Which areas must airflow rates be calculated and recorded for?

• A. The goaf area
• B. The main upcast fan
• C. The surface airways
• D. The combined intake & combined return airways and Each ventilation split

Answer: (D)

Airflow bookkeeping across the whole ventilation network is about knowing how much air is moving from intake to return and how that air is split among the different sections. The requirement to calculate and record airflow for the combined intake airways and the combined return airways, and for every ventilation split, ensures you have a complete picture of how the ventilation system is delivering air to every part of the mine. By measuring the total flow entering and leaving the network, you can verify the overall exhaust and supply balance. By measuring each split, you can confirm that each section is receiving its required share of air and spot any imbalances, leaks, or blockages that could create unsafe conditions in any area. While the other areas—like the goaf, surface airways, or the main upcast fan—are part of the system, they are not the specific group of points that ensures a full, auditable record of how air is distributed throughout every ventilation split. The best answer reflects the need for comprehensive recording across both combined airway systems and every split in the network.