Turkish miners killed by methane poisoning

There is no doubt that underground coal mining is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. The combination of extreme temperatures and working in confined spaces can take a heavy toll on any worker.

However, there is another risk present down the shaft of a mine – methane gas.

Methane gas is a naturally occurring substance and is released as part of the coal mining process. This gas is dangerous and without the proper detection and protective equipment is potentially lethal.

Workers stuck underground in Turkish mine

In late October, 18 mine workers became trapped in a coal mine near Ermenek, in the Turkish province of Karaman. Mine rescue teams were unable to enter the entry point for a number of days due to flooding, but as the water subsided, emergency services could get to some of the men.

Unfortunately, after 10 days, two miners were found dead. After another 12 days, mine rescue teams pulled out another eight. Initially, Turkish authorities suggested that the miners had drowned due to the flooded shaft, but a newly released hospital autopsy points to methane gas as the killer.

There are also grave fears for the eight additional miners who are still trapped down the mine. Due to increasing levels of carbon dioxide and a lack of oxygen, it has been impossible to reach the men. With winter arriving in the area over the past month, snow has also hampered rescue attempts.

To combat methane gas levels in mines, the standard response is to install methane detectors and refuge chambers. Although, the condition of the remaining eight miners is unknown, people can survive for up to 30 days inside a refuge chamber while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Instead the miners were found huddled close to each other against a section of the mine as they tried to escape the fumes.

Industry solutions

Mining and other professions in similarly dangerous environments require businesses to be up-to-speed on the best gas detector equipment possible. There are fine lines when it comes to workplace safety so it’s important that firms don’t take any undue risks.

In addition to refuge chambers, businesses could introduce devices such as the testo 316-1 Methane Gas Detector. Capable of locating the smallest leaks of methane, it is the perfect tool for workers to keep on their belt. An optional TopSafe case protects the device from dirt and impacts belowground.

For more information about methane detectors, contact the expert team at testo today.