Personal Protection Aids

New personal protection aids at OKD

Within the framework of the “SAFETY 2010” programme,  up-to-date personal protection aids will be available to our employees:

1. Personal lamp T 1005.1 
 

The personal lamp T 1005.1 has a strong advantage over the old type of lamp in use up until now. The new lamp is approximately 70 per cent (12x2x10 cm) smaller. Its weight has also been significantly reduced – by one whole kilogram. Thanks to its dry monocell NiMh, the lamp T 1005.1 only weighs 0.8 kg. The lamp is fitted with a LED diode (light emitting diode) with a luminance of 2,500 lux, which is higher than in the case of the older lamp. This luminance is also guaranteed after 10 hours of use. The lamp head is equipped with a passive aerial. The dry monocell with the lamp head is then interconnected via a cable with the reflex surface. The worker is then more visible when illuminated by the lamps of his colleagues. By the end of 2010, the operation units of the company will be equipped with 14 000 new lamps. An initiative to replace the lamp charging stands will run in connection with the replacement of the lamps.

2. Dräger X-am 5000 indicating and detecting instrument
 

The indicating and detecting instrument measures and guards against the occurrence of gases dangerous to life in the forefields (CO, CO₂, CH₄, NO_x) and coalfaces (CO, CO₂, CH₄). In comparison with the heavy and significantly larger instruments with detector tubes, the Dräger X-am 5000 instrument is minimized into the size of a larger mobile phone, is able to measure, record and memorise entered values continuously, and is also provided with optical and acoustic alarms. All this improves the miner’s monitoring and safety control underground.

3. Self-rescue Devices
 

Masks or self-rescue devices for mine workers are also being replaced. Old Ukrainian ŠSS 1/PV models will be replaced completely with German manufactured devices – Dräger OXY K 50 S. Every single mask must be marked. The marking indicates the period when the mask was put into service and its production number. The product lifetime of the Dräger OXY K 50 S self-rescue device is 10 years, three years longer than the lifetime of the currently used masks. Although the “Drägers” have the same weight as the previously used equipment, the shape is different. Compared to other breathing apparatuses, the new product has a different centre of gravity, better webbing (including a strap across the chest) and, first and foremost, a humidity indicator. Everyone can check whether his mask is tight enough. The indicator case is filled with violet-coloured granules which change their colour if the face piece is not fitting tightly. Another improvement of the breathing apparatuses are the yellow-coloured goggles. They are particularly useful in a smoke-laden environment.

OXY K 50 S - Technical specification:

• a self-rescue breathing apparatus based on chemical generation of oxygen;
• independent of the atmosphere conditions, with a closed alternate breathing system; 
• used in emergencies to escape from danger areas; 
• dimensions (W x H x D) 210 x 260x105 mm;
• weight approximately 3 kg (unopened), or 2.4 kg (when used);
• minimum capacity of the breathing airbag - 6 litres;
• breathing support time - 50 minutes;
• maximum temperature of inhaled air = 55 °C.

4. Footwear
 

By the end of September 2009, within the framework of the SAFETY 2010 program, 12 516 pairs of new solid, high-quality work boots were purchased for more than 18 million Czech crowns.  Solid and comfortable boots play an important role in improving safety and health efforts during underground works. Work injuries are very frequently caused by employees slipping. A number of different types of footwear underwent testing. Eventually, three were selected: Baťa Malenka S3 footwear, Baťa Jano S3, and Kanada Baak S3. The overall replacement of the work boots is targeted for completion by the end of 2010.

5. Mine clothes with reflective tabs
 

The new working clothes for mine workers as well as technical and administrative staff are equipped with reflective tabs in a silver and yellow colour. They are made from a twill material, 100 % cotton, 300 g/m³. Other improvements in the clothes concern: the positioning and size of the pockets; the length and width of the trouser-legs; the prolongation of fixative taping. By the end of 2010, a complete replacement of new miners’ clothes with reflective marking will take place.

6. T-shirts and Shirts

Our miners are equipped with the cotton t-shirts and shirts with reflective tabs and the company logotype. Reflective tabs enhance the visibility of the miner. The company will purchase 175,000 t-shirts and shirts by the end of 2010.

7. Protective helmets with visors

Currently, OKD is being supplied with protective helmets with visors from England – the HC 600/4 – and Poland – Unierg Bieruň. So far, 8 624 pieces have been delivered to its mining district. A purchase of new helmets with goggles and with better head adjustment is being planned.