Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie Number 09/2024

The fix drilling equipment (non-moving equipment such as masts and derricks) are the most important structure components from drilling rigs because support all the loads that appear during the drilling technological process. In order to ensure a safety behavior of the entire mast it is recommended that a proper load calculation to be completed (static and dynamic calculation). Besides static loads, the drilling rig used to oil well bears periodical dynamic loads caused by the operation of hoisting equipment lifting drilling string or bears shock (acceleration) loads related to the tripping of a jar or pulling string into closed BOP rams. Maintenance and use of drilling and well servicing structures should always be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the most current edition of API RP 54 [13]. In case where this material is insufficient and the manufacturer is not available or is unable to provide sufficient guidance, API RP 4G [12] is an excellent source of information for users regarding the maintenance and use of drilling and well servicing structures. The proper foundation should be designed to mount a drilling rig on it in order to transfer to the ground the static and dynamic loads generated during the movement of the hoisting equipment & drilling pipes. According to dangerous events associated with mast/derrick failure as a result of dynamic load conditions of the last 30 years we need to learn a lesson they were resulted in injuries, death or asset loss. What is more, destroyed mast may preclude the functioning of the BOP equipment strongly responsible for crew safety and environmental protection.

The article discusses the recent use of explosives in mining, with a particular focus on hard coal mines. Polish coal mines have been experiencing a decline in mining for a long time, which also translates into the usage of explosive. In 2014 hard coal mining operations used 1.64•106 kg of explosives with 2.54 million detonators and 0.47•106 m of detonating cord, while in 2023 usage was respectively: 0.82•106 kg of explosives, 1.17 million detonators and 0.35 •106 m of detonating cord. Despite the decline in mining, underground mines are facing increasing risks - mostly natural - one reason for which is the descent to greater mining depth. In 2023 there were excavated 134 longwalls, 83% of seams were in methane hazard, including 50% in seams classified as IV category of methane hazard. The selection of materials, equipment or explosives rests with mine management, while research on their safety, including safety in conditions of risk of explosive atmospheres, is handled by the relevant scientific centers. The various testing methods in force in the European Union countries, including Poland, are based on the actual determination of the safety of explosives by testing them in an explosive atmosphere in experimental gallery of dimensions similar to the excavations. Explosives are tested in different types of mortars, imitating the different ways in which detonation products are ejected from blast holes. This paper presents research methods for testing the safety of explosives carried out by the Central Mining Institute - National Research Institute. Experimental studies have confirmed the safety of the permitted explosive type emulsion under conditions of danger of coal dust and/or methane explosion.

Mining businesses dealing with the extraction of hard coal deposits in Poland must strictly comply with conditions and regulations of Geological and Mining Law regarding mining safety. There are situations in which exemption from the regulations is needed which should improve safety conditions. The President of the State Mining Authority, by decision, may consent to derogation/change from the regulations. Such consent may be granted for a period not longer than 5 years and only in the event of application from the business containing the appropriate, substantive justification. This article presents the procedure in which the decision is given and then the premises which must be fulfilled to positively consider an application. An important issue when making a decision is to give the conditions which must be met to proceed with excavation work in special conditions. Providing the conditions in the decision are subject to control by the mining supervision authorities. Examples of topics related to the prevention of rockburst hazards in hard coal mines that appear in applications addressed to the President of the State Mining Authority for permission for derogation from the regulations were presented. Incoming applications to the President of the State Mining Authority are in the vast majority appropriately justified, and additional intentions provided for them and the period of using derogation from the regulations that an appropriate level of safety is maintained. Ensuring safety during mining works covered by the President of the State Mining Authority consents on derogation from the regulations requires special engagement from mining plant managers and employees, especially because of the unique occurrence of applications in the mining region