What facilities at the mine, associated with inertisation, must be tested at appropriate intervals?

• A. Each Airlock at the mine at least once a year and the connection point for using the inertisation equipment
• B. Gas detectors
• C. Ventilation fans
• D. None

Answer: (A)

Inertisation safety depends on reliable interfaces where the inerting process is applied and contained. The airlocks are key points that must seal properly, and the connection point used to link the inertisation equipment must be verified as gas-tight and ready for use. Because these interfaces are what allow safe introduction and containment of inert gas, they need formal testing at appropriate intervals, with a minimum of once a year for each airlock and for the inertisation connection point. Gas detectors and ventilation fans are important safety features, but they serve broader safety roles and their testing is not the specific inertisation interface requirement described here. There is a defined testing obligation for these inertisation facilities, so the annual test for airlocks and the connection point is the correct focus.