# IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
> MSHA accident `220023390010` · 11/21/2002 · Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC
## Details
- **Degree of injury:** ACCIDENT ONLY
- **Classification:** IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
- **Accident type:** Accident type, without injuries
- **Occupation:** —
- **Activity:** —
- **Injury source:** —
- **Nature of injury:** —
- **Body part:** —
- **Days lost:** —
- **Mine experience:** — years
## Operator
- **Controller:** BHP Billiton
- **Operator:** Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC
- **Mine:** [2902170](https://api.ai-analytics.org/mine/2902170)
## Narrative

ROOF BOLTER OPERATOR WAS SPINNING A ROOF BOLT TO MIX THE RESIN. THE BOLT PLATE STRUCK OR RUBBED AGAINST THE STEEL MAT AND CAUSED HEAT OR SPARKS. THE BOLTER HELPER OBSERVED A YELLOWISH FLAME TH AT LASTED AN ESTIMATED 4 SECONDS. THE OPERATOR DID NOT SEE THE FLAME. WORK WAS STOPPED AND THE SCENE SECURED. MSHA WAS NOTIFIED. AN INVESTIGATION BEGAN WHEN MSHA INSPECTORS ARRIVED.

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*Source: [MSHA Open Government Data](https://arlweb.msha.gov/OpenGovernmentData/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*