Who is responsible for ensuring scrubber fans prevent uncontrolled air recirculation?

• A. Electrical supervisor.
• B. Ventilation officer.
• C. ERZ controller.
• D. Surface mine manager.

Answer: (B)

Controlling ventilation and preventing air from recirculating contaminated air is a duty of the person who oversees the mine’s ventilation system. The ventilation officer is responsible for monitoring and operating the ventilation network, including scrubber fans, to ensure fresh intake air is not contaminated by exhaust and that airflow paths stay correct. They check scrubber performance, dampers, and related controls, and coordinate with other systems to keep airflows aligned with safety requirements.

Electrical supervisors handle electrical equipment and safety, not the ongoing ventilation performance. ERZ controllers manage airflow strategies during emergencies in designated zones, not routine scrubber operation. A surface mine manager has broad site responsibility but the specific task of ensuring scrubber fans prevent uncontrolled air recirculation sits with the ventilation officer.