Operating Instruction for Toxic Gas Detectors in Underground Mines
The main occupational hazards for underground workers include oxygen‑deficiency suffocation, hydrogen‑sulfide poisoning and flammable‑gas explosion. Hydrogen‑sulfide poisoning occurs most frequently. Compound gas detectors can timely measure the concentration of toxic and harmful gases underground and trigger automatic alarms.
Suffocation caused by carbon dioxide and gas (methane) For victims in apparent death due to suffocation from carbon dioxide and gas, administer artificial respiration and resuscitation with oxygen supply. In addition, rub the victim's skin or let them inhale ammonia water to stimulate the resumption of breathing. This also applies to carbon‑monoxide poisoning cases.
Hydrogen‑sulfide poisoning Apart from artificial respiration or oxygen delivery via resuscitator, place cotton balls or handkerchiefs soaked in chlorine‑water solution inside the victim's mouth. Chlorine serves as an effective neutralizer for hydrogen sulfide.
Sulfur‑dioxide poisoning Sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulfuric acid, which causes severe irritation and even burns to the respiratory system. Besides artificial respiration and resuscitator oxygen supply, give the victim milk or honey, or rinse the mouth with soda solution to relieve irritation.
Nitrogen‑dioxide poisoning Typical symptoms of nitrogen‑dioxide poisoning include yellow discoloration of fingertips and hair, accompanied by cough, nausea and vomiting. Nitrogen‑dioxide poisoning may induce pulmonary edema, therefore artificial respiration shall not be performed. If resuscitator support is necessary, do not mix carbon dioxide into pure oxygen to avoid further lung irritation. It is preferable to maintain oxygen supply with the resuscitator while encouraging the victim to resume spontaneous breathing.
Carbon‑monoxide poisoning Symptoms include shallow and rapid breathing. Upon loss of consciousness, erythema appears on cheeks and body, and lips show a peach‑red colour. Apply artificial respiration or deliver oxygen through a resuscitator. Add 5%‑7% carbon dioxide into the supplied oxygen to stimulate the respiratory centre and help restore respiratory function.
