An inspection of the affected area was made by all interested parties, including H.M. Inspectors, management and National Union of Mineworkers officials, some three hours after the explosion. The district was found reasonably clear, although about 3 per cent. of methane was detected by flame safety lamp tests in the cavity two feet above the arches and some 8 yards outbye of the face. Detailed examinations along the loader gate outbye from the ripping lip indicated a thin layer of methane against the roof. This appeared to be migrating to the large cavity at 30's right gate junction where the overcast was being prepared. There were no appreciable signs of violence.

It was decided by H.M. Inspectors and National Coal Board officials that the cavities should be drained of firedamp by means of pipe columns, and if necessary by the use of a venturi ejector, for the purpose of conducting this gas into the main return airway at 30's overcast. At the request of Mr. W. B. Brown, C.B.E., H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines, further restoration work on the panel was stopped until it had been definitely ascertained that there was no indication in the district of residual burning, which might possibly have initiated a second explosion. Special samples of air were obtained and the results carefully considered in respect of the normal CO content and CO/oxygen.

On the advice of H.M. Divisional Inspector the cavities were successfully drained of firedamp by 2½ inches diameter steel pipes which collected the methane at roof level and delivered it into the main return at 30's overcast at about 22 and 14 cubic feet per minute respectively.

In this way the cavities were cleared of gas although it was necessary to move the collecting pipes from the top cavity (30's right gate junction) back to the outbye end of the roadhead cavity to clear the latter.

This action enabled the cavities to be completely stowed with bags of sand and rubble. The whole operation was completed by 7th March, 1957, when a joint inspection was carried out by representatives of the management, the National Union of Mineworkers and by H.M. Inspectors. Their report was satisfactory and work was resumed.

Following this joint inspection it was agreed that a parallel roadway, 10 yards from the loader gate, should be driven and used as a temporary loader gate with a short cross conveyor until the face had reached the extremity of the advance heading. In the meantime an auxiliary fan was installed to ventilate the advance heading and a cavity at its inbye end. This cavity was stowed solid in a similar manner.

The preparation of the parallel gate and stable-hole was carried out by means of pneumatic picks, explosive not being used in the district until the face had advanced well into new strata and the loader gate proper been reestablished. At the request of H.M. Inspectors, strip packing was resumed in place of total caving.