Avoiding and Correcting Problems | Longwall | underground COAL

AVOIDING AND CORRECTING PROBLEMS

Problems on longwalls can easily become major safety and cost items. Avoidance, even if this involves the risk of "wasting" resources on taking precautions "just in case" is usually the lesser risk. The extent of such insurance expenditure is a matter for individual mines to decide, preferably using risk assessment techniques. The aim is to avoid man-made problems and to try and be prepared for geological issues. Avoidance is always better than correction.

Good longwall practice can be considered under four headings - exploration, preparation, observation and correction.