Under what condition is a mine considered dangerous regarding gas monitoring failures?

A mine is considered dangerous regarding gas monitoring failures when there is no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for portable gas detectors. This is crucial because SOPs are established protocols that provide detailed instructions on how to safely operate equipment, including gas detectors, which are essential for monitoring the levels of hazardous gases. Without an SOP, there is a heightened risk of improper use, failure to conduct necessary checks, or even neglect in monitoring, all of which could lead to dangerous conditions within the mine.

The existence of a comprehensive SOP ensures that workers understand their roles, the importance of regular monitoring, and the immediate actions to take in case of an alarming reading. This mitigates risks associated with gas accumulation, including potential harm to workers and catastrophic incidents.

While high levels of CO2 and the presence of combustible gases also indicate dangerous conditions, these situations are typically assessed and managed through effective monitoring and procedures. A power outage does pose significant risks to gas monitoring systems; however, the absence of established protocols fundamentally jeopardizes safety measures at any time, making the lack of an SOP the most critical factor in this context.