How soon should air quality be tested after the failure of main or booster fans?

Air quality testing after the failure of main or booster fans is critical for ensuring the safety of miners. If these fans fail, the ventilation system is compromised, which can lead to hazardous conditions due to the buildup of harmful gases or insufficient oxygen levels. The regulations dictate that air quality should be tested promptly in such scenarios to assess the immediate impact of the failure on the mine environment.

Testing within two hours of a fan failure is considered appropriate as it allows for a timely assessment while still being realistic in terms of mobilization and response efforts. This two-hour timeframe balances urgency with the need for a thorough evaluation of air quality, ensuring miners are protected as quickly as possible.

Responding faster, such as within one hour, may be ideal in urgent scenarios but could be impractical in terms of actually executing the tests and analyzing results effectively. Waiting until the next scheduled shift would unnecessarily delay critical air quality assessments, potentially putting miners at risk during that time. Therefore, the two-hour timeframe is the standard established to prioritize miner safety without compromising the thoroughness of the testing process.