What preparatory work is necessary before unsealing a fire area?

Before unsealing a fire area, it is crucial to prepare for fire gases to pass to the main return. This step is vital because, during a fire in a mining environment, toxic gases can build up and create hazardous conditions. Adequate preparation involves ensuring that the ventilation system is capable of handling these gases and safely channeling them away from areas where personnel might be working or passing through. This precaution helps prevent the accumulation of dangerous gases that could pose risks to health and safety.

While bringing in firefighting equipment, inspecting mining machinery, and evacuating personnel are important safety protocols, they do not specifically address the need to manage fire gases as preparation for unsealing a fire area. Effective management of fire gases is critical for maintaining safety and minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful substances for both personnel and equipment during the process of unsealing.