Metal and Nonmetal 

National Mine Rescue 

Contest Rules 

U. S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration

2002
Visit our website at http://www.msha.gov
Metal and Nonmetal 

National Mine Rescue 

Contest Rules 

U. S. Department of Labor

Elaine L. Chao

Secretary

Mine Safety and Health Administration

David D. Lauriski

Assistant Secretary

2002
PREFACE 

This booklet was prepared for MSHA instructors and inspectors to train mine rescue teams, 

judges, and contest personnel in procedures for a mine rescue contest. 

Reference to specific brands, equipment, or trade names in this report is made to facilitate 

understanding and does not imply endorsement by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Metal and Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest serves as an effective tool to promote 

training and improving the skills required to respond to a mine emergency. The National Contest 

Rule Book develops procedures and rules that serve as the basis for actual situations. The 

cooperation between industry leaders, manufacturers, Federal and State agencies promotes 

cooperation between different teams and enhances mine rescue preparedness. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

A special thanks to the National Metal and Nonmetal Advisory Committee for the valuable 

assistance in preparing this booklet. The Advisory Committee consists of: 

Arizona Mine Emergency Association

David Hamm, Chief Deputy Asst. State Mine Inspector

V.P. Arizona Mine Emergency Association

1700 Washington, Suite 400

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(520) 628-6338

Barrick Gold Strike Mine Rescue 

Bill Francom, Safety Coordinator 

Meikle Mine 

P. O. Box 29 

Elko, NV 89801 

(775) 778-8857 

Central Mine Rescue Unit 

Robert McPhail, Director

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Coeur d‘Alene Mining District

P. O. Box 1067

Wallace, ID 83873

(208) 556-2225

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Kansas Mine Rescue Association 

Lee Graham, Coordinator

Hutchinson Community College

1300 North Plum

Hutchinson, KS 67501-5894

(620) 665-4991

Missouri Mine Rescue Association 

David Brown, Safety Administrator

The Doe Run Company

P. O. Box 500

Viburnum, MO 65566

(573) 244-8159

New Mexico Bureau of Mine Inspections 

Gilbert E. Miera, State Mine Inspector

Bureau of Mine Inspection

P.O. Box W105

Socorro, NM 87801

(505) 835-5460

Northern Mine Rescue Association 

Richard L. Hickman, Safety Manager

Morton Salt

P. O. Box 428

Grand River, OH 44045

(440) 639-4223 Fax: (440) 639-4213

Southern Mine Rescue Association 

Fred Fernandez, Safety/Personnel Manager

North American Salt

Post Office Box 10

Lydia, LA 70569

(337) 923-7514

Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association 

Buddy Webb, Emergency Response Coordinator

Waste Isolation Pilot Project

P. O. Box 2078 - MS165

Carlsbad, NM 88221

(505) 234-8178 Fax: (505) 887-1061

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Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association 

Keith A. Mullins, Mine Safety Supervisor

General Chemical

P.O. Box 551

Green River, WY 82935

(307) 872-3696 Fax: (307) 872-3406

Gary R. Gomez, Human Resources/Safety

OCI Wyoming, L.P.

Labarge Road

P.O. Box 513

Green River, WY 82935

(307) 872-7317 Fax: (307) 872-7285

United Steel Workers of America 

Harry Tuggle, Safety & Health Specialist

United Steel Workers of America

5 Gateway Center, Suite 902

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

(412) 562-2587

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA 

Eddie Lopez, Manager

Accident Investigation Program

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA

4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 235-1565 Fax: (703) 235-9173

Joseph M. Denk, Mine Safety & Health Specialist

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA

Thornhill Industrial Park

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400

Warrendale, PA 15086

(724) 772-2333 Fax: (724) 772-0260

Frank R. Schwamberger, Deputy Director

Education Policy and Development

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA

4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 235-1400 Fax: (703) 235-9412

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Chief Judge 

Donald J. Foster, Jr., Supervisory Mine Safety & Health Inspector 

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA 

1945 Tamarack Road 

Newark, OH 43055 

(740) 522-3139 Fax: (740) 522-3946 

Chief Judge, First Aid Contest 

Felix Quintana, North Central District Manager 

U. S. Department of Labor - MSHA 

Federal Building, U. S. Court House 

515 W. 1st Street #333 

Duluth, MN 55802 

(218) 720-5448 Fax: (218) 720-5650 

The following organizations should be commended for the commitment of equipment and 

personnel resources in support of the biannual National Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue 

Contests. 

Arizona State Mine Inspectors Office

Biomarine, Inc.

CSE Corporation

Draeger Corporation

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association

Industrial Scientific Corporation

Mine Safety Appliances Co.

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Missouri Division of Labor Standards, Mine Safety

National Mine Rescue Association

Nevada State Safety and Training Division

New Mexico Bureau of Mine Inspections

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Mine Rescue Association

South Western Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

United Steel Workers of America

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The following individuals are recognized and applauded for their assistance in facilitating the 

newly formatted apparatus bench and multi-gas instrument bench contests. They have 

demonstrated teamwork to the utmost degree: 

Dick Black, Industrial Scientific Corporation

Mary Doane, Draeger Inc.

Chuck Edwards, CSE Corporation

Rick Hartman, Mine Safety Appliance Co.

An extra special thanks to MSHA‘s National Metal and Nonmetal Contest Planning Committee 

for their exemplary efforts in producing a top-rate contest for the mining community. The 

Planning Committee consists of: 

Edward E. Lopez, Manager

Accident Investigation Program

Arlington, VA

Joseph M. Denk, Mine Safety & Health Specialist

Northeastern District

Warrendale, PA

Donald J. Foster, Jr., Supervisory Mine Safety & Health Inspector

North Central District

Newark, OH

Patricia L. Hines, Program Analyst

Management Office

Arlington, Virginia

Felix Quintana, District Manager

North Central District

Duluth, MN

Sherry Wood, Management Program Analyst

South Central District

Dallas, TX

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2000 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

CONTEST CHAMPIONS 

OCI OF WYOMING, L.P. 

Big Island Mine

OCI Blue Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green River, Wyoming

Rick Terry (Captain) 

Bill Mahle 

Gary Ruiz 

Blake Barney 

Brent Skorcz 

Matt Cummings 

Don O'Lexey 

Shane Mitchell 

Donald Mattinson (Assistant Trainer) 

Tim Musbach (Team Sponsor) 

Gary Gomez (Team Trainer) 

Dennie Hughes (Benchman) 

Blake Barney (First Aid) 

Don O'Lexey (First Aid) 

Shane Mitchell (First Aid) 

Brad Slaughter, Mine Production Superintendent (Official in charge) 

Front row œ left to right: Gary Ruiz, Shane Mitchell, Rick Terry, Dennie Hughes

Back row œ left to right: Brent Skorcz, Matt Cummings, Blake Barney, Bill Mehle, Don O‘Lexey

vi
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 

2000 Big Island Mine, OCI Blue Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P. - Green River, WY

1998 FMC Mine, Red Team, FMC Corporation - Green River, WY

1996 Big Island Mine, White Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P. - Green River, WY

1994 Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Blue Team, Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad,

NM 

1992 Big Island Mine, White Team, Rhone Poulenc of Wyoming - Green River, WY 

1990 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, MO 

1988 Homestake Mine, Gold Team, Homestake Mining Co. - Lead, SD 

1986 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical Co. - Green River, WY 

1984 Texasgulf Mine, Gold Team, Texasgulf Chemicals Co. - Granger, WY 

1982 Big Island Mine, Blue Team, Stauffer Chemical Co. - Green River, WY 

1980 Lisbon Mine Team, Rio Algom Corp. - Moab, UT 

1978 Jefferson Island Mine Team, Diamond Crystal Salt Co. - New Iberia, LA 

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, MO (Single-Level Contest) 

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, MO (Multi-Level Contest) 

1975 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical Co. - Green River, WY 

1973 Grand Saline Mine Team, Morton Salt, Division of Morton Norwich Products, Inc. -

Grand Saline, TX 

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2000 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

BENCHMAN‘S CONTEST CHAMPION 

BG-4 Contest 

JOE BACA 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation 

Waste Isolation Pilot Project 

WIPP Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlsbad, New Mexico 

BG-174A Contest 

RICHARD WEST 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation 

Waste Isolation Pilot Project 

WIPP Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlsbad, New Mexico 

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BioPAK Contest

ROD CLEMENT 

Zinc Corporation of America 

No. 4 Mine & Mill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailesboro, New York 

ix
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 

BENCHMAN‘S CONTEST 

2000 JOE BACA (BG-4), Blue Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric 

Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

2000 RICHARD WEST (BG-174A), Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

2000 ROD CLEMENT (BioPAK 240), No. 4 Mine & Mill, Zinc Corporation of America, 

Hailesboro, NY 

1998 JOE BACA, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric Corporation -

Carlsbad, NM 

1996 MACLANE BARTON, West Fork Mine, Missouri Lead Division, ASARCO, Inc. -

Bunker, MO 

1994 FRED MILLER, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric Corporation -

Carlsbad, NM 

1992 LESLIE WAREHAM, General Chemical Mine, General Chemical Partners - Green 

River, WY 

1990 STAN AMRINE, Parachute Creek Mine, Unocal Mining Division - Parachute, CO 

1988 KARL SAUER, Homestake Mine, Homestake Mining Co. - Lead, SD 

1986 ART DAVIS, Henderson Mine, Amax, Inc. - Empire, CO 

1984 STEVE YANCHUNIS, Schwarzwalder Mine, Cotter Corp. - Golden, CO 

1982 ART DAVIS, Henderson Mine, Amax, Inc. - Empire, CO 

1980 ALAN HERMEZ (Draeger), Carr Fork Mine, Anaconda Copper Co. - Tooele, UT 

1980 RODNEY PHILBRICK (McCaa), Pine Creek Mine, Union Carbide - Bishop, CA 

1978 WILLIE DAVIS (McCaa), Lisbon Mine, Rio Algom Corp. - Moab, UT 

1978 KEN JOHNSON (Draeger), Climax Mine, Climax Molybdenum Co. - Climax, CO 

1976 STEVE MURRAY, Bunker Hill Mine, Bunker Hill Co. - Kellogg, ID 

x
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE TEAM MEMBERS 

MARK BARLOW, MSHA 

Thornhill Industrial Park 

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400 

Warrendale, PA 15086 

Telephone: (724) 772-2333 

L. MIKE DUNLAP, MSHA 

P. O. Box 25367 

Denver, CO 80225 

Telephone: (303) 231-5681 

MICHAEL R. GILPIN, MSHA

1821 Lee Avenue

Sanford, NC 27330

Telephone: (919) 774-8113

GARY HEBEL, MSHA

3633 136th Place, SE, Room 206

Bellevue, WA 98006

Telephone: (206) 553-7037

KEVIN K. LEGRAND, MSHA

205 S. 8th Street, Room 265

Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Telephone: (515) 955-5383

TERRY G. LINGENFELTER, MSHA

135 Gemini Circle, Suite 212

Birmingham, AL 35209

Telephone: (205) 290-7294

JOSEPH A. OLIVIER, MSHA

220 S. Range Ave.

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Telephone: (225) 664-0393

THOMAS J. PAVLAT, MSHA

Illinois Valley Park

2200 Marquette Road, Suite 110

Peru, IL 61354

Telephone: (815) 233-1753

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STEVE I. PILLING, MSHA

430 Uinta Drive, Suite C

City Market Complex

Green River, WY 82935

Telephone: (307) 875-6300

ROBERT D. SEELKE, MSHA

900 Pine Street, Room 308

Rolla, MO 65401

Telephone: (573) 364-8282

OKEY H. WOLFE, MSHA

Thornhill Industrial Park

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400

Warrendale, PA 15086

Telephone: (724) 772-2333

JOSEPH M. DENK, National Team Trainer

MSHA - Thornhill Industrial Park

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400

Warrendale, PA 15086

Telephone: (724) 772-2333

EDDIE LOPEZ, Mine Rescue Coordinator

MSHA - 4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

Telephone: (703) 235-1565

xii
GENERAL RULES

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST

1. The contest will be comprised of four individual events, including a field competition (twoday preliminary and one day final), an apparatus bench contest, a multi-gas instrument 

contest, and a first aid contest. Each event will include a written examination comprised of 

questions applicable to the respective event. 

2. Contest officials will be comprised of the Chief Judge, Contest Director, Contest 

Coordinator, field judges, written exam judges, first aid contest judges, apparatus bench 

judges, multi-gas instrument judges, mine managers, mine attendants, and isolation officials. 

3. There will be no limitations as to the number of teams admitted from any county, state, 

district, company, or organization. There will be a $300.00 entry fee for each team entered. 

4. Any organization, union, club, or local benefit society may enter a team. However, the 

members of all teams must be bona fide employees of the metal and nonmetal mining 

industry and meet the requirements set forth in 30 CFR Part 49. 

5. Teams may register up to eight team members who will comprise the mine rescue team (six 

members), the first aid team (three members), apparatus benchman, and multi-gas instrument 

person (gas man). Teams may enter up to two first aid teams, two benchmen, and two gas 

men from the eight registered team members. Teams who enter two first aid teams would 

only be permitted to enter one benchman and one gas man. Teams who enter one first aid 

team, would be permitted to enter two benchmen and two gas men. Once registered, no 

changes will be permitted without the permission of the Contest Director. 

6. Entry forms may be obtained by a written request to: 

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and 

Health Administration, Room 718 

4015 Wilson Boulevard 

Arlington, Virginia 22203 

Telephone Number (703) 235-8480 

Entries should then be submitted to the above address at least sixty (60) days prior to the date 

of the contest. The entry forms will require information regarding the type of equipment 

(breathing apparatus) each team will be wearing and the type and model of all gas testing 

equipment the team will use during the field competition. Any needed equipment changes 

require submission of a modified list to the Contest Director for consideration of approval. 

(Note: For judging purposes, each judge will be given a list of your equipment prior to 

working of the problem. This will assist the judges in determining if the proper procedures 

are being followed for your equipment.) Current registration information and entry forms 

1
will be available on MSHA‘s homepage under the —Mine Rescue“ heading at 

www.msha.gov. Completed entry forms can be submitted via e-mail to hinespatricia@msha.gov. 

7. The team drawings for the first two days‘ preliminary field competitions will be conducted at 

the time of team registration. A separate drawing (by team captains) will be held in isolation 

to determine running order for the final competition on the third day. Position changes 

necessary for management of the contest will be permitted if the Contest Director approves 

the change. 

8. Separate drawings for team positions will be conducted on each day of the first aid, apparatus 

bench, and gas instrument competitions in the respective isolation areas. 

9. The day before the contest begins, team registration will be conducted between 1:00 p.m. and 

6:00 p.m. at a designated location. Programs, souvenirs, and banquet tickets will be 

distributed to the teams. 

10. On the days of the competition, all teams shall be in isolation at 7:00 a.m. 

11. The Contest Director will establish a reasonable amount of time for each team to complete 

the problem. All teams will be notified of the established time prior to beginning to work the 

problem. Any teams working beyond the established time period will be notified by the #1 

Judge that they must leave the field. Those teams will be scored based on their discounts to 

that point and will be ranked below all teams that completed the problem within the 

established time period. 

12. In the event of mine rescue field competition ties, the underground discount sheet will be the 

first tie breaker, the surface discount sheet will be the second tie breaker, mine maps will be 

the third tie breaker, the written test will be the fourth tie breaker, and time will be the fifth 

tie breaker. 

13. Discounts will not be added to the team‘s field score once the judges have signed their 

discount sheets. This does not preclude changes due to administrative errors or a 

mis-application of a rule. 

14. After the scorecards are checked by the scorecard examiners, they will be taken to a 

designated location. The team captain, trainer, and one other team member may examine 

their team‘s scoring cards for a time not to exceed 20 minutes. No protest of the discounts 

assessed may be given to the person in charge of the review, however, the team captain 

and/or trainer may protest in writing any discount within 60 minutes after reviewing them. 

Written appeals are not to exceed one page for any discount assessed and will be submitted to 

the Appeals Committee. Documentation (contest rules and other documents used in the 

contest) supporting the appeal will be accepted. Any protest(s) will be considered by the 

2
Appeals Committee. A discount summary sheet will be used to list the discounts. All 

discounts except time will be listed and totaled. Both the captain and the review judge will 

sign the discount sheet to certify they have reviewed the discounts and verified the totals. 

(See page 4.) 

15. The Appeals Committee shall rule in matters concerning any interpretations, procedures, or 

any matter involving proper conduct of the Contest. Any complaints filed with the 

committee shall be in writing and shall set forth incidents, times, names, source of 

information, and the act complained against. Where a written test question or rule 

application was found to be wrong, all teams will receive the appropriate correction. A 

decision by a majority of the committee shall be binding. 

16. Following the awarding of the trophies and plaques, team ratings will be available to the 

teams. The results from all elements of the contest will be given to the teams at the earliest 

possible time. 

17. All hours mentioned in the rules are based on local time. 

18. Prior to the contest, contest equipment will be accepted at an address and during a time frame 

to be specified. The cost of all shipments must be prepaid, and all boxes, cartons, etc. should 

be clearly labeled —Hold for National Mine Rescue Contest.“ 

3
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Team Discount Summary Sheet 

Team No. 

Company Name 

Team Name 

Judge #1 Surface 

Underground 

Judge #2 Surface 

Underground 

Judge #3 Surface 

Underground 

Written Test 

Map 

Total Discounts 

Excluding average time 

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed above. 

Team Captain Review Judge 

4
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 

Team Members 

Each team shall be composed of five members and one fresh air base attendant. Each member 

shall wear a number on the arm at or near the shoulders with number one (1) being assigned to 

the captain and the number six (6) to the fresh air base attendant. Switching of numbers by team 

members will not be permitted after arriving at portal or fresh air base. Any means of affixing 

legible numbers on the sleeve of the uniform will be acceptable. Additional persons, who had 

been isolated with the team, may assist the team placing equipment prior to starting the clock. 

Only the fresh air base attendant will be allowed to assist the team after the clock has started. 

The fresh air base attendant will be isolated from visual contact with the field. 

Teams wishing to communicate with the fresh air base attendant shall use the mine‘s 

communication system, a portable communication system, or return to the fresh air base. 

Medical Requirements 

A letter from management or physical examination forms, dated within the twelve (12) 

months preceding the contest showing that each member of the team is physically sound and 

capable of performing strenuous work under oxygen, shall be provided at the time of team 

registration. 

Equipment 

Breathing apparatus approved for at least two hours shall be used in the Mine Rescue Contest 

problems. Each team member must have his/her own approved breathing apparatus. Teams 

cannot expect recharging materials, apparatus parts, and accessories for all types of apparatus at 

the contest site. 

Team members must wear an approved protective hat, identification tag, safety shoes, 

permissible cap lamps, self-rescuer, and be clean shaven to the extent that a good 

face-to-facepiece seal is achieved. 

Each team must have approved gas instruments, or testers for rescue and recovery work. In 

the event of malfunction or damage, instruments, or testers will be furnished upon request by the 

Chief of Isolation before that team leaves the isolation area. However, there is no guarantee to 

provide any special type of equipment. 

Teams are required to bring with them a sufficient supply of materials. Brattice, boards, PVC 

piping, or other materials necessary for constructing bulkheads or stoppings (if necessary in 

problem) will be furnished by the field committee. Teams will be responsible for collecting the 

material from the source of supply. (Staplers will not be permitted in lieu of hammer and nails.) 

5
When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the problem and are told or given 

information indicating that explosive gas(es) is/are or may be present in the mine, they must use 

non-sparking tools while they are working the problem so as not to endanger themselves. If 

teams do not have non-sparking tools, they must ask the official in charge at the fresh air base to 

provide them with such tools before they go underground. 

If the mine is not classified as gassy and the teams go underground to work the problem and 

encounter an explosive gas and they do not have non-sparking tools, they must return to the fresh 

air base immediately and ask the official in charge to provide them with such tools. For the 

purposes of the Mine Rescue Contest, carbon monoxide (CO) will not be considered an 

explosive gas unless it is in the explosive range. 

Team Preparation (Apparatus) 

Team members must make necessary checks of all apparatus for proper working condition 

and airtightness prior to reporting to the mine entrance. Cylinder pressures must be within 

specifications of approval. Apparatus tests must comply with prescribed tests for that particular 

type of apparatus. 

An approved 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus must be used on the 

survivor(s) or other rescued personnel when respiratory protection is needed. A one-hour 

self-rescuer is not to be used for the evacuation or rescue of survivors. 

Written Test 

Written tests will be administered to all team members at the same time, unless authorized 

otherwise by the Contest Director. The questions for the written test will be taken from material 

contained in MSHA-approved mine rescue training modules 2202 Mine Gases, 2203 Ventilation, 

2204 Exploration, 2205 Fire, Firefighting, and Explosions, 2206 Rescue of Survivors and 

Recovery of Bodies, and 2207 Mine Recovery. 

MSHA training modules are available at the following address:

U.S. Department of Labor

National Mine Health and Safety Academy

ATTENTION: Printing and Training Materials Distribution

1301 Airport Road

Beaver, WV 25813-9426

Telephone:(304) 256-3257

Fax: (304) 256-3368

E-mail: lord-mary@msha.gov

6
The written test of thirty-five (35) questions will include at least ten (10) questions on mine 

gases from Module 2202 for each team member. The questions shall consist of true/false and 

multiple choice questions. 

All test will be scored by two qualified judges using a Scantron test correcting machine. The 

contestants will be assessed one discount point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any 

alterations to the test questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect by the test judge 

and discounts assessed. 

In special circumstances, individual team members may be given oral instead of written tests 

by one or more judges. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the Contest Director at 

the time of registration. All other team members will take the test at the same time. In any case, 

the judges will not explain the meaning of questions, but may explain a word or words in the 

questions. 

Judges 

The Chief Judge and his/her assistants will be persons trained in the assembly, use, and care 

of the different types of breathing apparatus, etc., and will not be connected with any of the 

teams, teams‘ employers, or companies who manufacture apparatus or gas detecting devices. 

Exceptions to personnel assigned for judging any phase of the contest requires the approval of 

the Contest Director. 

Competing teams deserve the full attention of the judges and only those personnel judging 

the specific teams are allowed on the field. Judges must not ask questions or interfere with a 

team unless health or safety is involved. Judges must stand clear of and not crowd teams 

checking equipment. Other personnel except those approved by the Contest Director shall stay 

off the field. Media access and videos for future training aids will be allowed with the Contest 

Director‘s approval. 

Only persons trained in the assembly, use, and care of the different types of mine rescue 

equipment and trained in mine rescue procedures will be used as judges. 

A minimum of two (2) persons will judge the gas instrument test, apparatus bench test, first 

aid test, and written test. A minimum of three (3) persons shall judge the team during the entire 

working of the field problem. 

During preparation, judges are to observe the captain and other team members as to their 

knowledge and proper operation of the self-contained breathing apparatus, gas detecting devices, 

other respiratory protection equipment to be used, and firefighting equipment, etc. 

Judge(s) will be stationed, and must remain, at the fresh air base when telephones or mine 

rescue communication systems are being used. 

7
As each team performs a problem, it will be rated by a crew of three or more designated 

judges. Only the Contest Director, Chief Judge, or their designee may discuss discrepancies or 

discounts on the field. When discussions are held on the field, that interrupt the working of the 

problem, the time should be stopped and restarted after the discussion is over. A Mine Safety 

and Health Administration employee will be the #1 Judge. All judges must have current Mine 

Rescue Judge‘s Training and have been briefed on the particular problem and possible solutions. 

The judges will mark and explain on their scorecards the discounts for work performed by 

each team member. In the event that more than one discount applies, the highest discount will be 

assessed for a violation. There will be no stacking of discounts. Judges must sign their 

scorecard after the discounts have been recorded. Scorecards will be marked promptly and 

delivered to scorecard examiners as soon as possible after completion of the problem and the 

team‘s review of the field discounts. 

Security 

Each team must be under guard before the start of the contest, in a location assigned by the 

Chief Judge, and must remain continuously under guard until time to work the problem. Any 

team receiving information concerning a contest problem will be disqualified. No person except 

guards and contest officials authorized to do so, will be allowed to communicate with any team 

or teams under guard. Teams that have performed will not be permitted to communicate with 

any teams awaiting their turn to perform. 

Contest Problem 

The problem will be limited to working on one level. It may include hoists or shafts. Skip 

pockets and sumps (either above or below) will be considered part of the working level. Raises 

or boreholes may be in the problem; however, climbing will not be required. 

Teams may have to change existing ventilation, pump water, or move falls to rescue persons 

and/or explore if it can be done safely. Changing ventilation shall not be done until the effects 

have been discussed with the fresh air base. Ventilation changes will be considered as starting, 

stopping, altering, or redirecting the air current. If existing check curtains are to be used to direct 

ventilation, the check curtain must first be converted into a temporary stopping. Regulating 

airflow to control a fire is not considered a ventilation change. 

All areas that have been cleared of smoke and toxic or dangerous gases that the teams elect to 

travel through must be rechecked prior to the team‘s reentering. If water is being pumped, 

ventilation changed, falls moved, loose rock barred down, etc., teams must wait until placards 

have been changed by the ground committee before assuming they have accomplished what they 

were trying to do. 

8
Inaccessible areas only need to be explored when there are miners unaccounted for or an 

explosive air/gas mixture may be moved through the unexplored areas. Teams will be required 

to pump water or set timbers to explore the inaccessible areas in these cases, if the necessary 

materials are provided in the problem. 

Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and news media approved by the 

Contest Director or Chief Judge will be permitted in the working areas. 

Insofar as possible, materials rather than placards will be used in the mine. Bodies with 

identification will be designated by the use of dummies. When placards indicating conditions are 

used, they will be placed face up, and the letters shall not be more than one (1) inch in height, 

and easily visible. 

Additionally, when these placards are used to identify mining machinery or equipment, a 

description of the current condition of the equipment and/or a photocopy of a picture of such 

machinery or equipment shall be on the placard, when possible, to aid teams in identifying it. 

Terms used in the problem shall be terms which appear in the Rule Book Glossary, the 

MSHA Mine Rescue Training Modules, or CFR 30, Part 57. 

When raises, winzes or boreholes are in the problem, the card identifying them will indicate 

whether they go up and/or down from the level. 

TEAM PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES 

Apparatus and Material Checks 

Before reporting to the contest field, each team member should check his/her own apparatus 

to see if it is charged properly and in good working condition. These checks should be within the 

manufacturer‘s specified limits and the regenerator fully charged with chemicals. Apparatus 

tightness, valves, warning devices, and facepieces are to be checked according to approved 

methods for the particular apparatus. The extra breathing apparatus should also be tested 

accordingly. Teams will not be judged on this procedure. 

Other materials such as roof testing devices, stretchers, hammers, blankets, fire extinguishers, 

and gas detectors should be carefully checked to see that they are in good operating condition. If 

horns are to be used for signaling between team members, they should be checked. If 

communication systems are used, a check for proper working order should be made. Wheeled 

stretchers will be allowed. 

9
Briefing 

When all members of the team have their apparatus fully assembled and ready to wear, the 

captain should assemble the team and report to the Briefing Station Official when directed by the 

guard. The team will be briefed on field conditions either by a video or a briefing paper. The 

briefing should contain all pertinent information, including the following conditions: 

classification of the mine; frequency of explosive gas being found; accuracy of the mine map; 

possibility of the mine being cut into another mine; condition of the fan; have guards been 

posted; electric power cut off from the mine or affected parts of the mine; recovery work that has 

been accomplished; notification of the local, state, and federal agencies; reserve rescue teams, 

equipment, and materials that are available. 

Any final adjustments to the equipment and necessary talks between team members can be 

completed prior to reporting to the field judge. 

Reporting to Field 

On reporting to the field, the captain should have the team line up at the place indicated by 

the person in charge. No testing of any type should be done at the fresh air base until the timing 

device has been started. Leaving the stretcher, the captain should gather his team (apparatus may 

be worn but not under oxygen) and approach the person in charge for introductions. The captain 

introduces his team and remarks —We are here to offer our help. I have a fully equipped, properly 

trained, and physically fit mine rescue team and we are ready to do anything that you may require 

in the rescue and recovery work at your mine.“ The official in charge will reply that they do 

require the service of mine rescue teams, and that if they are ready, they can be of immediate 

service. 

Start of Problem 

When the necessary introductions have been made, the team captain will indicate that they 

are ready for the problem and map. No work will be done until the clock is started. The captain 

will start the timing device and date the board (month, day, year, and team position number) 

before receiving the problem and the map. The fresh air base attendant will receive the problem 

and map at the same time. From this point on, the team members should discuss the conditions 

presented by the problem and the map. On the map, solid lines will denote actual workings. 

Although locations may not be totally accurate within the six (6) foot map requirement, solid 

lines will represent known conditions. Dotted lines will denote projections and may or may not 

be accurate. These conditions should be studied carefully so that proper procedures may be 

decided in advance. 

Official in Charge of Fresh Air Base 

10
The captain should ask to have the person in charge of the lifeline pointed out to the rear 

captain. Teams using a telephone communications system must inform the person in charge that 

the telephone line may be used as a lifeline in the event of the system malfunctioning. Lifeline 

signals with the fresh air base will be arranged after the timing device has been started. The 

telephone line must be of sufficient strength to satisfy the requirements of a lifeline. 

Standard Shaft and Lifeline Signals 

The rear captain shall now contact the person in charge of the lifeline. The rear captain will 

give the accepted signals and have the lifeline person repeat them. The signals in general use are 

as follows: 

1 pull on the lifeline will mean for the team to stop if in motion. 

1 pull on the lifeline will mean that the team is OK, if at rest. 

2 pulls on the lifeline will mean for the team to advance. 

3 pulls on the lifeline will mean that the team is retreating. 

4 pulls on the lifeline from the team to the fresh air base means that the team is in trouble 

and needs assistance at once. If 4 pulls are given by the fresh air base, the team must 

return to the fresh air base. 

All signals on the lifeline must be returned to the sender at once. The rear captain may now 

stretch the lifeline out along the length of the team. It is not necessary for the captain to give a 

command to execute when using a telephone-speaker system since the team members will be 

aware of all communication. 

The following standard horn blasts or other audible signals between team members will be 

used: 

1 blast on the horn will mean for the team to —stop“ if in motion 

2 blasts on the horn will mean —advance“ 

3 blasts on the horn will mean —retreat“ 

4 blasts on the horn will mean —distress“ 

If signals between team members are other than the standard signals normally used, all 

interested persons must be informed. State hoist shaft signals will be used wherever contest is 

held. 

11
NEVADA HOIST SIGNAL CODES 

The conveyance shall not be moved without a command signal. When persons are to be 

hoisted or lowered, they must enter the conveyance and close the door; then give the signal for 

the desired level followed by either —Hoist Persons“ (3-1 bells) or —Lower Persons“ (3-2 bells). 

3-2-1 Bells: Blasting Signal - hoisting engineer must acknowledge by raising and lowering 

conveyance slightly. 

9 Bells: Emergency - then ring mine level signal where emergency exists. 

MINE LEVEL SIGNALS 

Surface Shaft Collar - 1-2 Bells 

500 Feet First Level - 2-1 Bells 

HOIST SIGNAL 

1 Bell - STOP 

2 Bells 

3 Bells 

3-1 Bells 

3-2 Bells 

3-3-1 Bells 

3-3-2 Bells 

1-2-1 Bells 

2-1-2 Bells 

Equipment Checks and Procedures 

- Lower Conveyance 

- Raise Conveyance 

- Hoist Persons 

- Lower Persons 

- Hoist Slowly with Caution 

- Lower Slowly with Caution 

- Hoist Muck or Materials Only 

- Release Conveyance 

The stretcher must be tested at the fresh air base and should be tested by supporting the 

weight of a person wearing an apparatus. The other equipment such as fire extinguishers, gas 

detectors, or oxygen indicators shall be checked as indicated in the MSHA Contest Rules Book 

and, if necessary, put into operating condition. The team should also check to see that the other 

necessary equipment is ready and available. For contest purposes, a one-minute seal check 

simulating ten (10) minutes will be sufficient for the Draeger multi-gas detector. 

After the clock is started, only the five working team members and the fresh air base 

attendant will be permitted to do the work at the fresh air base. 

12
Team Safety 

Follow established procedures per the MSHA National Contest Rules Book for the type of 

equipment used when getting under oxygen. 

The team captain must now check each member‘s apparatus. A team member must make the 

same checks on the captain‘s apparatus. The judges will observe the operation and adjustment of 

the apparatus. 

The captain should see that the team line is properly stretched out and that the team members 

are holding or are attached to the team line. 

If a team encounters smoke, an apparatus check or personnel check is required before 

entering smoke. In smoke, all team members must have hold of, or be fastened to, a lifeline. 

The captain must now have the team count off either orally or visually by the raising of 

hands. 

The captain must give the signal to advance. The stretcher bearers should pick up the 

stretchers, and the rear captain shall relay the signal to the fresh air base. When the signal is 

returned, the team may now advance into the mine. 

Teams shall never travel through water over knee deep. Entrances to all mine openings shall 

be examined. This examination should not cover more than twenty-five (25) feet. In air clear of 

smoke, these checks may be made without a lifeline, provided the entire team does not go into 

the entrance. 

Checking for loose ground (loose roof or rib) is done visually by the team captain as the team 

works the problem. Upon advance, the team captain must orally warn the team of such 

conditions as they are encountered. A similar warning must be given upon retreat. 

First Team Stop 

After advancing into the mine not more than fifty (50) feet from the cage or portal, the 

captain shall give a signal for the team to stop. The co-captain may take no more than two steps 

forward after the horn blast before stopping. The captain now checks the members and their 

apparatus to see if they are in good condition and a team member checks the captain and his/her 

apparatus. (This check must not be made on the cage.) The procedure shall be followed at not 

more than twenty (20) minute intervals while the team is working the problem. Additionally, 

apparatus removed in order to enter a confined area or apparatus that has sustained possible 

damage from impact must be checked before continuing. 

13
If all the apparatus are operating properly and the members are in good condition, the team 

can now continue into the mine. 

The cage door must be kept closed and released to be in a standby mode after the cage has 

been unloaded. 

Advancing 

When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, intersections, or drifts turned off the drift 

that is being traveled, separate gas tests should be made across each entry within 25 feet of each 

opening to the place turned off the entry. No place which intersects entry direction should be 

passed without first checking the condition of that place. Examination of any intersection or 

entry shall not exceed 25 feet from the rear captain. This means the captain can extend out and 

take gas readings within the limits of the team line. 

In case of entries turned from the entry being traveled, it is a matter of choice which entry is 

to be followed and many things must be taken into consideration in making the choice. 

However, the openings of all places must be checked before that place is passed. A team will be 

considered to have passed an opening or intersection when the number 5 member is past the 

opening. 

While advancing, if a team encounters an impassable fall or other condition that prevents the 

members from following the normal course of travel into an area, they may break a stopping and 

enter that area. If it becomes necessary to break a stopping, the team shall erect a temporary 

stopping or stoppings that would have the same effect on the area that the original stopping 

would have provided. Doors shall not be opened without a prior knowledge of the conditions, 

unless a temporary stopping has been erected. 

Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance more than three (3) feet beyond 

the second (2nd) intersection before tying across and/or behind into all unexplored areas that 

intersect. The second intersection will be determined by two crosscuts on either side of the entry 

being traveled. The first intersection will be the blocked intersection. However, a team will be 

permitted to tie across to adjacent drifts to tie in behind. 

Barricades 

If a barricade is found, the team will take action to protect the barricaded persons as indicated 

by the conditions found outside the barricade. Before the barricade is opened, the entire area of 

the mine is assumed to be filled with an irrespirable atmosphere unless otherwise specified in the 

problem, and will require the construction of a reasonably airtight temporary stopping. The 

space between the barricade and the temporary stopping should be as little as feasible; however, 

it should be large enough for the team to enter. When entering the barricaded area, the opening 

in the barricade should be kept to a minimum, the roof in the area shall be tested, and gas tests 

14
made. For the purposes of contest work, no barricade will be entered without ventilating in front 

of the barricade if: Oxygen (O2) is below 17.0%; or Carbon Monoxide (CO) exceeds 4000 PPM 

(0.4%); or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exceeds 700 PPM (0.07%); or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 

exceeds 100 PPM (0.01%); or Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) exceeds 400 PPM (0.04%); or Carbon 

Dioxide (CO2) exceeds 5.0%. In the event that gases other than these are encountered or 

indicated by the problem, the team must ask for stain tubes or testing devices for these gases if 

they don‘t have them. 

If survivors are found, they shall be given proper respiratory protection. If more than one (1) 

survivor is behind the barricade and proper protection cannot be provided for all of them, the 

team in retreating should keep the openings in the barricade and temporary stopping to a 

minimum so that as little irrespirable air will get into the barricaded area as possible. If the area 

beyond the last survivor can be explored without advancing the survivor, this should be done 

before retreating with the survivor. When all the survivors have been removed from the 

barricaded area, the enclosure may be opened as wide as necessary for easy exit. Survivors must 

be secured to the stretcher and covered with a blanket unless first aid procedures indicate other 

treatment is proper. If a person is found behind a barricade or in a refuge chamber and the area is 

not entered, the team may advance beyond the chamber for exploration. However, if survivor(s) 

can be safely evacuated without changing conditions, they shall be evacuated before any further 

exploration is done. 

Dates and Initials 

The date and the captain‘s initials shall be marked at the point of farthest advance of the team 

in any direction such as at stoppings, faces of rooms and drifts, water over knee deep, impassable 

falls, barricades, fires out of control, and at the location of any survivors or bodies. 

Map - Timing Device 

When the team has covered the assigned territory and the work has been completed, it should 

return to the fresh air base and count off. After the team checks the map, the captain should 

present the map to the persons in charge of the mine and stop the timing device. The map person 

must use the standardized map legend provided in the MSHA Rules Book or write everything 

out. 

The marked map must show: the condition of all faces, stoppings and doors; the location of 

all placards or materials; the location of fires and barricades; and the location of dead bodies and 

survivors (including identification). Temporary stoppings that are erected shall also be shown as 

well as the location of any gas found or indicated by placards. The map must show all locations 

dated and initialed by the team captain. If a team fails to explore the entire mine, the furthest 

point of advance shall be indicated on the map by a line drawn across the entry with the 

appropriate mine map legend symbol. 

15
Mine Fires 

When a mine rescue team encounters a noncombatible fire, indicated by —intense heat“ or 

—fire out of control,“ the team shall, without undue delay, seal the fire or regulate the fire, so as to 

restrict the air flow to the fire and prevent its further advance. Regulating airflow to control a 

fire is not considered a ventilation change. The team must then, without undue delay, find all 

other approaches to the fire and seal them. This does not preclude systematic exploration of the 

area. Whether to use seals with or without regulators and when to entirely seal the fire must be 

decided by the team, after any necessary consultation with the official in charge. This decision 

will take into consideration the safety of the team and any survivor(s), the classification of the 

mine (gassy/nongassy), the presence of any explosive gases, the possible effects of any 

ventilation change(s), and other pertinent data. 

16
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #1 Discou 

nts 

1. Apparatus improperly assembled, each 

apparatus 3 x 

= 

2. Apparatus improperly adjusted to the wearer, 

each infraction 1 x 

= 

3. Failure to follow prescribed procedures for 

going under oxygen, each person 3 x = 

4. Apparatus part or parts worn or deteriorated 

so as to be dangerous to wearer, each person 8 x = 

5. Failure of captain to examine each apparatus 

and have captain‘s examined before entering 

the mine, each apparatus each infraction 2 x = 

6. A team member failing to carry identification 

upon his/her person, each member 2 x = 

7. Team member not wearing protective 

clothing, including safety shoes, hard hat, 

permissible cap lamp, self-rescuer, each 

infraction 2 x 

= 

8. Failure of team captain to mark date and 

team position number on the check board 

at mine portal or fresh air base, or start 

timing device, each omission 4 x = 

17
9. Failure to be clean shaven in areas that 

affect a good face-to-facepiece seal, each 

infraction 2 x 

= 

10. No work will be done prior to starting the clock 4 (total) 

Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #1 

1. This discount will be applied if the team captain or team member does not correct it when 

the team goes under oxygen. 

2. Shoulder straps, chest straps, etc., that are twisted or not fastened. (Separate discount for 

each strap.) This discount will be applied if the team captain or team member does not 

correct it when the team goes under oxygen. 

3. This will depend on type of apparatus used; the proper procedure will be outlined in the 

apparatus section. Once the team has entered the course, no further penalties can be 

assessed by the judges for items 1, 2, 3. 

4. Holes in the breathing tubes or straps worn to the extent that they break during working 

of the problem while still at the fresh air base, should not be discounted if they are 

replaced prior to starting work in the mine. 

5. The captain must examine the apparatus of team members and have a team member 

examine the captain‘s apparatus before entering the mine. The person making the check 

must obtain assurance from person being checked that he/she is all right (asking if person 

is okay will suffice). 

6. Metal tag on member‘s belt with name and employee identification number in addition to 

the team member‘s number on arm at or near the shoulder. Number on hat or cap lamp is 

not acceptable. 

18
7. All equipment must be permissible and operating before advancing into the mine. In the 

event of an equipment failure other than a SCBA, the team will fix it, use the back-up, or 

return to the FAB to replace the failed equipment. 

8. Captain must mark date and team position number on check board after clock is started, 

and the captain must stop the clock after the map is turned in. 

9. Self-explanatory. 

10. This includes unloading the stretcher and stretching of the link line. 

19
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #1 

Discounts 

1. Breathing external air while working 

problem, each team member, each infraction 10 x = 

2. Team not following proper procedure in case 

of apparatus failure, each infraction 10 x = 

3. Failure to use posted hoisting signals, 

each infraction 

4. a. Failure of the captain to indicate to the 

team he/she has recognized bad ground. 

b. Failure of the captain to verbally indicate 

he/she is checking the back or roof; 

1. at intersections, shaft stations, rooms, 

faces, and mine openings; 

2. at all points of farthest advance; 

3. before building or erecting any structure; 

4. upon passing through any barricade, 

stopping, bulkhead, air lock; door; check 

curtain, or similar barrier; 

5. at the location of fire or intense heat. 

c. Any team member performing work or 

moving into any part of an area during a 

team stop before the captain has visually 

checked the ground conditions in that 

part, each infraction 

d. Failure to close shaft station gate 

5. Failure of the captain to mark the date and his/ 

her initials at the point of farthest advance of 

the team in any direction such as at stoppings, 

faces of rooms and drifts, water over knee 

deep, impassable falls, barricades, fires out 

1 x___ = _____ 

5 x = 

of control, and at the location of any live persons or bodies, each omission 

(maximum10 discounts) 

2 x = (10 max.) 

20
6. Failure of team to stop within 50 feet of 

the fresh air base or at the shaft station to 

perform personnel and apparatus checks, 

upon their first entry into the mine 

7. Team member(s) not making apparatus 

check after removing apparatus to traverse 

restricted clearance or after apparatus has 

sustained possible damage from impact 

(total team discounts, each incident) 

8. Captain or other team member doing anything 

to endanger himself/herself or other team 

members, 15 points each team member so 

4 (total) 

4 x = 

endangered, each infraction, each occurrence 15 x = 

9. Failure of team to explore or examine 

workings systematically and thoroughly, 

each omission 4 x = 

10. Teams must be checked immediately before 

entering smoke 5 x = 

11. Failure to locate, seal, or extinguish fire, if 

possible, without undue delay 8 (total) 

12. Failure to examine apparatus at not more than 

20-minute intervals. Each minute or fraction 

thereof (maximum 5 discounts per incident) 1 x = (5 per incident max.) 

13. Any act by the team which may result in an 

explosion of an explosive air/gas mixture. 30 (total) 

Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

21
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #1 

1. Working all or part of problem without a facepiece or working with inhalation hose 

disconnected. 

2. Proper procedure would depend on type of apparatus; however, team must proceed to 

fresh air base immediately. 

3. Hoist shaft signals will be posted at shaft stations and will be used to notify the hoistman 

of intended movement and cage release. 

4. a. Must so indicate before any other team member passes the placard. This applies 

each time such a placard is reached; when retreating the rear captain must do this. 

b. 1. Must be so indicated before physically entering the area. 

2. Includes checking in front of any physical barrier to advancement. 

3. Including erecting or breaching stoppings, barricades, curtains, etc. 

4. Must be so indicated before physically passing through. 

5. Must be so indicated immediately upon reaching the placard indicating fire or 

intense heat. 

c. This means the captain‘s physical presence is necessary before any part of an area can 

be considered as having been examined. 

5. Such places only need be marked once and so marked must be indicated on the map. Date 

means month, day, and year. 

6. This check must be made: 

a. at the first stop, with all team members past the portal, 

or off the cage (this does not apply to checking mine 

entrances prior to working the problem); 

b. before the captain exceeds 50 feet from portal or shaft, 

and before the team leaves the shaft station. 

7. This apparatus check must be made as soon as all team members have passed through the 

restricted area and before any other work is done. Additionally, this apparatus check 

must be made immediately after any apparatus has sustained a blow which might cause 

damage to it. 

22
8. Examples of endangerment include, but are not limited to: 

a. 15 points will be assessed for each team member who: 

1. travels under bad roof or ground; 

2. travels into and through water over knee deep; 

3. travels over or under an open ore pass or ore pocket into which they could fall or 

be injured by falling objects.; 

4. advances past a sign indicating intense heat or fire out of control; 

b. The entire team will be considered endangered and 75 points assessed for: 

1. failure to check a shaft for possible damage, or the 

presence of fire or flooding, prior to traveling 

through it. For contest purposes, this check may be 

done by placing combustible materials on the cage 

and having the cage lowered to the level to be 

explored, then raising it to the collar; 

2. not using non-sparking tools in a gassy mine or when 

explosive gases are found in a non-gassy mine. 

c. Utilizing electric or battery-powered equipment in explosive air/gas atmosphere. 

Ignition sources would include any communication device, unless designated as 

sound-powered or intrinsically safe. 

9. This will be assessed for not exploring all areas of the mine that can be explored without 

endangering team, if problem requires entire mine to be explored, or leaving accessible 

areas that can be safely explored without removing permanent stoppings. All accessible 

areas must be tied across and behind before advancing. Where crosscuts are blocked, no 

team member may advance more than 3 feet beyond the second intersection before tying 

across and/or behind into all unexplored areas that intersect. This may require building 

an air lock or returning to the fresh air base and exploring into other drifts at the 

discretion of the team and according to conditions of the mine. Shafts must be checked 

for possible damage, water, or fire, and must be traveled to be considered explored. All 

shafts must be traveled, if possible, before proceeding beyond the 2nd intersection. 

10. Personnel checks, not necessarily an apparatus check. The person making the check must 

obtain assurance from person being checked that he/she is all right (asking if person is all 

right will suffice). 

11. Sealing or fighting a fire does not relieve the team of the responsibility of systematic 

exploration. 

12. One point for each minute or fraction thereof (total discounts not to exceed 5 points). 

13. Each infraction: 

a. Changing conditions of the mine ventilation system in such a manner that an 

explosive mixture is moved over an ignition source. Changing conditions of the mine 

23
ventilation system in such a manner that an explosive mixture is moved over an 

unexplored area. If a team explores all sides of an overcast or undercast, both ends of 

a ventilation shaft, or the top and bottom of shafts when the shaft cannot be traveled, 

the in-between areas are considered explored for ventilation purposes. 

b. Continuing exploration after conditions are found to indicate an imminent explosion 

is possible by the presence of an explosive mixture and the evidence of fire (smoke or 

carbon monoxide) and the location of the fire is unknown. A team must continue to 

explore if it knows there is a continuous nonexplosive separation between the 

explosive mixture and the evidence of fire. Utilizing electric or battery-powered 

equipment in explosive air/gas atmosphere. Ignition sources would include any 

communication device, unless designated as sound-powered or intrinsically safe. 

24
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #2 Discou 

nts 

1. Failure to take necessary equipment and gas 

detecting devices to work the problem, 

each omission 4 x 

= 

2. Failure to have equipment and gas detecting 

devices ready for testing and failure to 

properly test each piece of equipment, 

each omission 2 x 

= 

3. Gas detectors, testers, and/or indicators 

failing to function properly upon testing. If 

not corrected before entering the mine, 

each infraction 2 x 

= 

4. Testers or detectors improperly assembled 

or defective parts used 8 

(total) 

Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

25
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #2 

1. Failure to take necessary equipment or testing devices underground, discount should be 

assessed even if teams return to fresh air base to pick up necessary equipment. 

2. All equipment and gas detecting devices must be checked; however, fire extinguishers 

need not be activated - a visual check will suffice. Proper test of gas detecting devices 

will be determined by the type used and the procedure outlined in the MSHA Contest 

Rules Book. (All this must be done after clock is started.) 

3. Faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced. 

4. If any questions exist, the equipment should be checked by the judges after the 

completion of the problem in the presence of the team captain. 

26
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #2 Discou 

nts 

1. Failure to make necessary gas tests where 

required, each omission 1 x 

= 

2. Improper procedure when testing with gas 

detectors, each infraction 2 x 

= 

3. Intentional causing of a test instrument to 

inflate faster than tests indicate that it should, 

each infraction 1 x 

= 

4. Traveling at more than a normal walking 

speed 8 

(total) 

5. Team member talking to an unauthorized 

person without permission of the judges or 

supervisors, each infraction 5 x = 

6. Failure to erect temporary barricade when 

necessary, each infraction 10 x 

= 

7. Failure to erect temporary barricade, seal, or 

stopping reasonably airtight, each infraction 2 x = 

8. Less than 5 members entering, working or 

completing problem, each person 8 x = 

9. Any team passing a card indicating a 

27
condition in the mine before determining the 

information on the card, each infraction 2 x = 

10. Failure to make necessary ventilation 

changes or changing ventilation or electric 

power before the effects of such changes are 

known, each infraction 15 x 

= 

Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #2 

1. Tests for gases must be made at face areas and stoppings. When stops are made at the 

openings of crosscuts, rooms, or drifts turned off the drift that is being traveled, separate 

gas tests shall be made rib to rib across each entry and each opening to the places turned 

off the entry. No place shall be passed without first checking the condition of that place. 

That is, if a room is turned from the entry, that room shall be checked before examining 

the entry beyond the opening. This does not necessarily hold true in cases of entries. In 

cases of entries turned from the entry being traveled, it is a matter of choice which entry 

is to be followed and many things must be taken into consideration in making the choice. 

However, the openings of all places must be checked before that place is passed. A team 

will be considered to have passed an opening or intersection when the No. 5 member is 

past the opening. 

2. This will depend on type of instrument used. Improper procedure when testing includes 

the location of the instrument when testing or using a gas detection device beyond it‘s 

limits or range. For example, a methane detector must be held overhead when testing 

because methane (CH4) is light and will be found in high places near the back or roof. 

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is relatively heavy and will be found in greater concentrations 

along the floor and in low places. Therefore, this test must be made with the tester below 

the waist. Carbon monoxide (CO) is slightly lighter than air so this test must be made at 

chest height. 

3. Self-explanatory. 

28
4. Teams traveling obviously faster than a normal walk (a majority of judges must concur on 

this) shall be discounted. 

5. Do not hesitate to assess this discount; however, explain and name unauthorized person 

on discount card and state instructions given, if known. 

6. Where conditions are unknown, stoppings, doors and barricades require construction of 

temporary stopping by a team before a team may make openings in the pre-existing 

stoppings, doors, etc. This does not apply to existing check or drop curtains used to 

direct the air current. When retreating out of a barricade or coming back through a 

stopping where an air lock has been erected, it will not be necessary to air lock on the way 

out, if this will not change any existing ventilation. 

29
7. Temporary barricade, seal, or stopping must be fastened at top, sides, and bottom. 

Simulating fastening a barricade is not acceptable. Air curtains that have to be upgraded 

to temporary stoppings, such as a curtain that directs airflow, require additional material 

such as a 2-by-4 on the bottom of the curtain and nailed to make a good seal. 

8. This does not apply to checking mine entrances prior to working the problem. 

9. Means if all five team members pass the card. 

10. Teams must confer with the official in charge before changing the ventilation or electric 

power, and such things as explosive gases and the safety of trapped miners and rescue 

personnel must be considered. Teams do not have to exit the mine to change power or 

ventilation, if they can inform the FAB by approved communication devices available. 

Conversing with the FAB does not relieve the team of the responsibility of their decision. 

30
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #3 Discou 

nts 

1. Failure to test the communication system or 

arrange with judges the signals to be used 3 (total) 

2. Failure to give proper notification with 

lifeline or communication system of team‘s 

intentions, each infraction 2 x 

= 

3. Failure to connect phone when applicable 

before entering the mine 2 

(total) 

4. Failure to take lifeline or wire communication 

system into the mine 10 

(total) 

5. Failure of team to —count off“ before entering 

or leaving the mine 2 x 

= 

6. Failure to perform proper stretcher test, each 

omission 2 x 

= 

7. Failure to secure extra apparatus to stretcher, 

each omission 4 x 

= 

31
Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #3 

1. Standard horn blasts or other audible signals between team members will be used: 

1 blast - —Stop“ if traveling or —All Right“ if at rest 

2 blasts - —Advance“ 

3 blasts - —Retreat“ 

4 blasts - —Distress“ 

2. Failure to notify fresh air base with phone or lifeline of team‘s intentions would include 

advancing or retreating team prior to giving signal or notifying fresh air base and 

receiving reply. When advancing, and captain gives signal to stop, No. 5 member may 

not move more than 2 steps. If team is stopped and captain gives signal to retreat or 

advance, the No. 5 member must await return signal prior to starting to move. The No. 5 

member may move from side to side to give captain more area when team is connected by 

lifeline in smoke or by telephone line as long as he/she does not pull or give line. All 

team members must hold or be attached to the lifeline at all times while traveling. If 

taglines are used between team members and the team line, they shall be no longer than 

3 feet in length. Do not apply this to movement at the fresh air base. 

3. Self-explanatory. 

4. This would apply only if all team members were in the mine. 

5. This can be done at any time after the clock is started, but must be done prior to team 

entering the mine. It does not have to be done prior to checking portals. Hand or audible 

counting off is acceptable. It is not necessary to count off upon reentry or leaving mine; 

however, the team is also required to count off when completing problem. 

6. Proper stretcher test means lifting the stretcher with team member wearing apparatus, 

lying prone on stretcher. 

32
7. Extra apparatus must be secured to stretcher to prevent it from falling off. 

33
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #3 Discou 

nts 

1. Failure to properly secure survivor to 

stretcher; failure to cover survivor with 

blanket (unless first aid procedures indicate 

otherwise); or placing survivor on stretcher 

in such a way as to foul proper operation of 

apparatus, each omission 4 x 

= 

2. Survivor care: 

a. Failure to adequately examine and assess 

each person found in the mine for possible 

injury or illness, each infraction 4 x = 

b. Failure to properly treat any injury or illness 

which is, or should have been, revealed by 

the examination, each infraction 4 x = 

3. In smoke, any team member not having hold 

of lifeline, or not having it firmly attached to 

his/her person, each infraction 2 x = 

4. In clear air, none of the team members having 

hold of lifeline, each infraction 2 x = 

5. Intentionally detaching/severing lifeline 5 (total) 

6. Failure to bring live person to surface or 

fresh air base by the end of the problem, 

each omission 10 x 

= 

7. Failure to locate bodies, each omission 10 x = 

34
8. Failure to find live persons, each omission 10 x = 

9. Failure to properly protect live person or 

= 

persons, each person 10 x 

10. Failure to follow proper procedure when 

putting apparatus on survivor, each infraction 5 x = 

11. Assistance given by supposedly unconscious 

person, each infraction 5 x 

= 

12. Transporting survivor in unexplored territory, 

leaving survivor unattended, and moving 

survivor in any direction except toward the 

fresh air base, each infraction 6 x = 

13. Improper signaling with lifeline, if method 

is not corrected, each infraction 1 x = 

14. The team performing an act that results in 

the death or injury of patient(s). Examples 

of this would be: 

a. Entering a barricade with toxic gases 

outside. 

b. Directing toxic gases over survivor(s) 

through a change in ventilation 

c. In the case of multiple survivors, 

leaving the higher priority patient 

and taking a less injured patient out, 

each infraction 

d. Improperly protecting survivor(s) from 

toxic gases 50 x 

= 

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base when an 

air/gas mixture has reached its explosive range. 10 x = 

35
Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature 

36
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #3 

1. Survivor shall be secured to stretcher by at least two bandages or straps, one around trunk 

of body and one around legs, covered with blanket, and placed so as not to crimp air 

hoses. (Hands of unconscious person must be secured.) 

2. This will be based on the most current MSHA First Aid Book and MSHA Mine Rescue 

Training Module 2206 —Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies.“ (This book may 

be ordered from the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. See page 10.) A team 

must deal with a victim(s), if there is either visual or verbal contact, if the rescue can be 

done without violating procedures. Visual contact requires the captain‘s presence in the 

area. Verbal contact is any voice communication from the victim that can reasonably be 

expected to be heard by the team. 

3. Applies to any smoke. All team members must be in air clear of smoke before any team 

member drops lifeline. Any part of a team member (hand, etc.) in smoke, team member 

is in smoke. This discount cannot be assessed when checking mine entrances or portals 

on the surface. 

4. Self-explanatory. 

5. Self-explanatory. 

6. Self-explanatory. 

7. Self-explanatory. 

8. Self-explanatory. 

9. Among other things, using an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus or self-rescuer 

on a live person instead of an approved 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour self-contained breathing 

apparatus is a failure to properly protect that survivor. 

10. Self-explanatory. 

11. Applies to person sitting up unassisted or moving arms so as to help in putting on 

apparatus. (Only applies if person is member of the team and not an MSHA employee.) 

37
12. If a person is found behind a barricade or in a refuge chamber in a contaminated area, and 

the barricade or refuge chamber is not entered, the team may advance. 

13. Improper signals would apply only to signals transmitted between the No. 5 team member 

and the fresh air base. 

14. An act which does not endanger the team, but kills or injures the patient(s). 

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base when an air/gas mixture, which reached its explosive 

range, has been encountered. 

38
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name: 

Team Name: 

Draw Number: 

Discounts 

For each incorrect answer for each person 

(1 discount) 

No. 1 person 

No. 2 person 

No. 3 person 

No. 4 person 

No. 5 person 

No. 6 person (substitute) 

1 x 

= 

1 x 

= 

1 x 

= 

1 x 

= 

1 x 

= 

1 x 

= 

Total Discounts 

Judge‘s Signature

39
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Map Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name: 

Team Name: 

Draw Number: 

1. Failure to record information on map 1 x 

= 

2. Not recording information accurately on map 

(within 6 feet of actual location measured from 

the center point of the object), each infraction 1 x = 

Total Discounts 

Map Examiner‘s Signature 

40
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Time Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name: 

Team Name: 

Draw Number: 

Total Time 

Total time will be rounded off to the next 

highest minute. (Total average time will also 

be rounded off to the next highest minute.) 

Discounts 

For each minute over average time. 2 x 

= 

Total Discounts 

Timekeeper‘s Signature 

41
MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST

GENERAL RULES

1. Two gas men will be allowed for each team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. Each contestant will draw for competition order while in isolation. No switching of numbers 

will be allowed, unless approved by the Contest Director. 

4. The Multi-Gas Instrument Contest will be held at a time and place designated by the Contest 

Director. All written testing will be conducted in isolation. Contestants will remain in 

isolation until they finish the bench competition or they will be disqualified. 

5. Each contestant will be provided with a multi-gas instrument, along with spare sensors, 

batteries, calibration gas, tubing, regulators, calibration hoods and the tools necessary to 

complete the problem. 

The correct gases and all necessary tools and equipment to complete the problem will be 

available at the workstation. Only those tools and equipment provided will be used by 

contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written, bench, and gas testing will determine the winner. In the event 

of a tie, the written test score will determine the winner. The total time used for the bench 

and gas testing will be the second tiebreaker. 

7. At a pre-designated time after the written test, the test judge will conduct a five-minute 

review of test answers. 

8. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the instrument, the judges will notify the 

contestants that the deficiency is not part of the problem. The judge will stop the clock and 

correct the deficiency as needed. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant the clock 

will not be stopped. 

9. A trophy will be awarded for first, second and third place in the Multi-Gas Instrument 

Contest. 

WRITTEN TEST 

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are in isolation and will consist of twentyfive (25) multiple choice and true/false questions. The questions will be taken from: 

a. MSHA publication on Mine Gases (Module 2202) 

42
b. MSHA publication on Ventilation (Module 2203) 

c. MSHA National Mine Rescue Contest Rules 

d. Respective instrument manufacturer‘s operations manual 

Contestants will be assessed one (1) discount point for each incorrect or unanswered 

question. Any alterations to the test questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect 

by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

2. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two qualified judges. 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT BENCH PROBLEM 

1. The instrument(s) given to the contestants will have multiple bugs or problems consisting of 

any of the following: 

a. Missing sensors 

b. Failed sensors 

c. Mis-calibrated sensors 

d. Dead or incorrect batteries 

e. Incorrect alarm points 

f. Missing parts 

2. Each contestant will be expected to evaluate the instrument, fix all of the deficiencies, 

properly calibrate the instrument, check for proper action level alarm set points, and then use 

the instrument to measure the concentrations of O2, CH4, CO and NO2 in a single gas box. 

3. Contestants may return to correct any uncorrected deficiencies at any time within the time 

limit. 

4. Five (5) discount points per alarm point will be assessed for any incorrectly set alarms. 

5. Five (5) discount points will be assessed for each instance of incorrect procedure or 

equipment use during calibration. 

6. Fifteen (15) discount points will be assessed for each incorrect gas reading given during the 

gas box test. 

7. No discounts will be assessed for replacing non-deficient sensors, as long as the resulting gas 

readings and alarm points are correct. 

8. Each contestant shall have a maximum of thirty (30) minutes to complete the bench portion 

and gas-testing portion of the contest. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the 

judge when time is about to expire. 

43
9. For completion, the contestant must have the instrument fully assembled and operating and 

have completed all four gas readings within the allowed time. 

GAS BOX TESTING 

1. The gas testing will consist of subjecting the instrument to an unknown mixture of O2, CH4, 

CO and NO2. The contestant will be expected to report all 4-gas concentrations within 

acceptable limits in the following order: O2, CH4, CO, NO2. 

2. Fifteen (15) discount points per gas will be deducted if a contestant does not report gas 

concentrations within acceptable limits: 

a. Oxygen readings are considered to be correct if within plus or minus 0.5% by volume; 

b. Methane readings are considered to be correct if within plus or minus 0.2% by volume; 

c. Carbon Monoxide readings are considered to be correct if within plus or minus 20% of 

the actual value present; and 

d. Nitrogen Dioxide readings are considered to be correct if within plus or minus 2 ppm of 

the actual value present. 

JUDGING 

1. All judges must successfully complete a training course as prescribed by the Contest Director 

per the instrument they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of contestants. 

3. Prior to each contestant, judges shall insure that the next contestant‘s instrument contains 

only the deficiencies as per the planned problem. 

4. After each contestant, judges will evaluate that contestant‘s instrument and confirm scoring 

and assess additional discounts as necessary. 

5. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges shall stop the clock, instruct the 

contestant to turn his/her back to the bench area, at which time the judge will correct the 

unplanned deficiencies. Judges shall instruct the contestant that upon turning back to face the 

bench, the clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant the clock will not 

be stopped. 

6. After completion of the bench problem and gas box testing, there will be a five minute 

review, at which time the judges will discuss discounts. After the review, both judge and 

contestant will sign the judge‘s scorecard in the spaces provided. All appeals must be in 

writing and submitted within one hour of the five-minute review. 

7. The multi-gas instrument contest appeals committee ruling will be final. 

44
METAL AND NONMETAL 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST 

JUDGES‘ DISCOUNT CARD 

Company Name: 

Team Name: 

Draw Number: 

Contestant: Instrument Model 

Serial # 

Time: Written Test Discounts: 

Bench Problem 

Alarm Points

Sensor Reqd. Set Comments Discounts 

O2 Low 19.5 

High 23.5 

Procedure 

CH4 Low 1.0 

High 1.5 

Procedure 

CO Low 50 

High 100 

Procedure 

NO2 Low 3.0 

High 5.0 

Procedure 

Gas Box Testing 

Actual Minimum Maximum Observed by 

Gas In Box Acceptable Acceptable Contestant Discounts 

O2 

CH4 

CO 

NO2 

45
Judges Signature Total discounts 

Contestant‘s Signature 

46
BENCHMAN‘S CONTEST

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. Two benchman will be allowed for each team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. Each Benchman‘s Contest participant shall take the same number as that drawn by the team 

he/she represents. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless approved by Bench 

Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman‘s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day 

period in conjunction with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. The teams not 

working the mine rescue problem will compete in the Benchman‘s Contest. All written 

testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants will remain in isolation until they 

finish the bench competition or they will be disqualified. The location of the competition 

will be noted. The Contest Director may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully assembled BG-4, an RZ-25 tester, 

defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to complete the problem(s). 

Only tools, apparatus, and testing equipment provided by the judge will be used by 

contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus checks/problem diagnosis will 

determine the winner. In the event of a tie, total time will be the first tiebreaker. The written 

test will be the second tiebreaker. Third tiebreaker will be the time to find the first deficiency 

and each succeeding deficiency thereafter. 

7. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a five-minute review of test answers will be 

conducted by the test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted within one hour of 

the five-minute review. 

8. The Bench Contest Director‘s ruling will be final. 

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the apparatus, the judges will notify the 

contestants that the deficiency is not part of the problem. The contestant will turn his/her 

back while the judge stops the clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies are 

caused by the contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

10. A trophy will be awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place in the Benchman‘s Contest. 

47
WRITTEN TEST

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are in isolation and will consist of twenty 

true/false, multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken from Draeger‘s BG-4 

Operations Manual. The contestants will be assessed one discount point for each incorrect or 

unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions or answers will be determined to 

be incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

2. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two qualified judges. 

MONTHLY APPARATUS CHECKS/ 

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the low pressure alarm test forward and 

recorded. If and when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out to the judge 

and properly correct and record any and all deficiencies. Visuals can be performed at any 

time during the 30-minute time limit. 

2. Contestants may return to correct any uncorrected deficiencies within the time limit. 

3. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will be a one-time discount of five (5) points 

assessed. 

4. Contestant will be allowed to move forward, in order, in the event a deficiency is detected but 

not located. Once deficiency is corrected, contestant must return to the point of deficiency 

and repeat all test steps in proper order. 

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted as not performed. For 

example: exhalation test performed with the dial on the RZ tester set on positive. 

6. Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed to complete all checks, record and correct any and all 

deficiencies, and be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the 

judge when time is about to expire. 

7. Fifteen (15) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found. 

8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not corrected. 

9. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each monthly check not performed. 

10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one‘s mouth while making checks is prohibited. There 

will be a ten (10) point discount assessed for each infraction. 

48
11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus fully assembled with hoses connected 

to the face piece and attached to the apparatus and draped over the cover. If the contestant 

does not leave the apparatus in —ready-for-use“ condition, a five (5) point discount will be 

assessed. 

JUDGING 

1. All judges must successfully complete a Bench training course as prescribed by the Contest 

Director per the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall perform monthly apparatus checks and 

correct any and all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges shall stop the clock, instruct 

contestants to turn his/her back to the bench area, at which time the judge will correct the 

deficiencies. Judges shall instruct contestants that upon turning back to face the apparatus, 

the clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be 

stopped. 

5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis, there will be a 

five-minute review, at which time the judge will discuss discounts. After review, both judge 

and contestant will sign the judge‘s scorecard in the spaces provided. 

49
Benchman‘s Contest - Draeger BG-4

Judges‘ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Low Pressure Alarm 

(Negative Pressure Warning) 

Inhalation Valve 

Exhalation Valve 

Drain Valve 

Positive Pressure Leak 

Relief Valve 

High Pressure Leak Test 

Constant Metering (Dosage) 

Minimum Valve 

Bypass Valve 

Residual Warning 

Battery Check 

Test OK (initials) 

Replacement Parts 

Ready for Use 

Judges 

Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Time 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug 

5th Bug 

Time to Complete Problem 

Min Sec 

Summary of Discounts: 

Written test questions incorrect: 

1 discount x = 

Monthly check not performed: 

5 discounts x = 

Monthly checks out of order: 

5 discounts (total) 

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x = 

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 

5 discounts x = 

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x = 

Apparatus not —Ready for Use“: 

5 discounts (total) 

Total Discounts 

50
Benchman‘s Contest - Draeger BG-4 

Bench Person‘s Blank Testing Card 

Test Procedures Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug

1st Bug

2nd Bug

3rd Bug

4th Bug

5th Bug

Judge‘s Signature

Bench Person‘s Signature

51
TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

Step 

1. Visual Inspection 

2. Insert O2 Cylinder 

3. Insert Canister 

4. Facepiece and Hoses 

5. Low pressure warning 

6. Inhalation Valve 

7. Exhalation Valve 

8. Drain Valve 

9. Leak Test 

10. Relief Valve 

Tester 

Setting 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Leak Test 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Procedure Hints 

Check for good condition. 

Fully Charged. 

Factory Sealed or Reusable. 

Check for good condition. 

Watch pressure gauge, activation 

should sound at 1.25 mbar. 

Pinch exhalation hose 10 mbar 

indicated on gauge. 

Pinch inhalation hose -10 mbar 

indicated on gauge. 

Pump until 10mbar is indicated 

on gauge. 

Fit sealing cap over tappet of 

relief valve as bag inflated. 

Drain valve must not open at 

10 mb. 

Reduce Pres. to 7 mbar 

pressure should not change 

by more than 1 mbar in 

1 minute. 

Pump until relief valve opens. 

Opening pressure, should lie 

between 2 & 5 mbar. 

(Alternate Relief Valve Test, can be performed after Step 14.)

52
Tester

Step 

11. High Pressure Leak 

12. Constant Metering Valve 

13. Minimum Valve 

14. Bypass Valve 

Setting 

Leak Test 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Dosage .05-2 L/min 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Leak Test 

(Alternate Relief Valve Test) 

15. Low Pressure Warning 

16. Battery Check 

Procedure Hints 

Open cylinder valve. 

Alarm sounds once. 

CCR (Close Cylinder). 

Alarm sounds once, green 

indicator flashes. 

OCR (Open Cylinder). 

Inflate breathing bag. 

Fit sealing cap over tappet 

of relief valve. 

Constant metering dosage 

should lie between 

1.5 and 1.9 L/min. 

Pump slowly until minimum 

valve is opening. 

Minimum Valve should 

open between 0.1 and 

2.5 mbar. 

Press red button. 

Breathing bag inflates. 

Observe Reading on Rz, relief 

valve should open between 2 and 

5 mbar. 

Close cylinder valve. 

Warning sounds at 700 psi. 

If Failing: 

Alarm sounds 5 Times. 

Red indicator flashes for 30 sec. 

Bat is displayed. 

53
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for getting under oxygen: 

1. Prior to donning the apparatus, make sure a filled cylinder, a fresh soda lime pack, and an ice 

block for the breathing air cooler are installed. Don the apparatus and adjust the harness and 

belt. 

2. Don the facepiece by spreading the head harness with hands; put chin into chin support and 

pull harness over the head. Tighten the chin straps first, then the temple straps, and then the 

top head strap. The facepiece must be sufficiently tight on the face to prevent leakage of the 

breathing air which could shorten the duration of the apparatus. 

3. Plug the breathing connector into the facepiece until it locks in place. Pull to verify it is 

secure. 

4. Open cylinder valve fully. 

5. Check the digital pressure gauge to see that a sufficient oxygen supply remains. The green 

LED light should be displayed. Press the by-pass valve to check the by-pass valve operation. 

6. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing both breathing hoses and inhaling. The 

facepiece should collapse against the face, indicating there are no leaks. 

7. Each team member and apparatus should be rechecked by the team captain. The team captain 

and apparatus should be rechecked by a team member. 

Items to be checked prior to going underground and at 20 minute intervals: 

1. Visually check apparatus. 

2. Check pressure gauge. 

3. Question member as to member‘s ability to continue. 

54
BENCHMAN‘S CONTEST

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. Two benchman will be allowed for each team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. Each Benchman‘s Contest participant shall take the same number as that drawn by the team 

he/she represents. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless approved by Bench 

Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman‘s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day 

period in conjunction with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. The teams not 

working the mine rescue problem will compete in the Benchman‘s Contest. All written 

testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants will remain in isolation until they 

finish the bench competition or they will be disqualified. The location of the competition 

will be noted. The Contest Director may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully assembled BG-174A, an RZ-25 tester, 

defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to complete the problem(s). 

Only tools, apparatus, and testing equipment provided by the judge will be used by 

contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus checks/problem diagnosis will 

determine the winner. In the event of a tie, total time will be the first tie breaker. The written 

test will be the second tie breaker. Third tie breaker will be the time to find the first 

deficiency and each succeeding deficiency thereafter. 

7. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a five-minute review of test answers will be 

conducted by the test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted within one hour of 

the five-minute review. 

8. The Bench Contest Director‘s ruling will be final. 

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the apparatus, the contestants will be 

notified by the judges that the deficiency is not part of the problem. The contestant will turn 

his/her back while the judge stops the clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies 

are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

10. A trophy will be awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place in the Benchman‘s Contest. 

55
WRITTEN TEST

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are in isolation and will consist of 

twenty-five true/false, multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken from Draeger‘s 

BG-174A Operations Manual. The contestants will be assessed one discount point for each 

incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions or answers will be 

determined to be incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

2. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two qualified judges. 

MONTHLY APPARATUS CHECKS/ 

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the exhalation valve test forward and 

recorded. If and when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out to the judge 

and properly correct and record any and all deficiencies. High and medium pressure leak 

checks must be performed while the oxygen is in the on position (after the pre-flush test); 

visuals can be performed at any time during the 30-minute time limit. 

2. Hoses must be connected to the RZ-25 tester and the breathing apparatus prior to any repair 

work, other than visual examination. 

3. Contestants may return to correct any uncorrected deficiencies within the time limit. The 

monthly apparatus checks will be those found on page 135 of MSHA Training Module 2004. 

The Oxygen Control Assembly Number and the Demand Valve Assembly Number will not 

be required to be recorded. 

4. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will be a one-time discount of five (5) points 

assessed. 

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted as not performed. For 

example: exhalation test performed with the dial on the RZ tester set on positive. 

6. Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed to complete all checks, record and correct any and all 

deficiencies, and be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the 

judge when time is about to expire. 

7. Fifteen (15) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found. 

8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not corrected. 

9. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each monthly check not performed. 

56
10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one‘s mouth while making checks is prohibited. There 

will be a ten (10) point discount assessed for each infraction. 

11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus fully assembled with hoses attached 

to face piece and connected to the apparatus and draped over the cover (ready to wear). If the 

contestant does not leave the apparatus in —ready-for-use“ condition, a five (5) point discount 

will be assessed. 

JUDGING 

1. All judges must successfully complete a Bench training course as prescribed by the Contest 

Director per the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall perform monthly apparatus checks and 

correct any and all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges shall stop the clock, instruct 

contestants to turn his/her back to the bench area, at which time the judge will correct the 

deficiencies. Judges shall instruct contestants that upon turning back to face the apparatus, 

the clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be 

stopped. 

5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis, there will be a 

five-minute review, at which time the judge will discuss discounts. After review, both judge 

and contestant will sign the judge‘s scorecard in the spaces provided. 

57
Benchman‘s Contest - Draeger BG-174A

Judges‘ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Cylinder Pressure 

Canister/Regenerative, Refillable 

filled Fact. Sealed? Exp.? 

Facepiece and Hoses 

Exhalation Valve 

Inhalation Valve 

Relief Valve (opens +10 to +40 mm) 

Pos. Pressure Leak Test 

Neg. Pressure Leak Test 

Preflush 

Gauge Equalization 

Breathing Bag Volume Test 

Lung Demand Valve 

By-pass 

Dosage test (1.4 to 1.7 mbar) 

Whistle Activation 

Whistle Duration (20 to 60 seconds) 

Pres. Gage Shutoff 

High & Med. Pres. Leaks 

Test OK (initials) 

Replacement Parts 

Ready for Use 

Judges 

Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Time 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug 

5th Bug 

Time to Complete Problem 

Min Sec 

Summary of Discounts: 

Written test questions incorrect: 

1 discount x = 

Monthly check not performed: 

5 discounts x = 

Monthly checks out of order: 

5 discounts (total) 

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x = 

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 

5 discounts x = 

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x = 

Apparatus not —Ready for Use“: 

5 discounts (total) 

Total Discounts 

58
Benchman‘s Contest - Draeger BG-174A 

Bench Person‘s Blank Testing Card 

Test Procedures Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug

1st Bug

2nd Bug

3rd Bug

4th Bug

5th Bug

Judge‘s Signature

Bench Person‘s Signature

59
TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS

Step 

1. Visual Inspection 

2. Insert O2 Cylinder 

3. Insert Regen. 

Canister 

4. Facepiece and Hoses 

5. Exhalation Valve 

6. Inhalation Valve 

7. Relief Valve 

Tester 

Setting 

Zero Adjust 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Procedure Hints 

Check for good condition. 

Fully charged 

Factory-sealed for rescue/ 

refillable for training. 

Check for good condition. 

Cap off exhalation hose. 

Connect inhalation hose to 

exhalation valve. 

Bag should not begin to 

deflate after 5 seconds 

Connect inhalation hose to 

inhalation valve (saliva trap 

should be vertical). 

Bag should not begin to 

inflate after 5 seconds. 

Connect exhalation hose to 

exhalation valve. 

Fill bag. Relief valve should 

open between +10 and 

+40 mm H2O (+1 and +4 mbar). 

(Alternate Relief Valve Test, can be performed after Step 10.) 

60
Tester

Step 

8. Pos. Pres. Leak 

9. Neg. Pres. Leak 

10. Preflush/Pressure 

Gauge 

Equalization 

(Alternate Relief Valve Test)

Setting 

Pos. Pres. Pumping 

Leak Test 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Leak Test 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

and Leak Test 

Procedure Hints 

Plug relief valve and whistle. 

Pump up to +100 mm H2O 

(+10 mbar). 

Bleed needle down to +70 

mm H2O (+7 mbar). 

Start stopwatch, observe 

meter for 60 seconds. 

Should not drop more than 

10 mm H2O (1 mbar). 

Remove plug from relief 

valve only. 

Pump down to -100 mm 

H2O (-10 mbar). 

Bleed needle up to -70 mm 

H2O (-7 mbar). 

Start stopwatch, observe 

meter for 60 seconds. 

Should not drop more than 

10 mm H2O (1 mbar). 

Remove plug from whistle. 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Bag should completely 

inflate. 

Compare gauge readings. 

Open cylinder valve. 

Relief valve should open 

between +10 and +40 mm 

H2O (+1 and +4 mbar). 

61
Tester

Step 

11. Lung Demand 

Valve/Breathing 

Bag Volume 

12. By-pass/Constant 

Dosage 

13. Whistle Activation 

14. Whistle Duration/ 

Pressure Gauge Shutoff 

15. High and Medium 

Pressure Leak 

Setting 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Red Dosage Test 

(0.5 to 2 LPM) 

Neg. Pres. Pumping 

Procedure Hints 

Pump and count strokes. 

Should be at least 10 strokes 

before demand valve 

opens. Valve should open 

between -10 and -40 mm 

H2O (-1 and -4 mbar). 

Plug relief valve vent. 

Press by-pass valve until 

needle reads 1.7 LPM on 

outside red scale. 

Needle should settle between 

1.4 and 1.7 LPM (at sea level). 

Remove plug from relief 

valve vent. 

Close O2 cylinder valve. 

Observe chest gauge. 

Whistle should sound at 

20 to 25 percent of full 

cylinder pressure. 

Lift pressure gauge shutoff 

lever. 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Start stopwatch. Whistle 

should sound for 20 to 

60 seconds. 

Chest pressure gauge should 

read zero. 

Return shutoff valve to down 

position. 

Cylinder valve still open.

Check for leaks.

Shut off valve after test.

62
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen: 

1. Open cylinder valve fully. 

2. Don the facepiece by pressing the chin against the chin support; pull the facepiece up into 

position; then, pull the harness over the head. Tighten the neck straps. Tighten the temple 

straps next. 

3. Tighten the top straps last. It is essential that the facepiece fit well. A badly fitting facepiece 

not only endangers the wearer by the possible inward leakage of contaminated air, but also 

shortens the period of use of the apparatus by allowing the escape of oxygen from the closed 

circuit. 

4. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing both breathing tubes and inhaling. The 

facepiece should collapse against the face, indicating no leaks. Maintain the tubes closed and 

exhale slowly and forcibly into the facepiece. Significant pressure should build up in the 

mask before leaking between the facepiece and the face indicating a good facepiece seal. 

5. Check the pressure gauge to see that a sufficient oxygen supply remains. Press by-pass valve 

momentarily and observe the chest gauge. If the pressure drops and the whistle blows, the O2 

group is restricted and the unit is not in a useable condition. 

6. Each team member and apparatus should be rechecked by the team captain. The team captain 

and apparatus should be rechecked by a team member. 

Items to be Checked Prior to Going Underground and at 20-Minute Intervals: 

1. Visually check apparatus. 

2. Check gauge. 

3. Question member as to member‘s ability to continue. 

63
BENCHMAN‘S CONTEST

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240 BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. Two benchman will be allowed for each team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. Each Benchman‘s Contest participant shall take the same number as that drawn by the team 

he/she represents. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless approved by Bench 

Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman‘s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day 

period in conjunction with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. The teams not 

working the mine rescue problem will compete in the Benchman‘s Contest. All written 

testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants will remain in isolation until they 

finish the bench competition or they will be disqualified. The location of the competition 

will be noted. The Contest Director may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully assembled BioPak 240, a Test/Service 

Kit, defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to complete the 

problem(s). Only tools, apparatus, and testing equipment provided by the judge will be used 

by contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus checks/problem diagnosis will 

determine the winner. In the event of a tie, total time will be the first tiebreaker. The written 

test will be the second tiebreaker. Third tiebreaker will be the time to find the first deficiency 

and each succeeding deficiency thereafter. 

7. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a five-minute review of test answers will be 

conducted by the test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted within one hour of 

the five-minute review. 

8. The Bench Contest Director‘s ruling will be final. 

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the apparatus, the judges will notify the 

contestants that the deficiency is not part of the problem. The contestant will turn his/her 

back while the judge stops the clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies are 

caused by the contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

10. A trophy will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the Benchman‘s Contest. 

64
WRITTEN TEST

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are in isolation and will consist of 

twenty-five true/false, multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken from 

BioMarine manufacturer recommendations. The contestants will be assessed one discount 

point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions or 

answers will be determined to be incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

2. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two qualified judges. 

MONTHLY APPARATUS CHECKS/ 

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the visual inspection forward and recorded. 

If and when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out to the judge and properly 

correct and record any and all deficiencies. 

2. Prior to stopping the clock; Turn-around maintenance tag must be connected to the cylinder 

valve, hoses must be connected together with the hose coupling, back cover on and latched. 

Anti-fog agent must be applied to the mask lens. Apparatus serial number is required. 

3. Contestants may return to correct any uncorrected deficiencies within the time limit. 

4. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will be a one-time discount of five (5) points 

assessed. 

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted as not performed. For 

example: balloon inflated without test key installed. 

6. Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed to complete all checks, record and correct any and all 

deficiencies, and be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the 

judge when time is about to expire. 

7. Fifteen (15) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found. 

8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not corrected. 

9. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each monthly check not performed. 

10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one‘s mouth while making checks is prohibited. There 

will be a ten (10) point discount assessed for each infraction. 

65
11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus fully assembled, cover in place with 

hoses connected, facemask on top of the apparatus (ready to wear), before stopping the clock. 

If the contestant does not leave the apparatus in —ready-for-use“ condition, a five (5) point 

discount will be assessed. 

JUDGING 

1. All judges must successfully complete a Bench training course as prescribed by the Contest 

Director per the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall perform monthly apparatus checks and 

correct any and all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges shall stop the clock, instruct 

contestants to turn his/her back to the bench area, at which time the judge will correct the 

deficiencies. Judges shall instruct contestants that upon turning back to face the apparatus, 

the clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be 

stopped. 

5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/ Problem Diagnosis there will be a 

five-minute review, at which time the judge will discuss discounts. After review, both judge 

and contestant will sign the judge‘s scorecard in the spaces provided. 

66
Benchman‘s Contest - Biomarine BioPak 240

Judges‘ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Plumbing Leak Test 

Constant Flow Test 1.6 - 2.4 

Breathing System Leak Test 

Ready for Use 

Judges 

Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Time 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug 

5th Bug 

Time to Complete Problem 

Min Sec 

Summary of Discounts: 

Written test questions incorrect: 

1 discount x = 

Monthly check not performed: 

5 discounts x = 

Monthly checks out of order: 

5 discounts (total) 

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x = 

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 

5 discounts x = 

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x = 

Apparatus not —Ready for Use“: 

5 discounts (total) 

Total Discounts 

67
Benchman‘s Contest - Biomarine BioPak 240 

Bench Person‘s Blank Testing Card 

Test Procedures Team No. 

Bench Person 

Company 

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug

1st Bug

2nd Bug

3rd Bug

4th Bug

5th Bug

Judge‘s Signature

Bench Person‘s Signature

68
TESTING PROCEDURE

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240 BREATHING APPARATUS

Step 

1. Visual Inspection 

2. Plumbing High 

Pressure Leak Test 

3. Constant Flow Test 

4. Breathing System 

Leak Test 

Equipment 

Tongue Depressor 

Leak Tec 

Tongue Depressor 

Flow Meter 

Leak Test Fixture 

Pressure Test Knob 

69 

Procedure Hints 

Visually inspect the entire 

BioPak 240 for worn, loose 

or missing parts, and parts 

that could fail under use. 

Install fully charged 

cylinder. Remove breathing 

chamber lid and CO2 

scrubber. Hold diaphragm 

away from demand valve 

with tongue depressor. 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Check each plumbing joint 

with leak tec. 

Slip the flowmeter over the 

flow restrictor. Hold 

diaphragm away from 

demand valve with tongue 

depressor. Open O2 

cylinder valve. Flow should 

be 1.6 - 2.4 Lpm 

Connect leak test fixture to 

hoses. Insert pressure test 

knob into the hole in back 

of unit and turn 3 turn to 

lock in place. Open O2 

cylinder valve, depress bypass to inflate balloon. 

Close cylinder valve, 

depress by-pass to vent 

internal pressure. Vent 

pressure at test fixture until 

balloon reaches 

approximately 45 degree. 

Time for two minutes 

looking for significant drop 

in balloon. 
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240 BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for getting under oxygen: 

Pre-Use Inspection 

1. If apparatus is stored in a ready to use condition, Turn-Around Maintenance Tag attached to 

oxygen cylinder valve (date less than one year old). Before donning the apparatus install 

frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid. 

2. If apparatus is not stored in a ready to use condition, prior to donning the apparatus, complete 

the periodic long term maintenance procedures as outline in the BioPak 240 operation and 

maintenance manual. Refill and install the CO2 absorbent canister (LimePak dated with-in 

one year). Install a frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid. 

Donning, Getting under Oxygen 

1. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, buckle and adjust waist strap, connect and adjust 

chest strap. 

2. Place facemask harness over head, center chin in chin cup, hold facemask to face and snug 

bottom (chin) straps first, then the upper (temple) straps, and then the top (head) strap. A 

poor facemask seal will cause a significant decrease in duration. 

3. Perform negative pressure check by blocking the inhalation port with hand and inhaling. If 

you cannot inhale, mask fit is good and exhalation valve is OK. 

4. Perform positive pressure check by covering the exhalation port with hand and exhaling. 

Mask should push away from face. If air does not escape, mask fit is good and inhalation 

valve is OK. 

5. Remove hose coupler or red caps; connect inhalation hose and then exhalation hose to mask. 

Open oxygen cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and back 3 turn. Note whistle chirp. 

Option: Hoses connected to the facepiece prior to donning. 

a. Don facemask as outlined above (item 2). 

b. Open cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and back 1/4 turn. Note whistle chirp. 

c. Perform negative pressure check by pinching off the inhalation hose and inhaling. If the 

wearer cannot inhale, mask fit is good and exhalation valve is OK. 

d. Perform positive pressure check pinching off the exhalation hose and exhaling. Mask 

should push away from face. If air does not escape, mask fit is good and inhalation valve 

is OK. 

6. Check chest-mounted pressure gauge, 2700 - 3000 psi. within one minute. 

70
7. The team captain should recheck each team member and apparatus. A team member should 

recheck the team captain and apparatus. 

Items to be checked before going underground and at 20-minute intervals. 

1. Visually check apparatus. 

2. Check chest mounted pressure gauge. 

3. Question member as to member‘s ability to continue. 

71
NATIONAL METAL AND NONMETAL 

FIRST AID CONTEST 

GENERAL RULES 

1. Each team must furnish the basic first aid supplies needed to complete the problem unless 

specified by the contest coordinator that the supplies will be available at a specific station. 

2. All material used to solve the first aid problem will be picked up by the team prior to moving 

on to their next prospective station. 

3. CPR and abdominal thrusts will only be performed on a manikin. 

4. Any violations of the general rules not covered in the discount sheets will result in ten (10) 

discounts for each infraction. 

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 

1. The First Aid Contest will consist of first aid problems and a written examination. 

2. Two first aid teams will be allowed to compete for each mine rescue team entered in the 

Mine Rescue Contest. 

3. The first aid team will consist of three members of the mine rescue team. If the team wishes 

to have an alternate available, then the alternate must take the written examination. The 

alternate‘s score on the examination will not count unless the alternate actually participates. 

4. Team positions will be drawn at the beginning of each day while the first aid teams are in 

isolation. 

5. All first aid team members will attend a briefing while in isolation and will remain in 

isolation until their team name is called. 

6. If participating teams need additional help, such as transporting or moving a patient, help 

will be provided by contest officials. 

7. There will be a minimum of two (2) judges at each of the first aid stations. 

8. Judges will be assigned specific tasks to be scored prior to the judging and will record their 

findings on a specific scoring card issued prior to the contest. 

9. Judges must be current in first aid methods and knowledgeable in the station they will be 

judging. 

72
10. There will be three (3) separate first aid stations (not necessarily in any order).

a. Patient assessment, artificial respiration, CPR.

b. Patient assessment, control of bleeding, and physical shock.

c. Wounds, burns, and scalds, musculoskeletal injuries, and transportation. 

11. When the team receives the first aid scenario the clock will be started.

12. Judges must keep an accurate time and record it on scoring sheets for tie breaker purposes. 

First tie breaker will be field scores on all stations, second tie breaker will be scores on

written test, and third tie breaker will be total time on field scores.

13. Judges will not discuss any first aid problem with contestant teams unless there are technical

problems.

14. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and news media approved by the

contest director will be permitted in the first aid stations.

15. On the day prior to the contest, a meeting will be held to discuss officials‘ and judges‘

assignments and training. All personnel who will be officiating during the contest shall attend

this meeting.

16. The U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA —First Aid Book“ (most current edition), the latest

edition of Brady —First Responder,“ the published rules, and the interpretations of the

discount sheet are hereby authorized for reference and guidance.

17. The team will not be permitted to use first aid manuals for reference purposes during the

problem solving or between working stations.

18. There will be no simulations on the patient. All dressings and splints must be placed

properly.

19. Team members are not allowed to leave the working area to obtain materials for the problem.

20. Stimulants will not be given to any patient.

21. When digital pressure is applied to the proper pressure point, bleeding will be considered

under control and acknowledged by the judge.

22. Rough treatment of patient is not allowed.

23. If a tourniquet is required in First Aid problem, do not secure tightly.

24. Assistance in treatment from a supposedly unconscious patient is not allowed.

73
25. Teams failing to complete problems at stations 2 and 3 in the specified times will be 

discounted. 

26. The winning six teams will be announced during the banquet. 

27. Following the awarding of the trophies and plaques, team rankings will be available to the 

teams. The results from each station of the contest will be given to the teams at the earliest 

possible time. 

WRITTEN TEST 

11. The written test will be given while the contestants are in isolation and will consist of twentyfive (25) true/false and multiple choice questions. The questions will be common to both 

references (MSHA First Aid and the Brady First Responder). The contestants will be 

assessed one (1) discount point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to 

the test questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect by the test judge and 

discounts assessed. 

12. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two qualified judges. 

13. In special circumstances, individual team members may be given oral instead of written tests 

by one or more judges. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the Contest Director 

at the time of registration. All other team members will take the test at the same time. 

APPEALS 

1. Upon completion of the examination of the patient by the judges at each station, the team 

shall be informed of any infractions regarding treatment while at the station. The team will 

be permitted to verbally appeal any infractions either with the field judge or the chief judge. 

If not resolved, the chief judge will make the final decision until an appeal can be filed by the 

team. 

2. During the verbal appeal process, all questionable splints/dressings shall remain intact until 

the appeal is resolved. If any questionable splints/dressings are removed or altered by the 

team prior to being resolved, the appeal shall not be allowed. 

3. Teams will have 15 minutes after being notified to report to the area designated for 20 minute 

looks. The team shall have 20 minutes for reviewing the judges scorecards and an additional 

60 minutes to prepare and submit any appeals. All appeals shall be in writing and shall 

clearly state the team‘s comments to the discount in question. All appeals will be considered 

by the Final Appeals Committee and a decision will be binding and final. 

74
DISCOUNTS

1. Discounts will not be added to the team score once the judges have signed their discount 

sheets following a review with team members. This does not preclude changes due to 

administrative errors or a misapplication of a rule. 

2. Teams shall not be discounted more than once for any one mistake in the same problem 

where such mistake may qualify under more than one discount. Judges will confer and assess 

the highest single discount. 

3. Teams shall be additionally discounted for repetition of the same mistakes in the same 

problem. For example; improper bandaging on two separate wounds (2 times the appropriate 

discount), three granny knots (3 times the appropriate discount), etc. 

4. Teams shall not be discounted for doing more than the problem calls for, unless it is 

detrimental to the patient or improper care. 

5. If the discount is not listed on the discount sheet and if it is not covered under one of the 

approved rules of the contest, judges will not improvise a discount to cover the suspected 

violation. 

75
METAL AND NONMETAL 

FIRST AID CONTEST 

JUDGES‘ DISCOUNT CARD 

Station #1

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Artificial Respiration

Foreign Body Obstructed Airway - Unconscious Victim

Team Team 

Name: Number: 

Team Members: Captain 

Date: 

A. One Rescuer CPR Discounts

1. Not checking accident scene to assure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver when modified jaw thrust should be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

a. Not giving two breaths within 3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs from 0.8 to 2 liters 1 x = 

c. Not allowing for deflation between breaths (below 0.5 liters) 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head when airway obstruction is found 1 x = 

10. Not giving two breaths between compressions 1 x = 

a. Not giving two breaths within 3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs up to 2 liters 1 x = 

c. Not allowing for deflation between breaths (below 0.5 liters) 1 x = 

11. Not Checking for pulse 1 x = 

12. Improperly checking for pulse 1 x = 

13. Taking less than 5 or more than 1 x = 

14. Not using —notch“ or —nipple line“ technique for proper hand position 1 x = 

15. Not making parallel axis with heels of hands 1 x = 

16. Not giving 15 compressions 1 x = 

a. Each cycle of compressions not at a rate of 80 - 100 per minute 1 x = 

b. Depth of compressions not between 1.5 to 2 inches 1 x = 

c. Not releasing compressions 1 x = 

17. Incorrect hand position 1 x = 

18. No pulse reassessment 1 x = 

19. Not reassessing pulse within 3-5 seconds 1 x = 

20. Not beginning compressions after reassessment (when required) 1 x = 

21. Interrupting CPR for more than 7 seconds (each) 1 x = 

22. Not giving compressions in 52-73 seconds 1 x = 

23. Not giving artificial ventilation when pulse is found 4 x = 

24. Not communicating and physically examining each condition found (each) 1 x = 

One Rescuer CPR Subtotal

B. Artificial Respiration Discounts

76
1. Not checking accident scene to assure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver when modified jaw thrust should be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

a. Not giving two breaths within 3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs from 0.8 to 2 liters 1 x = 

c. Not allowing for deflation between breaths (below 0.5 liters) 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head when airway obstruction is found 1 x = 

10. Not Checking for pulse 1 x = 

11. Not giving artificial ventilation when pulse is found 4 x = 

12. Improper timing of artificial ventilations (12 to 15 per minute) 2 x = 

13. Not rechecking pulse after one minute of artificial respirations 2 x = 

14. Not communicating and physically examining each condition found (each) 1 x = 

Artificial Respiration Subtotal

C. Foreign Body Obstructed Airway - Unconscious Victim Discounts

1. Not checking accident scene to assure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver when modified jaw thrust should be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head after initial ventilation attempt fails 2 x = 

10. Not using tongue-jaw lift, cross finger technique or finger sweep

when required (each) 1 x = 

11. Not giving abdominal or chest thrust when required 2 x = 

12. Improper number (maximum of 5) or improper technique in administering

abdominal or chest thrusts (off to one side, improper hand position) 2 x = 

13. Not attempting to ventilate after each series of abdominal or chest thrusts 2 x = 

14. Not assessing for breathlessness or pulse once obstruction is cleared 2 x = 

15. Not communicating and physically examining each condition found (each) 1 x = 

Foreign Body Obstructed Airway - Unconscious Victim Subtotal

Station #1 Total Discounts 

Judge

Judge

Scorecard Examiner

77
METAL AND NONMETAL 

FIRST AID CONTEST 

JUDGES‘ DISCOUNT CARD 

Station #2

Patient Assessment

Control of Bleeding

Physical Shock

Team Team 

Name: Number: 

Team Members: Captain 

Date: 

A. Patient Assessment Discounts

Primary Assessment

1. Not checking accident scene to ensure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not administering patient assessment 25 x = 

4. Not checking unresponsiveness 1 x = 

5. Not calling for help 1 x = 

6. Not stabilizing head if spinal injury is suspected 12 x = 

7. Not placing patient in supine position 1 x = 

8. Improper turning of patient 5 x = 

9. Not assessing airway - using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver when

modified jaw-thrust should be used and visa versa 10 x = 

10. Not removing visible foreign substance from mouth 2 x = 

11. Not assessing breathing - look, listen, feel 10 x = 

12. Not checking for pulse 10 x = 

13. Improperly checking for a pulse 2 x = 

14. Not visibly checking for profuse bleeding - state to judge that

you are looking for bleeding 10 x = 

15. Not doing primary assessment in proper sequence 15 x = 

Secondary Assessment 

16. Not examining neck 2 x = 

17. Not examining head (scalp, blood in hair, etc.) 2 x = 

18. Raising head if spinal injury exists 6 x = 

19. Not checking chest (placing hand on chest) 2 x = 

20. Not gently feeling abdominal area 2 x = 

21. Not gently feeling under patient (lower back) for injury 2 x = 

22. Not checking pelvic area for injury 2 x = 

23. Not checking genital area for obvious injury 2 x = 

24. Not checking lower extremities for injury 2 x = 

25. Not checking lower extremities for paralysis 2 x = 

26. Not checking upper extremities for injury 2 x = 

27. Not checking upper extremities for paralysis 2 x = 

28. Not checking back surfaces for injury 2 x = 

78
29. Not checking medic alert bracelets/necklace 2 x = 

30. Checking out of order 15 x = 

31. Work other than taking support or controlling bleeding 

during secondary survey 4 x = 

Patient Assessment Subtotal 

B. Control of Bleeding Discounts 

1. Not controlling arterial bleeding 20 x = 

2. Not applying direct pressure to control arterial bleeding 20 x = 

3. Ineffective indirect pressure (off pressure point, etc.) 4 x = 

4. Releasing direct or indirect pressure or elevation before 

bleeding is controlled 4 x = 

5. Tourniquet - Ineffective application, improperly applied 

or loosened during problem 4 x = 

6. Applying tourniquets when not required 4 x = 

7. Not giving any treatment for internal bleeding 4 x = 

Control of Bleeding Subtotal 

C. Physical Shock Discounts 

1. Not loosening tight clothing at neck, chest, and waistline, 

if closed (unopened belt, button, snap, or fastener) (each infraction) 1 x = 

2. Not covering patient 2 x = 

3. Improper covering of patient 1 x = 

4. Giving patient a stimulant 4 x = 

5. Not elevating foot end or head end of stretcher in required cases 1 x = 

6. Not keeping calm and not assuring the patient (emotional well being) 2 x = 

Physical Shock Subtotal 

Failure to locate and treat any condition (each infraction) 10 x = 

Not completing problem in specified time 25 (total) 

Station #2 Total Discounts 

Judge

Judge

Scorecard Examiner

79
METAL AND NONMETAL 

FIRST AID CONTEST 

JUDGES‘ DISCOUNT CARD 

Station #3

Wounds, Burns and Scalds

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Transportation

Team Team 

Name: Number: 

Team Members: Captain 

Date: 

A. Wounds, Burns and Scalds Discounts 

1. Not applying dressing for wound or burn (each) 8 x = 

2. Not applying cover dressing (each) 4 x = 

3. Not using sterile gauze or sterile compress 1 x = 

4. Bandages improperly applied (not entirely covered, 

wrong location, method, or position of knot, etc.) 2 x = 

5. Failure to place gauze between fingers, toes, or back 

of ear (when required) 2 x = 

6. Failure to apply cold applications or elevate bruise 

(when practical) (each) 2 x = 

7. Not removing or indicating removal of clothing from affected area 2 x = 

8. Not rendering any treatment for rupture 6 x = 

9. Not simulating or indicating that gauze is moist (when required) 2 x = 

10. Failure to properly treat sucking chest wound 10 x = 

11. Not treating injuries in their proper order (according to fundamentals) 4 x = 

12. Improperly applied slings when required (each) 1 x = 

Wounds, Burns and Scalds Subtotal 

B. Musculoskeletal Injuries Discounts 

1. Not rendering any treatment for a strain or sprain (each infraction) 4 x = 

2. Not treating spinal injury, fracture of pelvis or thigh (each) 12 x = 

3. Not treating fractures other than (#4) (each) 10 x = 

4. Failure to properly treat suspected skull fracture 2 x = 

5. Failure to support fractures/dislocations until properly splinted 6 x = 

6. Not properly treating dislocations (each) 8 x = 

7. Failure to properly splint 2 x = 

8. Failure to properly apply padding where needed 1 x = 

9. Lifting or rolling patient from wrong side when applying splint 2 x = 

10. Team member not kneeling on proper knee(s) (each) 2 x = 

11. Improperly lifting or rolling of patient (lifting to knee when 

patient has dislocated or fractured hip or spinal injury) 2 x = 

12. Failure to properly test broken-back splint 4 x = 

13. Improperly assembled splint/backboard 2 x = 

14. Improperly applied bandages 2 x = 

80
15. Improperly applied slings when required (each) 1 x = 

Musculoskeletal Injuries Subtotal 

C. Preparation for Transportation Discounts 

1. Failure to properly test stretcher 4 x = 

2. Lifting patient from wrong side (three members on 

least injured side) 2 x = 

3. Team member kneeling on wrong knee (each) 1 x = 

4. Patient not placed on stretcher (when required) 2 x = 

5. Improperly applied basket sling 1 x = 

Preparation for Transportation Subtotal 

Failure to locate and treat any condition (each infraction) 10 x = 

Not completing problem in specified time 25 (total) 

Station #3 Total Discounts 

Judge

Judge

Scorecard Examiners

81
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

ACCESSIBLE - Able to be traveled into; not impassable. 

ADIT - A nearly horizontal passage from the surface by which a mine is entered. 

AIR LOCK - An area in the mine closed at both ends by two doors or two bulkheads. An air 

lock is used to prevent mixing of different atmospheres while still permitting miners to enter 

and exit. 

AIR SHAFT - Shaft used exclusively for conducting air. 

AIR SPLIT - The division of an air current into two or more parts. 

AIR TRACK DRILL - A heavy drill mounted on crawler tracks. 

AIRWAY - Any passage through which air is flowing. 

ALTERNATE - Person qualifying to participate as a mine rescue team member. Can replace 

any team member who cannot continue or who is removed from the problem. 

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE - Force exerted by air. Atmospheric pressure is measured on a 

barometer. 

ATTENDANT - Person who assists the team at the fresh air base. 

AUXILIARY FAN - A small, portable fan used to supplement the ventilation of an individual 

working place. 

AUXILIARY VENTILATION - Portion of main ventilating current directed to face of 

dead-end entry by means of an auxiliary fan and tubing. 

BACK FILL - The rough material used to refill a place from which the earth has been removed. 

BACK/ROOF - That part of an opening which is nearest the surface in relation to any portion of 

the workings of the mine, the roof. Overhead surface of an underground opening. 

BACKUP TEAM - The rescue team stationed at the fresh air base as a —backup“ for the working 

team beyond the fresh air base. 

BAFFLE - A device used to deflect, check or regulate the flow of air. 

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BARRICADE - Enclosed part of mine to prevent inflow of noxious gases from a mine fire or 

explosion. This may be done by doors or by building one or more airtight walls using any 

available materials such as rock, wood, brattice cloth, mud, clothing, etc., so as to enclose a 

maximum quantity of good air. If contact is not made with person behind the barricade, 

conditions inside the barricade will be unknown. 

BARRICADING - Enclosing part of mine to prevent inflow of noxious gases from a mine fire 

or an explosion. 

BATTERY LOCOMOTIVE - Battery powered machine used for moving cars within the mine. 

BATTERY CHARGING STATION - Area set aside for charging and storing batteries. 

BATTERY OPERATED EQUIPMENT - Any equipment powered by batteries. 

BELT FEEDER - The dump end of a belt system. To disperse ore on the belt. 

BLASTING BOX - The unit used for firing of one or more charges electrically. 

BLASTING CAPS - A detonator containing a charge of detonating compound, which is ignited 

by electrical current or the spark of a fuse used for detonating explosives. 

BOREHOLE - Any deep or long drill hole. It may be a source of air, supplies and 

communications in an emergency. 

BORER - A device for making large holes. 

BRATTICE CLOTH - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic used in a mine passage to control 

ventilation. 

BRIEFING - Session held before a team goes underground to inform team members of 

conditions underground and give them their work assignment. 

BULKHEAD - A wall or partition constructed across a passageway to direct the ventilating air 

in its proper course. 

CAGE - A shaft conveyance used in hoisting personnel and materials. 

CAVED - Ground which has fallen. 

CAVED IMPASSABLE - Incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted, but 

allows some ventilation flow. 

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CAVED TIGHT - Ground caved in to prevent access and allows no ventilation flow. 

CHOCKS - Wedge shaped blocks to put under vehicle wheels to prevent movement. 

CHUTE/ORE PASS - Vertical or inclined passageway for downward movement of ore. 

CONTINUOUS MINER - A mining machine designed to remove ore from the face and load it 

into cars or conveyors. 

CRIB BLOCKS - Blocks used to support. 

CROSSCUT - A horizontal opening driven across the direction of the main workings; a 

connection between the two drifts or tunnels. 

CURTAIN - Brattice cloth, canvas or plastic curtain used to deflect or direct air into a working 

place. Constructed in a manner to allow the passage of miners and machinery. 

CUTTING MACHINE - A power (electric) driven machine used to undercut ore. 

DEBRIEFING - Session held when teams return to the surface after completing an assignment 

to review what they saw and did. 

DETONATING FUSE - A round, flexible cord containing a center core of high explosives. 

(Primacord) 

DETONATOR - A device used for detonating explosives. 

DISTRIBUTION BOX - An enclosure through which electric power is carried to one or more 

cables from a single incoming feed line. 

DOWNCAST - An opening though which fresh ventilating air is drawn or forced into the mine; 

the intake. 

DRIFT/ENTRY - A passage underground 

EXHAUST - The air course along which the air of the mine is returned or conducted to the 

surface. 

FACE/RIB - Vertical surface of an underground opening. 

FEEDER - Small cracks in rock strata from which gas escapes. 

FILL - Any material that is put back in place of the extracted ore. 

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FLOOR - That part of any underground opening upon which one walks. 

FOOTWALL - Lower side of a dipping ore body. 

FRESH AIR BASE - Base of operations from which the rescue and recovery teams can advance 

into irrespirable atmospheres. 

FRONT-END LOADER - Self-propelled machine used for moving or loading muck. 

HANGING WALL - Upper side of a dipping ore body. 

HOLE CHARGED - A drilled hole that is charged with explosives ready to be blasted. 

IMPASSABLE - Incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted. 

INACCESSIBLE AREAS - All areas of the mine where team travel is blocked by one of the 

following conditions: seals, unsafe roof (rib-to-rib) that cannot be supported or scaled, 

inextinguishable fires, water over knee deep, or caved impassable falls. 

INCLINE/SLOPE - A non-vertical shaft, usually on the dip of a vein. 

INTAKE - The passage through which fresh air is drawn or forced into a mine. 

INTENSE HEAT - Air heated to the extent that it cannot be entered. 

INTERSECTION - For contest work, any area driven 3 feet or more off a drift. 

LAGGING - Materials used for flooring or shoring. 

LEAD WIRE - Wire used to fire electric detonators. 

LIFELINE - Rope, line, or cable that links the team to the fresh air base. 

LINE BRATTICE - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic partition used in a mine passage to direct the 

air into the working place. Also termed —Line Canvas or Line Curtain.“ 

LOADING MACHINE - A machine to load broken ore or rock. 

LONG HOLE DRILL - A drill using sectional steel to drill holes to greater depths. 

LOOSE BACK - Unstable overhead surface which must be controlled before entry. 

LOOSE RIB - Unsupported loose ground on the side of the drift. 

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MAGAZINE - A storage place for explosives or for detonators. 

MANDOOR - Door installed in a permanent stopping (bulkhead) to allow persons to travel from 

one drift to another. 

MANHOLE - A refuge hole constructed in the side of a drift. 

MANTRIP - A trip on which personnel are transported to and from a work area. 

MINE DOOR - A large, hinged door used to close off a mine entry. 

MISFIRE - The complete or partial failure of a blasting charge to explode as planned. 

MOTOR - Machine usually on a track used for tramming ore or supplies. 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT - Gas detector capable of continuously and simultaneously 

measuring atmospheric concentrations of oxygen (O2), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide 

(CO) and at least one other toxic gas (e.g. nitrogen dioxide - NO2). 

ORE PASS - A vertical or inclined passage for the downward transfer of ore. 

OVERCAST - Enclosed airway built at an intersection of mine passages that permits one air 

current to pass over another air current without mixing. 

PERMISSIBLE - A machine, material, apparatus or device which has been investigated, tested 

and approved by MSHA for use in gassy mines. 

PILLAR - A column of ore or rock left in place. 

POST - A mine timber. 

RAISE - A vertical or inclined opening driven upward. 

RAISE CLIMBER - Equipment used in an opening (raise) that is mined upward. 

REFUGE CHAMBER - An airtight, fire-resistant room in a mine used as a method of refuge in 

emergencies by miners unable to reach the surface. 

REGULATOR - An adjustable door or opening in a stopping, used to control and adjust the 

quantity of airflow. 

RETURN AIR - The air that has passed through the working areas of the mine. 

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RIB - The wall of a mine opening. 

ROOF BOLTER - A machine designed to drill holes in the roof and install bolts. 

ROOF BOLTS/ROCK BOLTS - A long bolt inserted and anchored in holes drilled in the rock. 

ROOF JACKS - A roof support designed for immediate temporary use. 

SCALING BAR - Tool with a flat point and a heel used to pry in a crack of the rock. 

SEAL - A stopping built of greater thickness and more substantial construction used to isolate 

abandoned areas of the mine from the active workings or to isolate a fire. 

SHAFT - A vertical opening of limited area compared with its depth, made for finding or mining 

ore, raising ore, rock or water, hoisting and lowering workers and materials, or ventilating 

underground workings. 

SKIP - A hoisting bucket, which slides between guides in a shaft. 

SLUSHER/SCRAPER - A machine for transferring or loading rock by pulling an open 

bottomed scoop back and forth from the face to the loading point by means of a drum hoist, 

cables and sheaves. 

SPLIT - To divide the air current in two or more separate currents. 

STOPE - An excavation in a mine, other than development workings, made for the purpose of 

extracting ore. 

STOPER - A pneumatic hammer drill used for drilling upward. 

STOPPING - A permanent or temporary wall or partition constructed across a passageway to 

direct the ventilating air. 

STULL/PROP - Column of wood or steel used for support of underground openings. 

SUMP - An excavation in the shaft or mine made below the mining level to collect mine water. 

SUPPLY PLATFORM - Area set aside for storage of materials. 

SURVIVOR - Person found alive in the mine. 

SWITCH - An electrical switch. 

87
TAGLINE - Short line no longer than 3 feet hooked from a team member to the team line. 

TEAM LINE - Line that links team members together (extension of lifeline). 

TIMBER SET - Tunnel support consisting of a roof beam or arch and two posts. 

TYING ACROSS AND BEHIND - Systematic exploration of all intersecting and adjacent 

passageways so that the team is never forward (toward the working face) of an accessible, 

unexplored area. 

UNDERCAST - An enclosed airway built at an intersection of mine passages that permits one 

air current to pass under another air current without mixing. 

UPCAST - The opening through which the return air is removed from the mine. The opposite of 

downcast or intake. 

VENT BAG - An enclosed airway to direct airflow to a given area or location. 

WINZE - An opening, like a small shaft, sunk from an interior point in a mine. 

WORKING PLACE - Any place in or about a mine where work is being performed. 

88
MINE MAP LEGEND 

This legend must be used by all teams participating in the National Mine Rescue Contest. 

Gas Test For each gas test conducted. 

Seal If the seal is equipped with devices such as sampling tubes or water 

traps, or is damaged, leaking, or destroyed that particular device or 

condition is noted beside the symbol. 

Permanent Stopping is intact, airtight. (No indication of opening or leakage.)

Stopping

Intact

Permanent Stopping may be destroyed, partially destroyed, or have openings. Is not

Stopping airtight. Condition noted on placard is to be shown on map beside Not

Intact symbol.

Temporary Stopping is intact and airtight. This symbol is used for all structures built

Stopping by the team, such as airlocks, etc.

Intact

Temporary Stopping may be destroyed, partially destroyed, or have openings. Is not

Stopping airtight. Condition noted on placard is to be shown on map beside 

Not Intact symbol

Barricade Any information an placard, such as leaking, damaged, destroyed, etc. 

shall be noted on mine map beside symbol. 

Door The —D“ symbol can be shown by itself, in permanent or temporary 

stopping. Type, size, and open or not if indicated on placard, must be 

indicated on map beside symbol. The curve of the —D“ indicates 

direction of door opening. 

Regulator If the regulator is damaged, leaking, or destroyed, condition must be 

shown on map. Also, indicate whether open (how much), or closed. 

Fire Write out any information given on placard about fire, on map beside 

symbol. 

Air Show arrow in direction of movement as indicated on placard, and how 

any quantity, if given, or other information, such as flow velocity. Put on 

map beside symbol. 

Movement 

89
Water Indicate depth or any other information as shown on placard. Put on map 

beside symbol. 

Caved Caved areas are not considered airtight unless so stated on placard. Write 

out any information on placard beside symbol on map. 

Unsafe Symbol used for any indication of questionable roof conditions. May

Roof or may not be scalable. Write out any other information on placard on

Across map beside symbol.

Entry

Rib-to-Rib

Unsafe Symbol used for any indication of questionable roof conditions. May

Roof or may not be scalable. Write out any other information on placard on

Partially map beside symbol.

Across

Entry

Unsafe Rib Symbol used for any indication of questionable rib conditions. May or

or Over- may not be scalable. Project over rib line area on map. Write out any

hanging other information on placard on map beside symbol.

Brow

Body Indicate position of head and feet as body is found. If word —body“ is on 

placard, show symbol. Indicate any additional information on placard on 

map beside symbol. 

Live Indicate position of head and feet as found. Write out condition, such as 

Person conscious, walking, etc. Indicate any injuries as given on placard. Write 

out information on map beside symbol. 

Check Condition of check, if noted on placard, must be shown on mine map 

Curtain beside symbol. Ex. —Partially down“

Line The full extent of curtain shall be shown. If the curtain is partially or

Brattice completely down, it must be noted on the map beside the symbol.

or Line

Curtain

Overcast If it is damaged, leaking, or destroyed, that particular condition is to be 

noted on the map beside the symbol. 

90
Undercast If it is damaged, leaking, or destroyed, that particular condition is to be 

noted on the map beside the symbol. 

Fan Write out the conditions of the fan, and any other information indicated 

on placard, on the map beside the symbol. 

Fan with Write out the conditions of the fan, tubing, vent bag or placard on the

Tubing map by symbol.

Brattice Indicate any information on placard on mine map beside symbol.

Frames

Brattice Indicate any information on placard on mine map beside symbol.

Cloth or

Brattice

Material

Gas Use for any placard indicating a gas or a mix of gases in the mine 

Mixture atmosphere. Write out the gas name or symbol and indicate PPM or 

percent (%) if shown on placard. 

Smoke Write out light, heavy, dense, or any other information indicated on 

placard, on map beside the symbol. 

Elongated For use in indicating pipelines, cables, and other objects usually 

Object found that are of any length. Do not use for cable coiled, etc. Write out 

any other information about object on map beside symbol. 

Track Write out any information noted on placard on map beside symbol. 

Mobile Use for all mobile face equipment. Write out any other information 

Equipment given on placard on map beside symbol on map. 

50 Foot or Used for 50 foot check of team members 

First Team

Check Inby

Fresh Air

Base

20 Minute Used for every 20-minute apparatus check of team members.

Apparatus

Check

91
Farthest Should be used only where areas inby will not be explored for whatever reason. Not to be used where other conditions block travel. 

Advance 

Point of 

Captain's Use for all locations where the team captain dated and wrote his 

Date and initials. 

Initial 

Power Self explanatory - Write out any information noted on placard.

Center

Other Write the name of the object, condition, or equipment and other

Objects, information indicated by placard on map beside the symbol. This

Conditions, would include a —face“ if marked by a placard.

or

Equipment

92