Therrin This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
Location: North of Chicago, IL Gender: Male
*Therrin puts on the penguin-suit
| | | Re: Tips for Abandoned Mines?? <Reply # 47 on 12/4/2011 9:10 AM >
| | | Posted by blacklines
a "simple LED lamp" is not sealed against explosive gasses, you would in either case want something that is.
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That's only really an issue if it's LEL-type gasses you're dealing with. Personally I've never found this to be the case. I'd skimp on that one before any of the others. Also, damn near any LED light that is IPX8/67 or most of the other water-resistant ratings I'd be fine with to use in a mine with low-level LEL's. For the gasses to penetrate the o-ring or compression seals, it'd have to be at a high enough concentration at atmospheric pressure to invade the seals of your light. Most of the LEL based convo as far as this goes is (in my opinion) circle jerking, when you could be discussing far more "this actually might happen" scenarios.
For all you know, a simple LED light could very well be sealed well enough from explosive gasses. I really hate blanket statements. LED's are far safer in that regard than bulb lamps ever were. The only place you might pick up a spark is in the switch, and it'd be amazingly small at that, depending on the type of switch.
If you want REAL ADVICE for safety while exploring mines... WEAR A FUCKING HELMET!!! - Can't stress this one enough. Can't count how many ppl didn't want to or care to wear a helmet in the mines, and invariably you hear a "thwack!" and they go OMG IM SO GLAD IM WEARING THIS HELMET!!! Take more backup lights than you think you might need. (and spare batteries for all of them) - I've gone through 3 of 4 lights while still a few hundred feet underground. You really don't want your "spare" to be your ONLY spare. Mr. Murphy will rear his ugly head if you try to take this point for granted. Always tell someone where you're going, and what time you should contact them by. If you don't call them, they call 911/SAR/whoever. - Pick someone who will make the call, truly, if they don't hear from you. - Make the time limit enough that you can very reasonably make the call, but also leaves a little time if you get just kinda hung up somewhere or forget what time it is for a little bit. - This plan needs modification in non-cell-reception areas. But don't leave it out alltogether. If you've got a broken leg in a mine somewhere and you can't climb out, it's far better for someone to come looking for you after 24 hrs than to not come looking for you at all. The buddy system will usually keep you from exploring anythign alone. It leaves someone to "go for help". - Note: in extensive mines, a group of 3 or 4 is BEST. Any more tends to hinder forward progress in a timely fashion. With four people, if someone is injured, someone can stay with that person and the other TWO can go out for help, in case on of them is injured. In hot areas carry one gallon per person, per day, at a minimum. - You will likely end up using some of your water supply for things other than drinking. Water is cheap. Don't be a tightwad on the water supply. Use common sense. If something is beyond your skill level, or looks really dangerous, pass it up till "later" when you are better trained or bring back someone who is.
That's the best advice I can think of to give any of you, much of it gained from experience.
Give a person a match and they'll be warm for a minute, but light them on fire and they'll be warm for the rest of their life. =) |
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