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SW: →Methane and coal mining explosions: - add internal link
Once present in the atmosphere of the mine, methane can be easily ignited. Modern mining equipment includes electric arcs, hammers, and cutters that can all generate sparks and open flames that can detonate a pocket of methane gas. U.S. federal standards stipulate that if there is 1.0 percent or more of methane in the working area, miners must immediately shut down all electrically powered tools and other mechanized equipment.<ref name="mgd"/>
The 1907 [[Monongah Mine Disaster]] of [[West Virginia]], which claimed the lives of 362 men and boys and is known as the worst mining disaster in American History,<ref>[http://www.msha.gov/MSHAINFO/FactSheets/MSHAFCT8.HTM Historical Data on Mine Disasters in the United States], U.S. Department of Labor website, accessed November 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/statistics/discoal.htm Coal Mining Disasters], National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, accessed November 2009.</ref> is thought to have been caused by the ignition of methane, which in turn ignited highly flammable [[coal dust]].<ref name="monogah">[http://www.boisestate.edu/history/ncasner/hy210/mining.htm "Monongah Mining Disaster"] Boise State Website, accessed November 2009</ref>
===Methane and the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster===
