Metal and Nonmetal

National Mine Rescue

Contest Rules

U. S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration

2000
Visit our website at http://www.msha.gov
Metal and Nonmetal

National Mine Rescue

Contest Rules

U. S. Department of Labor

Alexis M. Herman

Secretary

Mine Safety and Health Administration

J. Davitt McAteer

Assistant Secretary

2000
PREFACE

This booklet was prepared for MSHA instructors and inspectors to train mine rescue teams, judges and contest personnel in procedures for a mine rescue contest.

Reference to specific brands, equipment, or trade names in

this report is made to facilitate understanding and does not

imply endorsement by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Metal and Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest

serves as an effective tool to promote training and improving

the skills required to respond to a mine emergency. The National Contest Rule book develops procedures and rules that

serve as the basis for actual situations. The cooperation between industry leaders, manufacturers, Federal and State

agencies promotes cooperation between different teams and

enhances mine rescue preparedness.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to the National Metal and Nonmetal Mine

Rescue Advisory Committee for their valuable assistance in

preparing this booklet. The Advisory Committee consists of:

Arizona Mine Emergency Association

David Hamm, Chief Deputy Asst. State Mine Inspector

V.P. Arizona Mine Emergency Association

1700 Washington, Suite 410

Phoenix, AZ 85007

520/628-6338

602/542-5971

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Barrick Gold Strike Mine Rescue

Bill Francum, Safety Coordinator

Meikle Mine

P. O. Box 29

Elko, NV 89801

775/778-8857

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Robert McPhail, Director

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Coeur d’Alene Mining District

P.O. Box 1067

Wallace, ID 83873

208/556-2225

Homestake Mine Rescue

Fred Raubach, Mine Rescue Coordinator/Fire Chief

Homestake Mining

630 East Summit

Lead, SD 57754

605/584-4831

Missouri Mine Rescue Association

David Brown, Safety Administrator

The Doe Run Company

P. O. Box 500

Viburnum, MO 65566

573/244-8159

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Richard L. Hickman, Safety Manager

Morton Salt

P. O. Box 428

Grand River, OH 44045

440/639-4223

Southern Mine Rescue Association

Steve Powroznik, Safety Director

Weeks Island Mine, Morton Salt Company

New Iberia, LA 70562-1496

318/867-2142

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Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association

Buddy Webb, Emergency Response Coordinator

Waste Isolation Pilot Project

P. O. Box 2078 - MS165

Carlsbad, NM 88221

505/234-8178

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

James Chailland

330 Cedar Street

Green River, WY 82935

307/875-2076

Keith A. Mullins, Mine Safety Supervisor

General Chemical

P.O. Box 1167

Green River, WY 82935

307/872-3696 Fax-3406

Pete Kuhn, Safety and Ergonomics Representative

Solvay Minerals

P. O. Box 1167

Green River, WY 82935

307/872-6659

United Steelworkers of America

Harry Tuggle, Safety and Health Specialist

United Steelworkers of America

5 Gateway Center, Suite 902

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412/562-2587

U. S. Department of Labor — MSHA

Eddie Lopez, Manager

Accident Investigation Program

U. S. Department of Labor – MSHA

4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

703/235-1565

iii
Whitey Jacobson, Education and Training Specialist

U. S. Department of Labor – MSHA

1100 Commerce Street – RM 4C-50

Dallas, TX 75242

214/767-8401, ext. 246

Frank R. Schwamberger, Deputy Director

Educational Policy and Development

U. S. Department of Labor – MSHA

4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

703/235-1400

Chief Judge

J. D. Pitts

5231 Nottinghill Lane

Fairfax, VA 27032

703/978-5042

The following organizations should be commended for the

commitment of equipment and personnel resources in support

of the biannual National Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue

Contests.

Arizona State Mine Inspectors Office

Draeger Corporation

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Missouri Division of Labor Standards, Mine Safety

National Mine Rescue Association

National Mine Service Company

Nevada State Safety and Training Division

New Mexico Bureau of Mines Inspection

Southwestern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

United Steelworkers of America

West Virginia University

iv
1998 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE

CONTEST CHAMPIONS

FMC Corporation

FMC Green River Mine

FMC Red Team .................. Green River, WY

Robert Knot (Captain)

Nathan Barnes

Rick Owens

Robert Pope

Clinton Taylor

John Key

John Mierzwick

Rowdy Heiser

Dave Thomas, Team Trainer

Dave Black, Benchman

Dave Thomas

(Official in Charge)

Front row - left to right: Nate Barnes (Map Man); John Mierzwick

(Patient); Bob Knott (Captain); Dave Black (Benchman)

Back Row - left to right: Robert Pope (First Aid); Rick Owens (Gasman); John Key (Extension Officer); Clinton Taylor (Co-Captain)

Not Pictured: Dave Thomas (Trainer); Rowdy Heiser (Assistant

Trainer)

v
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

1998 FMC Mine, Red Team, FMC Corporation – Green

River, WY

1996 Big Island Mine, White Team, OCI of Wyoming –

Green River, WY

1994 Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - 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

vi
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

1998 JOE BACA, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Westinghouse Electric Corporation – Carlsbad, New Mexico

1996 MACLANE BARTON, West Fork Mine, Missouri

Lead Division, ASARCO, Inc. – Bunker, MO

1994 FRED MILLER, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,

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, Schwartzwalder 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 Corp. – 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

vii
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE TEAM MEMBERS

MARK BARLOW, MSHA

230 Executive Drive

Cranberry TWP, PA 16066

Telephone: 724/772-2336

L. MIKE DUNLAP, MSHA

P. O. Box 25367

Denver, CO 80225

Telephone: 303/231-5469

MICHAEL GILPIN, MSHA

1821 Lee Avenue

Sanford, NC 27330

Telephone: 919/774-8113

RICK HORN, MSHA

Rio West Office Building

319 West Rio Road

Charlottesville, VA 22901-1311

Telephone: 804/975-2366

KEVIN LEGRAND, MSHA

205 S 8th Street Room 265

Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Telephone: 515/955-5383

TERRY LINGENFELTER, MSHA

135 Gemini Circle, Suite 212

Birmingham, AL 35209

Telephone: 205/290-7294

JOE OLIVIER, MSHA

220 S. Range Avenue

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Telephone: 504/664-0393

viii
THOMAS PAVLAT, MSHA

Illinois Valley Office Park

2200 Marquette Road, Suite 110

Peru, IL 61354

Telephone: 815/223-0697

CURTIS PETTY, MSHA

2060 Peabody Road, Suite 610

Vacaville, CA 95687

Telephone: 707/447-9844

STEVE PILLING, MSHA

430 Unita Drive, Suite C

City Market Complex

Green River, WY 82935

Telephone: 307/875-6300

STEVE ROGERS, MSHA

25814 Business Center Drive, Suite B

Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: 909/799-9517

ROBERT D. SEELKE, MSHA

901 Pine Street, Room 202

Rolla MO 65401

Telephone: 573/364-8282

WHITEY JACOBSON, National Team Trainer

MSHA — 1100 Commerce Street, Room 4C50

Dallas, TX 75242-0499

Telephone: 214/767-8401

(Cell Phone) 972/741-5877

EDDIE LOPEZ, Mine Rescue Coordinator

MSHA — 4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22203

Telephone: 703/235-1565

ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

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

Guidelines and Procedures ........................ 7

Team Members, Alternates, and Attendants ........ 7

Medical Requirements ......................... 8

Equipment .................................. 8

Team Preparation (Apparatus)................... 9

Written Test ................................ 10

Judges ..................................... 11

Security .................................... 12

Contest Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Team Preparation and Procedures.................. 15

Apparatus and Material Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Reporting to Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Start of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Official in Charge of Fresh Air Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Standard Shaft and Lifeline Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Equipment Checks and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Team Safety ................................ 20

First Team Stop.............................. 20

Advancing.................................. 21

Barricades .................................. 22

Dates and Initials............................. 23

Map – Timing Device ......................... 24

Mine Fires.................................. 24

Gas Box Testing ............................. 25

Gas Box Scorecard ........................... 27

Mine Rescue Discounts and Interpretations .......... 28

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #1............... 28

Surface Interpretation – Judge #1 ................ 29

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Page

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #1 .......... 30

Underground Interpretation – Judge #1 ........... 32

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #2............... 35

Surface Interpretation – Judge #2 ................ 36

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #2 .......... 37

Underground Interpretation – Judge #2 ........... 38

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #3............... 40

Surface Interpretation – Judge #3 ................ 41

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #3 .......... 42

Underground Interpretation – Judge #3 ........... 44

Discount Sheet................................. 46

Written Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Gas Boxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Benchman’s Contest — BG-4

General Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis. . . . . 49

Judging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Judges’ Working Scorecard .................... 52

Total Discounts.............................. 53

Benchman’s Contest — BG-174A

General Rules ............................... 54

Written Test ................................ 55

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis..... 55

Judging .................................... 56

Judges’ Working Scorecard .................... 58

Total Discounts.............................. 59

xi
Page

Benchman’s Contest — BioPak 240

General Rules ............................... 60

Written Test ................................ 61

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis..... 61

Judging .................................... 62

Judges’ Working Scorecard .................... 64

Total Discounts.............................. 65

Draeger Testing Procedure ....................... 66

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen .............. 68

Draeger BG-4 Breathing Apparatus .............. 68

Draeger BG-174, 174A Breathing Apparatus. . . . . . . 71

Biomarine BioPak 240 & 240P 4-Hour

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

General Rules for Conducting the Metal and Nonmetal National First Aid Contest ................... 77

First Aid Contest Scorecards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Glossary of Terms .............................. 88

Mine Map Legend .............................. 95

xii
GENERAL RULES

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST

1. The contest will be comprised of a field problem, a written exam, a gas test, a First Aid contest, practical and

written test, and a bench contest.

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

Contest Director, Contest Coordinator, field judges, first

aid contest judges, written exam judges, gas judges, bench

judges, mine managers, mine attendants, and isolation

officials.

3. There will be no limitations as to the number of teams

admitted from any county, state, district, company, or

organization. There will be a $300.00 entry fee for each

team entered.

4. Any organization, union, club, or local benefit society

may enter a team. However, the members of all teams

must be bona fide employees of the metal and nonmetal

mining industry and meet the requirements set forth in 30

CFR Part 49.

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

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and

Health Administration, Room 728

4015 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Telephone Number (703) 235-1565

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 each team will be wearing and the type

and model of all gas testing equipment the team will use

during the field problem. Any needed equipment changes

require submission of a modified list to the Contest Director for consideration of approval. (Note: For judging purposes, each judge will be given a list of your equipment

prior to working of the problem. This will assist the

1
judges in determining if the proper procedures are being

followed for your equipment.)

6. Registration will be completed on receipt of a team’s

entry form. The designated times and locations for each

team’s participation in the competition will be communicated to the team at the earliest feasible date.

7. The team drawings will be conducted by the MSHA

STAFF in Arlington, Virginia, 30 days prior to the contest. ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE CONTEST THE

ORDER WILL REVERSE. STARTING WITH THE

LAST TEAM DRAWN GOING FIRST AND CONTINUING IN THAT ORDER FOR ALL OF THE PROGRAMS ON THE SECOND DAY. Position changes

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

8. The day before the contest begins, an enrollment check

will be conducted at a designated time and location. Programs, souvenirs, and banquet tickets will be distributed

to the teams and the team’s order in the contest will be

verified at that time.

9. On the day of the field problem, all teams should be in

isolation, at a designated location, one hour prior to the

start of the contest. Any team not in isolation when the

first teams are called for the Mine Rescue Contest will

be disqualified.

10. The Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest will begin at 8:00 a.m. or earlier at the discretion of the Contest

Director.

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 #1Judge

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.

2
12. In mine rescue 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, the

gas test will be the fifth tie breaker, and time will be the

sixth tie breaker.

13. The captain and one other team member will be given an

opportunity to review their discounts with the field judges

following the working of the problem by the team. The

judges will discuss and tabulate field discounts and meet

with team members at an agreed upon, isolated location.

The review will be limited to 5 minutes. Where discounts

assessed by judges for infractions, such as improper

equipment use, missing identification tags, can be verified

were improper, the number one judge may make appropriate corrections. Any changes must be documented fully

and receive concurrence from the judge assessing the discount. If the Captain feels issues related to the working of

the problem or discounts assessed for judgment calls were

inappropriate, they can use the appeal process after the

team examines all field, gas, and written discounts.

THIS REVIEW IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH

THE APPEALS PROCESS AND CAN BE TERMINATED BY THE #1 JUDGE AT ANY TIME IF THE

REVIEW BECOMES UNRULY.

14. Discounts will not be added to the team’s field score

once the judges have signed their discount sheets following the review with selected team members. This does not

preclude changes due to administrative errors or a misapplication of a rule.

15. After the scorecards are checked by the scorecard examiners, they will be taken to a designated location. The

team captain 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 one hour after reviewing them. Written

3
appeals are not to exceed one page for any discount assessed and will be submitted to the Appeals Committee.

DOCUMENTS (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 Example A on page 6.)

16. The Appeals Committee, composed of the Contest Director, Chief Judge, and Contest Coordinator, shall be the

final arbiter of 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. Information regarding trophies and plaques will be found

in the program.

18. The winning teams will be announced during the banquet.

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

ratings will be available to the teams. The results from all

elements of the contest will be given to the teams at the

earliest possible time.

20. All rules relating to the contest will be rigidly enforced.

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

22. Thirty days prior to the contest, contest equipment will

be accepted at an address 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.”

23. An ambulance and a first aid station will be available.

4
24. On the day prior to the contest, a meeting will be held to

discuss officials’ assignments and conduct judges training. All personnel who will be officiating during the contest shall attend this meeting.

5
EXAMPLE A.

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 _____________________________________

Gas Test ________________________________________

Map ___________________________________________

Total Discounts __________________________________

Excluding average time ____________________________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

_____________________ _____________________

Team Captain Review Judge

6
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Team Members, Alternates, and Attendants

Each team shall be composed of a minimum of five members and one Alternate unless otherwise approved by the contest director. Each member shall wear a number on the arm at

or near the shoulders with number one (1) being assigned to

the captain and the 6th to the alternate. Switching of numbers

by team members will not be permitted after arriving at portal

or fresh air base. Any means of affixing legible numbers on

the sleeve of the uniform will be acceptable.

Teams may utilize an alternate as a fresh air base attendant.

Each attendant must be employed by the same organization as

the team members, will accompany only one participating

team, and may assist that team with any of the functions normally performed prior to entering the mine. Any number of

people may assist the team placing equipment prior to starting

the clock. However, only one attendant with the #6 on his

sleeve will be allowed to take the written test and will be allowed to physically assist the team after the clock is started.

One fresh air base attendant and alternate can be stationed

at the fresh air base during the working of the problem. The attendant and alternate will be permitted to communicate with

the team and may mark the map from information received

from the team. The Fresh Air Base Attendant and any other

Alternate will be isolated from visual contact with the field.

Teams wishing to communicate with the fresh air base attendant shall use the mine’s communication system, a portable communication system, or return to the fresh air base.

Each team may bring one or more Alternates to be available for use if a regular member becomes sick or is otherwise

unable to compete. If a team member gets sick or is unable to

continue during the working of the problem, and an alternate

takes his/her place, the team members may be rearranged at

7
the team’s discretion. Alternates may also be used as survivors.

An alternate who has gained knowledge about the problem

because of being in the mine (beyond the fresh air base) during

the team’s working of the problem, may not be used to substitute for a sick team member. A team member replaced by an

alternate cannot participate in the problem in any manner.

Medical Requirements

A letter from management or physical examination forms,

dated within the 12 months preceding the contest showing

that each member of the team is physically sound and capable

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

Equipment

Each team member must have his/her own approved breathing apparatus. Each team must have approved gas detectors or

testers for rescue and recovery work. In the event of malfunction or damage, instruments, gas detectors, or testers will be

furnished upon request by the Chief of Isolation before that

team leaves the isolation area. However, there is no guarantee

to provide any special type of equipment.

Teams cannot expect recharging materials, apparatus parts,

and accessories for all types of apparatus at the contest site.

Team members must wear an approved protective hat,

identification tag, safety shoes, permissible cap lamps, selfrescuer, and be clean shaven to the extent that a good face-tofacepiece seal is achieved.

Breathing apparatus approved for at least two hours shall

be used in the Mine Rescue Contest problems.

Teams are required to bring with them a sufficient supply

of materials.

8
Brattice, boards, or plastic necessary for constructing

bulkheads or stoppings (if necessary in problem) will be furnished by the field committee. Teams will be responsible for

collecting the material from the source of supply. (Staplers

will not be permitted in lieu of hammer and nails.)

When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the problem and are told or given information indicating that explosive gas(es) is/are or may be present in the mine, they must

use non-sparking tools while they are working the problem so

as not to endanger themselves. If teams do not have nonsparking tools, they must ask the official in charge at the fresh

air base to provide them with such tools before they go underground.

If the mine is not classified as gassy and the teams go

underground to work the problem and encounter an explosive

gas and they do not have non-sparking tools, they must return

to the fresh air base immediately and ask the official in charge

to provide them with such tools. For the purposes of the Mine

Rescue Contest, carbon monoxide (CO) will not be considered an explosive gas unless it is in the explosive range.

Team Preparation (Apparatus)

Team members must make necessary checks of all apparatus for proper working condition and airtightness prior to reporting to the mine entrance. Cylinder pressures must be

within specifications of approval.

Apparatus tests must comply with prescribed tests for

that particular type of apparatus.

An approved 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour oxygen breathing

apparatus must be used on the survivor(s) or other rescued

personnel when respiratory protection is needed. A one-hour

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

survivors.

9
Written Test

Written tests will be administered to all team members at

the same time, unless authorized otherwise by the Contest Director. The questions for the written test will be taken from

material contained in MSHA-approved mine rescue training

modules 2202 Mine Gases, 2203 Ventilation, 2204 Exploration, 2205 Fire, Firefighting, and Explosions, 2206 Rescue of

Survivors and Recovery of Bodies, and 2207 Mine Recovery.

MSHA training modules are available at the following

address:

U.S. Department of Labor

National Mine Health and Safety Academy

ATTENTION: Facility Support Services

1301 Airport Road

Beaver, WV 25813-9426

Telephone: (304) 256-3257

Fax: (304) 256-3368

E-mail: mlord@msha.gov

The written test of 35 questions will include at least 10

questions on mine gases from Module 2202 for each team

member. The questions shall consist of true and false and

multiple choice questions. (1 point will be deducted for each

question missed.) In the event an alternate is unavailable, the

alternate’s score will be the average score of all teams’ alternates. A team may participate without an alternate only with

approval of the Contest Director.

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.

10
Judges will not explain the meaning of questions, but may

explain a word or words in the questions.

All test will be scored by 2 qualified judges using a Scantron test correcting machine.

Judges

The Chief Judge and his/her assistants will be persons

trained in the assembly, use, and care of the different types of

breathing apparatus, etc., and will not be connected with any

of the teams, teams’ employers, or companies who manufacture apparatus or gas detecting devices. Exceptions to personnel assigned for judging any phase of the contest requires the

approval of the Contest Director.

Competing teams deserve the full attention of the judges

and only those personnel judging the specific teams are allowed on the field. Judges must not ask questions or interfere

with a team unless health or safety is involved. Judges must

stand clear of and not crowd teams checking equipment.

Other personnel except those approved by the Contest Director shall stay off the field. Media access and videos for future

training aids will be allowed with the Contest Director’s approval.

Only persons trained in the assembly, use, and care of the

different types of mine rescue equipment and trained in mine

rescue procedures will be used as judges.

A minimum of two persons will judge the gas test, 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.

11
Judge(s) will be stationed, and must remain, at the fresh air

base when telephones or mine rescue communication systems are being used.

As each team performs a problem, it will be rated by a crew

of three or more designated judges. Only the Contest Director, Chief Judge, or their designee may discuss discrepancies

or discounts on the field. When discussions are held on the

field, that interrupt the working of the problem, the time

should be stopped and restarted after the discussion is over. A

Mine Safety and Health Administration employee will be the

#1 Judge. All judges must have current Mine Rescue Judge’s

Training and have been briefed on this particular problem and

possible solutions.

The judges will mark and explain on their scorecards the

discounts for work performed by each team member. In the

event that more than one discount applies, the highest discount will be assessed for a violation. There will be no stacking of discounts. Judges must sign their scorecard after the

discounts have been recorded. Scorecards will be marked

promptly and delivered to scorecard examiners as soon as

possible after completion of the problem, and the team’s review of the team’s field discounts.

Security

Each team, including the alternate and the person used at

the fresh air base, must be under guard before the start of the

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

remain continuously under guard until time to work the problem. Any team receiving information concerning a contest

problem will be disqualified. No person except guards and

contest officials authorized to do so, will be allowed to communicate with any team or teams under guard. Teams that

have performed will not be permitted to communicate with

any teams awaiting their turn to perform.

12
Contest Problem

The problem will be limited to working on one level. It

may include hoists and at least one shaft. Skip pockets and

sumps (either above or below) will be considered part of the

working level. Raises or boreholes may be in the problem;

however, climbing will not be required.

Teams may have to change existing ventilation, pump

water, or move falls to rescue persons and/or explore if it can

be done safely. Changing ventilation shall not be done until

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

All areas that have been cleared of smoke and toxic or dangerous gases that the teams elect to travel through must be rechecked prior to the team’s reentering. If water is being

pumped, ventilation changed, falls moved, loose rock barred

down, etc., teams must wait until placards have been changed

by the ground committee before assuming they have accomplished what they were trying to do.

Inaccessible areas only need to be explored when there are

miners unaccounted for or an explosive air/gas mixture may

be moved through the unexplored areas. Teams will be required to pump water or set timbers to explore the inaccessible areas in these cases, if the necessary materials are

provided in the problem.

Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers,

and news media approved by the Contest Director or Chief

Judge will be permitted in the working areas.

Insofar as possible, materials rather than placards will be

used in the mine. Bodies with identification will be designated by the use of dummies. When placards indicating conditions are used, they will be placed face up, and the letters

13
shall not be more than one (1) inch in height, and easily

visible.

Additionally, when these placards are used to identify

mining machinery or equipment, a 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 generally be terms which

appear in the Rule Book Glossary, the MSHA Mine Rescue

Training Modules, or CFR 30, Part 57. If a term is unfamiliar,

the captain may ask the #1 Judge for a definition of that term.

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.

14
TEAM PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES

Apparatus and Material Checks

Before reporting to the contest field, each team member

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

properly and in good working condition. These checks should

be within the manufacturer’s specified limits and the regenerator fully charged with chemicals. Apparatus tightness,

valves, warning devices, and facepieces are to be checked according to approved methods for the particular apparatus.

The extra breathing apparatus should also be tested accordingly. Teams will not be judged on this procedure.

Other materials such as roof testing devices, stretchers,

hammers, blankets, fire extinguishers, and gas detectors

should be carefully checked to see that they are in good operating condition. If horns are to be used for signaling between

team members, they should be checked. If communication

systems are used, a check for proper working order should be

made. Wheeled stretchers will be allowed.

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.

15
Any final adjustments to the equipment and necessary

talks between team members can be completed prior to reporting to the field judge.

Reporting to Field

On reporting to the field, the captain should have the team

line up at the place indicated by the person in charge. No testing of any type should be done at the fresh air base until the

timing device has been started. Leaving the stretcher, the captain should gather his team (apparatus may be worn but not

under oxygen) and approach the person in charge for introductions. The captain introduces his team and remarks “We

are here to offer our help. I have a fully equipped, properly

trained, and physically fit mine rescue team and we are ready

to do anything that you may require in the rescue and recovery

work at your mine.” The official in charge will reply that they

do require the service of mine rescue teams, and that if they

are ready, they can be of immediate service.

Start of Problem

When the necessary introductions have been made, the

team captain will indicate that they are ready for the problem

and map. No work will be done until the clock is started. The

captain will start the timing device and date the board (month,

day, year, and team position number) before receiving the

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

the problem and map at the same time. From this point on, the

team members should discuss the conditions presented by the

problem and the map. On the map, solid lines will denote actual workings. Although locations may not be totally accurate

within the 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.

16
Official in Charge of Fresh Air Base

The captain should ask to have the person in charge of the

lifeline pointed out to the rear captain. Teams using a telephone communications system must inform the person in

charge that the telephone line may be used as a lifeline in the

event of the system malfunctioning. Lifeline signals with the

fresh air base will be arranged after the timing device has been

started. The telephone line must be of sufficient strength to

satisfy the requirements of a lifeline.

Standard Shaft and Lifeline Signals

The rear captain shall now contact the person in charge of

the lifeline. The rear captain will give the accepted signals

and have the lifeline person repeat them. The signals in general use are as follows:

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

motion.

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

rest.

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

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

4 pulls on the lifeline from the team to the fresh air base

means that the team is in trouble and needs assistance at

once. If 4 pulls are given by the fresh air base, the team

must return to the fresh air base.

All signals on the lifeline must be returned to the sender at

once. The rear captain may now stretch the lifeline out along

the length of the team. It is not necessary for the captain to

give a command to execute when using a telephone-speaker

system since the team members will be aware of all communication.

17
The following standard horn blasts or other audible signals

between team members will be used:

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

motion

2 blasts on the horn will mean “advance”

3 blasts on the horn will mean “retreat”

4 blasts on the horn will mean “distress”

If signals between team members are other than the standard signals normally used, all interested persons must be informed.

State hoist shaft signals will be used wherever contest is

held.

NEVADA HOIST SIGNAL CODES

The conveyance shall not be moved without a command

signal. When persons are to be hoisted or lowered, they must

enter the conveyance and close the door; then give the signal

for the desired level followed by either “Hoist Persons” (3-1

bells) or “Lower Persons” (3-2 bells).

3-2-1 Bells: Blasting Signal — hoisting engineer must

acknowledge by raising and lowering conveyance slightly.

9 Bells: Emergency — then ring mine level signal

where emergency exists.

MINE LEVEL SIGNALS

Surface Shaft Collar - 1-2 Bells

500 Feet First Level - 2-1 Bells

18
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

Equipment Checks and Procedures

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

be tested by supporting the weight of a person wearing an apparatus. The other equipment such as fire extinguishers, gas

detectors, flame safety lamps, or, if used, oxygen indicators

shall be checked as indicated in the MSHA Contest Rules

Book and, if necessary, put into operating condition. The

team should also check to see that the other necessary equipment is ready and available. For contest purposes, a oneminute seal check simulating 10 minutes will be sufficient for

the Draeger multi-gas detector.

After the clock is started, only the five working team members and the fresh air base attendant will be permitted to do the

work at the fresh air base. Only one alternate will be allowed

to physically assist the team after the clock is started. Alternates may not participate in any work unless they are used as a

replacement for one of the working team members. However,

the alternate can communicate with the team from the fresh

air base.

19
Team Safety

Follow established procedures per the MSHA National

Contest Rules Book for the type of equipment used when getting under oxygen.

The team captain must now check each member’s apparatus. A team member must make the same checks on the captain’s apparatus. The judges will observe the operation and

adjustment of the apparatus.

The captain should see that the team line is properly

stretched out and that the team members are holding or are attached to the team line.

If a team encounters smoke, an apparatus check or personnel check is required before entering smoke. In smoke, all

team members must have hold of, or be fastened to, a lifeline.

The captain must now have the team count off either orally

or visually by the raising of hands.

The captain must give the signal to advance. The stretcher

bearers should pick up the stretchers, and the rear captain

shall relay the signal to the fresh air base. When the signal is

returned, the team may now advance into the mine.

Teams shall never travel through water over knee deep.

Entrances to all mine openings shall be examined. This examination should not cover more than 25 feet. In air clear of

smoke, these checks may be made without a lifeline, provided

the entire team does not go into the entrance.

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

captain must orally warn the team of such conditions as they

are encountered.

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

20
team to stop. The co-captain may take no more than two steps

forward after the horn blast before stopping. The captain now

checks the members and their apparatus to see if they are in

good condition and a team member checks the captain and

his/her apparatus. (This check must not be made on the cage.)

The procedure shall be followed at not more than twenty (20)

minute intervals while the team is working the problem. Additionally, apparatus removed in order to enter a confined

area or apparatus that has sustained possible damage from impact must be checked before continuing.

If all the apparatus are operating properly and the members

are in good condition, the team can now continue into the

mine.

The cage door must be kept closed and released to be in a

standby mode after the cage has been unloaded.

Advancing

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

separate gas tests should be made across each entry within 25

feet of each opening to the place turned off the entry. No place

which intersects entry direction should be passed without first

checking the condition of that place; that is, if a room is turned

from the entry, that intersection should be checked before examining the entry beyond the opening. Examination of any

intersection or entry shall not exceed 25 feet from the rear

captain. This means the captain can extend out and take gas

readings within the limits of the team line.

In case of entries turned from the entry being traveled, it is

a matter of choice which entry is to be followed and many

things must be taken into consideration in making the choice.

However, the openings of all places must be checked before

that place is passed. A team will be considered to have passed

21
an opening or intersection when the number 5 member is past

the opening.

While advancing, if a team encounters an impassable fall

or other condition that prevents the members from following

the normal course of travel into an area, they may break a

stopping and enter that area. If it becomes necessary to break

a stopping, the team shall erect a temporary stopping or stoppings that would have the same effect on the area that the

original stopping would have provided. Doors shall not be

opened without a prior knowledge of the conditions, unless a

temporary stopping has been erected.

Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance more than 3 feet beyond the 2nd intersection before tying

across and/or behind into all unexplored areas that intersect.

The second intersection will be determined by two crosscuts

on either side of the entry being traveled. The first intersection will be the blocked intersection. However, a team will be

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

Barricades

If a barricade is found, the team will take action to protect

the barricaded persons as indicated by the conditions found

outside the barricade. Before the barricade is opened, the entire area of the mine is assumed to be filled with an irrespirable atmosphere unless otherwise specified in the

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

and the temporary stopping should be as little as feasible;

however, it should be large enough for the team to enter.

When entering the barricaded area, the opening in the barricade should be kept to a minimum, the roof in the area shall be

tested, and gas tests 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%; or Carbon Monoxide

22
(CO) exceeds 4000 PPM (0.4%); or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

exceeds 700 PPM (.07%); or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceeds 100 PPM (.01%); or Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) exceeds 400

PPM (.04%); or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) exceeds 5%. 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. They must use

the proper tubes in accordance with the MSHA training modules.

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

barricade and proper protection cannot be provided for all of

them, the team in retreating should keep the openings in the

barricade and temporary stopping to a minimum so that as little irrespirable air will get into the barricaded area as possible.

If the area beyond the last survivor can be explored without

advancing the survivor, this should be done before retreating

with the survivor. When all the survivors have been removed

from the barricaded area, the enclosure may be opened as

wide as necessary for easy exit. Survivors must be secured to

the stretcher and covered with a blanket unless first aid procedures indicate other treatment is proper. If a person is found

behind a barricade or in a refuge chamber and the area is not

entered, the team may advance beyond the chamber for exploration. However, if survivor(s) can be safely evacuated

without changing conditions, they shall be evacuated before

any further exploration is done.

Dates and Initials

The date and the captain’s initials shall be marked at the

point of farthest advance of the team in any direction such as

at stoppings, faces of rooms and drifts, water over knee deep,

impassable falls, barricades, fires out of control, and at the

location of any survivors or bodies.

23
Map — Timing Device

When the team has covered the assigned territory and the

work has been completed, it should return to the fresh air base

and count off. After the team checks the map, the captain

should present the map to the persons in charge of the mine

and stop the timing device. The map person must use the standardized map legend provided in the MSHA Rules Book or

write everything out.

The marked map must show: the condition of all faces,

stoppings and doors; the location of all placards or materials;

the location of fires and barricades; and the location of dead

bodies and survivors (including identification). Temporary

stoppings that are erected shall also be shown as well as the

location of any gas found or indicated by placards. The map

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

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

across the entry with the appropriate mine map legend symbol.

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, with or without

regulators, so as to restrict the air flow to the fire and prevent

its further advance. The team must then, without undue delay,

find all other approaches to the fire and seal them. This does

not preclude systematic exploration of the area. Whether to

use seals with or without regulators and when to entirely seal

the fire must be decided by the team, after any necessary consultation with the official in charge. This decision will take

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

the classification of the mine (gassy/nongassy), the presence

of any explosive gases, the possible effects of any ventilation

change(s), and other pertinent data.

24
Gas Box Testing

Gas testing proficiency will be conducted either prior to or

following the mine problem. Gas testing will be judged. The

following gases will be tested in each of four boxes in this order: CO, CH4, NO2, and low O2. This test must be taken by

competing team members and the sixth member.

The gas-box team will provide three air-gas mixtures. A

4th box contains normal air. Instantaneous instrument readings are used to determine the accuracy of the contestant’s

reading. Discount points are charged if a contestant does not

report gas concentrations within acceptable limits.

Correct gas concentrations will be attained when reported

gas concentrations fall within the following ranges:

Oxygen. The range for correct readings will be determined

by adding 1% and deducting 1% from the gas-box concentration observed on the analytical instruments. For example, if

the gas-box concentration is observed to be 19.2%, then correct readings will be in the range from 18.2% (19.2 minus 1)

to 20.2% (19.2 plus 1) inclusive.

Methane. The range for correct readings will be determined by adding 0.2 and deducting 0.2 from the gas-box concentration observed on the analytical instruments. For

example, if the gas-box concentration is observed to be 1.8%,

then correct readings will be in the range from 1.6% (1.8 minus 0.2) to 2.0% (1.8 plus 0.2) inclusive.

All other gases using electronic instruments. Correct readings will be within 20% (inclusive) of the gas-box concentration observed on the analytical instruments. For example, if

the gas-box concentration is observed to be 140 ppm, then

correct readings will be in the range from 112 ppm (0.8 times

140) to 168 ppm (1.2 times 140) inclusive.

Any gas using stain tubes. Correct readings will be within

25% (inclusive) of the gas-box concentration observed on the

analytical instruments. For example, if the gas-box concen25
tration is observed to be 200 ppm, then correct readings will

be in the range from 150 ppm (.75 times 200) to 250 ppm

(1.25 times 200) inclusive.

Prior to performing the gas tests, contestants will be tested

on proper procedures in using and calibrating their instruments.

26
Gas Box Scorecard

Team Name ___________________Team Number_______

Instruments:

Gas Box Tests

1. Failure to make gas tests in proper order 1 ______

2. Improper procedure when testing with gas

detectors, each infraction 2 ______

3. Failure to determine gas concentration

within the prescribed error rate of the

detector used, each infraction 4 ______

METHANE

% CH4 Min. Accepted Max. Accepted % by

in box Indication Indication Examiner

_____ ________ ________ ________

CARBON MONOXIDE

ppm CO Min. Accepted Max. Accepted ppm by

in box Indication Indication Examiner

_____ ________ ________ ________

OXYGEN DEFICIENCY

% O2 Min. Accepted Max. Accepted % by

in box Indication Indication Examiner

_____ ________ ________ ________

NO2

ppm NO2 Min. Accepted Max. Accepted ppm by

in box Indication Indication Examiner

_____ ________ ________ ________

Total

________________________ Discounts __________

Gas Judge’s Signature

27
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE DISCOUNT SHEET

Judge #1 Discounts

1. Apparatus improperly assembled, each

apparatus 3 _____

2. Apparatus improperly adjusted to the wearer,

each infraction 1 _____

3. Failure to follow prescribed procedures for

going under oxygen, each person 3 _____

4. Apparatus part or parts worn or deteriorated

so as to be dangerous to wearer, each person 8 _____

5. Failure of captain to examine each apparatus

and have captain’s examined before entering

the mine, each apparatus each infraction 2 _____

6. A team member failing to carry identification upon his/her person, each member 2 _____

7. Team member not wearing protective

clothing, including safety shoes, hard hat,

permissible cap lamp, self-rescuer, each

infraction 2 _____

8. Failure of team captain to mark date and

team position number on the check board

at mine portal or fresh air base, or start

timing device, each omission 4 _____

9. Failure to be clean shaven in areas that

affect a good face-to-facepiece seal, each

infraction 2 _____

10. No work will be done prior to starting

the clock 4 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

28
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE INTERPRETATION

Judge #1

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

2. Shoulder straps, chest straps, etc., that are twisted or not

fastened. (Separate discount for each strap.) This discount

will be applied if the team captain or team member does

not correct it when the team goes under oxygen.

3. This will depend on type of apparatus used; the proper

procedure will be outlined in the apparatus section. Once

the team has entered the course, no further penalties can

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

4. Holes in the breathing tubes or straps worn to the extent

that they break during working of the problem while still

at the fresh air base, should not be discounted if they are

replaced prior to starting work in the mine.

5. The captain must examine the apparatus of team members

and have a team member examine the captain’s apparatus

before entering the mine. The person making the check

must obtain assurance from person being checked that

he/she is all right (asking if person is okay will suffice).

6. Metal tag on member’s belt with name and employee

identification number in addition to the team member’s

number on arm at or near the shoulder. Number on hat or

cap lamp is not acceptable.

7. All equipment must be permissible and operating before

advancing into the mine. In the event of an equipment failure other than a SCBA, the team will fix it, use the backup, or return to the FAB to replace the failed equipment.

8. Captain must mark date and team position number on

check board after clock is started, and the captain must

stop the clock after the map is turned in.

9. Self-explanatory.

10. This includes unloading the stretcher and stretching of the

link line.

29
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

UNDERGROUND DISCOUNT SHEET

Judge #1 Discounts

1. Breathing external air while working

problem, each team member, each infraction 10_____

2. Team not following proper procedure in case

of apparatus failure, each infraction 10_____

3. Failure to use posted hoisting signals,

each infraction 1_____

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

team he/she has recognized bad ground.

b. Failure of the captain to verbally indicate

he/she is checking the back or roof;

1. at intersections, shaft stations, rooms,

faces, and mine openings;

2. at all points of farthest advance;

3. before building or erecting any structure;

4. upon passing through any barricade,

stopping, bulkhead, air lock; door; check

curtain, or similar barrier;

5. at the location of fire or intense heat.

c. Any team member performing work or

moving into any part of an area during a

team stop before the captain has visually

checked the ground conditions in that

part, each infraction

d. Failure to close shaft station gate 5_____

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

her initials at the point of farthest advance of

the team in any direction such as at stoppings,

faces of rooms and drifts, water over knee

deep, impassable falls, barricades, fires out

of control, and at the location of any live

persons or bodies, each omission (maximum

10 discounts) 2_____

30
6. Failure of team to stop within 50 feet of

the fresh air base or at the shaft station to

perform personnel and apparatus checks,

upon their first entry into the mine 4 _____

7. Team member(s) not making apparatus

check after removing apparatus to traverse

restricted clearance or after apparatus has

sustained possible damage from impact

(total team discounts, each incident) 4 _____

8. 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 _____

9. Failure of team to explore or examine

workings systematically and thoroughly,

each omission 4 _____

10. Teams must be checked immediately before

entering smoke 5 _____

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

possible, without undue delay 8 _____

12. Failure to examine apparatus at not more than

20-minute intervals. Each minute or fraction

thereof (maximum 5 discounts per incident) 1 _____

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

explosion of an explosive air/gas mixture. 30 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

31
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

UNDERGROUND INTERPRETATION

Judge #1

1. Working all or part of problem without a facepiece or

working with inhalation hose disconnected.

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

3. Hoist shaft signals will be posted at shaft stations and will

be used to notify the hoistman of intended movement and

cage release.

4. a. Must so indicate before any other team member passes

the placard. This applies each time such a placard is

reached; when retreating the rear captain must do this.

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

2. Includes checking in front of any physical barrier to

advancement.

3. Including erecting or breaching stoppings, barricades,

curtains, etc.

4. Must be so indicated before physically passing through.

5. Must be so indicated immediately upon reaching

the placard indicating fire or intense heat.

c. This means the captain’s physical presence is necessary before any part of an area can be considered as

having been examined.

5. Such places only need be marked once and so marked must

be indicated on the map. Date means month, day, and year.

6. This check must be made:

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

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

entrances prior to working the problem);

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

and before the team leaves the shaft station.

7. This apparatus check must be made as soon as all team

members have passed through the restricted area and before any other work is done. Additionally, this apparatus

check must be made immediately after any apparatus has

sustained a blow which might cause damage to it.

32
8. Examples of endangerment include, but are not limited to:

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

1. travels under bad roof or ground;

2. travels into and through water over knee deep;

3. travels over or under an open ore pass or ore pocket

into which they could fall or be injured by falling

objects.;

4. advances past a sign indicating intense heat or fire

out of control;

b. The entire team will be considered endangered and 75

points assessed for:

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

presence of fire or flooding, prior to traveling

through it. For contest purposes, this check may be

done by placing combustible materials on the cage

and having the cage lowered to the level to be explored, then raising it to the collar;

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

explosive gases are found in a non-gassy mine

c. Utilizing electric or battery-powered equipment in

potentially explosive air/gas atmosphere. For contest

purposes, a potentially explosive atmosphere would be

an air mixture containing over 1% methane (CH4). It

would also include any other air/gas mixture which

has a reasonable potential to reach an explosive

range. Ignition sources would include any communication device, unless designated as sound-powered or

intrinsically safe.

9. This will be assessed for not exploring all areas of the

mine that can be explored without endangering team, if

problem requires entire mine to be explored, or leaving

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

be tied across and behind before advancing. Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance more

than 3 feet beyond the second intersection before tying

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

to the fresh air base and exploring into other drifts at the

discretion of the team and according to conditions of the

33
mine. Shafts must be checked for possible damage, water,

or fire, and must be traveled to be considered explored.

All shafts must be traveled, if possible, before proceeding

beyond the 2nd intersection.

10. Personnel checks, not necessarily an apparatus check. The

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

is all right will suffice).

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

responsibility of systematic exploration.

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

13. Each infraction:

a. Changing conditions of the mine ventilation system

in such a manner that an explosive mixture is moved

over an ignition source. Changing conditions of the

mine ventilation system in such a manner that an explosive mixture is moved over an unexplored area. If a team

explores all sides of an overcast or undercast, both ends

of a ventilation shaft, or the top and bottom of shafts

when the shaft cannot be traveled, the in-between areas

are considered explored for ventilation purposes.

b. Continuing exploration after conditions are found

to indicate an imminent explosion is possible by the

presence of an explosive mixture and the evidence of

fire (smoke or carbon monoxide) and the location of

the fire is unknown. A team must continue to explore if

it knows there is a continuous nonexplosive separation

between the explosive mixture and the evidence of fire.

Utilizing electric or battery-powered equipment in potentially explosive air/gas atmosphere. For contest purposes, a potentially explosive atmosphere would be an

air mixture containing over 1% methane (CH4). It

would also include any other air/gas mixture which

has a reasonable potential to reach an explosive

range. Ignition sources would include any communication device, unless designated as sound-powered or

intrinsically safe.

34
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE DISCOUNT SHEET

Judge #2 Discounts

1. Failure to take necessary equipment and gas

detecting devices to work the problem,

each omission 4 _____

2. Failure to have equipment and gas detecting

devices ready for testing and failure to

properly test each piece of equipment,

including stretchers, each omission 2 _____

3. Gas detectors, testers, and/or indicators

failing to function properly upon testing. If

not corrected before entering the mine,

each infraction 2 _____

4. Failure to secure extra apparatus to stretcher,

each omission 4 _____

5. Testers or detectors improperly assembled

or defective parts used 8 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

35
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE INTERPRETATION

Judge #2

1. Failure to take necessary equipment or testing devices

underground, discount should be assessed even if teams

return to fresh air base to pick up necessary equipment.

2. All equipment and gas detecting devices must be checked;

however, fire extinguishers need not be activated — a visual check will suffice. Proper test of gas detecting devices

will be determined by the type used and the procedure

outlined in the MSHA Contest Rules Book. Proper

stretcher tests means lifting the stretcher with team

member wearing apparatus, lying prone on stretcher.

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

3. Faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced.

4. Extra apparatus must be secured to stretcher to prevent it

from falling off.

5. 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.

36
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

UNDERGROUND DISCOUNT SHEET

Judge #2 Discounts

1. Failure to make necessary gas tests where

required, each omission 1 _____

2. Improper procedure when testing with gas

detectors, each infraction 2 _____

3. Intentional causing of a test instrument to

inflate faster than tests indicate that it should,

each infraction 1 _____

4. Traveling at more than a normal walking

speed 8 _____

5. Team member talking to an unauthorized

person without permission of the judges or

supervisors, each infraction 5 _____

6. Failure to erect temporary barricade when

necessary, each infraction 10 _____

7. Failure to erect temporary barricade, seal, or

stopping reasonably airtight, each infraction 2 _____

8. Less than 5 members entering, working or

completing problem, each person 8 _____

9. Any team passing a card indicating a

condition in the mine before determining the

information on the card, each infraction 2 _____

10. Failure to make necessary ventilation

changes or changing ventilation or electric

power before the effects of such changes are

known, each infraction 15 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

37
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

UNDERGROUND INTERPRETATION

Judge #2

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

When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, rooms,

or drifts turned off the drift that is being traveled, separate

gas tests shall be made rib to rib across each entry and

each opening to the places turned off the entry. No place

shall be passed without first checking the condition of that

place. That is, if a room is turned from the entry, that

room shall be checked before examining the entry beyond

the opening. This does not necessarily hold true in cases

of entries. In cases of entries turned from the entry being

traveled, it is a matter of choice which entry is to be followed and many things must be taken into consideration

in making the choice. However, the openings of all places

must be checked before that place is passed. A team will

be considered to have passed an opening or intersection

when the No. 5 member is past the opening.

2. This will depend on type of instrument used. Improper

procedure when testing includes the location of the instrument when testing or using a gas detection device beyond

it’s limits or range. For example, a methane detector must

be held overhead when testing because methane (CH4) is

light and will be found in high places near the back or

roof. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is relatively heavy and will

be found in greater concentrations along the floor and in

low places. Therefore, this test must be made with the

tester below the waist. Carbon monoxide (CO) is slightly

lighter than air so this test must be made at chest height.

3. Self-explanatory

4. Teams traveling obviously faster than a normal walk (a

majority of judges must concur on this) shall be discounted.

38
5. Do not hesitate to assess this discount; however, explain

and name unauthorized person on discount card and state

instructions given, if known.

6. Where conditions are unknown, stoppings, doors and

barricades require construction of temporary stopping

by a team before a team may make openings in the preexisting stoppings, doors, etc. This does not apply to existing check or drop curtains used to direct the air current.

When retreating out of a barricade or coming back

through a stopping where an air lock has been erected, it

will not be necessary to air lock on the way out, if this

will not change any existing ventilation.

7. Temporary barricade, seal, or stopping must be fastened

at top, sides, and bottom. Simulating fastening a barricade

is not acceptable. Air curtains that have to be upgraded to

temporary stoppings, such as a curtain that directs airflow, require additional material such as a 2-by-4 on the

bottom of the curtain and nailed to make a good seal.

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

working the problem.

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

10. Teams must confer with the official in charge before

changing the ventilation or electric power, and such

things as explosive gases and the safety of trapped

miners and rescue personnel must be considered. Teams

do not have to exit the mine to change power or ventilation, if they can inform the FAB by approved communication devices available. Conversing with the FAB does

not relieve the team of the responsibility of their decision.

39
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE DISCOUNT SHEET

Judge #3 Discounts

1. Failure to test the communication system or

arrange with judges the signals to be used 3 _____

2. Failure to give proper notification with

lifeline or communication system of team’s

intentions, each infraction 2 _____

3. Failure to connect phone when applicable

before entering the mine 2 _____

4. Failure to take lifeline or wire communication

system into the mine 10 _____

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

or leaving the mine 2 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

40
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SURFACE INTERPRETATION

Judge #3

1. Standard horn blasts or other audible signals between

team members will be used:

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

2 blasts - “Advance”

3 blasts - “Retreat”

4 blasts - “Distress”

2. Failure to notify fresh air base with phone or lifeline of

team’s intentions would include advancing or retreating

team prior to giving signal or notifying fresh air base and

receiving reply. When advancing, and captain gives signal

to stop, No. 5 member may not move more than 2 steps. If

team is stopped and captain gives signal to retreat or advance, the No. 5 member must await return signal prior to

starting to move. The No. 5 member may move from side

to side to give captain more area when team is connected

by lifeline in smoke or by telephone line as long as he/she

does not pull or give line. All team members must hold or

be attached to the lifeline at all times while traveling. If

taglines are used between team members and the team

line, they shall be no longer than 3 feet in length. Do not

apply this to movement at the fresh air base.

3. Self-explanatory.

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

mine.

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

must be done prior to team entering the mine. It does not

have to be done prior to checking portals. Hand or audible

counting off is acceptable. It is not necessary to count off

upon reentry or leaving mine; however, the team is also

required to count off when completing problem.

41
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 _____

2. Survivor care:

a. Failure to adequately examine and assess

each person found in the mine for possible

injury or illness, each infraction 4 _____

b. Failure to properly treat any injury or illness

which is, or should have been, revealed by

the examination, each infraction 4 _____

3. In smoke, any team member not having hold

of lifeline, or not having it firmly attached to

his/her person, each infraction 2 _____

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

hold of lifeline, each infraction 2 _____

5. Intentionally detaching/severing lifeline 5 _____

6. Failure to bring live person to surface or

fresh air base by the end of the problem,

each omission 10 _____

7. Failure to locate bodies, each omission 10 _____

8. Failure to find live persons, each omission 10 _____

9. Failure to properly protect live person or

persons, each person 10 _____

10. Failure to follow proper procedure when

putting apparatus on survivor, each infraction 5 _____

11. Assistance given by supposedly unconscious

person, each infraction 5 _____

42
12. Transporting survivor in unexplored territory,

leaving survivor unattended, and moving

survivor in any direction except toward the

fresh air base, each infraction 6 _____

13. Improper signaling with lifeline, if method

is not corrected, each infraction 1 _____

14. The team performing an act that results in

the death or injury of a patient. Examples

of this would be:

a. Entering a barricade with toxic gases

outside.

b. Directing toxic gases over a survivor

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 a survivor from

toxic gases 50 _____

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base of an

explosive gas. 10 _____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

43
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

UNDERGROUND INTERPRETATION

Judge #3

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

legs, covered with blanket, and placed so as not to crimp

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

2. This will be based on the most current MSHA First Aid

Book and MSHA Mine Rescue Training Module 2206

“Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies.” (This

book may be ordered from the National Mine Health and

Safety Academy. See page 10.) A team must deal with a

victim(s), if there is either visual or verbal contact, if the

rescue can be done without violating procedures. Visual

contact requires the captain’s presence in the area. Verbal

contact is any voice communication from the victim that

can reasonably be expected to be heard by the team.

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

clear of smoke before any team member drops lifeline.

This discount can be assessed when checking entrances or

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

team member is in smoke.

4. Self-explanatory.

5. Self-explanatory.

6. Self-explanatory.

7. Self-explanatory.

8. Self-explanatory.

9. Among other things, using an auxiliary self-contained

breathing apparatus or self-rescuer on a live person

instead of an approved 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour self--

contained breathing apparatus is a failure to properly

protect that survivor.

10. Self-explanatory.

44
11. Applies to person sitting up unassisted or moving arms so

as to help in putting on apparatus. (Only applies if person

is member of the team and not an MSHA employee.)

12. If a person is found behind a barricade or in a refuge

chamber in a contaminated area, and the barricade or

refuge chamber is not entered, the team may advance.

13. Improper signals would apply only to signals transmitted

between the No. 5 team member and the fresh air base.

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

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base when:

a. an explosive air/gas mixture is encountered.

b. an explosive gas (any concentration) is encountered

in a non-gassy mine.

45
DISCOUNT SHEET

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Company Name: __________________________________

Team Name: _____________________________________

Draw Number: ___________________________________

Discounts

For each incorrect answer for each person

(1 discount)

No. 1 person _______

No. 2 person _______

No. 3 person _______

No. 4 person _______

No. 5 person _______

No. 6 person (substitute) _______

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Judge’s Signature

MAP

Failure to record information on map

OR

Not recording information accurately on map

(within 6 feet of actual location measured from

the center point of the object), each infraction 1______

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Map Examiner’s Signature

46
TIME

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 ____

Team No. __________________

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Timekeeper’s Signature

GAS BOXES

1. Failure to make gas tests in proper order 1_____

2. Improper procedure when testing with gas

detectors, each infraction 2_____

3. Failure to determine gas concentration within

the prescribed error rate of the detector used,

each infraction 4_____

Total

_______________________ Discounts __________

Gas Judge’s Signature

47
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST — BG-4

GENERAL RULES

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

the Mine Rescue Contest, unless approved by the Contest

Director.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. Each Benchman’s Contest participant shall take the same

number as that drawn by the team he/she represents. No

switching of numbers will be allowed.

4. Novice (one that has not competed in a regional or national competition) Benchman will compete first in order

to allow them the opportunity to observe other benchmen,

upon their approval.

5. The Benchman’s Contest will be held on the day after the

Mine Rescue Field Competition at a designated location

and time. 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.

6. 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.

7. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. In

the event of a tie, total time will be the first tiebreaker.

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

each succeeding deficiency thereafter.

8. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a fiveminute review of test answers will be conducted by the

48
test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted

within one hour of the five-minute review.

9. The bench appeals committee ruling will be final.

10. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the

apparatus, 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.

11. A trophy will be awarded for first, second, third, and

fourth place 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 manufacturer recommendations. The contestants

will be assessed two discount points for each incorrect or

unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions

or answers will be determined to be incorrect by the test

judge and discounts assessed.

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

MONTHLY APPARATUS CHECKS/

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the exhalation valve test forward and recorded. If and when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out to the

judge and properly correct and record any and all deficiencies. High and medium pressure leak checks must be

performed while the oxygen is in the on position (after the

pre-flush test); visuals can be performed at any time during the 30-minute time limit.

2. Hoses must be connected to the RZ-25 tester and the

breathing apparatus prior to any repair work, other than

visual examination. Hoses and mask must be connected to

the apparatus, with cover on, prior to stopping the clock.

49
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: 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. Twenty-five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found.

8. Five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not

corrected.

9. Five 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

and attached to the apparatus and draped over the cover.

JUDGING

1. All judges must have a Level 2 Bench Training Certificate, as per described by Draeger.

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

50
deficiencies. Judges shall instruct contestants that upon

turning back to face the apparatus, the clock will start.

5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis, there will be a five-minute review, at

which time the judge will discuss discounts. After review,

both judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard

(see page 53).

51
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BG-4

Judges’ Working Scorecard

APPARATUS SERIAL # Bench Person __________

Test Date Company _____________

Visual Inspection

Low Pressure Alarm

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure Leak

High Pressure Leak

Constant Metering (Dosage)

Minimum Valve Time to Complete Problem

Bypass Valve Min ______ Sec ______

Relief Valve

Residual Warning Discounts

Battery ________

Test OK (initials) Written ______

Replacement Parts Monthly ______

Bugs not found ________

Bugs not corrected ______

Total Discounts ________

Judges________________

Bench Person __________

ANY TESTS LEFT BLANK -

5 DISCOUNTS _____

Test not performed in order -

5 Discounts _____

52

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug ________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BG-4

Bench Person __________

Company _____________

Problems Found Corrected

0

1

2

3

4

5

Judge’s Signature

Bench Person’s Signature

53
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST — BG-174A

GENERAL RULES

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

the Mine Rescue Contest, unless approved by the Contest

Director.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. Each Benchman’s Contest participant shall take the same

number as that drawn by the team he/she represents. No

switching of numbers will be allowed.

4. Novice (one that has not competed in a regional or national competition) Benchman will compete first in order

to allow them the opportunity to observe other benchmen,

upon their approval.

5. The Benchman’s Contest will be held on the day after the

Mine Rescue Field Competition at a designated location

and time. 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.

6. 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.

7. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. In

the event of a tie, total time will be the first tie breaker.

The written test will be the second tie breaker. Third tie

breaker will be the time to find the first deficiency and

each succeeding deficiency thereafter.

8. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a fiveminute review of test answers will be conducted by the

54
test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted

within one hour of the five-minute review.

9. The bench appeals committee ruling will be final.

10. 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 judge will

stop the clock and correct the deficiency.

11. A trophy will be awarded for first, second, third, fourth,

fifth, and sixth place 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

MSHA Training Module 2004. The contestants will be assessed two discount points for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions or

answers will be determined to be incorrect by the test

judge and discounts assessed.

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

MONTHLY APPARATUS CHECKS/

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the exhalation valve test forward and recorded. If and when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out to the

judge and properly correct and record any and all deficiencies. High and medium pressure leak checks must be

performed while the oxygen is in the on position (after the

pre-flush test); visuals can be performed at any time during the 30-minute time limit.

2. Hoses must be connected to the RZ-25 tester and the

breathing apparatus prior to any repair work, other than

visual examination. Hoses and mask must be connected to

the apparatus, with cover on, prior to stopping the clock.

55
3. Contestants may return to correct any uncorrected deficiencies within the time limit. The monthly apparatus

checks will be those found on page 135 of MSHA Training Module 2004. The Oxygen Control Assembly Number and the Demand Valve Assembly Number will not be

required to be recorded.

4. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will be a

one-time discount of five (5) points assessed.

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted as not performed. For example: exhalation test

performed with the dial on the RZ tester set on positive.

6. Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed to complete all

checks, record and correct any and all deficiencies, and be

ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning

given by the judge when time is about to expire.

7. Twenty-five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found.

8. Five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not

corrected.

9. Five 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 attached to face piece and

connected to the apparatus and draped over the cover

(ready to wear).

JUDGING

1. All judges must have a Level 2 Bench Training Certificate, as per described by Draeger.

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants.

56
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.

5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis, there will be a five-minute review, at

which time the judge will discuss discounts. After review,

both judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard

(see page 59).

57
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BG-174A

Judges’ Working Scorecard

APPARATUS SERIAL # Bench Person __________

Test Date Company _____________

Visual Inspection

Cylinder Pressure

Canister/Regenerative, Refillable

filled Fact. Sealed? Exp?

Facepiece and Hoses

Exhalation Valve

Inhalation Valve

Relief Valve (opens +10 to +40 mm)

Pos. Pres. Leak Test Time to Complete Problem

Neg. Pres. Leak Test Min ______ Sec ______

Preflush

Gauge Equalization Discounts

Breathing Bag Volume Test ________

Lung Demand Valve Written ______

By-pass Monthly ______

Dosage Test (1.4 to 1.7 mbar) Bugs not found ________

Whistle Activation Bugs not corrected ______

Whistle Duration (20 to 60 seconds) Total Discounts ________

Pres. Gauge Shutoff

High & Med. Pres. Leaks

Test OK (initials) Judges________________

Replacement Parts Bench Person __________

ANY TESTS LEFT BLANK -

5 DISCOUNTS _____

Test not performed in order -

5 Discounts _____

58

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug ________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BG-174A

Bench Person __________

Company _____________

Problems Found Corrected

0

1

2

3

4

5

Judge’s Signature

Bench Person’s Signature

59
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST — BioPak 240

GENERAL RULES

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

the Mine Rescue Contest, unless approved by the Contest

Director.

2. Registration will be made with the team registration.

3. Each Benchman’s Contest participant shall take the same

number as that drawn by the team he/she represents. No

switching of numbers will be allowed.

4. Novice (one that has not competed in a regional or national competition) Benchman will compete first in order

to allow them the opportunity to observe other benchmen,

upon their approval.

5. The Benchman’s Contest will be held on the day after the

Mine Rescue Field Competition at a designated location

and time. 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.

6. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully

assembled BioPak 240, a Test/Service Kit, defogging

solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to

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

7. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. In

the event of a tie, total time will be the first tiebreaker.

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

each succeeding deficiency thereafter.

8. At a pre-designated time after the written test, a fiveminute review of test answers will be conducted by the

60
test judge. All appeals must be in writing and submitted

within one hour of the five-minute review.

9. The bench appeals committee ruling will be final.

10. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the apparatus, 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.

11. A trophy will be awarded for first and second place 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

BioMarine manufacturer recommendations. The contestants will be assessed two discount points 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. Hoses must be connected to the tester and the breathing

apparatus prior to any repair work, other than visual examination. Hoses and mask must be connected to the apparatus, with cover on, prior to stopping the clock.

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

61
4. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will be a

one-time discount of five (5) points assessed.

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted as not performed. For example: exhalation test

performed with the dial on the 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. Twenty-five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not found.

8. Five discounts will be assessed for each deficiency not

corrected.

9. Five 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

and attached to the apparatus and draped over the cover

(ready to wear).

JUDGING

1. All judges must have a Biomarine Training Certificate, as

per described by Biomarine.

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.

62
5. After completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/

Problem Diagnosis there will be a five-minute review,

at which time the judge will discuss discounts. After

review, both judge and contestant will sign the judge’s

scorecard (see page 65).

63
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BioPak 240

Judges’ Working Scorecard

APPARATUS SERIAL # Bench Person __________

Test Date Company _____________

Visual Inspection

Plumbing Leak Test

Constant Flow Test 1.78 - 1.9

Breathing System Leak Test

Time to Complete Problem

Min ______ Sec ______

Discounts

________

Written ______

Monthly ______

Bugs not found ________

Bugs not corrected ______

Total Discounts ________

Judges________________

Bench Person __________

ANY TESTS LEFT BLANK -

5 DISCOUNTS _____

Test not performed in order -

5 Discounts _____

All tests shall be conducted in order, starting with visual

inspection.

Any test not performed correctly will be considered as not

being performed.

64

Time

0 Bug _________

1st Bug _________

2nd Bug ________

3rd Bug _________

4th Bug _________

5th Bug _________
Team No. __________ Benchman’s Contest — BioPak 240

Bench Person __________

Company _____________

Problems Found Corrected

0

1

2

3

4

5

Judge’s Signature

Bench Person’s Signature

65
DRAEGER

TESTING PROCEDURE

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection Check for good condition.

2. Insert O2Cylinder 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 Adjust

Cap off exhalation hose.

Connect inhalation hose to

exhalation valve.

Neg. Pres. Pumping Bag should not begin to

deflate after 5 seconds

6. Inhalation Valve Connect inhalation hose to

inhalation valve (saliva trap

should be vertical).

Pos. Pres. Pumping Bag should not begin to

inflate after 5 seconds.

7. Relief Valve Connect exhalation hose to

exhalation valve.

Alternate Relief Pos. Pres. Pumping

Valve Test (Per- Fill bag. Relief valve should

formed after open between +10 and

Step 10) +40 mm H20 (+1 and +4

mbar).

8. Pos. Pres. Leak Plug relief valve and whistle.

Pos. Pres. Pumping

Pump up to +100 mm H20

(+10 mbar).

Leak Test

Bleed needle down to +70

mm H20 (+7 mbar).

Start stopwatch, observe

meter for 60 seconds.

Should not drop more than

10 mm H20 (1 mbar).

9. Neg. Pres. Leak Remove plug from relief

valve only.

Neg. Pres. Pumping

Pump down to -100 mm

H20 (-10 mbar).

Leak Test

Bleed needle up to -70 mm

H20 (-7 mbar).

Start stopwatch, observe

meter for 60 seconds.

Should not drop more than

10 mm H20 (1 mbar).

66
TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

10. Preflush/Pres. Remove plug from whistle.

Gauge

Equalization

Neg. Pres. Pumping

Open O2 cylinder valve.

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

H20 (+1 and +4 mbar).

11. Lung Demand Neg. Pres. Pumping

Valve/Breathing Pump and count strokes.

Bag Volume Should be at least 10

strokes before demand valve

opens. Valve should open

between -10 and -40 mm

H20 (-1 and -4 mbar).

12. By-pass/Constant Red Dosage Test

Dosage (0.5 to 2 LPM)

Plug relief valve vent.

Press by-pass valve until

needle reads 1.7 LPM on

outside red scale.

Needle should settle between

1.4 and 1.7 LPM (at sea

level).

13. Whistle Activation Remove plug from relief

valve vent.

Close O2 cylinder valve.

Observe chest gauge.

Whistle should sound at 20

to 25 percent of full cylinder pressure.

14. Whistle Duration/ Neg. Pres. Pumping

Pres. Gauge Lift pressure gauge shutoff

Shutoff lever.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Start stopwatch. Whistle

should sound for 20 to 60

seconds.

Chest pressure gauge should

read zero.

Return shutoff valve to down

position.

15. High and Med. Cylinder valve still open.

Pres. Leak Check for leaks.

Shut off valve after test.

67
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.

68
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.

Exhale slowly and forcibly into the facepiece. Pressure

should build up in the facepiece before leaking between

the facepiece seal and the face, indicating a good seal.

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.

MINE RESCUE QUESTIONS

DRAEGER BG-4

1. The minimum valve automatically activates when the

______________ becomes deflated during heavy work.

2. When the warning alarm begins to beep for 30 seconds

and the red LED flashes, it means that the oxygen cylinder

pressure is below 750 psi.

________ TRUE FALSE ________

3. A leak in a positive apparatus will have which of the

following results:

a. Prevent infiltration of toxic gases

b. Activate the warning alarm

c. Shorten the duration of the apparatus

d. a & b

e. a & c

f. None of the above

69
4. To be filled to 3,135 psi, the 3,000 psi cylinder must be

______________ rated by the hydro-tester.

5. Use of ice to cool the breathing gas is not necessary when

the temperatures the apparatus will be used at is above 32o

F.

________ TRUE FALSE ________

6. When the BG-4 is stored, the breathing connector must be

capped to prevent the following:

a. Leakage of oxygen from cylinder

b. Toxic gases infiltrating the breathing circuit

c. To maintain the ice block frozen

d. To maintain the soda lime fresh until ready for use

e. It is not required during storage

7. The mask should be donned only after the cylinder

valve has been opened.

________ TRUE FALSE ________

8. For maximum comfort, the weight of the BG-4 backpack

should rest on the __________ of the user.

9. The BG-4 electronic monitor will perform a high pressure

leak test when the cylinder valve is turned on and automatically tests the ____________ when the cylinder valve

is turned off.

10. Which step is not included in the donning procedure:

a. Open harness straps

b. Plugging the connector in the facepiece

c. Drain the water collection tube

d. Open cylinder valve

e. Check digital pressure indicator

ANSWERS

1. Breathing bag 6. d

2. True 7. False

3. e 8. hips

4. Plus (+) 9. battery

5. False 10. c

70
DRAEGER BG-174, 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.

71
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.

MINE RESCUE QUESTIONS

DRAEGER BG-174 AND 174A APPARATUS

All questions are taken from MSHA Training Module

Number 2004.

1. The vacuum required to cause the demand valve to begin

functioning is between minus 15 and minus __________

millimeters water gauge.

2. The constant-flow system consists of a metering nozzle or

drilled orifice which delivers a constant flow of oxygen to

the wearer at a rate of:

a. 1.5 liters per second

b. 1.9 liters per minute

c. 1.3 liter per second

d. None of the above

3. The pressure reducer within the regulator assembly reduces the high pressure of the oxygen from the cylinder

to a working pressure of approximately 57 psi.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

4. The safety cap on the oxygen cylinder contains a frangible copper disk which will rupture and provide for the

escape of oxygen if the cylinder is exposed to excessive

_____________ or pressure.

72
5. The corrugated breathing tube assembly has a cooling attachment or may have a saliva trap located on the exhalation hose.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

6. A lever arm which, during wearing of the apparatus, is secured in the horizontal open position by a wire and lead

seal can be rotated upward 30 degrees thereby closing:

a. Reducing valve

b. Cylinder shutoff valve

c. Pressure gauge shutoff valve

d. Preflush valve

7. If the wearer of the Draeger apparatus dons the apparatus

and closes off the inhalation tube, inhales, and the facepiece collapses, this indicates that the _______________

valve is operating properly.

8. By depressing the button of the _______________ valve,

there should be an audible flow of oxygen into the closed

breathing circuit, and a visible filling of the breathing bag.

9. Temperature extremes at which the apparatus will operate

are from +14 degrees F (-10 degrees C) to about +300 degrees F (+145 degrees C) with a full, four-hour cylinder.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

10. The preflush unit contains components so designed that

when the cylinder shutoff valve is opened, the breathing

bag is flushed with about _________ quarts of oxygen.

ANSWERS

1. 40 6. c

2. d 7. Exhalation

3. True 8. by-pass

4. Heat-Temperature 9. True

5. False 10. 7

73
BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240 AND 240P 4-HOUR

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

Procedures for getting under oxygen:

(1) Fill the CO2 absorbent tray if the unit has not been stored

in a ready-to-use condition, and install the tray in the unit. (2)

Install the frozen coolant canister in the unit. (3) Don the unit;

tighten the cinching straps, buckle the seat belt and attach the

chest strap. (4) Hold the facepiece snugly against the chin. Pull

the head harness over the head. Tighten the chin straps, then the

temple straps and then the top head strap. Check to be certain

that the nose cup fits properly over the nose and mouth. (5)

Open the bottle valve fully. Listen for a short chirp from the

alarm whistle. The bottle valve must be opened immediately

AFTER donning the facepiece. Oxygen is wasted if the valve is

turned on sooner. (6) Check the chest-mounted pressure gauge.

It should read at least 3000 psig within one minute.

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.

74
MINE RESCUE QUESTIONS

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240 and 240P

All questions are taken from the Operation and Maintenance Manual or from the MSHA List of Statements of Fact

for the BioPak 240 and 240P.

1. The BioPak 240 maintains a ___________ pressure in the

mask to prevent inward leakage of contaminants.

2. The regulator reduces the pressure from the oxygen bottle

to approximately ____________ psi.

3. The user should only use a ___________ lubricant to lubricate o-rings.

4. The leak test fixture should be inflated to about a

___________ degree angle.

5. The leak test fixture should be observed for ___________

minutes to determine if the breathing system has any leaks.

6. The breathing system leak test, using the leak test fixture,

also checks the unit for leaks in the plumbing.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

7. The flow restrictor meters oxygen into the BioPak 240

and 240P at _____________ liters per minute.

8. The by-pass valve will clear facepiece fogging.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

9. The chest-mounted pressure gauge indicates service life

when the oxygen bottle valve is open or closed.

_______ TRUE FALSE _______

10. The alarm whistle sounds when the cylinder pressure

reaches approximately ____________ psi.

75
ANSWERS

1. Positive 6. False

2. 260 7. 1.78 + .13

3. Silicone 8. False

4. 45 9. False

5. 2 10. 750

76
GENERAL RULES FOR

CONDUCTING THE METAL NONMETAL

NATIONAL FIRST AID CONTEST

1. The First Aid Contest will consist of one or a group of

first aid problems and a written examination.

2. Contest officials will be comprised of a Contest Coordinator, Judges, and an Isolation Official.

3. One first aid team will be allowed to compete for each

team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest, unless approved by the Contest director.

4. Any three team members can be the first aid team, and

will be picked from the remaining team members after the

gas man has been designated at time of registration.

5. Each team entering the metal/nonmetal first aid competition will compete in reverse order of their relative team

position.

6. All first aid team members will remain in isolation until

their team name is called.

7. All first aid team members will attend a briefing as to the

scenario before the first aid problem.

8. Each team must furnish the basic first aid supplies needed

to complete the problem unless specified by the contest

coordinator that the supplies will be available at a specific

station.

9. If participating team members need additional help, such

as transporting or moving a patient, help will be provided.

10. There will be a minimum of two (2) judge coordinators at

each of the first aid stations.

11. Each judge will be assigned specific tasks to be scored

prior to the judging and will record his findings on a specific scoring card issued prior to the contest.

77
12. Judges must be current in first aid methods and knowledgeable in the station they will be judging.

13. There will be three (3) separate first aid stations (not

necessarily in any order). Contestants need not follow

the below mentioned sequences of first aid stations.

a. Artificial respiration, one-rescuer CPR, and obstructed

airway.

b. Trauma assessment/management, primary assessment,

and control of bleeding.

c. Splinting/extremity fractures, spinal immobilization,

four person log roll.

Artificial respiration will be assessed in conjunction with

CPR. The judge will ask the contestant to perform artificial ventilation after completing four cycles of 15 compressions and 2 ventilations in CPR. Artificial respiration

will be performed for one minute at one breath every five

seconds. The use of watches or other timing devices by

contestants is prohibited.

14. Each team member will be handed the first aid scenario

and the clock will be started.

15. Judges must keep an accurate time and note it on scoring

sheets for tie breaker purposes.

a. If two or more teams tie in score, the times noted on

score sheets by judges will be used to break the tie.

Second tie breaker will be scores on the written test.

16. Judges will not discuss any first aid problem with contestant teams unless there are technical problems.

17. After the scorecards are checked and points tabulated, the

judge will review the team’s discounts with the team.

This review will be limited to five minutes. All protests of

the discounts assessed will be in writing within thirty (30)

minutes after the review.

18 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.

78
19. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers,

and news media approved by the contest director will be

permitted in the first aid stations.

20. All equipment used to solve the first aid problem will be

picked up by the team prior to moving on to their next

prospective station.

21. CPR and abdominal thrusts will not be performed on a

live person.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. Teams shall not be discounted for doing more than the

problem calls for, unless it is detrimental to the patient or

improper care.

25. 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.

26. The winning six teams will be announced during the banquet.

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

ratings 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.

28. On the day prior to the contest, a meeting will be held to

discuss officials’ and judges’ assignments and training, if

needed. All personnel who will be officiating during the

contest shall attend this meeting. The contest rules will be

79
given to judges at this time, so they can become familiar

with them prior to the event.

29. Officials and judges assigned to officiate the event that

are unable to perform their duties, must give one day advanced notice to the Contest Coordinator, so a replacement can be found and scheduled.

30. The U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA official “First Aid

Book” (most current edition), the published rules and the

interpretations of the discount sheet are hereby authorized

for reference and guidance.

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

for reference purposes during the problem solving or between working stations.

32. There will be no simulations on the patient. All dressings

and splints must be placed properly.

33. Team members are not allowed to leave the working area

to obtain materials for the problem.

34. Stimulants will not be given to any patient.

35. When digital pressure is applied to the proper pressure

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

36. Rough treatment of patient (live) is not allowed.

37. All heat/cold applications must be tested prior to using on

patient.

38. If a tourniquet is required in First Aid problem, do not secure tightly.

80
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #1

Artificial Respiration

Determine Unresponsiveness Task Yes No Comments

1. Assess breathing 2

2. Open airway (with proper method) 2

3. Look for obstructions 2

4. Assess breathing 2

5. Start artificial respiration 2

6. Timing 1 per 5 seconds 2

7. Treat for shock if required 5

81
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #1

One Rescuer CPR

Task Yes No Comments

1. Determine unresponsiveness 2

2. Calls for help 2

3. Opens airway (head-tilt chin-lift

or modified jaw thrust) 4

4. Determines breathlessness 4

5. Administers 2 ventilations

(with mask if desired) 5

6. Determines no pulse

(5 to 10 seconds) 4

7. Administers 4 cycles of 15

compressions and 2 ventilations

at a rate of 80 to 100 per minute 10

8. Rechecks pulse 4

9. Treat for shock if required 5

82
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #1

Obstructed Airway – Unconscious Victim

Task Yes No Comments

1. Determine unresponsiveness 2

2. Calls for help 2

3. Opens airway (head-tilt chin-lift

or modified jaw thrust) 4

4. Determines breathlessness 4

5. Attempts to ventilate 4

6. Repositions head 2

7. Re-attempts to ventilate 4

8. Administers 6 to 10 abdominal

thrusts 5

9. Open mouth and finger sweep 4

10. Attempt artificial ventilation 5

11. Repeat sequences #8 - #10 10

12. Treat for shock if required 5

83
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #2

Trauma Assessment/Management

Primary Assessment

Task Yes No Comments

1. Assess scene safety 2

2. Expose area to treat life threats 2

3. Use personal protection 2

4. Check for responsiveness 2

5. Open airway (head-tilt chin-lift or

modified jaw thrust, if suspected

spinal injury) 4

6. Assess breathing 4

7. Assess circulation 4

8. Assess need for additional

resources 2

9. Treat for shock if required 5

84
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #2

Controlling Bleeding

Task Yes No Comments

1. Place sterile pad over wound and

press firmly with your hand 4

Place a cover bandage, tying knot

over the wound 4

Apply pressure to pressure point to

control bleeding from an artery 4

Apply pressure to control bleeding

from a vein 4

2. Apply a pressure bandage 4

3. Treat for shock if required 5

85
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #3

Splinting – Extremity Fractures

Task Yes No Comments

1. Injured extremity stabilized 2

2. Clothing removed to expose injury 2

3. Check distal feeling, movement and

circulatory status (distal pulse or

capillary refill as appropriate) 4

4. Appropriate splint selected for

given fracture 4

5. Splint prepared 2

6. Splint applied correctly 4

7. Padding used where applicable 2

8. Fracture immobilized above and

below the joint 4

9. Re-check distal feeling, movement

and circulatory status (distal pulse

or capillary refill as appropriate) 4

10. Patient’s condition not compromised in any way (as determined

by evaluator) 4

11. Treat for shock if required 5

86
METAL AND NONMETAL

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST

LAS VEGAS, NV

Skill Evaluator: __________________________________

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Date: __________________

Team Members:__________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Station #3

Spinal Immobilization – Four Person Log Roll

Task Yes No Comments

1. One rescuer (who acts as Captain)

stabilizes the neck and head with

both hands so airway is maintained 4

2. Place board parallel to victim 2

3. Three rescuers (at shoulder, waist

and knee) roll the victim toward them

while stabilizing the neck and head 8

4. The shoulder level rescuer extends

victim’s arm over the head on the

side on which the victim will be rolled 4

5. On command, the victim is rolled

as a unit onto side 4

6. On command, waist level rescuer

pulls spine board into position

against victim 4

7. On command, victim is rolled as a

unit onto board 4

8. Victim is secured to board to

immobolize entire body 4

9. Victim’s head is secured to board 4

10. Treat for shock if required 5

87

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ACCESSIBLE - Able to be traveled into; not impassable.

ADIT - A nearly horizontal passage from the surface by

which a mine is entered.

AIR LOCK - An area in the mine closed at both ends by two

doors or two bulkheads. An air lock is used to prevent mixing of different atmospheres while still permitting miners

to enter and exit.

AIR SHAFT - Shaft used exclusively for conducting air.

AIR SPLIT - The division of an air current into two or more

parts.

AIR TRACK DRILL - A heavy drill mounted on crawler

tracks.

AIRWAY - Any passage through which air is flowing.

ALTERNATE - Person qualifying to participate as a mine

rescue team member. Can replace any team member who

cannot continue or who is removed from the problem.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE - Force exerted by air. Atmospheric pressure is measured on a barometer.

ATTENDANT - Person who assists the team at the fresh air

base.

AUXILIARY FAN - A small, portable fan used to supplement the ventilation of an individual working place.

AUXILIARY VENTILATION - Portion of main ventilating current directed to face of dead-end entry by means of

an auxiliary fan and tubing.

BACK FILL - The rough material used to refill a place from

which the earth has been removed.

BACK/ROOF - That part of an opening which is nearest the

surface in relation to any portion of the workings of the mine,

the roof. Overhead surface of an underground opening.

BACKUP TEAM - The rescue team stationed at the fresh air

base as a “backup” for the working team beyond the fresh air

base.

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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.

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.

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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 to support.

CROSSCUT - A horizontal opening driven across the direction of the main workings; a connection between the two

drifts or tunnels.

CURTAIN - Brattice cloth, canvas or plastic curtain used to

deflect or direct air into a working place. Constructed in a

manner to allow the passage of miners and machinery.

CUTTING MACHINE - A power (electric) driven machine

used to undercut ore.

DEBRIEFING - Session held when teams return to the surface after completing an assignment to review what they

saw and did.

DETONATING FUSE - A round, flexible cord containing a

center core of high explosives. (Primacord)

DETONATOR - A device used for detonating explosives.

DISTRIBUTION BOX - An enclosure through which electric power is carried to one or more cables from a single incoming feed line.

DOWNCAST - An opening though which fresh ventilating

air is drawn or forced into the mine; the intake.

DRIFT/ENTRY - A passage underground

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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, or

caved impassable falls.

INCLINE/SLOPE - A nonvertical 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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-Areasetasideforstorageofmaterials.

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.

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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 indiStopping cation 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

show 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.

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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 % 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.

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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

Date and team captain dated and wrote his

Initial initials.

Power Self explanatory - Write out any

Center information 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.

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