Where must the mine atmosphere be monitored according to safety regulations?

Monitoring the mine atmosphere is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of workers in mining operations. According to safety regulations, the monitoring must be performed at strategic locations, and one of the most critical areas for this monitoring is the return airway of each ventilation split.

The return airway serves as the passage for air that has already circulated through the mine and has picked up potential contaminants or harmful gases. By monitoring the atmosphere in these areas, operators can ensure that any dangerous conditions are identified promptly, allowing for immediate corrective actions to safeguard worker health.

Additionally, monitoring solely at entrance and exit points, personal workstations, or random spots throughout the mine does not provide comprehensive oversight of air quality in various sections of the mine. Each ventilation split plays a unique role in air circulation, and thus, monitoring there provides a clear indication of the atmosphere's safety throughout the mine. This targeted approach is essential for preventing incidents related to unhealthy air quality and ensuring the overall safety of the mining environment.