Can miners vape at work?

[eric]

I had a fellow email me this evening with an inquiry as to whether or not the Electronic Cigarette is safe to use in the mineshaft as he claims the MSHA disallows the smoking of tobacco products. I'm not sure what the reasoning is, but I imagine it has to do with sparking underground methane (or other gas) deposits.

I didn't know what to tell him, but was hoping someone here might have a clue.

I'm not sure if e-cigarettes are spark-proof.

Anyway, if any of you know anything, please let me know.

Eric

[yknotagain]

I certainly would not chance it without a controlled test. Most fine dusts in a confined space are highly explosive and methane certainly is.

[tiffytiff]

umm my brother in law is a miner, and even if it WAS ok, which it might be i dont know. doesnt matter HIS mine would never allow it. so i would have to say probably not

[steveh]

He has to be kidding you! No, if it is a coal mine or is classified as a gaseous mine. Hard rock mines could be different in his area. If he is a miner he knows.

[Why2Day]

I would say no! Reason, 22 years as an Airforce aircraft mechanic. Any spark, attys do glow right, produce instantaneous combustion of flamable gases. Same as I would advise for refueling a car. Of course I'm overly paranoid. Military QA brainwash at it's finest! If you feel lucky go for it!

[Texas Rover]

I do know that plants here along the gulf coast use smoking areas with electric lighters.
basicly a electric coil that produces a hot filiment to light the cigerett. Not many plants will let you bring a lighter on to the facility. No open flames are alowed. This type of lighter produces a lot more heat than the 510 I have. I dont know if that helps but....

[lowwkeyy]

eric - hehe i think i know who sent this lead to you.

[Hinterscher]

My husband vapes and is a coal miner. Federal regulations prohibit smoking, or any component (lighters, cigarettes/cigars) from entering the shaft. However, he HAS discussed the use of VP's underground at his mine site and the Federal inspector said that, one, he would have to discuss it with the district bureau manager, and , two, since we use battery operated lasers to put in our sights to make sure our miner operators are cutting straight, and there is already a set guideline for where they can and cannot be, he did not se any reason why they could not be used u/g.