Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 38, September 20, 2024
Section 48-4-15 - Requirements for a Local Mine Rescue Contest15.1. A local mine rescue contest is one that:15.1.1. Is conducted in the United States;15.1.2. Uses MSHA-recognized rules;15.1.3. Has a minimum of three (3) mine rescue teams competing;15.1.4. Has one (1) or more problems conducted on one (1) or more days with a determined winner;15.1.5. Includes team members who: 15.1.5.a. Have the necessary equipment to participate in a simulated mine rescue team exercise,15.1.5.b. Participate in a simulated mine rescue team exercise while being timed and observed by trained judges who evaluate the performance of each team and provide written feedback,15.1.5.c. Wear oxygen breathing apparatus while participating in a simulated mine rescue team exercise; and15.1.6. Includes contest judges who have completed annual training for mine rescue contest judges.15.2. A local mine rescue contest is training that provides an objective evaluation of demonstrated mine rescue team skills and can be a Mine Emergency Response Development (MERD) exercise or a practical simulation exercise, such as a fire or explosion drill, where the team participates in simulated mine rescue team exercises and wears breathing apparatus.15.3. Upon request from the Director, the operator shall provide information concerning each designated team's schedule of participation in upcoming local mine rescue contests. Table 48-4-A. -- Initial Criteria to Certify the Qualifications of Mine Rescue Teams
Qualification | Criteria (30 CFR) |
(1) Team is available at all times when miners are underground. | 49.12(a); 49.12(g) |
(2) Except where alternative compliance is permitted, team has five members and one alternate. | 49.12(b) |
(3) Members have experience working in an underground coal mine. | 49.12(c) |
(4) Team is available within 1-hour ground travel time from the mine rescue station to the mine. | 49.12(f) |
(5) Appropriate mine rescue equipment is provided, inspected, tested, and maintained. | 49.16 |
(6) Members are physically fit. | 49.17 |
(7) Members have completed initial training. | 49.18(a) |
Table 48-4-B. -- Annual Criteria to Maintain Mine Rescue Team Certification
Qualification | Criteria (30 CFR) |
(1) Members are properly trained annually. | 49.18(b) |
(2) Members are familiar with the operations of each covered mine. | 49.20(a)(1) |
(3) Members participate in at least two local mine rescue contests annually. Judges certify results. | 49.20(a)(2) |
(4) Members participate in mine rescue training at each covered mine. | 49.20(b)(1); 49.20(b)(2)(iii); 49.20(b)(3)(ii); 49.20(b)(4) |
(5) Members are knowledgeable about the operations and ventilation of each covered mine. | 49.20(b)(2)(ii); 49.20(b)(3)(i); 49.30 |