The paper outlines the phenomenon of outbursts of gas and coal in underground coal mines and provides general statistics of their occurrence. Various factors that influence this phenomenon such as geological conditions, physical properties of coal, gas content and gas pressure are discussed. The indices used in different countries for the prediction of conditions that can produce and cause outbursts are presented. Control measures and prediction techniques are discussed with an emphasis on the management systems, decision making and the use of risk analysis to predict the consequences of outbursts. Where control methods cannot be adopted and mining has to be done, procedures for outburst mining are given. Data collection sheets on the occurrence of outburst are provided. An example of a technological development in the remote control of continuous miners is given.