Mining safety regulator warns against 'unprecedented' vapes in mines
Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating an unprecedented number of reports of contraband being brought into coalmines.
Queensland's independent mining safety regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), has issued a safety alert following six reports of contraband materials, such as vapes, in coal mines over the past five months. The regulator has warned miners to check their pockets and bags, and surrender any prohibited items before entering mines.
With underground coal mines potentially containing methane gas and combustible coal dust, any ignition source poses a significant risk of triggering a catastrophic explosion, causing multiple injuries or fatalities.
Kerri Melkersson, executive director of the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station, emphasized that contraband creates an unacceptable ignition risk. Testing vapes revealed their heating elements can reach over 250 degrees Celsius when in use, generating over 100 times more energy than needed to ignite gas in an underground coal mine. RSHQ has received these reports of contraband for the first time since 2012, the last time they received any reports of contraband entering underground coal mines.
Ms. Melkersson urged operators to continue checking their procedures and stressed the importance of supervisors ensuring their workers understand and comply with safety protocols. The regulator emphasizes the clear message: no vapes, no lighters, and no contraband underground.
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