Firedamp: meaning, definitions and examples
💨
firedamp
[ ˈfaɪərdæmp ]
mining safety
Firedamp is a term used in mining to refer to a flammable mixture of gases, primarily methane. It is typically found in coal mines and can pose a significant risk of explosions. The presence of firedamp is dangerous for miners as it can lead to fires or explosions in enclosed mining environments. Detecting and managing firedamp is crucial for maintaining safety in underground mining operations. Various methods, such as ventilation systems and gas monitoring, are employed to mitigate its risks.
Synonyms
coal gas, methane.
Examples of usage
- The miners were trained to detect firedamp.
- Proper ventilation is essential to avoid accumulation of firedamp.
- An explosion occurred due to high concentrations of firedamp in the mine.
Translations
Translations of the word "firedamp" in other languages:
🇵🇹 gás explosivo
🇮🇳 गैस
🇩🇪 Grubengas
🇮🇩 gas berbahaya
🇺🇦 вогняна газ
🇵🇱 gaz zapalny
🇯🇵 火薬ガス
🇫🇷 gaz explosif
🇪🇸 gas explosivo
🇹🇷 patlayıcı gaz
🇰🇷 폭발성 가스
🇸🇦 غاز متفجر
🇨🇿 výbušný plyn
🇸🇰 explozívny plyn
🇨🇳 爆炸气体
🇸🇮 eksplozivni plin
🇮🇸 sprengig gas
🇰🇿 жарлы газ
🇬🇪 ხანძრის გაზი
🇦🇿 partlayıcı qaz
🇲🇽 gas explosivo
Etymology
The term 'firedamp' originates from the combination of 'fire' and 'damp', the latter being an old term used to describe gases found in mining operations. 'Damp' comes from the old German word ‘Dampf’, which means vapor or gas. Historically, miners have faced dangers from gas accumulation in the early days of coal mining, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term became more widely adopted as safety practices improved and the understanding of methane’s hazards evolved. 'Firedamp' is often mentioned in the discussion of mining safety regulations and practices, highlighting its significance in preventing mining disasters.