Strength and composition of a mines rescue squad ...more

The mining industry was the first to develop breathing apparatus for its workforce. This work can be traced back to one Alexander von Humboldt, formerly a Prussian Chief Mines Inspector, who as early as 1799 was calling for breathing equipment to be provided for underground mineworkers and for the men to be given instruction in its use. ...more

The mines rescue team is deployed below ground for emergency rescue and recovery and for maintaining and preserving equipment after a mine explosion, fire or other event where a threat may be posed by the presence of noxious gases, oxygen deficiency or flooding. ...more

In the event of deployment the brigade commander will lead the mine rescue team from the brigade standby station to the location of the incident. Each rescue brigade comprises a team leader and four brigade members. Each brigade is backed-up by a reserve team, which is kept on alert at the standby station. ...more

Major disaster training exercise at AV 8 colliery shaft - more than 150 rescue personnel deployed. The alarm sounds. Information begins to arrive at the operations centre: a methane explosion, more than 30 injured below ground. The mines rescue squad is called out to help get the injured men to safety. A distress call also goes out to emergency services and fire fighters. ...more

Area of responsibility and involvement for the headquarters of the mines rescue. The mining company maintains a Central Mines Rescue Station or is linked to such a station. ...more

At the turn of the twentieth century underground fires were the plague of the coal industry. An invention from Herne, the twin-bottle apparatus designed by Georg Albrecht Meyer, was to make the life of the mineworker somewhat easier. ...more