Duong raised his arm to block the bright sunlight that was about to set behind the Can mountain range. The murmur of the sea could not be heard here. But the sea was right in front of him, only a few kilometers away from Khe Ram.
Dry Mountain. Ram Stream.
The ancients were so romantic when they came to explore this coastal land. Even mountains can dry up. And yet it is dry. Because deep in the rock veins there is coal. The coal mining project was marked and planned before Duong was born.
When they first arrived at the mine, the boys were no different from new recruits. A training program was immediately deployed. Sitting right at the window of the training room, Duong looked outside, where the office staff were leaving the changing room. A group of white shirts were shining in the rising dawn. He was amazed by the fascinating and enchanting scene. This was a coal mine with large reserves, coal clinging to every blade of grass, coal floating in the air that could be measured with the naked eye. Yet the entire company had white shirt uniforms. How beautiful!
- You sit near the window.
Duong startled and turned to look at the training officer. He did not seem upset.
- Yes...
- You find it strange, don't you? The white shirt uniform here surprises all newcomers.
The room erupted in cheers. The air was thick.
The training officer smiled slightly:
- That was the idea of the first director of this coal mine. He has retired. The office staff at our mine all wear white. You will see a contrast with the black coal; but it creates a very pure feeling, right? Of course, we will have protective gear to work in the mine. But everyone will have a white shirt to wear whenever there is a meeting or group activity.
The whole room erupted in cheers.
- Tomorrow is the practical training program, organizing a demonstration of methane gas explosion and coal dust explosion on simulated mines (flat furnace, vertical shaft furnace...). Everyone changes into the protective gear used to go down the mine. Be present at the mine training ground at 7 o'clock sharp.
Newly recruited workers and technicians must undergo a rigorous training process. They listen attentively to lectures on methane gas explosions and coal dust explosions, hazards in coal mines.
In the training program, trainees studied the document "Safety in preventing methane gas and coal dust explosions"; listened to technical staff of the Mine Safety Center teach about methane gas and coal dust explosions, consequences and prevention methods; information about some methane gas and coal dust explosion accidents in the Coal industry; the causes and unpredictable consequences that a gas explosion can cause; and prevention measures.
Duong listened attentively to this important lecture. There were things that humans could not completely control, so they had to be extremely careful in preparing for every moment and every step, so that when faced with dangerous situations, they could avoid them as best as possible.
The lecturer approached Duong:
- What are you thinking, young man? Did you hear what I just said?
- Yes, sir... During the formation of coal, methane gas is produced in coal seams, existing in many different forms such as free form, pore form and absorbed form. This is a gas that causes extremely dangerous fires and explosions. For the underground coal mining industry in the world as well as in Vietnam, the issue of methane gas fire and explosion safety has been and is being put on top. Hundreds of accidents related to methane gas fires and explosions have occurred, causing great damage to people and property. To prevent the danger of methane gas fires and explosions, it is necessary to clearly understand the characteristics of this gas and from there come up with effective preventive measures...".
- That's right! You have a very good memory. Tell the class the consequences of a fire or explosion!
- Dear lecturer. Consequences of gas explosion: Methane gas explosion causes a series of physical and chemical changes, causing serious damage to people and property. Specifically, the temperature after the explosion is high: The explosion temperature in the tunnel can reach 1,8500C, the explosion temperature in a closed environment can reach 2,6500C; mechanical consequences: Destruction of equipment in the tunnel (electric train, equipment...), destruction of the tunnel structure causing the tunnel to collapse...
The trainer nodded. The whole class was silent as if sensing danger lurking at any time, anywhere deep underground in the mines. The trainer was very young. He drew quite an attractive diagram, making the lecture less boring.
- Listen carefully! Properties of methane gas: Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, so humans cannot perceive it by feeling but must rely on measuring equipment to determine it, such as explosive limit: 5 - 15%, strongest explosive content: 9.5%, combustion temperature: 650 - 7500C...
Basic factors causing methane gas fire and explosion, after meeting 3 factors: oxygen, methane, fire source, a methane gas fire will occur, if the methane gas content is within the explosive limit, it will cause a gas explosion....
Young faces from all over the country were recruited to the mine. Everyone had the desire to change their lives when they applied to work at the mine. With the amount of work each shift did in a day, they calculated that each month they would earn enough money, minus their food and personal expenses, to save about ten million to send home. With all their youthful strength, they just sat at home wandering around the dry and cracked rice fields, poverty remained poverty, even though the rice had been replaced many times with new varieties to increase productivity.
On the podium, the lecturer reminded:
- Don't be negligent and refuse to listen or fail to take this lecture to heart. We must memorize the training program. It's like equipping ourselves with the best protective shields before stepping into the mine; before becoming a true miner.
*
After finishing high school, Duong passed the entrance exam to the University of Science and Technology. He was sent to the coal mines several times for internships and field work to study machine operation models... So in fact, he also studied documents about typical fire and explosion incidents in coal mines deep underground.
Duong still thought that after graduating, he would apply to work in the district as an administrative officer, or at a local factory close to home. Holding his diploma in hand, he knocked on many doors but had no positive results; just then, there was a recruitment round for mine workers. Several classmates from the same hometown invited each other to apply. So he got in right away when the mine officials came to the locality to recruit.
His mother was the first to support this decision.
- Having a job is good, my son! If the mining area doesn't suit you, you can come back home. There are plenty of other opportunities.
But Thuy was visibly angry. No matter what they called or texted for days, she didn't reply. Thuy was studying at a Primary School in Hanoi. The two of them had planned that when Thuy graduated, she would ask her uncle, who was the Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, to let her teach at a primary school in the district. Duong would also find a job as an administrative officer in the district. That was so that when the wedding was over, he could ask his uncle to take care of everything.
Duong never showed any signs of not wanting to ask for help from the "girl's family", he kept silent whenever Thuy excitedly discussed future plans related to her uncle. When she heard that Duong had been recruited as a mine worker, before she could say anything more, Thuy hung up.
Duong walked in and out restlessly. The day he left was approaching but Thuy still didn't answer the phone.
Mother knew the story and said:
- It's strange that he's not angry with you. Why are you so stupid? Go back to Hanoi to see him.
Duong was stunned. Perhaps he himself was wondering whether he was on the right path for himself? He forgot that it was only a short distance away, and he could meet and explain to Thuy.
In Hanoi at the end of the year, the sunshine is like gold on the grass. The scent of nectar rises up, overwhelming the smell of exhaust fumes and dust from vehicles...
- Thuy, go back to the mine to teach the workers' children! I'll go first and then pick you up.
Thuy Ngan tears up:
- I'm not afraid of hardship. But... why didn't you discuss it with me?
Duong shook his newly shaved head:
- Actually, at first, my friends and I decided to try recruiting to see how it went. And we got accepted!
- You are a Polytechnic engineer...
- I'm not a real engineer yet. Working as a worker is also a practical way to learn, my dear! At first, I just tried superficially to see if I could pass the exam. But the more I learned about the coal mines down there, the more I felt like there was something strongly attracting me! Of course we need money. But it doesn't seem to be money, my dear...
Thuy was silent for a long time. But she knew she would never want to lose Duong. And at this moment, she suddenly realized that she would never be afraid of losing him either.
So the future plans of the two people changed.
After breaking up with his girlfriend, Duong wanted to drive as fast as possible to rush home and hug his mother tightly. Mom, you are so wonderful. Your daughter-in-law will be just as wonderful as you.
**
Now Duong is far away from his two most beloved women. But he is very reassured because both his mother and his fiancee support his choice.
The training session was almost over when Mr. Luan, the training officer, announced:
- At the end of the day, if any young people want to join the youth team to prevent methane gas and coal dust explosions, please stay! We will spend a lot of time practicing and being volunteers...
Then he pointed straight at Duong:
- Will you stay?
Duong did not hesitate and accepted immediately.
Yes, I'm ready!
The volunteer team consisted of ten people.
Mr. Luan created a group on Zalo, and everyone is preparing for tomorrow's general demonstration of methane gas explosions and coal dust explosions for officers and workers working in the mine.
That night, Duong and his group discussed the things they needed to present to the miners the next day. The materials were dry. But for Duong, it was an urge for him to memorize everything so that he could become a worker, a long-term staff member of the mine.
From the basic factors causing methane gas explosions, it is impossible to reduce the oxygen content in the air because it is necessary to maintain breathing for workers underground. To take measures to prevent methane gas explosions, it is necessary to focus on controlling and reducing the methane content in the mine atmosphere, on the other hand, it is necessary to eliminate all sources of sparks in underground mines.
Measures to control methane gas content such as: Good ventilation, ensuring that the methane gas content is diluted and not within the explosive limit. Do not turn off the local fan even when it is off, and do not restart the fan when it is turned off without knowing the exact methane gas content in the furnace mirror. Use methane measuring devices to measure and control the gas content. Ensure specific parameters of the gas content...
When measuring methane, the instrument should be placed about one-third above the top of the furnace. When detecting high methane levels, it is necessary to notify the superior in charge for timely handling. Remove gas before exploiting areas with high gas content. Exploited areas need to have retaining walls to ensure that gas does not escape from exploited areas.
Then measures to eliminate the source of ignition. Fire sources in underground mines can arise from many causes such as: open flames, internal fires, friction, electric arcs, static electricity, mine explosions... Therefore, measures must be taken to eliminate fire sources arising from sources such as matches, lighters, mine explosions, mine fires... Electrical equipment, static electricity, electric welding; equipment shells, friction of conveyor belts, air compressors, friction of aluminum alloy surfaces...
Do not open or repair electrical equipment or battery lights in the oven yourself.
Use of certified and inspected safe explosives for underground mines...
***
But a major incident occurred with Tunnel Number Four.
Learned and trained many times. But workers are busy working, often do not control according to regulations.
The group that entered the shift that day thought that the CH4 gas content was stable, so they only measured it once during the shift, without checking it regularly. They only measured the CH4 gas in the air stream without paying attention to measuring it close to the roof of the furnace. When they discovered an abnormality, the shift leader immediately reported it to the workshop staff. Upon receiving the news that there was a furnace fire and that the group of workers were still trapped inside, the Youth Rescue Team and the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police immediately arrived at the tunnel entrance and tried to divert the rescue traffic.
They opened the door to limit the flow of air to prevent the toxic gas from spreading, while providing fresh air. Duong put on a mask and rushed deep inside with his brothers. The fire was still spreading in the tunnel. They rescued several workers who were choking on the toxic gas. Hung, the longest-serving worker in the mine, had fainted, his face blackened. Hung was immediately given first aid and transferred straight to the provincial hospital. After three days, Hung regained consciousness, had his breathing and circulation maintained, but was still in a dangerous condition due to respiratory burns and lung damage, and had to be transferred to a central hospital.
The rescue team was also affected by the toxic gas. The next few days, the atmosphere in the coal mine was gloomy, as if there was a great mourning. Fear was hidden in the eyes of each worker. Danger was always lurking, making them start thinking about transferring or asking for leave to return to their hometowns.
Duong received the decision to go to the office to do communications work for the Youth Union.
But Thuy and her mother suddenly appeared at the mine office gate.
Mom hurriedly grabbed the shoulders of the men and women she met at the gate:
- Let me ask, my son, Duong Bach Khoa. Where is he?
Thuy shook her mother's shoulder.
- Mom, calm down. I just called to talk to Mr. Duong. He's fine!
Duong ran out.
His mother's tears streamed down:
- My child, let's go home...
At this time Thuy encouraged her mother again:
- Mom told me to bring you here to stay with him.
“Your father. I still have to marry you off properly. My son is so handsome and talented, I can't give him away for free.”
Duong hugged his mother and Thuy:
- I will take you and your sister here. Our house is here, Mom! The house is in the countryside, let the younger siblings take care of it, Mom!
But then two years later, Duong brought his mother and wife back to the mine. They lived here as a second home.
Thuy was the teacher who taught the first classes for the mine children. In the class was the youngest child, Hung's son. Now Hung is retired due to illness, but the mine will take care of him for the rest of his life.
Duong became the Youth Union Secretary of the mine. Every day he went to the office, his white shirt adding to the handsome appearance of the Polytechnic boy from years ago. When on duty to instruct on fire prevention and fighting, his team wore protective gear and gas masks, very majestic and full of confidence.
Hoan Kiem, December 14, 2024
(Posted on the special edition of Labor Weekend Spring At Ty)
