Fault tree analysis and prevention strategies for gas explosion in underground coal mines of Pakistan

N.M. Shahani¹, M.J. Sajid², X. Zheng¹, I.M. Jiskani¹, M.A. Brohi³, M. Ali^1,3, B. Ullah³, A.R. Qureshi³

¹China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China

²Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, China

³Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan

Min. miner. depos. 2019, 13(4):121-128

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining13.04.121

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ABSTRACT

Purpose. Gas explosion in the underground coal mines of Pakistan is the main source of coal miners’ mortalities. The purpose of this article is to analyze the main causes of gas explosion in the underground coal mines of Pakistan.

Methods. The study employs the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to understand the key root causes that lead to system failure. Particularly, this research has articulated the fault tree model in case of gas explosion in underground coal mines to analyze the root causes of this dangerous accident.

Findings. This analysis has revealed that most of the root causes (4/7) with 5/10 accidents, 49/53 fatalities and 28/35 injuries resulted from primary failure of the gas explosion that poses a major threat to lives of mine workers. Similarly, the accumulation of gases and ignition are leading causes of gas explosion.

Originality.FTA has been employed for the first time to understand the underlying root causes with the correspon-ding number of accident, fatalities and injuries of gas explosion in underground coal mines of Pakistan. This original application of FTA to the problem under discussion presents some important underlying factors which should be considered to reduce the risk of gas explosion and its related fatal and non-fatal accidents.

Practical implications. The study proposes preventive strategies to lessen the fatal and non-fatal accidents resulting from gas explosions. Explicitly, Pakistan has to conduct major structural and safety management reforms.

Keywords: fault tree analysis, gas explosion, ignition, occupational health and safety, preventive strategies

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