Emergency escape systems

The Inquiry into the 1994 accident at Moura No.2 Colliery included in it's findings that mine escape and rescue options for persons in underground coal mines were in need of review. The Inquiry recommended the establishment of industry working groups to report to the Queensland Chief Inspector of Coal Mines on matters including escape strategy and life support for escape from mines. One of these task groups examined issues relevant to self -escape from Australian underground coal mines and formulated recommendations and guidelines in response to the terms of reference and scope. A similar working group was also established in NSW by the Chief Inspector of Coal Mines to provide guidance notes for underground emergency escape systems. This paper covers the major points arising from the work of both the Queensland and New South Wales working groups and the results of a study of overseas escape strategies that was undertaken by the NSW working group.