Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 21, 1993 TAG: 9312210088
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Greg Edwards
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Over the next few weeks, Reich said, every inspector, specialist and supervisor within the Mine Safety and Health Administration - more than 1,000 people - will check each of the nation's 2,000 coal mines for safety violations and talk to mine operators about winter hazards that can lead to explosions.
The worst mine explosions in U.S. history have occurred during cold weather, including the very worst, at Monogah, W.Va., on Dec. 6, 1907, that killed 362 miners.
During the winter months, as the barometer drops, methane gas, which provides the greatest explosion hazard in mines, is liberated from coal seams more readily, said MSHA chief Marvin Nichols. Dry winter air also makes the fine dust in mines, which can explode, more dangerous.
For the first time Monday, MSHA broadcast a coal-mine safety alert video by satellite to television stations in the coalfields. The agency also supplied 200 radio stations with public service announcements.
Earlier in the year, MSHA inspectors discussed the findings of the Southmountain investigation with management and miners at every underground coal mine in the country.
by CNB