- Equipping rescuers with state-of-the-art equipment that affects the safety and comfort of rescuers taking part in rescue operations is a priority for us. We spare no expense on this. Undoubtedly, modern equipment for the rescuers translates into an efficiently conducted rescue operations. We would like to purchase even more state-of-the-art equipment, but we have to keep in mind that as soon as new equipment comes on the market, it has to be tested, which takes months and often turns out not to meet the rescuers’ expectations. It happens that older equipment designs are irreplaceable for many years, such is the case with regenerative oxygen machines, among others. We strive to ensure that our rescuers are equipped with the best equipment - says Tomasz Cudny, President of JSW.
Since 2020, JSW has spent more than PLN 18 million on rescue equipment. 2022 was a record year, when more than PLN 7 million were spent on equipment purchases. In the first quarter of this year, PLN 1.2 million have already been spent, and it doesn't stop there. Since the end of last year, rescuers have been testing, in various configurations and conditions, a new, smaller and lighter positive-pressure oxygen (rescue) machine. In this machine, the air is cooled and enriched with a constant level of oxygen, which is important when carrying out operations in the so-called microclimate conditions. If the machine receives a favorable opinion from the rescuers, the Company will begin the process of purchasing them.
It is worth mentioning that Rescue Operation Managers have at their disposal the equipment stored in the Central Rescue Depot, which was established at the Zofiówka Section in 2019. The warehouse houses specialized equipment, tools and materials that can be used at any time during a rescue operation at any of JSW's mines. The equipment available to rescuers in the warehouse includes rescue communication devices, systems for locating missing miners, thermal imaging cameras, ventilation equipment, specialized high-performance generators and pumps for making foam, pumping adhesives and filling backfill dams. The warehouse is also equipped with equipment for caving operations, e.g. pneumatic jacks, high-pressure cushion sets with accessories, cutters and rescue supports. There is also a rescue conveyor designed and manufactured by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe and many other specialized equipment, tools and materials necessary for all types of rescue operations. At the Central Rescue Depot, rescue teams from the mines become familiar with the construction and operation of equipment and devices, which is of major importance when conducting rescue operations. The Central Rescue Depot houses a total of 468 pieces of equipment needed in rescue operations.
In addition, the Company makes sure Mine Rescue Stations are equipped on an ongoing basis. This is mainly equipment used by rescuers, e.g. rescue communications - including wireless, measuring and control instruments, in particular gas analyzers, gas concentration meters, thermometers, pyrometers and thermal imaging cameras. Respiratory protection equipment, e.g. evacuation oxygen machines and machine leak testing devices. Equipment for caving and fire operations and preventive work. Last year, a lot of equipment was also purchased to equip the specialized rescue teams and mountaineering teams being formed at KWK Budryk for rescue work conducted in vertical or steep workings. Specialized mountaineering units are also part of the team at the Zofiówka Section and the team at KWK Pniówek. Last year, the rescuers took part in a training and conditioning camp in the Tatra National Park, during which they held joint exercises with rescuers from the Tatra Voluntary Rescue Service.
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa also spares no expense in financing various courses dedicated to rescuers, for example, 571 rescuers completed a course in qualified medical first aid. Basic courses for rescuers, equipment mechanics, candidates for members of specialized squads for rescue work using mountaineering techniques. Courses for operation managers, operation staff managers, rescue base managers, courses for persons who control measuring instruments used to measure the parameters of mine atmosphere, courses for operators of equipment used for fire prevention, and many other courses that are repeated periodically.
