Arlington, VA — An underground coal mine hearth stemming from the injection of polyurethane foam right into a roof cavity has prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to concern a safety alert.
MSHA says the June 27 incident marks the fourth “uncontrolled heating event” tied to software of the foam prior to now 4 years.
“Polyurethane-based foam products produce heat from an exothermic chemical reaction,” an company press launch states. “Injecting large quantities of polyurethane to fill voids can cause underground mine fires.”
Best practices associated to the secure software of the foam:
- Develop a site-specific plan for void fills. Ensure the plan covers applicable placement of foam, injection quantity and charges, private protecting tools for chemical exposures, temperature monitoring, hearth watch, and storage and dealing with.
- Educate miners about hazards, safety precautions and producer Safety Data Sheets.
- Follow producer directions.
- Don’t fill massive voids with polyurethane foam merchandise that generate a hazardous quantity of warmth.
