Metal and Nonmetal

National Mine Rescue

Contest Rules

U. S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration

2006
Visit the Mine Safety and Health

Administration website at

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 G. Dye

Acting Assistant Secretary

2006
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PREFACE

This booklet was prepared for mining industry instructors,

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 a training tool to improve the skills required to

respond to a mine emergency. The National Contest Rule

Book establishes procedures and rules that serve to guide

the rescue teams in actual situations. This competition

serves to strengthen cooperation between mining

companies, equipment manufacturers, Federal and State

agencies to enhance mine rescue preparedness.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to the National Metal and Nonmetal

Advisory Committee for their valuable assistance in

preparing this booklet. The Advisory Committee consists

of:

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Robert McPhail, Director

Coeur d’Alene Mining District

P. O. Box 1067

Wallace, ID 83873

E-mail: cmrescue@imbris.com

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Kansas Mine Rescue Association

Lee Graham, Coordinator

Hutchinson Community College

815 North Walnut, Davis Hall

Hutchinson, KS 67501

E-mail: grahaml@hutchcc.edu

Missouri Mine Rescue Association

Larry Hampton, Mine Rescue Coordinator

The Doe Run Company

Viburnum, MO 65566

E-mail: lohampton@doerun.com

Nevada Mine Rescue Association

Kenneth Groves, Coordinator

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc

P. O. Box 29

Elko, NV 89803

E-mail: slambert@barrick.com

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Richard L. Hickman, Safety Manager

Morton Salt

P. O. Box 428

Grand River, OH 44045

E-mail: Richard_hickman@mortonsalt.com

Southern Mine Rescue Association

Henry Charpentier, Plant trainer

Morton Salt

P. O. Box 1496

New Iberia, LA 70562

E-mail: hcharpentier@mortonsalt.com
Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association

Buddy Webb, Senior Engineer, Emergency Management

Waste Isolation Pilot Project

P. O. Box 2078 – MS452-06

Carlsbad, NM 88221

E-mail: buddy.webb@wipp.ws

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

Mike Padilla, Mine Rescue Coordinator

FMC Corporation

P.O. Box 872

Green River, WY 82935

E-mail: mike_padilla@fmc.com

John Angwin, Mine Rescue Coordinator

Solvay Chemicals Inc.

P.O. Box 1167

Green River, WY 82935

E-mail: john.angwin@solvay.com

Mine Safety and Health Administration

John Radomsky, Manager,

Accident Investigations, Analysis and Prevention

1100 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington,VA 22209

E-mail: radomsky.john@dol.gov

Eddie Lopez, District Manager

South Central District

1100 Commerce Street, Rm. 462

Dallas, TX 75242-0499

E-mail: lopez.edward@dol.gov

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Frank R. Schwamberger, Deputy Director

Education Policy and Development

1100 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22209

E-mail: schwamberger.frank@dol.gov

Donald J. Foster, Jr., Assistant District Manager

Northeast District

Thorn Hill Industrial Park

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400

Warrendale, PA 15086

E-mail: foster.donald@dol.gov

Wyatt Andrews, Assistant District Manager

Southeast District

135 Gemini Circle, Suite 212

Birmingham, AL 35029

E-mail: andrews.wyatt@dol.gov

Michael Dennehy, Mine Safety and Health Specialist

Rocky Mountain District

Denver Federal Center, 6th & Kipling

2nd Street, Bldg. 25, E-16

Denver, CO 80225-0367

E-mail: dennehy.michael@dol.gov
The following organizations are recognized for the

resources and personnel they committed in support of the

biannual National Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue

Contest.

Biomarine, Inc.

Central Mine Rescue Unit

CSE Corporation

Draeger Corporation

DXP Enterprises

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association

Industrial Scientific Corporation

Kansas Mine Rescue Association

Missouri Mine rescue Association

Mine Safety Appliances Co.

National Mine Rescue Association

Nevada Mine Rescue Association

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Southern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

United Central Industrial Supply

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2004 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

MINE RESCUE FIELD CONTEST

OCI Wyoming, L.P.

Big Island Mine

White Team ................ Green River, Wyoming

Rusty Owens, Captain

Mike Pond, Gas

Jay Volsey, First Aid

Chuck Jones, First Aid

Paul Larson, First Aid

Dave Buller

Willy Moore, Benchman

Gary Gomez, Team Trainer

Brad Slaughter, Mine Superintendent

(Official in charge)
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

MINE RESCUE FIELD CONTEST

2002 FMC Westvaco Mine, FMC 1, FMC Corporation,

Green River, WY

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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2004 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

BG–4 CONTEST

MACLANE BARTON

Sugar Creek Mine

Limestone Lizzards

Lafarge North America ........ Sugar Creek, Missouri

BG–174A CONTEST

GARY MOORE

Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division

Doe Run Grey Team

The Doe Run Company.......... Viburnum, Missouri
2004 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

BIOPAK CONTEST

ROD CHRISTENSEN

Barrick Goldstrike Mine

Barrick Gold

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc........... Elko, Nevada

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

2002 LESLIE WAREHAM, (BG-4), General Chemical

Blue, General Chemical Soda Ash Partners, Green

River, WY

DENISE RICH, (BG-174A), Stillwater Mine,

Stillwater Mining Company, Nye, MT

DAN LUKE, (BIO-PAK), Carlin Underground Mine,

Newmont Mining Corporation, Carlin, NV

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

Project, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Carlsbad,

NM

RICHARD WEST, (BG-174A), Silver Team, Waste

Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric

Corporation, Carlsbad, NM

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
2004 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

FIRST AID CONTEST

GENERAL CHEMICAL SODA ASH PARTNERS

General Chemical Mine

General Chemical Blue ....... Green River, Wyoming

Mickey Smith, Team Captain

Terry Hansen

Willie Cederburg

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

FIRST AID CONTEST

2002 Carmeuse Lime, Inc., Maysville Mine, Maysville

Mine Raiders, Maysville, Kentucky, Gary Lewis, Team

Captain

2000 Dravo Lime, Inc., Maysville Mine, Maysville Mine

Raiders, Maysville, Kentucky, Gary Lewis, Team

Captain

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2004 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

GAS INSTRUMENT BENCH CONTEST

RICK OWENS

FMC Westvaco Mine, FMC Red Team

FMC Corporation ............ Green River, Wyoming
2004 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE

COMBINATION CHAMPION

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

WIPP Silver Team

Washington TRU-Solutions .... Carlsbad, New Mexico

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

COMBINATION CHAMPION

2002 WIPP Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,

Washington TRU-Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

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METAL NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE TEAM MEMBERS

KEVIN ABEL

Executive Plaza, 201 State Hill RD., Suite 103

Wyomissing, PA 19610

Telephone: (610) 372-2761

L. MIKE DUNLAP

6th & Kipling, 2nd Street, Bldg. 25, E-16

Denver, CO 80225-0367

Telephone: (303) 231-5681

JAMES FITCH

North Park Corporate center

17319 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 110

San Antonio, TX 78232

Telephone: (210) 403-5943

JOSEPH R. FRITZ

377 Riverside Drive, Suite 104

Franklin, TN 37064

Telephone: (615) 790-0562

MARTY GAYER

2200 Marquette Road, Suite 110

Peru, IL

Telephone: (815) 223-6501

CHRISTOPHER HENSLER

522 East Howard St., Suite 201A

Hibbing, MN 55746

Telephone: (218) 262-5205

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CURTIS ROTH

567 West Silver St., Suite 401

Elko, NV 89801

Telephone: (775) 753-4732

STEPHEN H. SYKES

636 West Washington St.

Geneva, NY 14456

Telephone: (518) 489-0573

JOEL TANKERSLEY

Jamar Office Building, Suite A

50 Shoshone Ave.

Green River, WY 82935

Telephone: (307) 875-6300

DIANE M. WATSON

2070 Peabody Rd., Suite 710

Vacaville, CA 95687

Telephone: (707) 447-9842

MICHAEL DENNEHY, National Team Trainer

Denver Federal Center

6th & Kipling

2nd Street, Bldg., 25, E-16

Denver, CO 80225-0367

Telephone: (303) 231-5465

JOHN RADOMSKY, Mine Rescue Coordinator

1100 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22209

Telephone: (202) 693-9600

Fax: (202) 693-9601

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

General Rules for Conducting the Contest ..........1

Guidelines and Procedures .......................6

Team Members ...............................6

Medical Requirements..........................6

Equipment ...................................7

Team Preparation (Apparatus)....................8

Written Test ..................................8

Judges ......................................9

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Contest Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Team Preparation and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Apparatus and Material Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Reporting to Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Start of Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Equipment Checks and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Standard Communications and Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Team Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

First Team Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Advancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Barricades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Dates and Initials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Map – Timing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Mine Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Mine Rescue Discounts and Interpretations . . . . . . . . 22

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Surface Interpretation – Judge #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #1 . . . . . . . . . . 24

Underground Interpretation – Judge #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Page

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Surface Interpretation – Judge #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #2 . . . . . . . . . . 31

Underground Interpretation – Judge #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Surface Interpretation – Judge #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #3 . . . . . . . . . . 37

Underground Interpretation – Judge #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet . . . . . 41

Map Discount Summary Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Time Discount Summary Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Multi-Gas Instrument Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Multi-Gas Instrument Bench Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Gas Box Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Judging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Judges’ Discount Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Benchman’s Contest – Draeger BG-4

Breathing Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis . . . . . 51

Judging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Judges’ Working Scorecard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Testing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Benchman’s Contest – Draeger BG-174A

Breathing Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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Page

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis . . . . . 60

Judging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Judges’ Working Scorecard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Testing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Benchman’s Contest – Biomarine Biopak

240LW/240S Breathing Apparatus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis . . . . . 70

Judging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Judges’ Working Scorecard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Testing Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

National Metal and Nonmetal First Aid Contest. . . . . 77

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Guidelines and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Discounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Judges’ Discount Card – Station #1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Judges’ Discount Card – Station #2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Mine Map Legend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

xviii
GENERAL RULES

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST

1. The contest will be comprised of four individual events,

including a Mine Rescue Team competition (two-day

preliminary and one day final), an apparatus benchman

contest, a multi-gas instrument contest, and a first aid

contest. Each event will include a written examination.

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

Contest Director, Contest Coordinator, Appeals Committee, 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 $500.00 entry fee for each team

entered. The entry fee will include up to 10 banquet

tickets. Additional banquet tickets will be available for

purchase during registration.

4. All members of 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. Mine rescue teams may register up to eight team members. For the purpose of first aid, bench, and gas competition, a team member may not participate in more than one

event and each team will only be permitted to compete in

each event once. For the purposes of identification, participants of the Gas, Bench and First Aid Contests must be

dressed uniformly, complete with team logo. This includes the testing process. Once registered, no changes

will be permitted without the permission of the Contest

Director.

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6. Entry forms may be obtained by a written request or by

e-mail to:

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

Administration

1100 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, Virginia 22209

Telephone Number: (202) 693-9609

E-mail address: Mayhugh.Christine@dol.gov

Entry forms will also be available on MSHA’s

homepage under the “Mine Rescue” heading at

www.msha.gov.

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: Each judge will be given a list of your

equipment prior to working of the problem to assist them

in determining if the equipment was utilized properly and

was functional.)

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 and banquet tickets will be distributed to the teams.

2
10. On the days of the competition, all teams shall be in isolation by 7:00 a.m. No wireless communication device will

be permitted in isolation.

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. The third day finalists will be posted at a location designated by the Contest Director following the conclusion of

the second day of competition.

13. 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. Teams that qualify for the field competition on

the final day will be required to complete a second written

test. Those test scores will be incorporated into the final

composite score.

14. 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.

15. 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.

3
Documentation (contest rules and other documents used

in the contest) supporting the appeal will be accepted.

Any protest(s) will be considered by the 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 5.)

16. 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.

17. Following the awarding of the trophies and plaques, team

standings will be available to the teams. The results from

all elements of the contest will be distributed to the teams

at the conclusion of the banquet. The judges’ individual

discounts will be mailed to each team.

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

19. 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.”

4
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: ___________________________________________

Working Time: Hours:____ Minutes:____ Seconds:____

Total Discounts

Excluding average time: ____________________________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

_______________________ _____________________

Team Captain Review Judge

5
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Team Members

Each team shall be composed of five members, one fresh

air base attendant and one assistant (optional). Each member shall wear a number on the arm at or near the shoulders

with number one (1) being assigned to the captain, the

number six (6) to the fresh air base attendant and seven (7)

to the assistant. Switching of numbers by team members

will not be permitted after arriving at the 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 and the assistant will be allowed to assist the

team after the clock has started. The fresh air base attendant

and assistant will be isolated from visual contact with the

field while the teams are in the mine and will maintain

voice communications with the team utilizing a portable,

hard wire, communications system. The assistant may advise the fresh air base attendant and interact with the team

when they are at the fresh air base, however the assistant

can not substitute for anyone.

Teams wishing to communicate with the fresh air base

attendant shall use their portable communication system, or

they must 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.

6
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.

Bugs used in Bench competitions must be consistent with

all makes and models.

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.

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.

When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the

problem and are given information indicating that

explosive gas(es) is/are or may be present in the mine, they

must have 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.

7
Team Preparation (Apparatus)

Team members must make necessary checks of all

apparatus for proper working condition and airtightness

prior to going underground. 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. One-hour

self-rescuers are 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 Instruction Guide

Series, IG 6 – Instructor’s Manual for Mine Rescue

Training – Metal/Nonmetal. The training modules in IG 6

are as follows: Module 2 – Mine Gases; Module 3 –

Ventilation; Module 4 – Exploration; Module 5 – Fire,

Firefighting, and Explosions; Module 6 – Rescue of

Survivors and Recovery of Bodies; and Module 7 – Mine

Recovery.

This Instruction Guide (IG 6) is 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: MSHADistributionCenter@dol.gov

8
The written test of thirty-five (35) questions will include

at least ten (10) questions on mine gases from IG 6

(Module 2 – Mine Gases) for each team member. The

questions shall consist of true/false and multiple choice

questions.

All tests will be scored by two qualified judges using a

Scantron test scoring 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. While the team is in the mine, judges

must not ask questions, answer questions, or interfere with

the team. Only personnel approved by the Contest Director

will be permitted on the field. Media access and videos for

future training aids will be allowed with the Contest

Director’s approval.

9
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.

The mine manager will be stationed, and must remain, at

the fresh air base when the teams are working the problem.

The actions of each mine rescue team will be evaluated by

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.

Security

Each team must be under guard before the start of the

contest, in a location assigned by the Chief Judge, and must

10
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 official in charge has been informed. 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. Upon re-entry

into these areas where the ventilation has been changed,

teams shall make gas tests at all openings along the route

they travel.

When smoke or gas is encountered in an opening, it will

be considered to extend to a placard indicating the smoke

or gas is cleared, or to a separation intended, or indicated to

be air tight.

If water is being pumped, ventilation changed, falls

moved, loose rock barred down, etc.; teams must wait until

11
placards have been changed by the ground committee

before assuming they have accomplished what they were

trying to do.

Inaccessible areas only need to be explored when there

are miners unaccounted for or if an explosive air/gas

mixture will be moved through the unexplored areas.

Teams may be required to pump water or set timbers to

explore inaccessible areas. If this is necessary, appropriate

materials will be 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 less 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

must check his/her own apparatus to see if it is charged

properly and in good working condition. These checks

12
must be within the manufacturer’s specified limits and the

regenerator fully charged with chemicals. Apparatus

tightness, valves, warning devices, and face pieces are to be

checked according to approved methods for the particular

apparatus. The extra breathing apparatus must also be

tested accordingly.

Other materials such as roof testing devices, stretchers,

hammers, blankets, fire extinguishers, and gas detectors

must be 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. A portable

communication system, utilizing insulated wire strong

enough to give and receive manual signals, must be used by

all teams. Wheeled stretchers will be allowed.

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.

13
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. 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. After the clock is

started, only the five working team members, fresh air base

attendant, and assistant will be permitted to do the work at

the fresh air base. MSHA’s field attendants will feed out

and reel in the communication wire.

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.

Equipment Checks and Procedures

No testing of equipment is required at the fresh air base.

Testing of equipment used by the team will be performed

14
while the team is in isolation before reporting to the field.

This testing will not be judged, however, if any defects

occur while working the problem, discounts will be

assessed. Random checks of equipment to insure reliability

may be made upon completion of the problem.

Standard Communications and Signals

A portable communication system, utilizing hard wire,

will be used to inform the fresh air base of all conditions

encountered. In the event of a communication failure, the

team will be required to return to the fresh air base to repair

or replace the system.

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”

Hoist Signals

The following signals will be used for the National

Contest. 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).

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

15
HOIST SIGNAL

1 Bell - STOP

2 Bells - Lower Conveyance

3 Bells - Raise Conveyance

3-1 Bells - Hoist Persons

3-2 Bells - Lower Persons

3-3-1 Bells - Hoist Slowly with Caution

3-3-2 Bells - Lower Slowly with Caution

1-2-1 Bells - Hoist Muck or Materials Only

2-1-2 Bells - Release Conveyance

Team Safety

Team members must 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)

16
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 advances. The

captain must verbally indicate that he is checking for loose

ground at every location required. The teamcaptain must

orally warn the team each time loose ground conditions 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 signal 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.

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 closed and the signal to release

conveyance to a standby mode must be sent 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 must be made across each entry

within 25 feet of each opening to the place turned off the

17
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 into openings 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 prior

knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation system,

unless a temporary stopping has been erected. Regulators

shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the effects

of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary

regulator 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.

18
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 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 1200

PPM (0.12%); or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exceeds 100

PPM (0.01%); or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceeds 20 PPM

(0.002%); or Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) exceeds 100 PPM

(0.01%); or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) exceeds 4.0%. 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

19
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 must 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. The captain must

verbally indicate to the judges each time he simulates

marking his initials and date.

Map - Timing Device

When the team has explored all accessible areas,

accounted for all miners and completed all required work,

they should return to the fresh air base and count off. After

the team checks the maps, the captain should present both

maps 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. Teams will be expected to accurately map

all required items on the maps maintained by the team and

the fresh air base attendant.

The marked maps 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 maps 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

20
be indicated on the maps by a line drawn across the entry

with the appropriate mine map legend symbol.

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 or regulate them. This does not preclude

systematic exploration of the area. Whether to use

regulators to control the fire or to entirely seal the fire must

be decided by the team. The team must inform the official

in charge prior to making any ventilation changes. 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. A regulated fire, left unsealed, has the

potential to emit contaminants into the mine atmosphere.

21
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #1

Time: Hours: ___ Minutes: ___ Seconds: ___ Discounts

1. Apparatus improperly assembled,

each apparatus 10 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. Team member not wearing identification, protective clothing, including safety

shoes, hard hat, permissible cap lamp,

self-rescuer, each infraction 2 x = ____

7. 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 = ____

8. Failure to be clean shaven in areas that

affect a good face-to-facepiece seal,

each infraction 10 x ___ = ____

9. No work will be done prior to starting

the clock 4 (total) ____

Total Discounts ______

Judge’s Signature

22
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Interpretation

Judge #1

1. Apparatus not meeting manufacturer’s life critical specifications during use. This discount will be applied if the

team captain or team member does not correct it before

the team goes underground.

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. Self explanatory

7. 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.

8. Self-explanatory

9. Self-explanatory

23
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 1 x = ____

4. Failure to close shaft station gate 5 x ___ = ____

5. 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

visuallychecked the ground conditions in that part, each infraction 5 x = ____

6. 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,

24
Discounts

barricades, fires out of control, and at

the location of any live persons or

bodies, each omission (maximum

10 discounts) 2 x = ____

(10 max.)

7. 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 4 (total) ____

8. 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) 4 x = ____

9. Captain or other team member doing

anything to endanger himself/herself

or other team members, 15 points each

team member so endangered, each

infraction, each occurrence 15 x = ____

10. Failure of team to explore or examine

workings systematically and thoroughly, each omission 4 x ___ = ____

11. Teams must be checked immediately

before entering smoke 5 x = ____

12. Failure to locate, seal, or extinguish

fire, if possible, without undue delay 50 x ___ = ____

13. Apparatus examination exceeding 5 x = ____

20-minute intervals.

Total Discounts ______

Judge’s Signature

25
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. Self explanatory.

5. 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.

6. Such places only need be marked once and also must be

indicated on both maps. Date means month, day, and year.

7. 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.

26
8. 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.

9. 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 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;

5. fails to take body substance isolation (BSI)

precautions before physically contacting a patient

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 having non-sparking tools in a gassy mine or

when explosive gases are found in a non-gassy

mine;

3. 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 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.

27
4. 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.

5. 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.

10. 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. 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 more than

three feet beyond the 2nd intersection.

11. 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).

12. Sealing or fighting a fire does not relieve the team of

the responsibility of systematic exploration.

13. Self explanatory.

28
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #2 Discounts

1. Failure to take necessary permissible

equipment and gas detecting devices

to work the problem, each omission 4 x = ____

2. Gas detectors, testers, and/or indicators

failing to function properly and not

corrected before entering the mine,

each infraction 4 x = ____

3. Testers or detectors improperly

assembled or defective parts used 8 (total) ____

Total Discounts ______

Judge’s Signature

29
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Interpretation

Judge #2

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

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

2. Faulty or inadequate equipment must be repaired or replaced. (This includes instruments used beyond their designed limits or range.)

3. 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.

30
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Discount Sheet

Judge #2 Discounts

1. Failure to make necessary gas tests

where required, each gas, each omission 1 x = ____

2. Improper procedure when testing with

gas detectors, each gas, each infraction 1 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,

stopping or regulator 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. 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

31
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Interpretation

Judge #2

1. Tests for gases must be made at face areas, stoppings,

doors, regulators, barricades and other areas where conditions are unknown. When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, intersections, or drifts turned off the

drift that is being traveled, separate gas tests must be

made across each entry within 25 feet of the rear captain’s position. 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, 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. 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. Upon re-entry into these areas where the ventilation has been changed, teams shall make gas tests at

all openings along the route they travel.

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 its 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

32
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.

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. Stoppings, doors, regulators, and barricades require construction of temporary stoppings by a team before a

team may make openings in the pre-existing stoppings,

doors, etc. Doors shall not be opened without prior

knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation system,

unless a temporary stopping has been erected. Regulators shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the

effects of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary regulator has been erected. 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.

7. During a ventilation change, a curtain that directs airflow is required to be upgraded to a temporary barricade, seal, or stopping and must be fastened at top and

sides.

8. This does not apply to checking mine entrances prior to

working the problem.

9. Teams must inform 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.

Teams can inform the fresh air base attendant by ap33
proved communication devices available, and the fresh

air base attendant must inform the official in charge before changing ventilation or electric power. Informing

the official in charge of the fresh air base does not relieve the team of the responsibility of their decision.

34
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #3 Discounts

1. Failure to connect phone when

applicable before entering the mine 2 (total) ____

2. Failure to take wire communication

system into the mine 10 (total) ____

3. Failure of team to “count off” before

entering or leaving the mine 2 x = ____

4. Failure to secure extra apparatus to

stretcher, each omission 4 x = ____

Total Discounts _____

Judge’s Signature

35
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Interpretation

Judge #3

1. Self-explanatory.

2. Rescue teams are required to utilize a portable mine rescue communication system approved under 30 CFR Part

23 or 2 sound powered communication systems. The

wire for this system shall be strong enough to be used as

a manual communication system. This would apply only

if all team members were in the mine.

3. 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.

4. Extra apparatus must be secured to stretcher to prevent

it from falling off.

36
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Discount Sheet

Judge #3 Discounts

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. Intentionally detaching/severing

lifeline 5 (total) ____

4. Failure to bring live person to surface

or fresh air base by the end of the

problem, each omission 50 x = ____

5. Failure to locate bodies and/or live

persons, each omission 50 x = ____

6. Failure to follow proper procedure

when putting apparatus on survivor,

each infraction 5 x = ____

7. Assistance given by supposedly

unconscious person, each infraction 5 x = ____

8. Transporting survivor in unexplored

territory, leaving survivor unattended,

and moving survivor in any direction

except toward the fresh air base,

each infraction 6 x = ____

37
9. The team performing an act that may

result in the death or injury of survivor(s).

Some 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 = ____

10. Failure to notify the fresh air base

when an air/gas mixture has reached

its explosive range. 10 x = ____

11. All team members must be connected

or have hold of the lifeline when the

team is traveling or when in smoke.

When stopped, in clear air, at least

one person must have hold of the life

line. If tag lines are used between

team members and the team line,

they shall be no longer than 3 feet

in length. 2 x = ____

Total Discounts _____

Judge’s Signature

38
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 Brady First Responder, Seventh Edition, Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, and

IG 6, Module 6, Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of

Bodies. (This book may be ordered from the National

Mine Health and Safety Academy. See page 8.) 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. Self-explanatory.

4. Self-explanatory.

5. Self-explanatory.

6. 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.

7. 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.)

39
8. 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.

9. An act which does not endanger the team, but may injure or result in the death of a survivor.

10. Failure to notify the fresh air base when an air/gas mixture, which reached its explosive range, has been encountered.

11. 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.

40
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 1 x ____ = _____

No. 2 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 3 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 4 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 5 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 6 person (substitute) 1 x ____ = _____

Total Discounts ______

Judge’s Signature

41
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

42
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. 1⁄2 x = _____

___________________________ Total Discounts ______

Timekeeper’s Signature

43
MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST

GENERAL RULES

1. One gas man 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.

44
9. One trophy will be awarded for each three contestants

entered in the Multi-Gas Instrument Contest, up to a

total of six trophies.

WRITTEN TEST

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are

in isolation and will consist of twenty-five (25) multiple choice and true/false questions. The questions will

be taken from:

a. MSHA publication IG 6, Module 2, Mine Gases

b. MSHA publication IG 6, Module 3, Mine Ventilation

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.

45
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.

7. No discounts will be assessed for replacing nondeficient 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.

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.

46
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 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.

47
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 Testing

Actual Minimum Maximum Observed by

Gas Reading Acceptable Acceptable Contestant Discounts

O2 ______

CH4 ______

CO ______

NO2 ______

Judges Signature_______________ Total discounts ____

Contestant’s Signature ________________________

48
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered in

the Mine Rescue Contest.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. The participants shall draw for working order in

isolation. 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

49
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. Bugs used in the

competition will be consistent with all models of the

apparatus.

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.

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/

Problem Diagnosis, there will be a five-minute review,

at which time the judge will discuss the discounts

including the written test. After the review, both the

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard.

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. One trophy will be awarded for each three contestants

entered in the Benchman’s Contest.

50
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-4 Service Manual, Revision 4. 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.

51
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.

11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus

fully assembled with hoses connected to the face piece,

attached to the apparatus and draped over the cover, and

all seams must be properly aligned. 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 apparatus 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.

52
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4

Judges’ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # Team No. ________________

Test Date Bench Person _____________

Visual Inspection Company ________________

Low Pressure Alarm

(Negative Pressure Warning)

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure Leak

Relief Valve

Constant Metering (Dosage) Time to Complete Problem

Minimum Valve Min ______ Sec ______

Bypass Valve

Residual Warning Summary of Discounts

Battery Check

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

Ready for Use

Judge _________________________

Judge _________________________

53

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

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________

Test Date Bench Person _____________

Visual Inspection Company ________________

Low Pressure Alarm

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure Leak

Relief Valve

High Pressure Leak Test

Constant Metering (Dosage)

Minimum Valve

Bypass Valve Judge’s Signature

Residual Warning

Battery Check

Test OK (initials) Bench Person’s Signature

Ready for Use

54

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection Check for good

condition.

2. Insert O Cylinder Fully Charged.

3. Insert Canister Factory Sealed or

Reusable.

4. Facepiece and Hoses Check for good

condition.

5. Low pressure Pos. Pres. Watch pressure gauge,

warning Pumping activation should

sound at 1.25 and/or

1.4 mbar.

6. Inhalation Valve Pos. Pres. Pinch exhalation hose –

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

gauge.

7. Exhalation Valve Neg. Pres. Pinch inhalation hose –

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

gauge.

8. Drain Valve Pos. Pres. Pump until 10 mbar is

Pumping indicated on gauge.

Fit sealing cap over

tappet of relief valve as

bag inflated.

Drain valve must not

open at 10 mb.

9. Leak Test Leak Test Reduce Pres. to 7 mbar

pressure should not

change by more than

1 mbar in 1 minute.

10.Relief Valve Pos. Pres. Pump until relief valve

Pumping opens.

Opening pressure, should

lie between 2 & 5 mbar.

55
(Alternate Relief Valve Test, can be performed after Step 13.)

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

11.Constant Metering Pos. Pres. Inflate breathing bag.

Valve Pumping

Fit sealing cap over

tappet of relief valve.

Dosage Constant metering

.05-2 L/min dosage should lie

between 1.5 and

1.9 L/min.

12.Minimum Valve Neg. Pres. Pump slowly until minPumping imum valve is opening.

Minimum Valve should

open between 0.1 and

2.5 mbar.

13.Bypass Valve Leak Test Press red button.

Breathing bag inflates.

(Alternate Relief Valve Test) Observe Reading on Rz,

relief valve should open

between 2 and 5 mbar.

14. Low Close cylinder valve.

Pressure Warning sounds at 700

Warning psi.

15. Battery If Failing:

Check Alarm sounds 5 Times.

Red indicator flashes

for 30 sec.

Bat is displayed.

56
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.

57
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered in

the Mine Rescue Contest.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. The participants shall draw for working order in

isolation. 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.

58
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.

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/

Problem Diagnosis, there will be a five-minute review,

at which time the judge will discuss the discounts including the written test. After the review, both the

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard.

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. One trophy will be awarded for each three contestants

entered in the Benchman’s Contest.

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 Test, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Manual, Revision O. 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.

59
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 62 of this booklet titled "Judge's Working Scorecard for the Draeger

BG-174A."

4. If contestants perform checks out of order, there wil

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.

60
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 apparatus 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.

61
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-174A

Judges’ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # Team No. ________________

Test Date Bench Person _____________

Visual Inspection Company ________________

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 Time to Complete Problem

Neg. Pressure Leak Test Min _______ Sec _______

Preflush

Gauge Equalization Summary of Discounts:

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. Gauge Shutoff

High & Med. Pres. Leaks

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

Ready for Use

Judge ___________________________

Judge ___________________________

62

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________

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
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-174A

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card

TEST PROCEDURES# Team No. ________________

Test Date Bench Person _____________

Visual Inspection Company ________________

Cylinder Pressure

Canister/Regenerative,

Facepiece and Hoses

Exhalation Valve

Inhalation Valve

Relief Valve

Pos. Pressure Leak Test Time to Complete Problem

Neg. Pressure Leak Test Min _______ Sec _______

Preflush

Gauge Equalization Summary of Discounts:

Breathing Bag Volume Test

Lung Demand Valve

By-pass Judge’s Signature

Dosage test (1.4 to 1.7 mbar)

Whistle Activation

Whistle Duration Bench Person’s Signature

(20 to 60 seconds)

Pres. Gage Shutoff

High & Med. Pres. Leaks

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

63

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection Check for good

condition.

2. Insert O2 Cylinder Fully charged

3. Insert Regen. Factory-sealed for rescue/ Canister refillable for training.

4. Facepiece and Hoses Check for good

condition.

5. Exhalation Valve Zero Cap off exhalation hose.

Adjust Connect inhalation hose

to exhalation valve.

Neg. Pres. Bag should not begin to

Pumping deflate after 5 seconds

6. Inhalation Valve Connect inhalation hose

to inhalation valve

(saliva trap should be

vertical).

Pos. Pres. Bag should not begin to

Pumping inflate after 5 seconds.

7. Relief Valve Connect exhalation hose

to exhalation valve.

Pos. Pres. Fill bag. Relief valve

Pumping should open between

+10 and +40 mm H2O

(+1 and +4 mbar).

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

8. Pos. Pres. Leak Plug relief valve and

whistle.

Pos. Pres. Pump up to +100 mm

Pumping H2O (+10 mbar).

Leak Test 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).

64
TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

9. Neg. Pres. Leak Remove plug from relief

valve only.

Neg. Pres. Pump down to -100 mm

Pumping H2O (-10 mbar).

Leak Test 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).

10.Preflush/Pressure Remove plug from

Gauge whistle.

Equalization

Neg. Pres. Open O2 cylinder valve.

Pumping Bag should completely

inflate.

Compare gauge readings.

Neg. Pres.

Pumping

and Leak

Test

(Alternate Relief Valve Test) Open cylinder valve.

Relief valve should open

between +10 and +40

mm H2O (+1 and +4

mbar).

11.Lung Demand Neg. Pres. Pump and count strokes.

Valve/Breathing Pumping Should be at least 10

Bag Volume strokes before demand

valve opens. Valve

should open between

-10 and -40 mm H2O

(-1 and -4 mbar).

65
TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

12.By-pass/Constant Red Dosage Plug relief valve vent.

Dosage Test (0.5 to Press by-pass valve until

2 LPM) needle reads 1.7 LPM

on outside red scale.

Needle should settle

between 1.4 and 1.7

LPM (at sea level).

13.Whistle Remove plug from relief

Activation valve vent.

Close O2 cylinder valve.

Observe chest gauge.

Whistle should sound at

20 to 25 percent of full

cylinder pressure.

14.Whistle Duration/ Neg. Pres. Lift pressure gauge

Pressure Gauge Pumping shutoff lever.

Shutoff 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.

15.High and Medium Cylinder valve still open.

Pressure Leak Check for leaks.

Shut off valve after test.

66
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.

67
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240LW/240S

BREATHING APPARATUS

GENERAL RULES

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered in

the Mine Rescue Contest.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. The participants shall draw for working order in isolation. 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.

68
5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully

assembled Biopak 240LW or one fully assembled

Biopak 240S, along with 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.

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/

Problem Diagnosis, there will be a five-minute review,

at which time the judge will discuss the discounts including the written test. After the review, both the

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard.

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. One trophy will be awarded for each three contestants

entered in the Benchman’s Contest.

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 for the Biopak

240S will be taken from the Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision K, and User Instruction Manual Revision

E. The questions for the Biopak 240LW will be taken

69
from the Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision A,

and User Instruction Manual, Revision G. 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 to the face mask and apparatus, 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.

70
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.

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 apparatus 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.

71
BENCHMAN’SCONTEST-BIOMARINE

BIOPAK 240LW/240S

Judges’ Working Scorecard

Apparatus Serial # Team No. ________________

Test Date Bench Person _____________

Company ________________

Visual Inspection

Plumbing Leak Test

Constant Flow Test 1.6 - 2.4

Breathing System Leak Test

Ready for Use

Time to Complete Problem

Min _______ Sec _______

Summary of Discounts:

Judge __________________________

Judge __________________________

72

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

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
BENCHMAN’SCONTEST-BIOMARINE

BIOPAK 240LW/240S

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________

Bench Person _____________

Company ________________

Judge’s Signature

Bench Person’s Signature

73

Problems Found Corrected

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug _________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
TESTINGPROCEDURE

BIOMARINEBIOPAK240LW/240S

BREATHING APPARATUS

STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Visually inspect theenInspection tire Biopak 240LW/240S

for worn, loose or missing parts, and parts that

could fail under use.

2. Plumbing Tongue Install fully charged cylHigh Pressure Depressor inder. Remove breathing

Leak Test Leak Tec 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.

3. Constant Flow Tongue Slip the flowmeter over

Test Depressor the flow restrictor. Hold

Flow Meter diaphragm away from

demand valve with

tongue depressor. Open

O2 cylinder valve. Flow

should be 1.6 - 2.4 Lpm

4. Breathing Leak Test Connect leak test fixture

System Leak Fixture to hoses. Insert pressure

Test Pressure test knob into the hole in

Test Knob back of unit and turn 1⁄4

turn to lock in place.

Open O2 cylinder valve,

depress by-pass 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.

74
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240LW/240S 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 240LW Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision

A, or Biopak 240S Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision K. Refill and install the CO2 absorbent canister

(LimePak dated within one year). Install a frozen Gel

Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid.

Donning, Getting under Oxygen

3. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, buckle and

adjust waist strap, connect and adjust chest strap.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

75
7. Remove hose coupler or red caps; connect inhalation

hose and then exhalation hose to mask. Open oxygen

cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and back 1⁄4 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.

8. Check chest-mounted pressure gauge, 2700 - 3000 psi.

within one minute.

9. 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.

76
NATIONAL METAL AND NONMETAL

FIRST AID CONTEST

GENERAL RULES

1. The First Aid 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. One first aid team 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.

77
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.

10. There will be two (2) separate first aid stations (not

necessarily in any order).

a. Foreign body obstructed airway-unconscious victim,

artificial respiration, CPR.

b. Patient assessment, control of bleeding, physical

shock, wounds, burns, 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 Seventh Edition of Brady “First Responder,”

Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, the published

rules, and the interpretations of the discount sheets are

authorized for reference and guidance.

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17. The team will not be permitted to use first aid manuals

for reference purposes during the problem solving or

between working stations.

18. If oxygen is required in the treatment of a patient, it

may be simulated with the use of a mask. No oxygen

tank will be required.

19. There will be no simulations on the patient. All

dressings and splints must be placed properly.

20. Team members are not allowed to leave the working

area to obtain materials for the problem.

21. Stimulants will not be given to any patient.

22. When digital pressure is applied to the proper pressure

point, bleeding will be considered under control and acknowledged by the judge.

23. Rough treatment of patient is not allowed.

24. If a tourniquet is required in First Aid problem, do not

secure tightly.

25. Assistance in treatment from a supposedly unconscious

patient is not allowed.

26. Teams failing to complete problems at station 2 in the

specified time will be discounted.

27. The winning six teams will be announced during the

banquet.

28. 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

1. The written test will be given while the contestants are

in isolation and will consist of twenty-five (25) true/

false and multiple choice questions. The questions will

be taken from the Seventh Edition of Brady “First Responder”, Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. The contestants will be assessed one (1) discount point for each

incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the

79
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.

3. 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.

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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.

81
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 (glasses,

gloves and CPR barrier) 15 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 =

a. Assessing breathlessness

should take no longer than

10 seconds (time begins when

the rescuer looks, listens and

feels for breathing) 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 adequately 1 x ___ =

c. Not allowing for deflation

between breaths 1 x ___ =

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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 adequately 1 x ____ =

c. Not allowing for deflation

between breaths 1 x ____ =

11. Not checking for pulse 1 x ____ =

12. Improperly checking for pulse 1 x ____ =

a. Assessing pulse should take

no longer than 10 seconds

(time begins when the

rescuer feels for a pulse) 1 x ____ =

13. Not using “notch” or “nipple

line” technique for proper

hand position 1 x ____ =

14. Not making parallel axis with

heels of hands 1 x ____ =

15. Not completing four sets of

15 compressions and 2 ventilations within 1 minute of

patient contact 5 x ____ =

a. Depth of compressions not

between 1.5 to 2 inches 1 x ____ =

b. Not releasing compressions 1 x ____ =

16. Incorrect hand position 1 x ____ =

17. No pulse reassessment 1 x ____ =

18. Not beginning compressions

after reassessment (when

required) 1 x ____ =

19. Interrupting CPR for more than

7 seconds (each) 1 x ____ =

20. Not giving artificial ventilation

when pulse is found 4 x ____ =

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21. Not communicating and physically examining each condition

found (each) 1 x ____ =

One Rescuer CPR Subtotal __________

B. Artificial Respiration Discounts

1. Not checking accident scene to

assure personal safety 5 x ____ =

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions (glasses,

gloves and CPR barrier) 15 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 ____ =

a. Assessing breathlessness

should take no longer than

10 seconds (time begins when

the rescuer looks, listens and

feels for breathing) 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 adequately 1 x ____ =

c. Not allowing for deflation

between breaths 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 ____ =

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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 (glasses,

gloves and CPR barrier) 15 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 ____ =

a. Assessing breathlessness

should take no longer than

10 seconds (time begins

when the rescuer looks, listens and feels for breathing) 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

85
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

86
METAL AND NONMETAL FIRST AID CONTEST

JUDGES’ DISCOUNT CARD

Station #2

Patient Assessment

Control of Bleeding

Physical Shock

Wounds, Burns and Scalds

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Transportation

Team Team

Name: _______________ Number:__________________

Team Members: Captain _________________________

_________________________

_________________________

Date:________________

A. Patient Assessment

Primary Assessment Discounts

1. Not checking accident scene to

ensure personal safety 5 x ____ = ____

2. Not taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions (glasses,

gloves and CPR barrier) 15 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 2 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 ____ = ____

87
Discounts

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 ____ = ____

88
Discounts

28. Not checking back surfaces for

injury 2 x ____ = ____

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 ____ = ____

8. Bandages improperly applied

(not entirely covered, wrong

location, method, or position

of knot, etc.) 2 x ____ = ____

Control of Bleeding Subtotal _________

89
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 __________

D. 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 ____ = ____

90
91

Discounts

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 __________

E. Musculoskeletal Injuries Discounts

1. Not rendering any treatment for a

strain or sprain (each infraction) 4 x ____ = ____

2. Not treating suspected spinal

injury fracture of pelvis or thigh

(each) (this includes not using a

properly sized cervical collar) 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 ____ = ____
92

Discounts

10. Improperly lifting or rolling of

patient (lifting to knee when patient

has dislocated or fractured hip or

spinal injury) 2 x ____ = ____

11. Failure to properly test brokenback splint 4 x ____ = ____

12. Improperly assembled splint/

backboard 2 x ____ = ____

13. Improperly applied bandages 2 x ____ = ____

14. Improperly applied slings when

required (each) 1 x ____ = ____

Musculoskeletal Injuries Subtotal __________

F. 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. Patient not placed on stretcher

(when required) 2 x ____ = ____

4. 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 #2 Total Discounts
93

Judge

Judge

Scorecard Examiners
94

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.

ASSISTANT – Optional seventh person who may assist

the fresh air base attendant but is not eligible to

substitute for another team member including the fresh

air base attendant.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE - Force exerted by air.

Atmospheric pressure is measured on a barometer.

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.
95

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.

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.
96

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.

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 for 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.
97

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.

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, caved

impassable falls, or the top of an overcast.
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.

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.

98
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.

RIB - The wall of a mine opening.

ROOF BOLTER - A machine designed to drill holes in

the roof and install bolts.

99
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.

100
SURVIVOR - Person found alive in the mine.

SWITCH - An electrical switch.

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.

101
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

Stopping indication of opening or leakage.)

Intact

Permanent Stopping may be destroyed, partially

Stopping destroyed, or have openings. Is not

Not Intact airtight. Condition noted on placard

is to be shown on map beside symbol.

Temporary Stopping is intact and airtight. This

Stopping symbol is used for all structures built

Intact by the team, such as airlocks, etc.

Temporary Stopping may be destroyed, partially

Stopping destroyed, or have openings. Is not

Not Intact airtight. Condition noted on placard

is to be shown on map beside symbol.

Barricade Any information an placard, such as

leaking, damaged, destroyed, etc.

shall be noted on mine map beside

symbol.

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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 moveMovement ment as indicated on placard, and

how any quantity, if given, or other

information, such as flow velocity.

Put on map beside symbol.

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

Roof questionable roof conditions. May

Across or may not be scalable. Write out

Entry any other information on placard on

Rib-to-Rib map beside symbol.

103
Unsafe Symbol used for any indication of

Roof questionable roof conditions. May

Partially or may not be scalable. Write out

Across any other information on placard on

Entry map beside symbol.

Unsafe Rib Symbol used for any indication of

or Over- questionable rib conditions. May or

hanging may not be scalable. Project over rib

Brow line area on map. Write out any

other information on placard on

map beside symbol.

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

Person found. Write out condition, such as

conscious, walking, etc. Indicate any

injuries as given on placard. Write out

information on map beside symbol.

Check Condition of check, if noted on placCurtain ard, must be shown on mine map

beside symbol. Ex. “Partially down”

Line The full extent of curtain shall be

Brattice shown. If the curtain is partially or

or Line completely down, it must be noted

Curtain on the map beside the symbol.

Overcast If it is damaged, leaking, or destroyed, that particular condition is

to be noted on the map beside the

symbol.

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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 tubing, vent bag or placard on the

map by symbol.

Brattice Indicate any information on placard

Frames on mine map beside symbol.

Brattice Indicate any information on placard

Cloth or on mine map beside symbol.

Brattice

Material

Gas Use for any placard indicating a gas

Mixture or a mix of gases in the mine 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,

Object cables, and other objects usually

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.

105
Mobile Use for all mobile face equipment.

Equipment Write out any other information

given on placard on map beside

symbol on map.

50 Foot or Used for 50 foot check of team

First Team members

Check Inby

Fresh Air

Base

20 Minute Used for every 20-minute apparatus

Apparatus check of team members.

Check

Farthest Should be used only where areas

Point of inby will not be explored for whatAdvance ever reason. Not to be used where

other conditions block travel.

Captain’s Use for all locations where the team

Date and captain dated and wrote his

Initial initials.

Power Self explanatory - Write out any inCenter formation noted on placard.

Other Write the name of the object, condiObjects, tion, or equipment and other inforConditions, mation indicated by placard on map

or beside the symbol. This would

Equipment include a “face” if marked by a

placard.

106
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