Flammability testing in the mining sector

Publisher Summary Many different types of materials are used in the mining industry and for many different purposes. Some of the materials are of natural origin, such as wood and oil. The materials used in the mining industry generally fall into three basic categories with respect to flammability. These categories are flammable, combustible, and non-combustible. These categories are applicable to both solid and liquid materials, although technical distinctions may divide the category of combustible into subclasses. The potential fire hazard of certain materials is always a concern where safety of mining personnel and others may be compromised. The level of fire safety chosen will differ depending on the type of material and the environment in which it is used or applied. Materials used for mine stoppings and non-asbestos packing gland material used in the stuffing boxes of coal mine electrical equipment require a flame test and several other different types of tests. Three flammability tests are required for determining the fire resistance of hydraulic fluids used in coal mining equipment. Most of the tests used to evaluate a material are small-scale laboratory tests. The largest test is a heated furnace test used to determine the fire rating of mine stoppings.