How often should gas test examinations be conducted in face areas where equipment is operating?

Gas test examinations are essential for ensuring the safety of miners, especially in areas where equipment is operating. Conducting these tests at least every 20 minutes is a standard practice to monitor for harmful gases, such as methane and carbon monoxide, which can accumulate rapidly and pose serious risks.

This frequency allows for timely detection of any dangerous gas concentrations, enabling quick response actions to protect the health and safety of the miners. Since the equipment can change the airflow and potentially increase the risk of gas build-up, frequent monitoring helps in maintaining a safe working environment.

While options suggesting longer intervals, such as once per shift or every 30 minutes, may seem adequate, they do not provide the necessary immediacy to respond effectively to potential hazardous conditions that could arise in just a few moments. Maintaining a protocol that mandates testing every 20 minutes reinforces the commitment to safety in high-risk areas.