbon monoxide (CO) exposure?
State of health, individual susceptibility, temperature, humidity, air movement, concentration, and period of exposure ## Footnote These factors can significantly affect how quickly symptoms appear.
32
What is the most important measure for treating CO poisoning?
Avoid further exposure and keep the patient at rest ## Footnote Rest is crucial to minimize strain on the body during recovery.
33
How much faster can carbon monoxide (CO) be eliminated from the blood when inhaling pure oxygen (O2)?
Four to five times faster ## Footnote Pure oxygen significantly accelerates the elimination process.
34
What is the specific gravity of hydrogen sulphide (H2S)?
1.19 ## Footnote This value indicates H2S is heavier than air and can collect in low areas.
35
What is the IDLH concentration for hydrogen sulphide (H2S)?
100 ppm ## Footnote This concentration poses an immediate danger to life or health.
36
What symptoms can occur from exposure to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) at concentrations of 500 ppm or greater?
Immediate collapse, rapid death ## Footnote High concentrations can lead to fatal outcomes almost instantly.
37
What is the explosive range of methane (CH4)?
5-15% ## Footnote Methane is highly explosive when mixed with air in this concentration range.
38
What precautions must be taken if flammable gas concentrations exceed 1.0% in an area?
Eliminate ignition sources, de-energize electrical equipment, remove non-competent persons ## Footnote These measures are crucial for safety in potentially explosive environments.
39
What is the specific gravity of nitrogen dioxide (NO2)?
1.59 ## Footnote This indicates that NO2 is heavier than air.
40
What are the symptoms of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure at 15-25 ppm?
Nose & throat irritation, coughing, headache, nausea ## Footnote Initial exposure symptoms may be mild but can escalate with continued exposure.
41
What is the TWA (Time-Weighted Average) for nitrogen dioxide (NO2)?
3 ppm ## Footnote This value indicates the acceptable average exposure over an 8-hour workday.
42
What is the IDLH concentration for sulphur dioxide (SO2)?
100 ppm ## Footnote Exposure at this level poses immediate life-threatening risks.
43
What is the TWA for ammonia (NH3)?
25 ppm ## Footnote Long-term exposure should not exceed this concentration to maintain safety.
44
What is the specific gravity of hydrogen (H2)?
0.07 ## Footnote Hydrogen is significantly lighter than air.
45
What is a key characteristic of smoke in terms of composition?
Fine particles of solid and liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere ## Footnote Smoke can contain hazardous gases and vapours, making it a serious health risk.
46
What is the treatment for gas poisoning?
Remove patient to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if needed, administer pure O2, keep warm, seek medical attention ## Footnote Rapid response can significantly improve outcomes for victims of gas exposure.
47
Which gas has a specific gravity of 2.26 and is very poisonous?
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ## Footnote Its heavy nature and toxicity make it a serious hazard in mining environments.
48
What can be produced by the decomposition and burning of conveyor belting and rubber tires?
Toxic gases including chlorine ## Footnote These gases pose additional hazards during fires in mining operations.
49
What is the composition of PVC?
PVC contains 55 per cent chlorine by weight ## Footnote Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used in various applications due to its durability and resistance to chemicals.
50
What gases are produced by the decomposition and burning of rubber tires?
Chlorine gases, Arsine (AsH3), Hydrogen chloride (HCl), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), Phosgene (COCl2), Phosphine (PH3) ## Footnote These gases can be highly toxic and pose serious health risks.
51
What is Arsine (AsH3) and its associated risks?
Arsine is a colourless gas with a mild garlic-like odour, highly toxic, can destroy red blood cells, classified as a potential carcinogen ## Footnote Inhalation of low concentrations may lead to severe health issues.
52
What is the TWA for Arsine (AsH3)?
0.005 ppm ## Footnote TWA stands for Time-Weighted Average, indicating the average exposure over a specified time.
53
What are the symptoms of exposure to Chlorine (Cl2)?
Eye, nose and respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema ## Footnote Chlorine is a strong oxidizer and can support fires.
54
What is the IDLH for Chlorine (Cl2)?
10 ppm ## Footnote IDLH stands for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health, indicating levels that pose an immediate threat.
55
What is the Ceiling exposure limit for Hydrogen chloride (HCl)?
2 ppm ## Footnote HCl is a severe irritant and highly acidic when dissolved in water.
56
True or False: Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a chemical asphyxiant.
True ## Footnote HCN can cause weakness, headache, confusion, and is dangerous when inhaled.
57
What is the explosive range of Phosphine (PH3) in normal air?
1.79 per cent and higher ## Footnote Phosphine may spontaneously ignite at high concentrations.
58
What hazards are associated with Lead acid batteries?
Off-gas combustible hydrogen and oxygen, highly corrosive sulphuric acid ## Footnote Lead acid batteries can pose significant risks if damaged or improperly maintained.
59
What gases can Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries produce in fires?
Oxides of nickel, cobalt, lanthanum, and other metals ## Footnote NiCad batteries contain highly corrosive alkaline solutions.
60
Fill in the blank: The gases released during off-gassing depend primarily on the type of _______.
battery electrolyte ## Footnote The volume and rate of gas release depend on the size and number of batteries involved.
61
What is the TWA for Phosgene (COCl2)?
0.1 ppm ## Footnote Phosgene is a severe irritant and can cause serious health effects.
62
What kind of off-gassing can Lithium-ion batteries produce?
Carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen fluoride (HF), phosphoryl fluoride (POF3) ## Footnote These gases can be colorless and hazardous at high concentrations.
63
What is the primary health risk associated with exposure to Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?
Chemical asphyxiation ## Footnote HCN can be absorbed through skin and mucous membranes.
64
What is the IDLH for Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?
50 ppm ## Footnote This indicates the concentration level that poses an immediate threat to life.
65
What is the specific gravity of Hydrogen chloride (HCl)?
1.19 ## Footnote Specific gravity helps in understanding the behavior of gases in relation to air.