Add Surveiilance To A Mine Field Using Video Surveillance Cameras

Despite the introduction of a mine-safety board and the passing of various laws regarding coal mine safety, there are still thousands of mine-related accidents that occur every year. It has been reported that most of the deaths are the result of gas leaks, dust explosions, collapsing mines and the malfunctioning of mining equipment. It is interesting to note, though, that these mishaps could have been prevented with the use of video surveillance cameras in coal mines.

Video surveillance cameras can give managers and engineers a good vantage point over employees to ensure their safety. These cameras can also be used for remote surveillance over high-risk areas, such as unstable mines. There are many ways by which video surveillance cameras can be used to increase mine safety. The list below enumerates some of them.

1. Video surveillance cameras can be used to monitor activities in dangerous areas, particularly gas-filled lower portions of the earth. Underground coal mining requires workers to dig deep into the earth, even until dangerous gases, like methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are released. The use of these cameras along with special sensors can help monitor the levels of dangerous gases in coal mines.
2. These cameras can help track workers, especially those who are trapped in caved-in mines. Video surveillance cameras can be used to check for the whereabouts of employees and workers, to make sure they keep away from dangerous areas. These cameras can also be lowered in pits or holes where mines have caved in, to search for trapped workers. Video surveillance cameras can also be used along with special sensors to detect coal dust, a dangerous explosive that is the major cause of collapsed mines and the deaths of workers.
3. Surveillance cameras can allow managers and engineers to detect problems quickly. Engineers and managers can do thorough remote surveillance using video surveillance cameras. Even if they’re not onsite, they can guide workers and employees through step-by-step processes to fix problems and issues. Remote surveillance is also a good option to be able to track various activities in different areas of the coal mine simultaneously.
4. Mobile surveillance cameras can be used to check the soil structure and quality in coal mines. Video surveillance cameras and radars can be attached to a roving vehicle to double check the quality of the soil in areas. The soil in coal mines should be firm and hard, so that it does not cave in or fall on workers. Radars and cameras can also help detect cracks in rocks as well as unstable structures.
5. Managers can check if workers are strictly following the proper safety precautions. Video surveillance cameras allow leaders and managers to see if coal mine workers are wearing the proper protective gear and if they are following standard procedures for safety. This way, accidents due to negligence can be minimized.

Thousands of people die in coal mines every year because of accidents that could have been prevented through the proper equipment, training and through practicing mine safety. Video surveillance cameras can also be used to help increase the safety levels in coal mines and encourage workers to practice thorough safety precautions.