IMPACT OF THE SYSTEM OF WARNING AND RAPID RESPONSE IN HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS IN UNDERGROUND MINES ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

ABSTRACT

 The article highlights the importance of warning and rapid response systems in hazardous situations in ensuring occupational safety in underground mines. Due to the fact that accidents, gas leaks, explosions, and landslides in the mining industry pose a great danger to human life, the need to introduce modern automatic warning and monitoring systems is substantiated. The study analyzed the operating principles of the system of sensors for monitoring the parameters of the mining environment (gas composition, temperature, pressure, etc.) and real-time warning mechanisms. Methods for the rapid redirection of workers to safe zones and automation of the evacuation process are also indicated. The results of the article show that such systems play an important role in increasing occupational safety in mining, reducing injuries, and ensuring the continuity of production.

АННОТАЦИЯ

 В статье подчеркивается важность систем оповещения и быстрого реагирования в опасных ситуациях в обеспечении безопасности труда на подземных шахтах. Частые случаи аварий на предприятиях горнодобывающей отрасли представляют создают риск для безопасности работников,  что требует применения актуальность внедрения высокотехнологичных систем наблюдения и информирования. В исследовании проанализированы принципы работы системы датчиков мониторинга параметров горной среды (газового состава, температуры, давления и т.д.) и механизмов предупреждения в режиме реального времени. Также указаны методы быстрого перенаправления рабочих в безопасные зоны и автоматизации процесса эвакуации. Результаты статьи показывают, что такие системы играют важную роль в повышении безопасности труда в горнодобывающей промышленности, снижении травматизма и обеспечении непрерывности производства.

Keywords: occupational safety, underground mines, alarm system, rapid response, emergency situations, monitoring and sensors, evacuation process

Ключевые слова: охрана труда, подземные шахты, система сигнализации, быстрое реагирование, чрезвычайные ситуации, мониторинг и датчики, процесс эвакуации

Introduction

The extraction processes carried out in underground mines are characterized by a high level of risk. Under such conditions, the likelihood of gas explosions, fires, flooding, geodynamic shifts, and technogenic accidents is constantly present. These hazards not only reduce production efficiency but also pose a direct threat to human life and health. Therefore, ensuring safety, identifying hazardous situations in advance, and mitigating their consequences are among the most important priorities in the mining industry.

In recent years, modern control and monitoring technologies have been widely implemented to enhance safety. Gas and temperature sensors, seismic monitoring devices, and automated warning systems enable real-time operation. Moreover, the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence makes it possible to predict dangerous factors, rapidly process collected data, and transmit it to control centers, thereby ensuring effective management of the processes.

Coordinated application of warning systems, emergency response and high-tech surveillance equipment in emergency situations plays a crucial role in saving workers' lives, ensuring the sustainability of the production process and limiting the consequences of incidents.

Methods

In case of emergency situations in mines, it is especially important to ensure the parallel implementation of a whole range of measures. First and foremost, in cases such as explosions, fires, flooding, or gas leaks, it is essential to ensure the rapid and safe evacuation of workers. Evacuation measures include not only moving workers to safe places, but also providing visual navigation along routes around dangerous areas, as well as clear management of employee actions[3].  

It is necessary to integrate different parts of the mine into a single system and, when required, provide alternative escape routes. This process includes pre-planning the mine structure, installing additional passageways and ventilation systems, and implementing automated control of evacuation routes. As a result, workers are not limited to a single exit route during emergencies but have access to several safe escape directions.

Ensuring the rapid and effective access of rescue teams is also a crucial task. For this purpose, the width of movement corridors within the mine, the operational condition of ventilation systems, the placement of safety signs, and the uninterrupted operation of communication equipment play vital roles. Quick-response rescue teams must be provided with all the necessary conditions to save people, extinguish fires, stop gas leaks, or block water inflows during emergencies. The comprehensive implementation of these measures contributes to improving safety in mines, preserving human life, and minimizing the consequences of accidents.

To ensure workers’ safety and create conditions for rapid evacuation in hazardous situations, the reserve (emergency) exit routes in underground mines must meet strict standards. First, there must be at least two exit routes — a main and a reserve one. These two routes must not be parallel or adjacent but should lead to different sections of the mine. This requirement helps prevent a situation in which all workers become trapped if a single exit route becomes inaccessible during evacuation.

The dimensions of the exit routes are also important. According to standard requirements, the width should be at least 0.9–1.2 meters, and the height not less than 1.8 meters. These parameters ensure free movement of people during evacuation and allow for the rapid entry of rescue equipment and special tools if necessary [4].

Additional systems ensuring safety should also be installed in reserve exit routes. For instance, continuous lighting systems improve visibility, while ventilation systems help remove toxic gases and dust. Furthermore, the presence of clear and visible safety signs along each route plays a significant role in managing the evacuation process and guiding people in the correct direction.

Another essential requirement is that all exit routes must remain open and unobstructed in the event of a hazardous situation. Any obstruction, locked door, or narrowed passageway reduces evacuation efficiency and poses a threat to human life. Therefore, regular technical inspections and monitoring of reserve exit routes must be conducted to guarantee their constant readiness for use.

Results

For the effective organization of the evacuation process during hazardous situations in underground mines, the reserve exit routes must be fully equipped. Among the key components, the lighting system plays a particularly important role. Electric lamps installed along the exit routes must automatically switch to battery power in case of a power outage. This ensures visibility for workers during evacuation and allows them to move safely [5].

The presence and functionality of direction indicators must be regularly inspected. “Exit →” signs should be installed every 25–50 meters, which is especially important in conditions of smoke, darkness, or confusion, allowing workers to quickly navigate toward safe areas. The ventilation system is also an integral part of the reserve exit routes. It should continuously renew the air, remove harmful gases, and create comfortable breathing conditions during evacuation.

In addition, alarm systems must be installed at the exit points. Special sound and light signals should indicate the onset of a hazardous situation and ensure that workers begin evacuation immediately.

The efficiency of the reserve exit system also depends on the level of preparedness of the workers. Therefore, all personnel must be regularly instructed and trained through simulation exercises that demonstrate the locations of the reserve exits, the procedures for using them, and the overall evacuation plan. Such practical training significantly reduces confusion during real emergencies and ensures that people move consciously and orderly toward safe areas.

The mining process in underground conditions is inherently complex and dangerous. Operating conditions are associated with the risk of dangerous accidents that threaten the lives of workers and the normal course of production. Therefore, strengthening safety measures, preventing hazardous situations, and, when they occur, effectively organizing rapid evacuation, control, and monitoring systems are of paramount importance in the mining industry.

Table 1.

Hazards in mine workings and their impact on safety consequences for personnel and production

Any dangerous situation in a mine can not only endanger human life, but also seriously affect the stability of production. Therefore, preventing such incidents, identifying potential risks early, and responding promptly and effectively are among the most critical tasks in the mining industry. The comprehensive application of safety measures — including monitoring systems, warning signals, evacuation routes, and coordinated rescue operations makes it possible to minimize potential hazards in mines [6].

Discussion

Warning systems play a crucial role in preserving miners’ lives and ensuring timely response measures during emergencies in underground mines. Today, the mining industry uses various forms of implementation of such systems aimed at rapid identification of hazards and informing workers.

Automatic warning systems occupy a leading position among the most effective warning tools. When dangerous factors occur, the system independently triggers sound or light alarms. This immediate signaling enables workers to evacuate to safe zones without delay.

Moreover, communication systems represent an integral part of warning mechanisms, providing uninterrupted interaction with the central dispatch center. During emergency situations, the dispatch center can issue instant instructions to workers and direct rescue teams to specific locations.

Portable detectors are also widely used. These are gas analyzers and sensor devices carried by workers that can determine the concentration of harmful gases in real time. Such equipment significantly enhances miners’ personal safety levels and plays an important role in preventing hazardous situations [7].

In addition, information panels installed at mine entrances display electronic data regarding the current level of danger inside the mine. This allows workers to remain constantly informed about the degree of risk and to take timely safety measures.

The efficient operation of warning systems is one of the key factors in safeguarding human life, reducing the consequences of potential hazards, and maintaining production stability in mining operations.

Figure 1. The effectiveness level of warning systems

In hazardous situations occurring in underground mines, rapid response measures play an invaluable role in saving workers’ lives and minimizing casualties. These measures can be divided into several key directions.

Designating evacuation routes is of great importance. In each mine, special evacuation corridors are developed based on a safety plan and are regularly inspected. These corridors must always maintain proper lighting, ventilation systems, and visible direction signs in working condition. Such arrangements ensure that workers can find their way and quickly reach safe zones even under conditions of smoke, darkness, or panic [8].

The use of safety equipment is also critically important. Every worker must be constantly provided with personal protective gear, including gas masks, breathing apparatuses, and hand lamps. Moreover, workers must be well-trained in how to properly use this equipment and be capable of applying it effectively in real situations.

Regular drills on emergency situations must also be organized. During such exercises, mine workers develop skills in evacuation procedures, the use of safety devices, and coordination with rescue services. These practical training sessions include testing rapid movements along evacuation routes, which ensures consistent and effective actions in real emergencies.

Furthermore, every mining enterprise must operate specially trained rapid rescue teams. These teams are the first to arrive at the site of an incident, evacuate people to safe zones, and provide first aid.

Table 2.

Effectiveness of Rapid Response Measures

Evacuation route designation is among the most effective measures, as it saves time and ensures that workers can exit to safe areas in an orderly manner. The use of protective equipment is also a critical factor; it not only allows breathing and visibility in dangerous conditions but also significantly increases the probability of survival [9].

Regular training exercises strengthen workers’ psychological and practical readiness, reduce confusion, and help ensure precise actions during real emergencies. The activities of rescue brigades, in turn, play a decisive role in providing rapid assistance and safely evacuating people from hazardous zones.

Conclusion

Preventing hazardous situations and responding effectively to them in underground mines is a crucial factor in ensuring human life safety and maintaining the stability of production processes in the mining industry. Research shows that such situations are closely related to natural, technogenic, and human factors, with the most common incidents being gas explosions, mine collapses, flooding, and fires.

Minimizing these risks largely depends on the effective implementation of warning systems, the organization of rapid response measures, and the application of modern monitoring tools. In particular, the clear designation of evacuation routes, the promotion of a strong culture of personal protective equipment usage, the constant readiness of rescue brigades, and the regular involvement of workers in training sessions significantly enhance overall safety levels [10].

Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies, remote monitoring tools, and artificial intelligence–based software into control and surveillance systems can elevate mining safety to a new level. This approach not only protects human life but also improves production efficiency, reduces material losses, and strengthens the overall culture of safety.

Digitalization of safety equipment, development of integrated monitoring systems and their large-scale implementation in production activities are key areas for improving the effectiveness of combating hazardous situations in underground mines. Through this approach, the ability to detect risks early, take prompt measures, and most importantly preserve human life can be significantly increased.

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