Fatalgram

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 17, 2002, a 49-year-old mine rescue team trainer with 26 years mining experience and a 38-year-old co-trainer with 2 years mining experience were fatally injured, at an abandoned underground gold mine. Both were participating under oxygen in an exercise to evaluate conditions in this mine. As the team was walking up the steep decline to return to the surface, the victims experienced breathing difficulties and collapsed. The first victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to a medical facility where he succumbed to his injuries on October 23, 2002.

Best Practices

• Ensure all self contained breathing apparatus are properly checked and equipped as to manufacturers recommendations prior to their use.
• During non emergency exercises, ensure that underground mine areas that rescue teams plan to enter are ventilated and free of serious hazards.
• Maintain continuous communications with the surface whenever mine rescue personnel encounter toxic gases, explosive gases or any conditions that pose serious danger.