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13/10/09Mine safety after the canaries
In three centuries of mining in Queensland the safety and health of underground mine workers has gone from relying on canaries in cages to fully automated, computer-controlled, gas monitoring systems.
The initiative of our miners, the industry and government to continue to investigate and embrace improved safety systems, including space-age technology, is revealed in a new multi-media, interactive display at the Collinsville Coalface Experience.
The display will be opened by Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today, on Collinsville's Miners' Memorial Day.
"It is fitting that on this day we recognise the contribution made by those whose lives were lost while also celebrating the great advances we have made on mine safety," Mr Robertson said.
"Mine safety is a priority for the Bligh Government and initiatives such as this can not only highlight how far we've come but will share new technologies and encourage new developments to make our mines even safer.
"Continually improving mine safety is why the Bligh Government invested $6263 to install this new interactive display. It will be a constant reminder to us all of the need to keep seeking technologies to prevent accidents on mine sites, both above and below ground.
"This state-of-the-art display is not only a tribute to the Collinsville coal miners and their families, it is a visual and oral history of the on-going advances in mining safety across Queensland.
"This display is evidence of the remarkable advances in remote gas monitoring and other safety systems."
The display, designed by Bowen-based multi-media designer Ms Jenn Honnery, is a touch-screen system with visual imagery and audio, following the evolution of safety systems and methods that can save lives underground.
Beginning with the humble canary and the introduction of the Davy flame safety lamp which was used extensively until the late 1980s, the display traces the different methods used to detect any risk and escape.
The touch-screen display will allow users to explore different areas of interest within the program which includes video, audio and images, including sketches going back to mining in Europe in the 1500s.
Media contact: 07 3224 7332
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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