What must happen if ventilation is not restored within fifteen minutes?

If ventilation is not restored within fifteen minutes, the safety of all personnel in the mine becomes a critical concern. Adequate ventilation is essential to ensure a supply of breathable air and to mitigate harmful gases, dust, and other hazardous conditions that can arise in underground mining operations.

When ventilation fails for an extended period, the environment becomes increasingly dangerous. Therefore, the directive to remove all employees from the mine serves to protect their health and safety. This action minimizes the risk of exposure to life-threatening situations such as asphyxiation or the accumulation of toxic gases.

While there may be designated procedures for engineers or emergency services, the priority in this situation is the immediate evacuation of all personnel to guarantee their safety while the ventilation issue is addressed. Hence, the requirement to evacuate everyone highlights the critical importance of maintaining a safe working environment in underground mines.