What is the standard distance between manholes or shelter holes?

The standard distance between manholes or shelter holes being set at 100 feet is based on industry best practices aimed at ensuring accessibility and safety during operations. This distance allows workers to have reasonably quick access to ventilation or escape routes in case of an emergency.

Having manholes or shelter holes spaced at 100 feet ensures that personnel can conduct their work effectively while minimizing the time required to reach safety in the event of hazardous situations, such as gas releases, flooding, or other accidents that might occur in a mining environment. Furthermore, this distance aligns with regulatory standards and guidelines frequently used in mining operations, where consistent access to these safety features is paramount for worker protection.

Spacing them too widely could delay emergency responses, while too close could result in unnecessary redundancy and potential wasted resources. Therefore, the 100-foot standard strikes a balance between safety, efficiency, and resource management in mining operations.