This 1926 film from the United States Bureau of Mines Department of Commerce chronicles the danger of coal dusting and what safety precautions are being taken to ensure mine security. One way that technology is helping to ensure more sound mines is through the use of rock-dust. Rock-dust is a fine powder that is applied to all surfaces of a mine to ensure that a layer is covering the combustible mine dust. Testing is done on a schedule to ensure that at all times a sufficient layer is available. To spread this rock-dust, a machine is used to fling the dust in the air to spread an even layer. Other measures are being taken in case fires were to break out. Through use of barriers, which throw up a thick cloud of rock-dust in case of fire, mining safety is further ensured. Through the use of rock-dusting and barrier technology many lives have been saved and the security of coal miners has increased greatly. See the full length video at: www.qualityinformationpublishers.com
