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MMiinnee RReessccuuee CCoonntteesstt RRuulleess

2015
PREFACE 

This booklet was prepared for mining industry instructors, MSHA 

instructors and inspectors to train mine rescue teams, judges, 

and contest personnel in procedures for a mine rescue contest.

Reference to specific brands, equipment, or trade names in this 

document is made to facilitate understanding and does not 

imply endorsement.

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Metal and Nonmetal National and Regional Contests serve 

as training tools to improve the skills required to respond to a 

mine emergency. These competitions serve to strengthen 

cooperation between mining companies, equipment 

manufacturers, Federal and State agencies to enhance mine 

rescue preparedness. This Contest Rule Book establishes 

procedures and rules that serve to guide the rescue teams in 

actual situations.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

A special thanks to the Metal and Nonmetal Rules Committee for 

their valuable assistance in preparing this booklet. The 

aforementioned Rules Committee is comprised of representatives 

from the following organizations:

Central Kentucky Mine Rescue Association

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining Safety

Georgia Mine Rescue Association

Kansas Mine Rescue Association

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Missouri Mine Rescue Association

Nevada Mine Rescue Association

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Rocky Mountain Mine Rescue Association

Stillwater Mine Rescue Association

Southern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

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

Team Trainer Competition

 General Rules.....................................................5

Mine Rescue Field Competition

 General Rules................................................7

Guidelines and Procedures.......................................10

 Team Members....................................................10

 Medical Requirements.........................................11

 Equipment............................................................11

 Team Preparation (Apparatus).............................14

 Written Test..........................................................15

 Judges.................................................................16

 Security.................................................................17

 Competition Problem............................................18

Team Preparation and Procedures

 Apparatus and Material Checks............................20

 Briefing..................................................................20

 Reporting to Field..................................................21

 Start of Problem.....................................................21

 Equipment Checks and Procedures .....................22

 Standard Communications and Signals................22

 Hoist Signals................................................23

 Team Safety..........................................................23

 First Team Stop.....................................................25

 Advancing..............................................................25

 Barricades .............................................................27

 Dates and Initials....................................................28

 Maps & Timing Device............................................28

 Ventilation.....................................................29

 Mine Fires...............................................................31

 Roof or Ground Control.....................................31

 Gas Field Testing............................................36

i
 Page

Mine Rescue Discounts and Interpretations

 Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #1......................37

 Surface Interpretation – Judge #1..........................38

 Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #1..............39

 Underground Interpretation – Judge #1.................42

 Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #2.......................46

 Surface Interpretation – Judge #2 .......................47

 Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #2..............48

 Underground Interpretation – Judge #2..................51

 Team Discount Summary Sheet............................54

 Written Examination Discount

 Summary Sheet...........................................55

 Map Discount Summary Sheet.............................56

 Time Discount Summary Sheet............................57

Technician Team Competition

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

 Written Test.............................................................60

 Judges.....................................................................61

 Appeals.........................................................62

 Discounts.......................................................62

Team Equipment Checks/Preparation

 General Rules......................................................63

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

 Technician Team Discounts and

 Interpretation................................................65

Multi-gas Instrument Checks/Problem Diagnosis

 General Rules.......................................................66

 Judges’ Scorecard....................................................68

Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis

 General Rules.......................................................69

ii
Page

Draeger BG-4 Breathing Apparatus

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

 Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card....................73

 Testing Procedure.....................................................74

 Procedures for High Pressure Leak Test................76

 Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen......................78

Biomarine BioPak 240R/240S Breathing 

 Apparatus

 Judges’ Scorecard BioPak 240R..............................80

 Judges’ Scorecard BioPak 240S..............................81

 Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

 BioPak 240R/240S..............................................82

 Testing Procedure BioPak 240R..............................83

 Testing Procedure BioPak 240S..............................84

 Procedures for High Pressure Leak Test...............86

 Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen

 BioPak 240R.......................................................87

 Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen

 BioPak 240S.......................................................89

 Technician Team Discount Summary

 Sheet...........................................................91

First Aid Competition

 General Rules...........................................................92

 Guidelines and Procedures.......................................92

 Written Test...............................................................95

 Appeals......................................................................96

 Discounts...................................................................96

 Judges’ Discount Card – Station #1..........................97

 Judges’ Discount Card – Station #2.........................101

 First Aid Team Discount Summary

 Sheet..........................................................107

Glossary of Terms.........................................................108

Mine Map Legend..........................................................115

iii
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Mine Rescue Field Contest

2014 - The Doe Run Company - Maroon Team, The Doe Run

Company, Viburnum, Missouri

2013 - Newmont Mining - Carlin Team, Newmont Mining, Elko, 

Nevada

2010 - The Doe Run Company - Maroon Team, The Doe Run

Company, Viburnum, Missouri

2008 - FMC Alkali Chemical - Red Team, FMC Corporation, Green

River, Wyoming

2006 - FMC Westvaco Mine - White Team, FMC Corporation, Green

River, Wyoming

2004 - OCI - White Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P., Green River,

Wyoming

2002 - FMC Westvaco Mine, FMC I, FMC Corporation, Green River,

Wyoming

2000 - OCI - Blue Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P., Green River,

Wyoming

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

Wyoming

1996 - Big Island Mine - White Team, OCI of Wyoming, Green River, 

Wyoming

1994 - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - Blue Team, Westinghouse 

Electric Corp., Carlsbad, New Mexico

1992 - Rhone Poulenc - White Team, Rhone Poulenc of Wyoming, 

Green River, Wyoming

1990 - Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American, Bixby, Missouri

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

South Dakota

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

River, Wyoming

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

Granger, Wyoming

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

River, Wyoming

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

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

Iberia, Louisiana

1976 - Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American, Bixby, Missouri 

(Single-Level Contest)

1976 - Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American, Bixby, Missouri 

(Multi-Level Contest)

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

River, Wyoming

1973 - Grand Saline Mine Team, Morton Salt, Division of Morton 

Norwich Products, Inc., Grand Saline, Texas

iv
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Technician Team Contest

2014 - OCI Blue Team, OCI of Wyoming, Green River, Wyoming 

2013 - Henderson Operations - Henderson Red Team, Climax 

Molybdenum, Empire, Colorado

2010 - FMC Westvaco Mine - White Team, FMC Corporation,

Green River, Wyoming

Benchman’s Contest

2008 - TYLER LOVATO: BG-4, OCI Blue Team, OCI Wyoming, 

Green River, Wyoming

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ: Bio-Pak, Barrick TRSV Team 2, 

Barrick, Gulconda, Nevada

2006 - CURTIS SANDERS: BG-4, WIPP Silver Team, Washington 

Tru-Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

RICKY MARTIN: BG-174A, The Doe Run Maroon Team, The 

Doe Run Company, Viburnum, Missouri

TOM SENECAL: Bio-Pak, Newmont Gold Team, Newmont 

Mining Corporation, Newmont Carlin Mine, Carlin, Nevada

2004 - MACLANE BARTON: BG-4, Sugar Creek Mine, Lafarge North 

America, Sugar Creek, Missouri

GARRY MOORE: BG-174A, Southeast Missouri Mining and 

Milling Division, The Doe Run Company, Viburnum, Missouri

ROD CHRISTENSEN: Bio-Pak, Barrick Goldstrike Mine, 

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc., Elko, Nevada

2002 - LESLIE WAREHAM: BG-4, General Chemical Mine, General 

Chemical Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

DENISE RICH: BG-174A, Stillwater Mine, Stillwater Mining 

Company, Nye, Montana

DAN LUKE: Bio-Pak, Carlin Underground Mine, Newmont 

Mining Corporation, Carlin, Nevada

2000 - JOE BACA: BG-4, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Westinghouse 

Electric Corporation, Carlsbad, New Mexico

RICHARD WEST: BG-174A, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Carlsbad, New Mexico

ROD CLEMENT: Bio-Pak, #4 Mine and Mill, Zinc Corporation 

of America, Hailesboro, New York

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, Missouri

1994 - FRED MILLER, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Westinghouse 

Electric Corporation, Carlsbad, New Mexico

1992 - LESLIE WAREHAM, General Chemical Blue Team, General 

Chemical Partners, Green River, Wyoming

1990 - STAN AMRINE, Parachute Creek Mine, Unocal Mining 

Division, Parachute, Colorado

v
Benchman’s Contest

(continued)

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

Lead, South Dakota 

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

1984 - STEVE YANCHUNIS, Schwartzwalder Mine, Cotter Corp., 

Golden, Colorado

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

1980 - ALAN HERMEZ (Draeger), Carr Fork Mine, Anaconda 

Copper Co., Tooele, Utah

RODNEY PHILBRICK (McCaa), Pine Creek Mine, Union 

Carbide Corp., Bishop, California

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

Moab, Utah

KEN JOHNSON (Draeger), Climax Mine, Climax Molybdenum 

Co., Climax, Colorado

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

Idaho

Multi-Gas Instrument Contest

2008 - RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, FMC 

Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

2006 - RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, FMC 

Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

2004 - RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, FMC 

Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

First Aid Contest

2014 - Newmont, Newmont Carlin Team, Elko, Nevada

2013 - Kinross - Kettle River Buckhorn, Kinross, Republic, 

Washington

2010 - FMC Westvaco Mine – Red Team, FMC Corporation, 

Green River, Wyoming

2008 - Barrick Goldstrike Gold Team, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, 

Inc., Elko, Nevada

2006 - Barrick Goldstrike Gold Team, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, 

Inc., Elko, Nevada

2004 - General Chemical Blue Team, General Chemical Soda 

Ash Partners, Green River, Wyoming

2002 - Maysville Mine Raiders, Carmeuse Lime, Inc., Maysville, 

Kentucky

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

Kentucky

vi
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

COMBINATION CHAMPION

2014 - WIPP Red Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,

Washington TRU- Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

2013 - Newmont Mining - Carlin Team, Newmont Mining, Elko,

Nevada

2010 - Solvay Chemicals Inc., Solvay Chemicals Mine, Silver

Team, Green River, Wyoming

2008 - FMC Alkali Chemicals, FMC Red Team, Green River,

Wyoming

2006 - Barrick Gold Team, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.,

Elko, Nevada

2004 - WIPP Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,

Washington TRU- Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

2002 - WIPP Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,

Washington TRU-Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

vii
METAL AND NONMETAL

MINE RESCUE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

2014

Maclane (Mac) Barton

Donald (Don) J. Foster

Raymond Nelson

Randal Romero

Rick Terry

2013

Michael T. (Mick) Dennehy

Tom Gleaton

Gary R. Gomez

Gary Kessler

John Sykes

John Teague

2010

Joe Bacca

Henry Charpentier

Harold Leblanc

Felix Quintana

2008

Keith Mullins

Tim Musbach

Art Davis

Rogers (Rod) Etie

Rayward Segura

Lee Graham

Brian Liscomb

2006

John Angwin

Lonny Badeaux

Bob McPhail

Walter Mortimer

Clayton Pellerin

Harold Riffle

2004

Walt Bryant

William (Bill) Frankom

Stoney Hotard

Mike Padilla

John Pennington

2002

Wayne D. Kanack

Robert A. Koenig

Gerald Myers

Arlon B. Parmer

2000

M.R. “Whitey” Jacobson

R.J. Rucker

Richard Skelton

Harlan “Buddy” Webb

1998

Harry Hall Anderson

Leo M. Bradshaw

James Chailland

Harold David James

“Buster” Mosele

Thomas Overy, Jr.

J.D. Pitts

Jack L. Squires

viii
GENERAL RULES

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST

1. The National Contest will be comprised of four individual 

events, including a Mine Rescue Field Competition (two days 

for each participating team), a Technician Team Competition, 

a First Aid Competition, and a Team Trainer Competition.

Each event will include a written examination. Note: 

Regional Contests will include the same four individual 

events; however, the field competition will be limited to a one 

day event.

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

Contest Coordinator, Chief Judge, Appeals Committee, field 

competition judges (including: field judges, mine managers, 

and mine attendants), isolation officials, written exam judges, 

technician team contest judges, and first aid contest judges.

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

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

organization.

4. All teams must actively provide bona fide mine rescue 

services for the metal and nonmetal mining industry and 

meet all of the requirements set forth in 30 CFR Part 49. 

Collegiate mine rescue teams may compete with approval of 

the Contest Director.

5. Mine rescue teams may register up to eight team members

and one trainer. For the purpose of technician team and first 

aid contests, a team member may not participate in more 

than one event and each team will only be permitted to 

compete in each event once. The technician teams must

compete with the same type of breathing apparatus and 

multi-gas instrument that their teams will be using for the 

mine rescue field contest. For the purposes of identification, 

participants of the Mine Rescue Field, Technician Team, and 

First Aid Contests must be dressed uniformly, complete with 

team logo. This includes the testing process. Once 

registered, no changes will be permitted without the 

permission of the Contest Director.

1
6. A schedule of Regional Contests and the National Contest, 

as well as the respective hosting organizations, will be 

posted on MSHA’s homepage under the “Mine Rescue” 

heading at www.msha.gov. The specific contest entry forms 

may be obtained through the hosting organization.

The entry forms will require information regarding the type of 

equipment (breathing apparatus) each team will be wearing, 

the type and model of all gas testing equipment the team will 

use during the field competition, and the type of 

communication system to be used. Any needed equipment 

changes require submission of a modified list to the Contest 

Director for consideration of approval. (Note: Each judge will

be given a list of your equipment prior to working of the 

problem to assist them in determining if the equipment was 

utilized properly and was functional.)

7. On the day before the contest begins, team equipment shall 

be secured in isolation and team registration will be 

conducted at a designated location. Afterward, all of the 

written tests (outlined in this booklet) will be administered in 

isolation. For planning purposes, the hosting organization will 

prepare a contest agenda to include: a specified time period

for equipment drop-off; a specified time period and location 

for team registration; and a listing of scheduled events for the 

rest of the week. The agenda will be provided in advance to 

all participating teams and contest officials. At the time of the 

contest, the agenda will be posted in various locations as a 

reminder for all.

8. On the day before the contest begins, all written tests will be 

administered in isolation. The team members (Nos. 1 – 7) 

and team trainers will be directed to sit at separate tables. 

Persons from the same company or organization will also be 

required to sit apart from each other at the designated tables. 

A separate area will be designated for additional team 

alternates (No. 8) who wish to take the test(s). Their tests will 

not count toward their cumulative team scores.

2
Note: No wireless communication or electronic device will be 

permitted in isolation or during the written testing.

The field competition, first aid, technician team, and team 

trainer tests will be included at this same time. A description 

of each test with the corresponding references is listed in the 

respective section of this booklet. A total of 60 minutes will be 

allowed to complete all required testing. At the end of the 

allotted time, tests will be collected regardless of whether or 

not the contestants have answered all of the required 

questions.

9. For the National Contest, the team drawing will be conducted 

as each teams drop off their equipment in the isolation area. 

As each team arrives, the number selected by the team 

captain will determine their running order for the first day’s 

field competition and the third day’s first aid and technician 

team competitions. On the second day of the field 

competition, the teams will run in reverse draw order.

For Regional Contests, a similar team drawing will be 

conducted. However, the number selected by each team 

captain will determine their running order for the one-day field 

competition. Then, the teams will run in reverse draw order 

for the first aid and technician team competitions.

In both cases, position changes necessary for management 

of the respective contest will be permitted if the Contest 

Director approves the change.

10. On every day of the competitions, all teams shall be in 

isolation by 7:00 a.m. (local time). No wireless 

communication or electronic device will be permitted in 

isolation or during the written testing.

3
11. All judges will be persons trained in mine rescue procedures; 

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

of breathing apparatus; and trained in the assembly, use, and 

care of the different types of multi-gas instruments. The 

judges 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.

12. ...WARNING... Any team whose member(s) intentionally 

disturb or destroy any component on a competition field will 

immediately be assessed a 100 point discount. Repeated 

offense may result in team disqualification at the discretion of 

the Contest Director.

13. For Regional and the National Mine Rescue Contests, the 

hosting organization will supply one person per field during 

the mine rescue field and first aid competitions. These 

persons will act under the direction of the field coordinators 

and will be used as survivors or patients, respectively.

When a breathing apparatus is required to be used on a 

patient, the team must demonstrate proper donning 

procedures and unit activation. After acknowledgement by 

the judge, the breathing hoses can be disconnected and the 

unit turned off. The breathing apparatus must be kept in 

close proximity (as if it were used) to the patient during 

transport out of the mine.

14. A trophy will be awarded for the Overall Mine Rescue 

Contest Champion based on the best cumulative team 

scores (least amount of discounts), including the combined 

discounts for the mine rescue field, first aid, and technician 

team competitions. In the event of a tie, the team with the 

best mine rescue team standing in the mine rescue field 

competition will be the tie breaker.

15. The results from all elements of the National Contest will be 

mailed to each team. For Regional Contests, the results will 

be distributed to the teams at the conclusion of the awards 

ceremony.

4
TEAM TRAINER COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

1. On the day before the contest begins, all written tests will be 

administered in isolation. The team trainer tests will be 

included at this same time. The written test will consist of 

thirty (30) multiple choice and true/false questions, including:

• Material contained in MSHA Publication 3027 –

Instructor’s Manual for Mine Rescue Training (formerly 

MSHA Publication “IG 6”). The training modules in 

Publication 3027 are as follows: Module 1 – Surface 

organization; Module 2 – Mine Gases; Module 3 –

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

Firefighting, and Explosions; Module 6 – Rescue of 

Survivors and Recovery of Bodies; and Module 7 – Mine 

Recovery.

• Ninth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical Responder –

First on the Scene”, Chapters: 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 

14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 26.

• The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (The 

“Act”).

• Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations Part 49 Mine 

Rescue Teams, Subpart A – Mine Rescue Teams for 

Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines.

• Current MSHA National Metal and Nonmetal Mine 

Rescue Contest Rules.

• Generic questions covering the use and care of selfcontained breathing apparatus and multi-gas 

instruments.

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

incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test 

questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect by 

the test judge and discounts assessed.

5
2. Scoring of the test will be completed by at least two 

qualified judges.

3. In special circumstances, individual team members may be 

given an oral test by one or more judges in lieu of a written 

test. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the 

Contest Director at the time of registration. All other team 

members will take the test at the same time. In any case, the 

judges will not explain the meaning of questions, but may 

explain a word or words in the questions.

4. One trophy will be awarded for the Team Trainer 

Competition. The team trainer with the least amount of 

discounts on the written test will be the winner. In the event 

of a tie, the team trainer with Overall Mine Rescue Contest 

Champion Team will determine the winner. The second tie 

breaker would be the team trainer with the best mine rescue 

team standing in the mine rescue field competition. 

6
MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

1. The Contest Director will establish a reasonable amount of 

time for each team to complete the problem(s). All teams will 

be notified of the established time prior to beginning to work 

the problem(s). Any teams working beyond the established 

time period will be notified by the #1 Judge that they must 

leave the field. All teams will be scored based on their 

discounts, including: appropriate discounts for items missed 

in areas left unexplored or abandoned by the team; and

appropriate discounts for necessary actions not taken by the 

team to complete the mission.

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

judges have signed their discount sheets. This does not 

preclude changes due to administrative errors or a 

misapplication of a rule.

3. ... WARNING ... Any team whose member(s) intentionally 

disturb or destroy any component on a competition field will 

immediately be assessed a 100 point discount. Repeated 

offense may result in team disqualification at the discretion of 

the contest director.

4. Upon completion of the problem, a 5-minute review will be 

conducted. At that time, the team will be informed of any 

infractions regarding their working of the problem. The team 

will be permitted to verbally appeal any infractions either with 

the field judge or the chief judge. If not resolved, the chief 

judge will make the final decision until an appeal can be filed 

by the team. Note: During this process mutual respect for the 

judges and team members is paramount and civility must be 

demonstrated by all involved or the review will be stopped 

before the allotted time.

7
5. After the scorecards are checked by the scorecard examiners, they will be taken to a designated location. The team 

captain, trainer, and one other team member may examine 

their team’s scoring cards for a time not to exceed 20 

minutes. No protest of the discounts assessed may be given 

to the person in charge of the review, however, the team 

captain and/or trainer may protest in writing any discount 

within 30 minutes after reviewing them. Written appeals are 

not to exceed one page for any discount assessed and will 

be submitted to the Appeals Committee.

Documentation (contest rules and other documents used in 

the contest) supporting the appeal will be accepted. Any 

protest(s) will be considered by the 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 team discount

summary sheet to certify they have reviewed the discounts 

and verified the totals (See page 54).

6. The Appeals Committee shall rule in matters concerning any 

interpretations, procedures, or any matter involving proper 

conduct of the Contest. Any complaints filed with the 

committee shall be in writing and shall set forth incidents, 

times, names, source of information, and the act complained 

against. Where a written test question or rule application was 

found to be wrong, all teams will receive the appropriate 

correction. A decision by a majority of the committee shall be 

binding.

8
7. A predetermined amount of trophies will be awarded for the 

Mine Rescue Competition based on the best cumulative 

team scores (least amount of discounts). For the National 

Mine Rescue Contest, this would include each team’s 

combined discounts for both day’s field problems plus their 

written test discounts. For the Regional Contests, this would 

include each team’s discounts for the field problem (one-day 

event) plus their written test scores. 

In the event of mine rescue field competition ties, the underground discount sheet will be the first tie breaker, the 

surface discount sheet will be the second tie breaker, mine 

maps will be the third tie breaker, the written test will be the 

fourth tie breaker, and time will be the fifth tie breaker.

9
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Team Members 

Each team shall be composed of five members, one fresh air 

base attendant and one assistant (optional). Each member shall 

wear a number on the arm at or near the shoulders with number 

one (1) being assigned to the captain, the number six (6) to the 

fresh air base attendant and seven (7) to the assistant. Switching 

of numbers by team members will not be permitted after arriving 

at the portal or fresh air base. Any means of affixing legible 

numbers on the sleeve of the uniform will be acceptable. 

Additional persons, who had been isolated with the team, may 

assist the team placing equipment prior to starting the clock. Only 

the fresh air base attendant and the assistant will be allowed to 

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

attendant and assistant will be isolated from visual contact with 

the field while the teams are in the mine. The fresh airbase 

attendant will maintain voice communications with the team

utilizing a portable communication system. The team may use 

either one of the following options to accomplish this task.

1. Teams will be equipped with and use a portable, hard wire, 

communication system. The wires or cable shall be of 

sufficient tensile strength to be used as a manual 

communication system. Teams may use standard signals if 

the communication system fails. The assistant may listen in 

with a separate headset and advise the fresh air base 

attendant and interact with the team only when they are at 

the fresh air base. If during the working of the problem any 

team member is unable to continue (due to physical condition 

or by problem design), the assistant (No. 7 member) may be 

used as a substitute. The team can rearrange member 

positions to complete the problem.

10
2. Teams may use a wireless communication system (radios), 

provided they are designed and used in such a manner that 

the integrity of the Contest is not jeopardized, as determined 

by the Contest Director. A lifeline will still be required for 

working of the problem. This can be achieved through the 

use of a communication reel or rope, wire or cable which has 

sufficient tensile strength to be used as a manual 

communication system. The assistant may listen to the radio 

transmissions and advise the fresh air base attendant and 

interact with the team only when they are at the fresh air 

base. If during the working of the problem any team member

is unable to continue (due to physical condition or by problem 

design), the assistant (No. 7 member) may be used as a 

substitute. The team can rearrange member positions to 

complete the problem.

Note: For teams using a wireless communication system

(radios), the specific requirements for use are outlined in 

the “Equipment” section.

In either case, teams wishing to communicate with the fresh air 

base attendant shall use their portable communication system, or 

they must return to the fresh air base. 

Medical Requirements 

Per 30 CFR Part 49, all mine rescue team members must have 

completed physical examinations in the past 12 months 

preceding the contest and are capable of performing strenuous 

work under oxygen.

Equipment 

Breathing apparatus approved for at least four hours shall be 

used in the Mine Rescue Contest problems. Each team member 

must have his/her own approved breathing apparatus. Teams 

cannot expect recharging materials, apparatus parts, and 

accessories for all types of apparatus at the contest site. 

Team members must wear an approved protective hat, 

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

11
Each team must have approved gas instruments, or testers for

rescue and recovery work. 

Teams are required to bring with them a sufficient supply of 

materials. Brattice or other materials necessary for constructing 

bulkheads or stoppings will be furnished by the field committee. 

Teams will be responsible for collecting the material from the 

source of supply. 

When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the problem and 

are given information indicating that explosive gas(es) is/are or 

may be present in the mine, they must have non-sparking tools 

while they are working the problem so as not to endanger 

themselves. If teams do not have non-sparking tools, they must 

ask the official in charge at the fresh air base to provide them 

with such tools before they go underground. 

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

underground to work the problem and encounter an explosive 

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

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

provide them with such tools.

For teams who opt to use a wireless communication system 

(radios) during the mine rescue field competition, the following 

procedures shall be strictly followed. 

• All radios are to be MSHA-approved and intrinsically safe. 

• Upon completing the contest entry form, the team shall 

properly identify that they will be using radios in lieu of a 

hard-wired system during the field competition. 

• On the day before the contest as the team drops off their 

mine rescue equipment, they must provide all of their radios 

to the official-in-charge with a list of the programmed 

channels and frequencies. The radios must be properly 

labeled as team property so that they can be stored 

exclusively for the respective team’s use. The associated 

charger(s) must be supplied.

12
• Teams using wireless communication must have radios 

charged and properly programmed to the MSHA FCC 

licensed radio frequencies prior to turning them over to 

contest officials.

UHF radios must support at least 16 channels (see Table 1).

VHF radios must support at least 3 channels (see Table 2).

Table 1 – UHF Frequencies

Channel Frequency Channel Frequency

1 451.8125 9 464.5000

2 456.8000 10 464.5500

3 456.8125 11 464.5625

4 461.0375 12 466.0375

5 461.0875 13 466.0875

6 461.1375 14 466.1125

7 462.7625 15 466.1375

8 462.7875 16 469.5500

All Frequencies will have a PL code set for transmit and receive 

of 94.8 Hz

All Frequencies will be set to "Low Power" and "Narrow Band"

Table 2 - VHF Frequencies

Channel Frequency

1 151.5050

2 151.6250

3 154.5275

• MSHA licensed radio frequencies and settings such as PL 

codes, low power, and narrow banding protect MSHA and 

teams from FCC violations and prevent crosstalk between 

competing teams.

13
• When selecting a channel for team competition, the team’s 

radios will be set by a designated contest official on a 

channel that is different from any other radios in use.

• The mine manager or other designated contest official will 

check and monitor conversations on the channel selected. In 

the event of failure of the radio provided to the mine manager

or other contest official, corrective actions will be immediately 

taken by the team.

• Teams may take up to three radios inby the fresh air base 

and must provide at least two for the fresh air base to be 

used by the team’s attendant and the mine manager or other 

designated contest official. Teams may leave additional 

radios at the fresh air base for use in case of malfunctions. A 

minimum of three radios shall remain operational during 

the working of the problem. This consists of: one radio 

each for the team underground, the team’s fresh air base 

attendant and the mine manager or other designated contest 

official. This complement of radios is necessary for the team 

to be considered as using wireless communication.

Team Preparation (Apparatus) 

Team members must make necessary checks of all apparatus for 

proper working condition and airtightness prior to going 

underground. Cylinder pressures must be within specifications of 

approval. Apparatus tests must comply with prescribed tests for 

that particular type of apparatus. 

An approved 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus and/or an 

approved one-hour oxygen-generating unit must be used as an 

emergency spare for a mine rescue team member or for use on 

the survivor(s) or other rescued personnel when respiratory 

protection is needed.

14
Note: If a survivor is found and is wearing an approved one-hour 

oxygen-generating self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) device, the 

team will not be required to replace it with one of the above 

mentioned units unless the SCSR has been depleted. In addition, 

if any of the above persons are unconscious, one of the above 

units equipped with a full face-piece must be used.

Written Test 

On the day before the contest begins, all written tests will be 

administered in isolation. The mine rescue field test will be 

included at this same time. Team member Nos. 1 through 7 will 

take the written test. The six best tests scores (least amount of 

discounts) will be counted as the team’s cumulative written test 

discounts. If the team does not have a No. 7 alternate, then the 

aggregate sum of scores for team member Nos. 1 through 6 will 

count as the team’s cumulative written test discounts.

The questions for the written test will be taken from material 

contained in MSHA Publication 3027 – Instructor’s Manual for 

Mine Rescue Training (formerly MSHA Publication “IG 6”). The 

training modules in Publication 3027 are as follows: Module 1 –

Surface organization; Module 2 – Mine Gases; Module 3 –

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

and Explosions; Module 6 – Rescue of Survivors and Recovery 

of Bodies; and Module 7 – Mine Recovery.

MSHA Publication 3027 is available on the MSHA homepage at 

http://www.msha.gov/MineRescue/Training/TeamTraining.asp or 

at the following address: 

U.S. Department of Labor

National Mine Health and Safety Academy

ATTENTION: Printing and Training Materials Distribution

1301 Airport Road

Beaver, WV 25813-9426

Telephone: (304) 256-3257

Fax: (304) 256-3368

E-mail: MSHADistributionCenter@dol.gov

15
The written test of thirty (30) questions will include at least ten 

(10) questions on mine gases from MSHA Publication 3027 

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

shall consist of true/false and multiple choice questions.

The total written test discounts for the competition team members 

(Nos. 1 – 6) (as determined above) will be included as part of the 

team cumulative discounts for the mine rescue field competition 

(i.e., National Contest – two-day total or Regional Contest – oneday total).

Judges 

All judges will be persons trained in mine rescue procedures and 

knowledgeable in the rules, interpretations, and the procedures 

for working the respective problems. The judges will attend 

training sessions prior to the contest concerning the problems to 

be worked and the guidelines for working such problems. 

Judges will be trained in all aspects of the problems to allow for 

consistent and accurate judging.

Competing teams deserve the full attention of the judges and 

only those personnel judging the specific teams are allowed on 

the field. While the team is in the mine, judges must not ask 

questions, answer questions, or interfere with the team. Only 

personnel approved by the Contest Director will be permitted on 

the field. Media access and videos for future training aids will be 

allowed with the Contest Director’s approval.

During preparation, judges are to observe the captain and other 

team members as to their knowledge and proper operation of the 

self-contained breathing apparatus, gas detecting devices, other 

respiratory protection equipment to be used, and firefighting 

equipment, etc. 

The mine manager will be stationed and must remain at the fresh 

air base when the teams are working the problem. He/she will

provide answers, as necessary, to questions posed by the team, 

the fresh airbase attendant, or the assistant.

16
A minimum of two (2) persons will judge the team during the 

entire working of the field problem. Only the Contest Director, 

Chief Judge, or their designee may discuss discrepancies or 

discounts on the field. If discussions are held on the field, 

interrupting the working of the problem, the time will be stopped 

and restarted after the discussion is over. A Mine Safety and 

Health Administration employee will be the #1 Judge. All judges 

must have current Mine Rescue Judge’s Training and have been 

briefed on the particular problem and possible solutions. 

The judges will mark and explain on their scorecards the 

discounts for work performed by each team member. In the event 

that more than one discount applies, the highest discount will be 

assessed for a violation. There will be no stacking of discounts. 

Judges must sign their scorecard after the discounts have been 

recorded. Scorecards will be marked promptly and delivered to 

scorecard examiners as soon as possible after completion of the 

problem. 

Security 

Each team must be under guard before the start of the contest, in 

a location assigned by the Chief Judge, and must 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.

Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and news 

media approved by the contest director will be permitted on the 

competition fields. A separate area will be provided for spectators 

to observe the teams during competition.

17
Competition Problem 

The problem may involve a multi-level mine; however, the team 

will be limited to working on one level. It may include hoists or 

shafts. Skip pockets and sumps (either above or below) will be 

considered part of the working level. Raises or boreholes may be 

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

Teams may have to change existing ventilation, pump water, or 

move falls to rescue persons and/or explore if it can be done 

safely. Changing ventilation shall not be done until the official in 

charge has been informed. Ventilation changes will be 

considered as starting, stopping, altering, or redirecting the air 

current. If existing check curtains are to be used to direct 

ventilation, the check curtain must first be converted into a 

temporary stopping. Regulating airflow to control a fire is not 

considered a ventilation change. 

All areas that have been cleared of smoke and toxic or 

dangerous gases that the teams elect to travel through must be 

rechecked prior to the team’s reentering. Upon re-entry into these 

areas where the ventilation has been changed, whether 

advancing or retreating through these areas, separate gas tests 

will be conducted by the team along the route they travel across 

each entry (rib-to-rib) within 25 feet of each opening to the place 

turned off the entry. 

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

considered to extend to a placard indicating the smoke or gas is 

cleared, or to a separation intended, or indicated to be air tight. 

If water is being pumped, ventilation changed, falls moved, loose 

rock barred down, etc.; teams must wait until placards have been 

changed by the ground committee. If placards have not been 

changed after 15 seconds, teams must assume that their actions 

were not successful.

18
Inaccessible areas only need to be explored when there are 

miners unaccounted for or if an explosive air/gas mixture will be 

moved through the unexplored areas. Teams may be required to 

pump water or set timbers to explore inaccessible areas. If this is 

necessary, appropriate materials will be provided in the problem. 

Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and news 

media approved by the Contest Director or Chief Judge will be 

permitted in the working areas. 

Insofar as possible, materials rather than placards will be used in 

the mine. Bodies with identification may be designated by the use 

of dummies. When placards indicating conditions are used, they 

will be placed face up, and the letters shall not be less than one 

(1) inch in height, and easily visible.

Additionally, when these placards are used to identify mining 

machinery or equipment, a description of the current condition of 

the equipment and/or a photocopy of a picture of such machinery 

or equipment may be on the placard, when possible, to aid teams 

in identifying it. 

Terms used in the problem will be terms which appear in the 

Glossary of this Rule Book, the MSHA Mine Rescue Training 

Modules, or 30 CFR - Part 49 and Part 57. 

When raises, winzes or boreholes are in the problem, the card 

identifying them will indicate whether they go up and/or down 

from the level being worked. 

19
TEAM PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES 

Apparatus and Material Checks 

Before reporting to the contest field, each team member must 

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

in good working condition. These checks must be within the 

manufacturer’s specified limits and the regenerator fully charged 

with chemicals.

Other materials such as roof testing devices, stretchers, 

hammers, blankets, fire extinguishers, and gas detectors must be 

checked to see that they are in good operating condition. If horns 

are to be used for signaling between team members, they should 

be checked. A portable communication system, utilizing insulated 

wire strong enough to give and receive manual signals, must be 

used by all teams. Wheeled stretchers will be allowed. 

Briefing 

When all members of the team have their apparatus fully 

assembled and ready to wear, the captain should assemble the 

team and report to the Briefing Station Official when directed by 

the guard. The team will be briefed on field conditions either by a 

video or a briefing paper. Team members will return any

handouts at the conclusion of the briefing. 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.

20
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, communication cable can be strung out 

prior to starting the clock. Afterward, the captain should have the 

team line up at the place indicated by the person in charge. The 

captain introduces his team and remarks “We are here to offer 

our help. I have a fully equipped, properly trained, and physically 

fit mine rescue team and we are ready to do anything that you 

may require in the rescue and recovery work at your mine.” The 

official in charge will reply that they do require the service of mine 

rescue teams, and that if they are ready, they can be of 

immediate service. 

Start of Problem 

When the necessary introductions have been made, the team 

captain will indicate that they are ready for the problem and map. 

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

start the timing device and date the board (month, day, year, and 

team position number) before receiving the problem and the 

map. After the clock is started, only the five working team 

members, fresh air base attendant, and assistant will be 

permitted to do the work at the fresh air base. MSHA’s field 

attendants will feed out and reel in the communication wire. 

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

the same time. From this point on, the team members should 

discuss the conditions presented by the problem and the map. 

On the map, solid lines will denote actual workings. Although 

locations may not be totally accurate within the six (6) foot map 

requirement, solid lines will represent known conditions. Dotted 

lines will denote projections and may or may not be accurate. 

These conditions should be studied carefully so that proper 

procedures may be decided in advance. 

21
Equipment Checks and Procedures 

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

of equipment used by the team will be performed while the team 

is in isolation before reporting to the field. This testing will not be 

judged, however, if any defects occur while working the problem, 

discounts will be assessed. Random checks of equipment to 

insure reliability may be made upon completion of the problem. 

Standard Communications and Signals 

A portable communication system, utilizing hard wire, will be 

used to inform the fresh air base of all conditions encountered.

External speakers will not be permitted at the fresh air base while 

working the problem. In the event of a communication failure, the 

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

replace the system. 

The following standard horn blasts or other

audible signals between team members will be

used:

1 blast on the horn will mean for the team to

 “stop” if in motion

2 blasts on the horn will mean “advance”

3 blasts on the horn will mean “retreat”

4 blasts on the horn will mean “distress” 

22
Hoist Signals 

The following signals will be used for the Mine Rescue Field 

Competition. The conveyance shall not be moved without a 

command signal: when persons are to be hoisted or lowered, 

they must enter the conveyance and close the door; then give 

the signal for the desired level followed by either “Hoist Persons” 

(3-1 bells) or “Lower Persons” (3-2 bells). 

9 Bells: Emergency - then ring mine level signal where 

emergency exists. 

MINE LEVEL SIGNALS 

Surface Shaft Collar - 1-2 Bells

500 Feet First Level - 2-1 Bells 

HOIST SIGNAL 

1 Bell - STOP 

2 Bells - Lower Conveyance 

3 Bells - Raise Conveyance 

3-1 Bells - Hoist Persons 

3-2 Bells - Lower Persons 

3-3-1 Bells - Hoist Slowly with Caution 

3-3-2 Bells - Lower Slowly with Caution 

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

2-1-2 Bells - Release Conveyance 

Team Safety 

Team members must follow established procedures, per this 

booklet 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 apparatuses.

23
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. 

Entrances to all mine openings shall be examined while under 

oxygen. In air clear of smoke, these checks may be made without 

a lifeline, provided the entire team does not go into the entrance.

This examination should not cover more than twenty-five (25) 

feet.

For Contest purposes, a placard denoting “clear air” will mean 

that the atmosphere is free of smoke and all dangerous and/or 

harmful concentrations of flammable, combustible, noxious, and 

or toxic contaminants.

Teams shall never travel through water over knee deep.

Checking for loose ground (loose roof or rib) is done visually by 

the team captain as the team advances. The captain must 

verbally indicate that he is checking for loose ground at every 

location required. The team captain must orally warn the team 

each time loose ground conditions are encountered. A similar 

warning must be given upon retreat. 

24
First Team Stop 

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

the cage or portal, the captain shall give a signal for the team to 

stop. The co-captain may take no more than two steps forward 

after the signal before stopping. The captain now checks the 

members and their apparatus to see if they are in good condition 

and a team member checks the captain and his/her apparatus. 

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

be followed at not more than twenty (20) minute intervals while 

the team is working the problem. Additionally, apparatus 

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

sustained possible damage from impact must be checked before 

continuing. 

If all the apparatus are operating properly and the members are 

in good condition, the team can now continue into the mine. 

The cage door must be closed and the signal to release 

conveyance to a standby mode must be sent after the cage has 

been unloaded. 

Advancing 

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

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

tests must be made across each entry (rib-to-rib) within 25 feet of 

each opening to the place turned off the entry. No place, which 

intersects entry direction, should be passed without first checking 

the condition of that place. Examination of any intersection or 

entry shall not exceed 25 feet from the rear captain. This means 

the captain can extend out into openings and take gas readings 

within the limits of the team line. 

25
In case of entries turned from the entry being traveled, it is a 

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

must be taken into consideration in making the choice. However, 

the openings of all places must be checked before that place is 

passed. A team will be considered to have passed an opening or 

intersection when the number 5 member is past the opening. 

While advancing, if a team encounters an impassable fall or other 

condition that prevents the members from following the normal 

course of travel into an area, they may break a stopping and 

enter that area. If it becomes necessary to break a stopping, the 

team shall erect a temporary stopping or stoppings that would 

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

have provided. 

Doors shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the effects 

of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary stopping has 

been erected. However, in any case, if the conditions behind the 

stopping or door are unknown and there is a potential that 

missing miners are located in the enclosed area, these ventilation 

controls should be treated like a “barricade” and the same 

precautions must be taken as prescribed in the section below.

Regulators shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the 

effects of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary 

regulator has been erected. 

Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance 

more than three (3) feet beyond the second (2nd) intersection 

before tying across and/or behind into all unexplored areas that 

intersect. The second intersection will be determined by two 

crosscuts on either side of the entry being traveled. The first 

intersection will be the blocked intersection. However, a team will 

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

26
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. For the purposes of contest work, no barricade will 

be breached without ventilating in front of the barricade if: 

Oxygen (O2) is below 17.0%; or Carbon Monoxide (CO) exceeds 

1200 ppm (0.12%); or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exceeds 100 ppm

(0.01%); or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceeds 20 ppm (0.002%); or 

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) exceeds 100 ppm (0.01%); or Carbon 

Dioxide (CO2) exceeds 4.0%. In the event that gases other than 

these are encountered or indicated by the problem, the team 

must ask for stain tubes or testing devices for these gases if they 

don’t have them.

If conditions behind the barricade are unknown, the barricade 

cannot be breached unless the team erects 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. 

If survivors are found and conditions warrant (i.e., unconscious 

survivor and/or survivor will travel through toxic contaminants), 

they shall be given proper respiratory protection which can 

include an approved one-hour oxygen generating unit. 

Note: If a survivor is found and is wearing an approved one-hour 

oxygen-generating self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) device, the 

team will not be required to replace it with either a four-hour or a 

one-hour oxygen generating self-contained self-rescue unit 

unless the SCSR has been depleted. In addition, if any of the 

above persons are found or become unconscious, one of these 

units equipped with a full face-piece must be used.

27
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 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 (or breached) 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 must be marked at the point of 

farthest advance of the team in any direction such as at 

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

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

location of any survivors or bodies. The captain must verbally 

indicate to the judges each time initials and date are simulated. 

Maps and Timing Device 

The map person and fresh air base attendant must use the 

standardized map legend provided in this rule booklet. If a 

symbol is not available on the legend, the team must write out 

the exact information contained on the placards on both maps. 

Teams will be expected to accurately map all required items on 

the maps maintained by the team and the fresh air base 

attendant.

An additional map will be provided to the team for use by the 

team alternate, if they so choose. However, deficiencies found on 

this map will not be counted toward the team’s cumulative score.

28
After the team has completed its 50 foot check, they will not be 

allowed to physically compare the team map with the fresh air 

base map. That is, no side by side comparison will be allowed 

and no changes (edits) can be made to either map while the 

team is at the fresh air base or out of the mine. When the team 

has explored all accessible areas, accounted for all miners and 

completed all required work, they should return to the fresh air 

base and count off. At that time, no other changes can be made 

to either map and the captain should present all three maps to 

the person in charge of the mine and stop the timing device.

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

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

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

and survivors (including identification). Temporary stoppings that 

are erected shall also be shown as well as the location of any 

gas found or indicated by placards. The maps must show all 

locations dated and initialed by the team captain. If a team fails 

to explore the entire mine, the furthest point of advance shall be 

indicated on the maps by a line drawn across the entry with the 

appropriate mine map legend symbol. 

Ventilation

Under no circumstances should mine ventilation be altered 

without knowing the full effects of those changes and without 

notification of the changes to the mine manager.

A contaminant or explosive gas, when indicated on a placard and 

regardless of the mass, is considered moved throughout the 

established ventilation course until exhausted from the mine. 

Unless otherwise documented by placards indicating air 

movement, the mine is not considered to have natural ventilation 

or airflow. All airflow is provided by the existence of mine fans or 

other mechanical ventilation. However, before the team can 

breach, open, or alter an existing ventilation control (bulkhead, 

door, stopping, or regulator) without the knowledge of the effects 

on the existing mine ventilation system, the team must follow the 

necessary precautions outlined in the “Advancing” section of 

these rules.

29
Ventilation changes will be considered as starting, stopping, 

altering, and/or redirecting the air current. The direction of airflow 

depends upon where the team constructs ventilation controls. A 

standard brattice frame and curtain are 10 feet. Therefore, if the 

team elects to build a ventilation control at a distance greater 

than 10 feet, such as diagonally across an intersection, they must 

utilize a second brattice frame and curtain. 

If existing check curtains are to be used to direct ventilation, the 

check curtain must first be converted into a temporary stopping.

Regulating airflow to control a fire is not considered a ventilation 

change.

If there is no clear air separation, indicated by placards, 

stoppings, caved air tight, the entire area is considered 

contaminated. Once the team has established an airflow course, 

areas that contain contaminants that are not directly in the 

established air course, and have two or more openings, could 

potentially be drawn from those areas unless isolation and/or 

ventilation controls are established to prevent movement. An 

example is in an uncontrollable fire area where regulators were 

constructed. Until all but one regulator is closed, airflow will draw 

from those regulators into the established air course.

Blankets or other porous materials cannot be used as curtains to 

direct airflow. All brattice material, including wing curtains, will be 

provided for each problem so that adequate ventilation can be 

established to work the problem correctly. Teams need not carry 

additional brattice materials on their stretcher. 

All problems will be designed with at least one clear and 

systematic ventilation solution. When the team alters and/or 

constructs ventilation controls, and the effects of those changes 

do not clear the air and the placards do not change, the team has 

missed a critical adjustment to the ventilation solution.

30
Mine Fires 

When a mine rescue team encounters a noncombatible fire, 

indicated by “intense heat” or “fire out of control,” the team shall, 

without undue delay, seal the fire or regulate the fire, so as to 

restrict the air flow to the fire and prevent its further advance. 

Regulating airflow to control a fire is not considered a ventilation 

change. The team must then, without undue delay, find all other 

approaches to the fire and seal or regulate them. This does not 

preclude systematic exploration of the area. Whether to use 

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

decided by the team. The team must inform the official in charge 

prior to making any ventilation changes. This decision will take 

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

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

explosive gases, the possible effects of any ventilation 

change(s), and other pertinent data. A regulated fire, left 

unsealed, has the potential to emit contaminants into the mine 

atmosphere.

Roof or Ground Control

The following illustration (Figure 1) shows the proper method of 

setting roof supports through an unsafe area using the safe ribs 

as support. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary roof 

supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1-foot from the 

area designated as unsafe. 

• The rib can be used as support unless designated as 

unsafe.

• Once a post has been set to correct and support an 

unsafe roof condition, it cannot be removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three 

supports must be set; one on each end and one under the unsafe 

roof.

31
The team must simulate setting support and then place placard 

on the floor in the proper location.

Figure 1

The following illustration (Figure 2) shows the proper method of 

setting roof supports through an unsafe area with designated 

unsafe ribs. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary roof 

supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1-foot from the 

area designated as unsafe. 

• The rib can be used as support unless designated as 

unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and support an 

unsafe roof condition, it cannot be removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three 

supports must be set; one on each end and one under the unsafe 

roof. 

32
Team must simulate setting support and then place placard on 

the floor in the proper location.

Figure 2

The following illustration (Figure 3) shows the proper method of 

setting roof supports through an unsafe intersection. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary roof 

supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1-foot from the 

area designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and support an 

unsafe roof condition, it cannot be removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three 

supports must be set; one on each end and one under the unsafe 

roof. 

33
Team must simulate setting support and then place placard on 

the floor in the proper location.

Figure 3

Note: If the team decides to travel through the intersection to the 

east or the west, additional supports will need to be installed (as 

shown in green on the illustration).

The following illustrations (Figures 4 and 5) show the proper 

method of setting roof supports to recover a patient located under 

an area of unsafe roof or back.

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary roof 

supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1-foot from the 

area designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and support an 

unsafe roof condition, it cannot be removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three 

supports must be set; one on each end and one under the unsafe 

roof. 

34
In each situation, the team must simulate setting supports and 

then place placards on the floor in the proper location.

Figure 4

Note: If the miner is alive and requires first aid, additional 

supports will need to be installed (as shown in green on the 

illustration) so that additional team members can safely access 

the area and provide necessary treatment.

Figure 5

35
Gas Field Testing

Gas testing proficiency will be conducted during the working of 

the mine rescue field competition. At the fresh Air Base, the team 

will find a gas box (gas cylinder and tubing) containing an 

“unknown” mixture of gases. Each mine rescue team will need to 

provide their own calibration cups for their multi-gas instruments

and will be expected to report all required concentrations within 

acceptable limits: O2, CH4, CO, and NO2.

This segment of the contest will be scored by the judging officials 

as follows: at each gas box, there will be fifteen (15) discount 

points deducted per gas if the team does not report the 

respective gas concentration within the acceptable limits below:

a. Oxygen readings are considered to be correct if within plus 

or minus 0.5% by volume;

b. Methane readings are considered to be correct if within 

plus or minus 0.2% by volume (LEL readings are not 

acceptable) with an instrument equipped with a catalytic 

sensor. Note: For those instruments equipped with an 

infrared sensor, the readings would be rounded to the 

nearest whole number. Therefore, a team must use an 

instrument equipped with a catalytic sensor in order to be 

within the required tolerance;

c. Carbon Monoxide readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 10% of the actual value present; and

d. Nitrogen Dioxide readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 3 ppm of the actual value present.

36
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #1

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

1. Apparatus improperly assembled, 

each apparatus 10 x ___ = ____

2. Apparatus improperly adjusted to the

wearer, each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

3. Apparatus part or parts worn or 

deteriorated so as to be dangerous 

to wearer, each person 8 x ___ = ____

4. Failure to follow prescribed procedures

for going under oxygen, each person 3 x ___ = ____

5. Failure of team member to be clean 

shaven in the area that affects a good 

face-to-facepiece seal, each infraction 10 x ___ = ____

6. Failure of captain to examine each

apparatus and have captain’s examined

before entering the mine, each apparatus

each infraction 2 x ___ = ____

7. Team member not wearing identification,

protective clothing, including safety

shoes, hard hat, permissible cap lamp,

self-rescuer, each infraction 2 x ___ = ____

8. Failure of team captain to mark date

and team position number on the check

board at mine portal or fresh air base,

or start timing device, each omission 4 x ___ = ____

9. No work will be done prior to starting

the clock 4 (total) ____

10. Failure of team to “count off” before

entering or leaving the mine 2 x ___ = ____

_______________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature

37
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #1

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

captain or team member does not correct it before the team 

goes underground. Once the team has entered the course, 

no further penalty can be assessed by the judge.

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. Once the team has 

entered the course, no further penalty can be assessed by 

the judge.

3. 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.

4. 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 penalty can be 

assessed by the judge.

5. Self-explanatory.

6. 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).

7. Self explanatory.

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 maps are turned in.

9. Self-explanatory.

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

must be done prior to team entering the mine for the first 

time. 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.

38
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Discount Sheet

Judge #1 Discounts

1. Breathing external air while working

problem, each team member, each 

infraction 10 x ___ = ____

2. Team not following proper procedure

in case of apparatus failure, each

infraction 10 x ___ = ____

3. Failure of team to stop within 50 feet

of the fresh air base or at the shaft

station to perform personnel and

apparatus checks, upon their first entry

into the mine 4 (total) ____ 

4. Team member(s) not making apparatus

check after removing apparatus to

traverse restricted clearance or after

apparatus has sustained possible

damage from impact (each person,

each incident) 4 x ___ = ____ 

5. Apparatus examination exceeding

20-minute intervals. 5 x ___ = ____

6. Failure to use posted hoisting signals,

each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

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

8. 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;

39
 Discounts

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 5 x ___= ____

9. 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 x ___ = ____

(10 max.)

10. Captain or other team member doing

anything to endanger himself/herself

or other team members, 15 points each

team member so endangered, each

infraction, each occurrence 15 x ___ = ____ 

11. Failure of team to explore or examine

workings systematically and thoroughly,

each omission 4 x ___ = ____ 

12. Teams must be checked immediately

before entering smoke 5 x ___ = ____ 

13. Failure to locate, seal, or extinguish

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

14. Failure to notify the fresh air base

when an air/gas mixture has reached

its explosive range. 10 x ___ = ____

15. Failure to bring live person to

surface or fresh air base by the

end of the problem, each omission 50 x ___ = ____

16. Failure to locate bodies and/or live

persons, each omission 50 x ___ = ____

40
 Discounts

17. Transporting survivor in unexplored

territory, leaving survivor unattended,

and moving survivor in any direction

except toward the fresh air base,

each infraction 6 x ___= ____

18. The team performing an act that may

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

Some examples of this would be:

a. Breaching a barricade with toxic gases

outside.

b. Directing toxic gases over survivor(s)

through a change in ventilation

c. In the case of multiple survivors,

leaving the higher priority patient

and taking a less injured patient out,

each infraction

d. Improperly protecting survivor(s)

from toxic gases 50 x ___ = ____

____________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature

41
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. This check must be made: 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); 

before the captain exceeds 50 feet from portal or shaft; and 

before the team leaves the shaft station. 

4. 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.

5. Self-explanatory.

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

used to notify the hoistman of intended movement and cage 

release.

7. Self-explanatory.

8. 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.

42
c. This means the captain’s physical presence is

necessary before any part of an area can be

considered as having been examined.

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

be indicated on both maps. Date means month, day, 

and year.

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

a. 15 points will be assessed for each team member 

who:

1. travels under bad roof or ground;

2. travels into water over knee deep or into a sump

containing water;

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

into which they could fall or be injured by falling 

objects;

4. advances past a sign indicating intense heat or fire 

out of control;

5. fails to take body substance isolation (BSI) 

precautions before physically contacting a patient; 

and

6. fails to wear apparatus while examining the 

entrances to mine openings.

b. The entire team will be considered endangered and 

75 points assessed for:

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

the presence of fire or flooding, prior to 

traveling through it. For contest purposes, this 

check may be done by placing combustible 

materials on the cage and having the cage 

lowered to the level to be explored, then raising 

it to the collar.

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

when explosive gases are found in a non-gassy 

mine.

3. changing conditions of the mine ventilation 

system in such a manner that an explosive 

mixture is moved over an ignition source. 

Changing conditions of the mine ventilation 

system in such a manner that an explosive 

mixture is moved over an unexplored area. If a 

43
team explores all sides of an overcast or an 

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.

4. continuing exploration after conditions are found to 

indicate an imminent explosion is possible by the 

presence of an explosive mixture and the evidence 

of fire (smoke or carbon monoxide) and the location 

of the fire is unknown. A team must continue to 

explore if it knows there is a continuous 

nonexplosive separation between the explosive 

mixture and the evidence of fire.

5. utilizing electric or battery-powered equipment in 

explosive air/gas atmosphere. Ignition sources 

would include any communication device, unless 

designated as sound-powered or intrinsically safe. 

6. failure to take a functioning wire communication 

system into the mine or committing an act that 

causes the communications system to break or fail 

while underground.

7. removing a post that has been set to correct and 

support an unsafe roof condition.

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

that can be explored without endangering team, if problem 

requires entire mine to be explored. All accessible areas 

must be tied across and behind before advancing. Where 

crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance more 

than three (3) feet beyond the second intersection before 

tying across and/or behind into all unexplored areas that 

intersect. This may require building an air lock or returning to 

the fresh air base and exploring into other drifts at the 

discretion of the team and according to conditions of the 

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

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

shafts must be traveled, if possible, before proceeding more

than three (3) feet beyond the second intersection.

44
12. 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 okay 

will suffice).

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

responsibility of systematic exploration.

14. Failure to notify the fresh air base when an air/gas mixture, 

which reached its explosive range, has been encountered.

15. Self-explanatory.

16. Self-explanatory.

17. 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 breached, the team may advance.

18. An act which does not endanger the team, but may injure or 

result in the death of a survivor.

45
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #2

 Discounts 

1. Failure to take necessary permissible

equipment and gas detecting devices

to work the problem, each omission 4 x ___ = ____ 

2. Gas detectors, testers, and/or indicators

failing to function properly and not

corrected before entering the mine,

each infraction 4 x ___ = ____ 

3. Testers or detectors improperly

assembled or defective parts used 8 (total) ____

4. Failure to secure extra apparatus to

stretcher, each omission 4 x ___ = ____

5. Physically comparing team map with

fresh air base map, once the team has

entered the mine. 25 (total) ____

6. Failure of the team to complete the

problem within the established time

limit. 25 (total) ____

7. Any team whose member(s) intentionally

disturb or destroy any component on a

competition field will immediately be

assessed this discount. Repeated offense

may result in team disqualification at the

discretion of the contest director. 100 (total) ____

_______________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

Judge’s Signature 

46
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation

Judge #2

1. Failure to take necessary permissible equipment or testing 

devices underground, discount should be assessed even if 

teams return to fresh air base to pick up necessary 

equipment.

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

3. If any questions exist, the equipment should be checked by 

the judges after the completion of the problem in the 

presence of the team captain.

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

from falling off.

5. Teams may place reference or other information on both 

maps before proceeding into the mine. After the team has 

completed its 50 foot check, no side by side comparison of 

the maps or changes (edits) will be allowed on either map 

while the team is at the fresh air base.

6. Teams are required to complete the problem in the 

established time limit: explore all accessible areas of the 

mine; extinguish or seal all fires; locate all missing miners; 

and bring all survivors to the surface.

7. Self-explanatory.

47
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #2 Discounts 

1. Failure to make necessary gas tests

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

2. Improper procedure when testing with

gas detectors, each gas, each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

3. Intentional causing of a test instrument

to inflate faster than tests indicate that

it should, each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

4. At the fresh air base, the team must stop

at the gas box, take a measurement, and 

report the respective gas concentrations

within the acceptable limits below:

a. Oxygen (O2) readings are considered

to be correct if within plus or minus

0.5% by volume; 15 x ___ = ____

b. Methane (CH4) readings are considered

to be correct if within plus or minus

0.2% by volume with an instrument 

equipped with a catalytic sensor. 

Note: For those instruments equipped

with an infrared sensor, the readings would

be rounded to the nearest whole number. 

Therefore, a team must use an instrument 

equipped with a catalytic sensor in order to 

be within the required tolerance; 15 x ___ = ____

c. Carbon Monoxide (CO) readings are

considered to be correct if within plus

or minus 10% of the actual value

present; and 15 x ___ = ____

d. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) readings are

considered to be correct if within plus

or minus 3 ppm of the actual value

present. 15 x ___ = ____

5. Less than 5 members entering, working

or completing problem, each person 8 x ___ = ____

6. Traveling at more than a normal

walking speed 8 (total) ____

48
 Discounts

7. Team member talking to an unauthorized

person without permission of the

judges or contest officials, each infraction 5 x ___ = ____ 

8. Intentionally detaching/severing 

lifeline 5 (total) ____

9. All team members must be connected

or have hold of the lifeline when the

team is traveling or when in smoke.

When stopped, in clear air, at least

one person must have hold of the life

line. If tag lines are used between

team members and the team line,

they shall be no longer than 3 feet

in length. 2 x ___ = ____

10. Failure to erect temporary barricade,

stopping or regulator when necessary,

each infraction 10 x ___ = ____ 

11. Failure to erect temporary barricade,

seal, or stopping reasonably airtight,

each infraction 2 x ___ = ____ 

12. Failure to make necessary ventilation

changes or changing ventilation or

electric power before the effects of

such changes are known, each infraction 15 x ___ = ____ 

13. Failure to properly secure survivor to

stretcher; failure to cover survivor with

blanket (unless first aid procedures

indicate otherwise); or placing survivor

on stretcher in such a way as to foul

proper operation of apparatus, each

omission 4 x ___ = ____

14. Survivor care:

a. Failure to adequately examine and

assess each person found in the

mine for possible injury or illness,

each infraction 4 x ___ = ____

49
 Discounts

b. Failure to properly treat any

injury or illness which is, or should

have been, revealed by the

examination, each infraction 4 x ___ = ____

15. Failure to follow proper procedure

when putting apparatus on survivor,

each infraction 5 x ___ = ____

16. Assistance given by supposedly

unconscious person, each infraction 5 x ___ = ____

______________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

Judge’s Signature 

50
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #2 

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

doors, regulators, barricades and other areas where conditions are unknown. When stops are made at the openings 

of crosscuts, intersections, or drifts turned off the drift that is 

being traveled, separate gas tests must be made across 

each entry within 25 feet of the rear captain’s position. No 

place shall be passed without first checking the condition of 

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

room shall be checked before examining the entry beyond 

the opening. This does not necessarily hold true in cases of 

entries. In cases of entries turned from the entry being 

traveled, it is a matter of choice which entry is to be followed 

and many things must be taken into consideration in making 

the choice. However, all places must be checked before that 

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

an opening or intersection when the No. 5 member is past 

the opening. All areas that have been cleared of smoke and 

toxic or dangerous gases that the teams elect to travel 

through must be rechecked prior to the team’s reentering. 

Upon re-entry into these areas where the ventilation has 

been changed, teams shall make gas tests (rib-to-rib) at all 

openings along the route they travel.

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

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

beyond its limits or range. For example, a methane detector 

must be held overhead when testing because methane 

(CH4) is light and will be found in high places near the back 

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

found in greater concentrations along the floor and in low 

places. Therefore, this test 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.

51
3. Self-explanatory.

4. Self-explanatory.

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

working the problem.

6. Teams traveling obviously faster than a normal walk (both

judges must concur on this) shall be discounted.

7. Do not hesitate to assess this discount; however, explain and 

name unauthorized person on discount card and state 

instructions given, if known.

8. Self-explanatory.

9. 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 communication 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.

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

may make openings in the pre-existing stoppings, doors, etc. 

Doors shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the 

effects of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary 

stopping has been erected. Regulators shall not be opened 

without prior knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation 

system, unless a temporary regulator has been erected. This 

does not apply to existing check 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.

11. During a ventilation change, a curtain that directs airflow is 

required to be upgraded to a temporary barricade, seal, or 

stopping and must be fastened at top and sides.

12. Teams must inform the official in charge before changing the 

ventilation or electric power, and such things as explosive 

gases and the safety of trapped miners and rescue personnel 

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

52
power or ventilation. Teams can inform the fresh air base 

attendant by approved communication devices available, and 

the fresh air base attendant must inform the official in charge 

before changing ventilation or electric power. Informing the 

official in charge of the fresh air base does not relieve the 

team of the responsibility of their decision.

13. Survivor must 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.)

14. a. This will be based on the Ninth Edition of Brady 

“Emergency Medical Responder – First on the Scene”, 

Chapters: 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 

19, 20, 21, and 26, and MSHA Publication 3027 (IG 6) -

Module 6, Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies. 

(This book may be ordered from the National Mine 

Health and Safety Academy. See page 16.)

b. A team must deal with a victim(s), if there is either visual 

or verbal contact or 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.

15. To properly protect a survivor, a team must provide an 

approved 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus and/or an 

approved one-hour oxygen-generating unit. However, if a 

survivor is found and is wearing an approved one-hour 

oxygen-generating self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) device, 

the team will not be required to replace it with one of the 

above mentioned units unless the SCSR has been depleted. 

In addition, if the survivor is unconscious, one of the above 

units equipped with a full face-piece must be used.

16. 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.)

53
MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Team Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.:_______________________________________ 

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________ 

Judge #1 Surface: ___________________

Underground: _____________________

Judge #2 Surface: _________________________

Underground: _____________________

Written Test: ___________________________________

Map: _________________________________________

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

Total Discounts

Excluding average time: ___________________________

Time Review Completed: __________________________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

______________________ _______________________

Team Captain Review Judge 

54
MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: _____________________________________ 

Team Name: ________________________________________

Draw Number: _______________________________________ 

Discounts 

For each incorrect answer for each person

(1 discount)

No. 1 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 2 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 3 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 4 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 5 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 6 person 1 x ____ = _____ 

No. 7 person (alternate) 1 x ____ = _____ 

Note:

Total Discounts is sum of six best scores (tests with least 

amount of discounts).

____________________________ Total Discounts ________

Judge’s Signature 

55
MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Map Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: _____________________________________ 

Team Name: ________________________________________

Draw Number: _______________________________________ 

Team Map:

1. Failure to record information on map 1 x ____ = ____

2. Not recording information accurately

on map (within 6 feet of actual location

measured from the center point of the

object), each infraction 1 x ____ = ____ 

Fresh Air Base Map:

1. Failure to record information on map 1 x ____ = ____

2. Not recording information accurately

on map (within 6 feet of actual location

measured from the center point of the

object), each infraction 1 x ____ = ____ 

________________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

Map Examiner’s Signature

56
MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

 Time Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: _____________________________________ 

Team Name: ________________________________________

Draw Number: _______________________________________ 

 Total Time 

Total time will be rounded off to the next 

highest minute. (Total average time will also 

be rounded off to the next highest minute.) ________ 

 Discounts 

For each minute over average time. 1⁄2 x ___ = _____ 

________________________________ Total Discounts _____

Timekeeper’s Signature

57
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES 

1. The Technician Team Competition will be held in a simulated 

mine rescue station and may consist of benching one selfcontained breathing apparatus (which will be assembled) and 

at least one multi-gas instrument, and testing the 

communications system to ensure the field readiness of the 

team. Thus, with this practical approach at the conclusion of 

the competition, the technician team’s mine rescue team will 

be prepared to go underground and conduct a successful 

mine rescue mission. 

2. The technician team will consist of two members of the 

8-person mine rescue team. Persons competing in the 

Technician Team Competition cannot be members of the first 

aid team.

3. Registration will be made with the team registration.

4. The Technician Team competition will be held at designated 

location in conjunction with the first aid competition. 

Contestants will remain in isolation until they finish the 

Technician Team Competition or they will be disqualified.

5. For the purposes of identification, participants of the 

Technician Team Competition must be dressed uniformly, 

complete with team logo and team member number.

6. After the team verifies that they are ready, the clock will be 

started. The technician team may work together or 

separately to complete the required tasks.

7. At the simulated mine rescue station, the technician team will 

be provided with one breathing apparatus (designated by 

each team at the time of registration) and at least one multigas instrument, equipment, tools, and supplies, as necessary 

to complete the problem. Only those tools, equipment, and 

supplies provided will be used by contestants to work the 

problem. It is imperative that each team provide the type and 

model of breathing apparatus and the type and model of 

multi-gas instrument that the team will be using during the 

field competition because the same type and model of 

breathing apparatus and multi-gas instruments will be made 

available to the Technician Team at the “simulated mine 

rescue station” during the Technician Team competition.

58
8. Thirty (30) minutes will be allowed to complete the 

competition. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by 

the judge when the time is about to expire. If the technician 

team has not completed the competition when time expires, 

the judges will stop their activities. They will be scored based 

on their discounts to that point, including: appropriate 

discounts for items missed; and appropriate discounts for 

necessary actions not taken by the technician team to 

complete the assigned task. 

9. If the problem is not completed in the specified time, an 

additional twenty-five (25) discounts will be assessed.

9. All defects in testing and preparation will result in the 

appropriate discounts.

10. ... WARNING ... Any team whose member(s) intentionally 

disturb or destroy any component on a competition field will 

immediately be assessed a 100 point discount. Repeated 

offense may result in team disqualification at the discretion of 

the contest director.

11. When the 30-minute time limit expires, the judges will 

conduct a five-minute review of all discounts. After the 

review, both the judges and the technician team will sign the 

appropriate judge’s scorecard in the spaces provided. 

12. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and 

news media approved by the contest director will be 

permitted in the technician team simulated mine rescue 

station. A separate area will be provided for spectators to 

observe the teams during competition.

59
13. A predetermined amount of trophies will be awarded for the 

Technician Team Competition. These will include separate 

trophies for the teams using Draeger BG-4 apparatuses and 

those teams using Biomarine BioPak 240R/S apparatuses.

The combined total discounts of the written tests and the 

individual segments of the competition will determine the 

winners. In the event of a tie, the written test scores will 

determine the winner. The total time will be the second tiebreaker. The winning teams will be announced during the 

banquet.

WRITTEN TEST

1. On the day before the contest begins, all written tests will be 

administered in isolation. The technician team tests will be 

included at this same time. The written test will consist of 

thirty (30) multiple choice and true/false questions, including:

a. Ten (10) questions from MSHA Publication 3027 

(formerly “IG 6 – Instructor’s Manual for Mine Rescue 

Training”): Module 2 – Mine Gases and Module 3 –

Ventilation.

b. Ten (10) questions concerning the breathing apparatus

used by the Technician Team’s mine rescue team, as 

declared on the contest registration form. 

For those team’s using Draeger BG-4 apparatuses, test 

questions will be taken from Draeger Safety, Inc.’s “PSS 

BG 4 Service Manual” – P/N 4057781, Revision O, Serial 

No. ERXE-F001. 

For those team’s using Biomarine BioPak 240S 

apparatuses, test questions will be taken from: the 

BioPak 240S User Instruction Manual, Document

A46D029, Revision F; the Benchman Instruction Manual, 

Document A46D030, Revision L; and applicable BioPak 

240 Benchman/User Quizzes.

For those team’s using Biomarine BioPak 240R 

apparatuses, test questions will be taken from: the 

BioPak 240R User Instructions, Document A47D134,

Revision K; the Benchman Manual, Document A47D135,

Revision M; and the current BioPak 240R User

(Document A47D264, Revision C) and Benchman 

(Document A47265, Revision D) Quizzes.

60
c. Ten (10) questions concerning the MX6 iBrid multi-gas 

instrument used by the Technician Team’s mine rescue 

team. Questions will be taken from the Industrial 

Scientific Corporation’s “MX6 iBrid Multigas Monitor 

Operation Guide” – Revision 9, dated April 24, 2014. 

2. Contestants will be assessed one (1) discount point for each 

incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test 

questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect by 

the test judge and discounts assessed.

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

judges.

4. In special circumstances, individual team members may be 

given an oral test by one or more judges in lieu of a written 

test. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the 

Contest Director at the time of registration. All other team 

members will take the test at the same time. In any case, the 

judges will not explain the meaning of questions, but may 

explain a word or words in the questions.

JUDGES

1. All judges will be trained as prescribed by the Contest 

Director.

2. Judges must stand clear of team members.

3. Prior to the competition, judges will ensure that the team’s 

breathing apparatus(es), multi-gas instrument(s), and 

communications system contains only the deficiencies as per 

the planned problem.

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges will

stop the clock, instruct the technician team to turn their backs 

to their respective area, at which time the judge will correct 

the unplanned deficiencies. Judges shall instruct the 

technician team that upon turning back to their area, the 

clock will restart. If the deficiencies are caused by either team 

member, the clock will not be stopped.

61
APPEALS 

1. After the five-minute review, the technician team will be

notified to report to the area designated for 20-minute looks. 

The team will have 20 minutes for reviewing the judges’ 

scorecards and written test scores. A discount summary 

sheet will be used to list the discounts. All discounts will be 

listed and totaled. Both the technician team and the review 

judges will sign the discount sheet to certify they have 

reviewed the discounts and verified the totals (see page 91). 

After the completion of the review, the technician team will 

have an additional 30 minutes to prepare and submit any 

appeals. All appeals must be in writing and must clearly state 

the team’s comments to the discount in question.

2. All appeals will be considered by the Technician Team 

Appeals Committee and their decision will be binding and 

final. 

DISCOUNTS

1. Discounts will not be added to the technician team score 

once the judges have signed their discount sheets following a 

review with team members. This does not preclude changes 

due to administrative errors or a misapplication of a rule.

2. Technician Teams will not be discounted more than once for 

any one mistake in the same segment of the competition

where such mistake may qualify under more than one 

discount. Judges will confer and assess the highest single 

discount.

62
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

TEAM EQUIPMENT CHECKS/PREPARATION

GENERAL RULES

1. The technician team must make necessary checks of multigas instruments (see Multi-Gas Instrument Checks/Problem 

Diagnosis) and self-contained breathing apparatuses (see 

Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis) for proper working 

condition. These checks must be within the manufacturer’s 

specified limits. The extra breathing apparatus must also be 

tested accordingly.

2. The technician team must check the portable communication 

system to ensure that it works properly and has insulated 

wire strong enough to give and receive manual signals in the 

event of failure.

2. Faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced. If 

replacements or replacement parts are not available, these 

items can be requested from the respective judges.

3. The equipment provided during the competition (i.e., 

breathing apparatus and multi-gas instruments, and 

communications system with associated components), must 

be MSHA-approved and bear an MSHA Approval sticker 

where applicable.

63
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

TEAM EQUIPMENT CHECKS/PREPARATION

Judges’ Scorecard

 Discounts 

1. Failure to provide necessary equipment

or supplies for the team to work the

problem, each omission 5 x ___ = ____ 

2. Failure to repair or replace defective

equipment, each infraction 5 x ___ = ____ 

3. Failure to check and repair, if necessary,

the communications system 10 (total) ____

4. Failure to complete the problem within

the time limit. 25 (total) ____

3. Any team whose member(s) intentionally

disturb or destroy any component on a

competition field will immediately be

assessed this discount. Repeated offense

may result in team disqualification at the

discretion of the contest director. 100 (total) ____

_______________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature

64
TECHNICIAN TEAM DISCOUNTS

AND INTERPETATIONS

TEAM EQUIPMENT CHECKS/PREPARATION

1. At the conclusion of the competition, the technician team’s

mine rescue team must be prepared to go underground and 

conduct a successful mine rescue mission. The Technician 

Team must check the available apparatus and multi-gas 

instruments, and communications system to ensure that they 

are adequate to meet the requirements of the problem and 

that they are in functional condition and ready for use.

2. All faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced. If 

replacements or replacement parts are not available, these 

items can be requested from the respective judges.

3. Self-explanatory.

4. Self-explanatory.

3. Self-explanatory.

65
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

GENERAL RULES

1. The technician team must be familiar with the respective 

multi-gas instrument manufacturer’s operations manual, 

handbook, and/or instructional videos. (Note: these videos 

may be found on the individual manufacturers’ websites).

2. For Contest purposes, multi-gas instruments used by the 

teams during the field and technician team competitions 

(designated by each team at the time of registration) must 

include at least one instrument that meets the 

requirements of 30 CFR 49.16(a)(6).

3. The multi-gas instrument given to the technician team may 

have multiple bugs or problems consisting of any of the 

following:

a. Missing and/or needed sensors

b. Failed sensors

c. Mis-calibrated sensors

d. Dead or incorrect batteries

e. Incorrect alarm and calibration points

f. Missing parts

g. Defective parts

4. The technician team will be expected to evaluate the 

instrument(s), repair all of the deficiencies, properly 

calibrate or functional (bump) test the instrument(s), and 

check for proper action level alarm set points. During this 

process, the technician team may need to reconfigure the 

instrument(s) to complete these tasks. After final assembly 

and proper calibration, an “unknown” gas mixture will be 

applied to the respective instrument to verify proper 

function.

5. The technician team may return to correct any uncorrected 

deficiencies at any time within the time limit.

66
6. Five (5) discount points per alarm point will be assessed 

for any incorrectly set alarms.

7. Five (5) discount points will be assessed for each instance 

of incorrect procedure or equipment use during calibration.

8. No discounts will be assessed for replacing non-deficient 

sensors, as long as the resulting calibration(s) and alarm 

points are correct.

9. Fifteen (15) discount points will be assessed for each 

incorrect gas concentration identified when the instrument 

is subjected to the “unknown” gas mixture, as follows: 

a. Oxygen readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 1.0% by volume;

b. Methane readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 0.2% by volume (LEL 

readings are not acceptable);

c. Carbon Monoxide readings are considered to be 

correct if within plus or minus 20% of the actual 

value present; and

d. Nitrogen Dioxide readings are considered to be 

correct if within plus or minus 5 ppm of the actual 

value present.

9. For completion, the instrument(s) must be fully assembled, 

operating, and properly configured within the allowed time.

If the team technician does not leave the instrument(s) in 

this “ready-for-use” condition, a five (5) point discount will 

be assessed.

Note: “Ready for Use” means that the instrument is left 

“on” with the peaks cleared.

67
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Judges’ Scorecard

Technician Team: _____________________________________

Company Name: _____________________________________ 

Team Name: ________________________________________

Draw Number: _______________________________________ 

Instrument Model ___________ Serial # ___________________

Bench Problem

Alarm Points

Sensor Reqd. Set Comments Discounts

O2 Low 19.5 _______ ____________ ______

High 23.5 _______ ____________ ______

Procedure ______________________________ ______

CH4 Low 1.0 _______ ____________ ______

High 1.5 _______ ____________ ______

Procedure ______________________________ ______

CO Low 50 _______ ____________ ______

High 100 _______ ____________ ______

Procedure ______________________________ ______

NO2 Low 3.0 _______ ____________ ______

High 5.0 _______ ____________ ______

Procedure ______________________________ ______

Toxic:

______ Low ___ _______ ____________ ______

High ___ _______ ____________ ______

Procedure ______________________________ ______

Additional Discounts:

Functional (Bump) Test Not Performed, if required -

5 discounts, each infraction ______

Instrument subjected to “Unknown” gas mixture - 

 15 discounts, each incorrect concentration identified ______

Multi-gas Instrument(s) not “ready for use” 

5 discounts (total) ______

_________________________________________________ ______

_________________________________________________ ______

_________________________________________________ ______

_________________________________________________ ______

Judge ____________________ Total discounts: ______

Judge _____________________

68
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

APPARATUS CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

GENERAL RULES

1. The technician team must be familiar with the respective selfcontained breathing apparatus manufacturer’s service 

manual.

2. The technician team will be provided with at least one fully 

assembled self-contained breathing apparatus, an apparatus

tester, defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts 

necessary to complete the problem. Only tools, apparatus, 

and testing equipment provided by the judge will be used by 

the technician team to work the problem. Bugs used in the 

competition will be consistent with all models of breathing

apparatuses.

3. Checks must be performed in order as prescribed by the 

manufacturer and recorded. If and when deficiencies are 

encountered, the technician team must call out to the judge 

and properly correct and record any and all deficiencies. 

Visuals can be performed at any time.

4. The technician team may return to correct any uncorrected 

deficiencies within the thirty (30) minute time limit.

5. If the technician team performs checks out of order, there will 

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

6. The technician team will be allowed to move forward, in 

order, in the event a deficiency is detected but not located. 

Once deficiency is corrected, the technician team must return 

to the point of deficiency and repeat all test steps in proper 

order.

7. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be discounted 

as not performed.

8. Fifteen (15) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency 

not found.

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

corrected.

10. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each monthly check 

not performed.

69
11. 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.

12. For completion, the self-contained breathing apparatus must 

be assembled with hoses connected to the face piece and 

attached to the apparatus. The spare apparatus must be

secured to the stretcher within the allotted time. If the team 

technician does not leave the apparatus in this “ready-foruse” condition, a five (5) point discount will be assessed. 

This rule addressing “ready for use” criteria is selfexplanatory and specific. Contestants must ensure that all 

apparatuses found at the “simulated mine rescue stations” 

are left in this condition before the thirty (30) minute time limit 

expires. Any deviation or omission will result in a five (5) 

point discount.

13. All breathing apparatuses at the “simulated mine rescue 

station” must be examined in order to determine when they 

received their last monthly checks. Those units which have 

documentation (e.g., on a tag, on a piece of paper, or in a log 

book) showing the monthly checks were conducted within the 

past 30 days must still undergo a “high pressure leak test.”

70
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

71
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Judges’ Scorecard

Apparatus Serial #

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Low Pressure Alarm

(Negative Pressure 

Warning)

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure Leak

Relief Valve

Constant Metering 

(Dosage)

Minimum Valve

Bypass Valve

Residual Warning

Battery Check

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

Ready for Use

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Corrected

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Summary of Discounts 

Required check not performed:

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Checks out of order:

5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found:

15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected:

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves:

10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”:

5 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts _________

Judge _______________________

Judge _______________________

72
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4

CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

Team No. ______________ 

Technician(s) ___________

Company ______________ 

Problems Found 

Corrected 

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

73
TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection ------ Check for good condition.

2. Insert O2 Cylinder ------ Fully Charged.

3. Insert Canister ------ Factory Sealed or

 Reusable.

4. Facepiece and Hoses ------ Check for good condition.

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

Warning Pumping activation should

sound at 1.25 and/or

1.4 mbar.

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

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

gauge.

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

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

gauge.

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

Pumping indicated on gauge.

Fit sealing cap over tappet

 of relief valve as bag

 inflated.

Drain valve must not

 open at 10 mbar.

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

 pressure should not

 change by more than

 1 mbar in 1 minute.

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

Pumping opens.

Opening pressure should

 lie between 2 & 5 mbar.

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

74
TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

11. Constant Metering Pos. Pres. Open O2 cylinder. Inflate

 Pumping breathing bag.

Fit sealing cap over

 tappet of relief valve.

Dosage Constant metering

.05 - 2 L/min dosage should lie

 between 1.5 and

 1.9 L/min.

12. Minimum Valve Neg. Pres. Pump slowly until

Pumping minimum valve is

 opening.

Minimum Valve should

 open between 0.1 and

 2.5 mbar.

13. Bypass Valve Leak Test Press red button.

Breathing bag inflates.

(Alternate Relief Valve Test) Observe reading on Rz,

 relief valve should open

 between 2 and 5 mbar.

14. Low Close cylinder valve.

Pressure Warning sounds at 700 psi.

Warning

15. Battery If Failing:

Check Alarm sounds 5 times.

 Red indicator flashes

 for 30 sec.

 Bat is displayed.

(Note – Battery check is performed when shutting off the sentinel by 

observing the indicator. Black battery is sufficient, battery indicator with 

“1” indicates four (4) hours left on battery, and “2” means change battery 

immediately.)

75
PROCEDURES FOR “HIGH PRESSURE LEAK TEST”

For the Draeger BG-4 with Monitron (CCr/OCr Test):

a. The oxygen cylinder must be full, i.e. the charging pressure 

must be greater than 2600 psi/165 bar.

b. Open the oxygen cylinder valve. CCr (Close Cylinder) will 

appear on the display unit approximately 3 seconds after 

opening the cylinder valve and successful completion of the 

battery test.

c. As soon as the display disappears: close the cylinder valve.

d. After approximately 35 seconds if the apparatus is O.K.:

i. Alarm sounds once

ii. Green indicator flashes

iii. OCr (Open Cylinder) is displayed, i.e. open cylinder 

valve.

e. The high-pressure leak test has been completed 

successfully.

i. Keep cylinder valve closed

The “automatic battery test” is performed, before 

switching off.

f. Afterward, attach the face piece to the hoses and the unit is 

now in a “ready to use” condition.

For the Draeger BG-4 with Sentinel:

a. The oxygen cylinder must be charged to at least 2600 psi, 

otherwise the Sentinel will not carry out the test.

b. Open the oxygen cylinder valve. The icon “Close cylinder 

valve” appears on the display, the backlight is on, and a 

double alarm beep sounds when the pressure is greater than 

2600 psi/165 bar.

c. Close the cylinder valve.

d. After 15 seconds when the BG-4 is O.K.:

The icon “Open cylinder valve” appears on the display, the 

backlight is on, and the countdown process of the bar graph 

continues. The high pressure leak test has been passed 

successfully.

76
e. Keep the cylinder valve closed.

Remove the sealing cap. Wait until the Sentinel shows 0 

psi/0bar pressure.

f. Replace the sealing cap on the plug-in coupling.

g. Switching off the Sentinel

i. Simultaneously press the right and the left hand button 

until a sharp audible “bleep” sounds.

ii. Release buttons.

iii. For 3 seconds the Sentinel shows the battery status.

iv. Sentinel switches off.

h. Afterward, attach the face piece to the hoses and the unit is 

now in a “ready to use” condition. 

77
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. Open cylinder valve fully.

4. 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.

5. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing both 

breathing hoses and inhaling. The facepiece should collapse 

against the face, indicating there are no leaks.

6. Each team member and apparatus should be rechecked by 

the team captain. The team captain and apparatus should be 

rechecked by a team member. 

Items to be checked prior to going underground and at 

20 minute intervals: 

1. Visually check apparatus.

2. Check pressure gauge.

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

78
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R/240S

BREATHING APPARATUS

79
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240R

Judges’ Scorecard

Apparatus Serial #

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Constant Flow Test 1.6 –

2.4

Low Pressure Leak Test

RMS Guage & 

TRIM System Check

Plumbing High 

Pressure Leak Test

Ready for Use

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Corrected

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Summary of Discounts 

Required check not performed: 

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Check out of order: 

5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected:

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”:

5 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts ________ 

Judge ______________________

Judge _______________________

80
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240S

Judges’ Scorecard

Apparatus Serial #

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Plumbing Leak Test

Constant Flow Test 1.6 –

2.4

Breathing System Leak 

Test

Ready for Use

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Corrected

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Summary of Discounts 

Required check not performed: 

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Check out of order: 

5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected:

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”:

5 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts ________

Judge _______________________

Judge _______________________

81
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240R/240S

Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________ 

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Problems Found 

Corrected 

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

82
TESTING PROCEDURE

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R

BREATHING APPARATUS

STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection ------ Visually inspect the entire

 BioPak 240R for worn,

 loose or missing parts, 

 and parts that could fail

 under use.

2. Constant Flow Test Flow Meter Attach the flow meter on 

 to the constant flow line.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Flow should be 1.6 – 2.4 

 LPM. (+10% at elevations

above 2000 ft)

3. Low Pressure Leak Test Connect leak test kit/

Leak Test Kit/Gauge gauge to hoses

Two Test Keys Insert two pressure test keys

 into the holes in the back

 of the unit and turn

 1⁄4 turn to lock in place.

Open O2 cylinder valve,

 depress by-pass to

 inflate chamber.

Close cylinder valve.

Depress by-pass to vent

 internal pressure.

Vent pressure at test fixture

 until leak test kit/gauge

 reaches 6” - 8” water column.

 Time for one minute, 

 maximum .2” drop.

 

4. RMS Gauge & Gauge/TRIM Open oxygen cylinder and 

TRIM System Check RMS observe gauge and TRIM.

 Listen for alarm horn,

 observe light sequence 

(Red, Green, Blue) and

 verify flashing Green.

5. Plumbing Leak Tec Install fully charged

High Pressure oxygen cylinder.

Leak Test Open O2 cylinder valve.

Check each plumbing

 joint with Leak Tec.

83
TESTING PROCEDURE

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240S

BREATHING APPARATUS

STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS

1. Visual Inspection ------ Visually inspect the entire

 BioPak 240S for worn,

 loose or missing parts,

 and parts that could fail

 under use.

2. Plumbing Tongue Install fully charged

High Pressure Depressor cylinder (minimum 

Leak Test Leak Tec 2,700 psi).

Remove breathing

chamber lid and CO2

 scrubber.

Hold diaphragm away

from demand valve with

 tongue depressor.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Check each plumbing

 joint with Leak Tec.

3. Constant Flow Tongue Slip the flowmeter over

Test Depressor the flow restrictor.

Flow Meter Hold diaphragm away from

 demand valve with

 tongue depressor.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Flow should be 1.6 – 2.4 

 LPM.(+10% at elevations 

 above 2,000 feet)

4. Breathing Leak Test Connect leak test fixture

System Leak Fixture to hoses.

Test Pressure Insert pressure test key

Test Knob into the hole in the back

 of the unit and turn 

 1⁄4 turn to lock in place.

Open O2 cylinder valve,

 depress by-pass to

 inflate balloon.

Close cylinder valve,

 depress by-pass to vent

 internal pressure.

84
 Vent pressure at test fixture

 until balloon reaches

 approximately 45 degree.

Time for two minutes

 looking for significant

 drop in balloon pressure.

85
PROCEDURES FOR “HIGH PRESSURE LEAK TEST”

For the BioPak 240 R:

a. Hold the pneumatic gauge in one hand and turn the unit by 

opening the oxygen cylinder. Verify that the pressure gauge 

reads between 2700 and 3000 psi.

b. Observe gauge and TRIM light sequence, listen for Horn. 

When the 240 R RMS finishes its battery test and horn test 

and then flashes green, the contestant may then turn off the 

oxygen cylinder and bleed the unit by depressing the bypass. 

This takes approximately 50-60 seconds to do this test due to 

the gauge line flow restrictor.

c. A successful test is one in which: 1) Oxygen does not leak 

out of the regulator; 2) Guage goes to flow; 3) Proper RMS 

light sequence which ends up with a green light; and 4) Horn 

goes on and off.

d. Bleed the unit properly by depressing the bypass.

e. Afterward, attach the face piece to the hoses and the unit is 

now in a “ready to use” condition.

For the BioPak 240S:

a. Hold the pressure gauge in one hand and turn on the unit by 

opening the oxygen cylinder. Verify that the pressure gauge 

reads between 2700 and 3000 psi.

b. Observe gauge and listen for whistle. When the gauge 

reaches full (it takes a BioPak 240S gauge to reach full in 50-

60 seconds due to the gauge in flow restrictor) and the 

contestant hears the whistle, he/she is then OK to turn off the 

oxygen cylinder and bleed the unit by properly depressing the 

bypass.

c. A successful test is one in which: 1) Oxygen does not leak 

out of the regulator when the cylinder is opened; 2) Gauge 

goes to full; and 3) Whistle goes on and off.

d. Bleed the unit properly by depressing the bypass.

e. Afterward, attach the face piece to the hoses and the unit is 

now in a “ready to use” condition. 

86
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R BREATHING

APPARATUS

Procedures for getting under oxygen:

Pre-Use Inspection 

1. If apparatus is stored in a ready to use condition, Turn-Around 

Maintenance Tag attached to harness (date less than one 

year old). Before donning the apparatus install frozen Ice 

Canisters, wet sponges, secure lid.

2. If apparatus is not stored in a ready to use condition, prior to 

donning the apparatus, complete the Turn Around 

maintenance procedures as outline in the BioPak 240R 

Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision I, wet sponges and 

install the CO2 absorbent cartridges (Cartridges dated within 

three years). Install a frozen Coolant Canister, secure lid. 

Donning, Getting under Oxygen 

1. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, buckle and adjust 

waist strap, connect and adjust chest strap.

2. Attach facemask to hose adapter and lock in place.

3. Place facemask harness over head, center chin in chin cup, 

hold facemask to face and snug bottom (chin) straps first, 

then the upper (temple) straps, and then the top (head) strap 

(if supplied). A poor facemask seal will cause a significant 

decrease in duration.

4. Perform negative pressure check by collapsing the inhalation 

hose and inhaling. If the mask collapses in on your face mask 

fit is good and exhalation valve is OK.

5. Perform positive pressure check by collapsing the exhalation 

hose and exhaling. If the mask pushes away from face, mask 

fit is good and inhalation valve is OK.

6. Completely open the oxygen cylinder all the way.

7. Inspect Chest gauge minimum 3000 psi and TRIM flashing 

Green.

87
8. The team captain should recheck each team member and 

apparatus. A team member should recheck the team captain 

and apparatus.

Items to be checked before going underground and at 20-

minute intervals. 

1. Visually check apparatus.

2. Check chest mounted pressure gauge.

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

88
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240S BREATHING

APPARATUS

Procedures for getting under oxygen: 

Pre-Use Inspection 

1. If apparatus is stored in a ready to use condition, Turn-Around 

Maintenance Tag attached to oxygen cylinder valve (date less 

than one year old). Before donning the apparatus install 

frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid.

2. If apparatus is not stored in a ready to use condition, prior to 

donning the apparatus, complete the periodic long term 

maintenance procedures as outline in the BioPak 240S 

Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision K. Fill and install the 

CO2 absorbent canister (LimePak dated within one year). 

Install a frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure 

lid. 

Donning, Getting under Oxygen 

1. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, buckle and adjust 

waist strap, connect and adjust chest strap.

2. Place facemask harness over head, center chin in chin cup, 

hold facemask to face and snug bottom (chin) straps first, 

then the upper (temple) straps, and then the top (head) strap. 

A poor facemask seal will cause a significant decrease in 

duration.

3. Perform negative pressure check by blocking the inhalation 

port with hand and inhaling. If the mask collapses in on your 

face, mask fit is good and exhalation valve is OK.

4. Perform positive pressure check by covering the 

exhalation port with hand and exhaling. If mask 

pushes away from face; mask fit is good and

inhalation valve is OK.

5. Remove hose coupler; connect inhalation hose and 

then exhalation hose to mask. Open oxygen cylinder 

valve fully counterclockwise and back 1⁄2 turn. Note 

whistle chirp.

89
Option: If hoses are connected to the facepiece prior 

to donning.

a. Don facemask as outlined above (item 2).

b. Open cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and 

back 1/4 turn. Note whistle chirp.

c. Perform negative pressure check by pinching off the 

inhalation hose and inhaling. If the mask collapses in 

on your face, mask fit is good and exhalation valve is OK.

d. Perform positive pressure check pinching off the 

exhalation hose and exhaling. If mask pushes

away from face, mask fit is good and inhalation

valve is OK.

6. Check chest-mounted pressure gauge, 2700 – 3000 

psi within one minute.

7. The team captain should recheck each team member and 

apparatus. A team member should recheck the team captain 

and apparatus.

Items to be checked before going underground and at

20-minute intervals.

1. Visually check apparatus.

2. Check chest mounted pressure gauge.

3. Question member as to member’s ability to 

continue.

90
TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.:_______________________________________ 

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Technician Team: _________________________________ 

Team Equipment Checks/Preparation

 Discounts: ____________

Multi-Gas Instrument Checks/Problem Diagnosis

 Discounts: ____________

Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis

 Discounts: ____________

Written Test Discounts: ____________

 Total Discounts: ____________

 Time to Complete Problem: ____________

 Time Review Completed: ____________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

______________________ _______________________

 Technician Review Judge

______________________ _______________________

 Technician Review Judge

91
FIRST AID COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES 

1. The Contest Director will establish a reasonable amount of 

time for each team to complete the problem(s). All teams will 

be notified of the established time prior to beginning to work 

the problem(s). Any teams working beyond the established 

time period will be notified by the Judge that they must leave 

the station.

2. The First Aid team must furnish the basic first aid supplies 

needed to complete the problem unless specified by the 

contest coordinator that the supplies will be available at a 

specific station.

3. All material used to solve the first aid problem will be picked 

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

station.

4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with an AED and 

rescue breathing will only be performed on a manikin.

5. Any team found committing an act that will endanger the 

patient will receive fifty (50) discounts for each infraction.

6. Team members must wear an approved protective hat, 

identification tag, safety shoes, permissible cap lamps, selfrescuer, and safety glasses.

7. ... WARNING ... Any team whose member(s) intentionally 

disturb or destroy any component on a competition field will

immediately be assessed a 100 point discount. Repeated 

offense may result in team disqualification at the discretion of 

the contest director.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 

1. The First Aid Contest will consist of first aid problems and a 

written examination.

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

rescue team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest.

3. The first aid team will consist of three members of the mine 

rescue team.

4. All first aid team members will remain in isolation until their 

team is called. Teams will receive a briefing on the problem 

scenario when they arrive at the first aid station.

5. If participating teams need additional help, such as 

transporting or moving a patient, help will be provided by 

contest officials. 

92
6. There will be a minimum of two (2) judges at each of the first 

aid stations.

7. Judges will be assigned specific tasks to be scored prior to 

the judging and will record their findings on a specific scoring 

card issued prior to the contest.

8. Judges must be trained in first aid methods and knowledgeable in the station they will be judging.

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

necessarily in any order).

a. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with an AED and 

Artificial Respiration.

b. Patient assessment, control of bleeding, physical shock, 

wounds, burns, scalds, musculoskeletal injuries, and 

transportation. 

10. When the team receives the first aid scenario the clock will 

be started.

11. Judges must keep an accurate time and record it on scoring 

sheets for tie breaker purposes.

12. Judges will not discuss any first aid problem with contestant 

teams unless there are technical problems.

13. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, and 

news media approved by the contest director will be 

permitted in the first aid stations. A separate area will be 

provided for spectators to observe the teams during 

competition.

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

discuss officials’ and judges’ assignments and training. All 

personnel who will be officiating during the contest shall 

attend this meeting.

15. The Ninth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical Responder –

First on the Scene” (Chapters: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 

14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 26), the current American 

Heart Association Heartsaver CPR guidelines, the published 

rules, and the interpretations of the discount sheets are 

authorized for reference and guidance.

93
16. The team will not be permitted to use first aid manuals for 

reference purposes during the problem solving or between 

working stations.

17. If oxygen is required in the treatment of a patient, it may be 

simulated with the use of a mask. No oxygen tank will be 

required.

18. Liquids applied for the purposes of washing eyes, moistening 

dressings, and rinsing contaminated skin may be simulated.

All dressings and splints must be placed properly.

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

obtain materials for the problem.

20. Stimulants will not be given to any patient.

21. When digital pressure is applied to the proper pressure point, 

bleeding will be considered under control and acknowledged 

by the judge.

20. Rough treatment of patient is not allowed.

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

tightly. Upon proper application of the tourniquet, bleeding 

will be considered controlled and acknowledged by the judge.

22. Assistance in treatment from a supposedly unconscious 

patient is not allowed.

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

specified time will be discounted.

24. A predetermined amount of trophies will be awarded for the 

First Aid Competition based on the best cumulative team 

scores (least amount of discounts). In the event of a tie, the 

first tie breaker will be field scores on all stations, the second 

tie breaker will be scores on written test, and the third tie 

breaker will be total time on field scores. The winning teams 

will be announced during the banquet.

94
WRITTEN TEST 

1. On the day before the contest begins, all written tests will be 

administered in isolation. The first aid test will be included at 

this same time. The written test will consist of thirty (30) true/ 

false and multiple choice questions. The questions will be 

taken from the Ninth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical 

Responder – First on the Scene” (Chapters: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 

11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 26), the current 

American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR guidelines, the 

published rules, and the interpretations of the discount 

sheets. The contestants will be assessed one (1) discount 

point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any 

alterations to the test questions or answers will be 

determined to be incorrect by the test judge and discounts 

assessed.

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

judges.

3. In special circumstances, individual team members may be 

given an oral exam by one or more judges in lieu of a written 

exam. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the 

Contest Director at the time of registration. All other team 

members will take the test at the same time. In any case, the 

judges will not explain the meaning of questions, but may 

explain a word or words in the questions.

95
APPEALS 

1. Upon completion of the examination of the patient by the 

judges at each station, the team will be informed of any 

infractions regarding treatment while at the station. The team 

will be permitted to verbally appeal any infractions either with 

the field judge or the chief judge. If not resolved, the chief 

judge will make the final decision until an appeal can be filed 

by the team.

2. During the verbal appeal process, all questionable 

splints/dressings must remain intact until any verbal appeal is 

resolved. If any questionable splints/dressings are removed 

or altered by the team prior to being resolved, the appeal will 

not be allowed.

3. At the conclusion of the competition, the team members will 

be instructed to report to the area designated for 20-minute 

looks. At that time, the team may examine their team’s 

scorecards and written tests for a time not to exceed 

20 minutes. A discount summary sheet will be used to list the 

discounts. All discounts will be listed and totaled. Both the 

first aid team captain and the review judge will sign the 

discount sheet to certify they have reviewed the discounts 

and verified the totals (see page 107). No protest of the 

discounts assessed may be given to the person in charge of 

the review, however, the team may protest in writing any discount within 30 minutes after reviewing them. Written 

appeals are not to exceed one page for any discount assessed and will be submitted to the First Aid Appeals 

Committee. All appeals will be considered by the committee 

and their decision will be binding and final.

DISCOUNTS 

1. Discounts will not be added to the team score once the 

judges have signed their discount sheets following a review 

with team members. This does not preclude changes due to 

administrative errors or a misapplication of a rule.

2. Teams will 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.

96
3. Teams will be additionally discounted for repetition of the 

same mistakes in the same problem. For example; improper 

bandaging on two separate wounds (2 times the appropriate 

discount), three granny knots (3 times the appropriate 

discount), etc.

4. Teams will not be discounted for doing more than the 

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

improper care.

5. If the discount is not listed on the discount sheet and if it is 

not covered under one of the approved rules of the contest, 

judges will not improvise a discount to cover the suspected 

violation. 

97
FIRST AID COMPETITION

Judges’ Discount Card

Station No. 1

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with AED

Rescue Breathing

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: ________________

Team Members: Captain _______________________________

 _______________________________

 _______________________________

Date: _________________

A. CPR with AED (Two Person) Discounts

(In accordance with the current American Heart Association CPR 

Guidelines as referenced in 9th Edition Brady’s “EMR – First on Scene”)

1. Not checking accident scene to

assure personal safety, prior to

entering the scene 5 x ____ = ____

2. Not taking body substance

isolation (BSI) precautions

(glasses, gloves, and CPR barrier),

prior to patient contact 15 x ____ = ____

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x ____ = ____

4. Not checking for normal breathing

for between 5 and 10 seconds 1 x ____ = ____

5. Not activating 911 1 x ____ = ____

6. Not checking for a pulse

(for at least 5 seconds, but no more

than 10 seconds) 2 x ____ = ____

7. Not requesting an Automatic

External Defibrillator (if available) 2 x ____ = ____

8. Not exposing patient’s chest 1 x ____ = ____

9. Improper hand placement

(heel of hand on the center of

patient’s chest between the nipples) 1 x ____ = ____

10. Not providing 30 compressions

initially 1 x ____ = ____

11. Not delivering chest compressions

hard and fast at a rate of 100 per

minute (18 seconds or less /

30 compressions) 1 x ____ = ____

12. Not compressing the chest

at least 2 inches (in at least 

23 of 30 compressions) 5 x ____ = ____

98
 Discounts

12. Not releasing pressure completely

to allow the heart to refill (in at

least 23 of 30 compressions) 1 x ____ = ____

13. Not opening the airway after

the initial 30 compressions 1 x ____ = ____

14. Using the head tilt / chin lift

maneuver when a spinal injury

is suspected 1 x ____ = ____

15. Not giving two breaths

between compressions 1 x ____ = ____

16. Not providing two slow breaths

(to allow chest to fall

between breaths) 1 x ____ = ____

17. Not watching the chest rise and

fall with each breath 1 x ____ = ____

18. Interrupting CPR for more than

10 seconds (each) 1 x ____ = ____

19. Not performing CPR for two 

minutes prior to defibrillation 2 x ____ = ____

20. Not continuing CPR as AED is

prepared 5 x ____ = ____

21. 2nd Rescuer not turning on AED 1 x ____ = ____

22. 2nd Rescuer not attaching AED pads 5 x ____ = ____

23. Touching patient while AED analyzes 1 x ____ = ____

24. Not switching rescuers 1 x ____ = ____

25. Not administering shock when 

advised 5 x ____ = ____

26. Not resuming CPR following delivery

of shock (2nd rescuer delivering 

compressions) 5 x ____ = ____

27. First rescuer not providing breaths

with either bag or CPR mask 1 x ____ = ____

28. Not giving artificial respiration when

a carotid pulse is found 4 x ____ = ____

CPR with AED Subtotal ________

99
B. Rescue Breathing (One Person) Discounts

(In accordance with the 2012 American Heart Association Guidelines)

1. Not checking accident scene to

assure personal safety, prior to

entering the scene 5 x ____ = ____

2. Not taking body substance

isolation (BSI) precautions

(glasses, gloves, and CPR barrier)

prior to patient contact 15 x ____ = ____

3. Not determining responsiveness 1 x ____ = ____

4. Not calling for help 1 x ____ = ____

5. Not opening airway 2 x ____ = ____

6. Using head-tilt/chin lift

maneuver when modified jaw

thrust should be used 2 x ____ = ____

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x ____ = ____

8. Not checking for carotid pulse

for 5 to 10 seconds 1 x ____ = ____

9. Not providing rescue breathing

when pulse is found 4 x ____ = ____

10. Not repositioning the head

if initial breaths do not go in 1 x ____ = ____

11. Not giving one breath

every 5 to 6 seconds 2 x ____ = ____

12. Not giving 10 to 12 breaths

per minute 2 x ____ = ____

13. Not reassessing pulse after

2 minutes 2 x ____ = ____

14. Not performing CPR in accordance

with EMR and AHA guidelines 10 x ____ = ____

Rescue Breathing Subtotal ________

Station #1 Total Discounts _________

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Scorecard Examiner

100
FIRST AID COMPETITION

JUDGES’ DISCOUNT CARD

Station No. 2 

Patient Assessment

Control of Bleeding

Physical Shock

Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Transportation

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: ________________

Team Members: Captain _______________________________

 _______________________________

 _______________________________

Date: ___________ Time to Complete Problem: ___________

A. Patient Assessment

Primary Assessment Discounts 

1. Not checking accident scene to

ensure personal safety 5 x ____ = ____

2. Not taking body substance

isolation (BSI) precautions

(glasses, gloves and CPR barrier) 15 x ____ = ____

3. Not administering patient

assessment 25 x ____ = ____

4. Not assessing responsiveness /

mental status 1 x ____ = ____

5. Not assessing breathing – look,

listen, feel 10 x ____ = ____

6. Not managing injuries 

compromising breathing /

ventilation 1 x ____ = ____

7. Not stabilizing head if spinal

injury is suspected 2 x ____ = ____

8. Not assuring adequate ventilation 1 x ____ = ____

9. Not checking carotid pulse 10 x ____ = ____

10. Improperly checking for a pulse 2 x ____ = ____

11. Not visibly checking for profuse

bleeding – state to judge that you

are looking for bleeding 10 x ____ = ____

101
Discounts

12. Not managing injuries

compromising circulation 2 x ____ = ____

13. Not doing primary assessment in

proper sequence 15 x ____ = ____

Secondary Assessment 

14. Not examining head (scalp, 

blood in hair, ears, etc.) 1 x ____ = ____

15. Not assessing facial area 1 x ____ = ____

16. Not assessing eyes 1 x ____ = ____

17. Not inspecting nose 1 x ____ = ____

18. Not inspecting mouth 1 x ____ = ____

19. Not examining neck 1 x ____ = ____

20. Not checking position of trachea 1 x ____ = ____

21. Not inspecting jugular veins for 

distention 1 x ____ = ____

22. Raising head if suspected spinal

injury exists 6 x ____ = ____

23. Not checking chest (placing

hand on chest) 2 x ____ = ____

24. Not gently feeling abdominal area 2 x ____ = ____

25. Not checking pelvic area for injury 2 x ____ = ____

26. Not checking genital area for

obvious injury 2 x ____ = ____

27. Not gently feeling under patient

(lower back) for injury 2 x ____ = ____

28. Not checking lower extremities

for injury 2 x ____ = ____

29. Not checking lower extremities

for paralysis 2 x ____ = ____

30. Not checking upper extremities

for injury 2 x ____ = ____

31. Not checking upper extremities

for paralysis 2 x ____ = ____

32. Not inspecting back 2 x ____ = ____

33. Checking out of order

(Rules 14 – 32 above) 15 x ____ = ____

34. Not checking medic alert

bracelets/necklace 2 x ____ = ____

102
Discounts

35. Work other than taking support

or controlling bleeding during

secondary survey 4 x ____ = ____

36. Not obtaining vital signs

(BP, pulse, respirations) 4 x ____ = ____

Patient Assessment Subtotal _______

B. Control of Bleeding Discounts 

1. Not controlling arterial bleeding

immediately 20 x ____ = ____

2. Not applying direct pressure to

control arterial bleeding 20 x ____ = ____

3. Failure to elevate extremity

to control bleeding (if no fx

suspected) 4 x ____ = ____

4. Releasing direct or elevation

before bleeding is controlled 4 x ____ = ____

5. Elevating an extremity 

with fx present 4 x ____ = ____

6. Not applying a tourniquet when 

direct pressure and elevation do

not control bleeding 10 x ____ = ____

7. Tourniquet – Ineffective application,

improperly applied or loosened

during problem 4 x ____ = ____

8. Applying tourniquets when not

required 4 x ____ = ____

9. Not giving any treatment for

internal bleeding 4 x ____ = ____

10. Bandages improperly applied

(not entirely covered, wrong

location, method, or position

of knot, etc.) 2 x ____ = ____

11. Failure to reassess distal circulation

after bandaging extremities 4 x ____ = ____

12. Removing or attempting to

replace a dressing that is

applied directly to the wound 2 x ____ = ____

Control of Bleeding Subtotal _______

103
C. Physical Shock Discounts

1. Not administering oxygen

per local protocols 2 x ____ = ____

2. Not keeping patient in supine

position 1 x ____ = ____

3. Not calming and reassuring

the patient 2 x ____ = ____

4. Not maintaining a normal

body temperature 1 x ____ = ____

5. Providing fluids or food

to the patient 4 x ____ = ____

6. Not monitoring ABC’s and

vital signs 4 x ____ = ____

Physical Shock Subtotal _______

D. Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns Discounts

1. Not applying dressing for wound

or burn (each) 8 x ____ = ____

2. Not applying cover dressing 4 x ____ = ____

3. Not using sterile gauze or sterile

dressing 1 x ____ = ____

4. Bandages improperly applied (not

entirely covered, wrong location,

method, or position of knot, etc.) 2 x ____ = ____

5. Failure to place gauze between

fingers, toes, or back of ear

(when required) 2 x ____ = ____

6. Not properly treating an

impaled object 2 x ____ = ____

7. Not removing or indicating removal

of clothing from affected area 2 x ____ = ____

8. Not properly treating an

evisceration 6 x ____ = ____

9. Not simulating or indicating that

gauze is moist (when required) 2 x ____ = ____

10. Failure to properly treat sucking

chest wound 10 x ____ = ____

11. Not treating injuries in their

proper order (according to

fundamentals) 4 x ____ = ____

104
Discounts

12. Not properly treating eye

injuries 1 x ____ = ____

Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns Subtotal _______

E. Musculoskeletal Injuries Discounts

1. Not rendering any treatment for a

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

2. Not treating suspected spinal

injury, fracture of pelvis or thigh

(each) (this includes not using a

properly sized cervical collar) 12 x ____ = ____

3. Not treating fractures other

than (#4) (each) 10 x ____ = ____

4. Failure to properly treat suspected

skull fracture 2 x ____ = ____

5. Failure to support fractures /

dislocations until properly splinted 6 x ____ = ____

6. Not properly treating dislocations

(each) 8 x ____ = ____

7. Failure to properly splint 2 x ____ = ____

8. Failure to properly apply padding

where needed 1 x ____ = ____

9. Failure to check distal circulation

and sensation before and

after splinting 2 x ____ = ____

10. Improperly lifting or rolling of

patient (lifting to knee when patient

has dislocated or fractured hip or

spinal injury) 2 x ____ = ____

11. Failure to apply cold

applications to reduce pain

and swelling 2 x ____ = ____

12. Improperly applied bandages 2 x ____ = ____

13. Improperly applied slings when

required (each) 1 x ____ = ____

Musculoskeletal Injuries Subtotal _______

105
F. Preparation for Transportation Discounts 

1. Improper “log roll” 2 x ____ = ____

2. Patient not placed on a spine

board when required 2 x ____ = ____

3. Improperly secured to a

spine board or stretcher 1 x ____ = ____

Preparation for Transportation Subtotal _______

1. Failure to locate and treat any

condition (each infraction) 10 x ____ = ____

2. Not completing prblem in

specified time 25 (total) 25 (total) ______

3. Any team found committing an 

act that will endanger the patient,

each infraction. 50 x ____ = ____

4. Any team whose member(s)

intentionally disturb or destroy any

component on a competition field

will immediately be assessed this

discount. Repeated offense may

result in team disqualification at the 

discretion of the contest director. 100 (total) _____

Station #2 Total Discounts _________

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Scorecard Examiner

106
FIRST AID COMPETITION

Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.: _______________________________________ 

Company Name: __________________________________ 

First Aid Team: ___________________________________ 

Station No. 1

 Discounts: ____________

Station No. 2

 Discounts: ____________

 Time to Complete Problem: ____________

Written Test 

 Discounts: ____________

 Total Discounts: ____________

 Time Review Completed: ____________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

______________________ _______________________

 First Aid Team Captain Review Judge

107
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ACCESSIBLE - Able to be traveled into; not impassable. 

ADIT - A nearly horizontal passage from the surface by

which a mine is entered. 

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

two doors or two bulkheads. An air lock is used to

prevent mixing of different atmospheres while still

permitting miners to enter and exit. 

AIR SHAFT - Shaft used exclusively for conducting air.

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

more parts.

AIR TRACK DRILL - A heavy drill mounted on crawler

tracks. 

AIRWAY - Any passage through which air is flowing.

ALTERNATE - Person qualifying to participate as a mine

rescue team member. Can replace any team member who

cannot continue or who is removed from the problem.

ASSISTANT - Optional seventh person who may assist

the fresh air base attendant but is not eligible to

substitute for another team member including the fresh

air base attendant. 

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE -Force exerted by air.

Atmospheric pressure is measured on a barometer. 

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

AUXILIARY VENTILATION - Portion of main

ventilating current directed to face of dead-end entry by

means of an auxiliary fan and tubing. 

BACK FILL - The rough material used to refill a place

from which the earth has been removed.

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

the surface in relation to any portion of the workings of

the mine, the roof. Overhead surface of an underground

opening.

BACKUP TEAM - The rescue team stationed at the fresh

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

fresh air base. 

BAFFLE - A device used to deflect, check or regulate the

flow of air. 

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BARRICADE - Enclosed part of mine to prevent inflow of

noxious gases from a mine fire or explosion. This may

be done by doors or by building one or more airtight

walls using any available materials such as rock, wood,

brattice cloth, mud, clothing, etc., so as to enclose a

maximum quantity of good air. If contact is not made

with person behind the barricade, conditions inside the

barricade will be unknown. 

BARRICADING - Enclosing part of mine to prevent

inflow of noxious gases from a mine fire or an

explosion. 

BATTERY LOCOMOTIVE - Battery powered machine

used for moving cars within the mine. 

BATTERY CHARGING STATION - Area set aside for

charging and storing batteries. 

BATTERY OPERATED EQUIPMENT – Any

equipment powered by batteries. 

BELT FEEDER - The dump end of a belt system. To

disperse ore on the belt. 

BLASTING BOX - The unit used for firing of one or more

charges electrically. 

BLASTING CAPS - A detonator containing a charge of

detonating compound, which is ignited by electrical current

or the spark of a fuse used for detonating explosives. 

BOREHOLE - Any deep or long drill hole. It may be a

source of air, supplies and communications in an

emergency. 

BORER - A device for making large holes. 

BRATTICE CLOTH - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic used

in a mine passage to control ventilation. 

BRIEFING -Session held before a team goes underground

to inform team members of conditions underground and

give them their work assignment. 

BULKHEAD (same as STOPPING) - A temporary wall or 

partition constructed across a passageway to direct the 

ventilating air. Can be modified or removed if needed.

BUMP TEST – A functional test, defined as a brief exposure of 

the monitor to a concentration of gas(es) in excess of the

lowest alarm set-point for each sensor for the purpose of 

verifying sensor and alarm operation and is not intended to be 

a measure of the accuracy of the instrument.

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CAGE - A shaft conveyance used in hoisting personnel

and materials. 

CAVED - Ground which has fallen. 

CAVED IMPASSABLE - For the duration of the problem, a cave 

which is 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.

CLEAR AIR - An atmosphere which is free of smoke and all 

dangerous and/or harmful concentrations of flammable, 

combustible, noxious, and or toxic contaminants.

CONTINUOUS MINER - A mining machine designed to

remove ore from the face and load it into cars or

conveyors. 

CRIB BLOCKS - Blocks used for support. 

CROSSCUT - A horizontal opening driven across the

direction of the main workings; a connection between

the two drifts or tunnels. 

CURTAIN - Brattice cloth, canvas or plastic curtain used

to deflect or direct air into a working place. Constructed

in a manner to allow the passage of miners and machinery. 

CUTTING MACHINE - A power (electric) driven

machine used to undercut ore. 

DEBRIEFING - Session held when teams return to the

surface after completing an assignment to review what

they saw and did. 

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. 

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DOWNCAST - An opening though which fresh ventilating

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

DRIFT/ENTRY - A passage underground 

EXHAUST - The air course along which the air of the

mine is returned or conducted to the surface. 

FACE/RIB - Vertical surface of an underground opening. 

FEEDER - Small cracks in rock strata from which gas

escapes. 

FILL - Any material that is put back in place of the

extracted ore. 

FLOOR - That part of any underground opening upon

which one walks. 

FOOTWALL - Lower side of a dipping ore body. 

FRESH AIR BASE - Base of operations from which the

rescue and recovery teams can advance into irrespirable 

atmospheres. 

FRONT-END LOADER - Self-propelled machine used

for moving or loading muck. 

HANGING WALL - Upper side of a dipping ore body. 

HOLE CHARGED - A drilled hole that is charged with

explosives ready to be blasted. 

IMPASSABLE - Incapable of being passed, traveled,

crossed, or surmounted.

INACCESSIBLE AREAS - All areas of the mine where

team travel is blocked by one of the following conditions:

seals, unsafe roof (rib-to-rib) that cannot be supported or

scaled, inextinguishable fires, water over knee deep, caved

impassable falls, or the top of an overcast. 

INCLINE/SLOPE - A non-vertical shaft, usually on the

dip of a vein. 

INTAKE - The passage through which fresh air is drawn

or forced into a mine. 

INTENSE HEAT - Air heated to the extent that it cannot

be entered. 

INTERSECTION - For contest work, any area driven 3

feet or more off a drift. 

LAGGING - Materials used for flooring or shoring. 

LEAD WIRE - Wire used to fire electric detonators. 

LIFELINE - Rope, line, or cable that links the team to the

fresh air base. 

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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. 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT - Gas detector capable of

continuously and simultaneously measuring atmospheric

concentrations of oxygen (O2), methane (CH4), carbon

monoxide (CO) and at least one other toxic gas (e.g.

nitrogen dioxide -NO2). 

ORE PASS - A vertical or inclined passage for the

downward transfer of ore. 

OVERCAST - Enclosed airway built at an intersection of

mine passages that permits one air current to pass over

another air current without mixing. 

PERMANENT STOPPING (same as PERMANENT

BULKHEAD) – For the duration of the problem, a ventilation 

control which cannot be removed or modified.

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. 

112
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. 

113
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 (same as BULKHEAD) - A temporary wall or 

partition constructed across a passageway to direct the 

ventilating air. Can be modified or removed if needed.

STULL/PROP - Column of wood or steel used for support

of underground openings. 

SUMP - An excavation in the shaft or mine made below

the mining level to collect mine water. 

SUPPLY PLATFORM - Area set aside for storage of

materials. 

SURVIVOR - Person found alive in the mine.

SWITCH - An electrical switch.

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 intersecttion 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

Mine Rescue Field Competition.

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 

Intact 

Stopping is intact, airtight. (No 

indication of opening or 

leakage.) 

Permanent 

Stopping 

Not Intact 

Stopping may be destroyed, 

partially destroyed, or have 

openings. Is not airtight. 

Condition noted on placard is to 

be shown on map beside 

symbol. 

Temporary 

Stopping 

Intact 

Stopping is intact and airtight. 

This symbol is used for all 

structures built by the team, 

such as airlocks, etc. 

Temporary 

Stopping 

Not Intact 

Stopping may be destroyed, 

partially destroyed, or have 

openings. Is not airtight. 

Condition noted on placard is to 

be shown on map beside 

symbol. 

Barricade Any information on placard, 

such as leaking, damaged, 

destroyed, etc. shall be noted 

on mine map beside symbol. 

115
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 

Movement 

Show arrow in direction of 

movement as indicated on 

placard, and how any quantity, 

if given, or other information, 

such as flow velocity. Put on 

map beside symbol. 

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 

Roof 

Across 

Entry

Rib-to-Rib 

Symbol used for any indication 

of questionable roof conditions. 

May or may not be scalable. 

Write out any other information 

on placard on map beside 

symbol. 

116
Unsafe 

Roof 

Partially 

Across 

Entry 

Symbol used for any indication 

of questionable roof conditions. 

May or may not be scalable. 

Write out any other information 

on placard on map beside 

symbol. 

Unsafe 

Rib 

or Overhanging 

Brow 

Symbol used for any indication 

of questionable rib conditions. 

May or may not be scalable. 

Project over rib line area on 

map. Write out any other 

information on placard on map 

beside symbol. 

Body Indicate position of head and 

feet as body is found. If word 

“body” is on placard, show 

symbol. Indicate any additional 

information on placard on map 

beside symbol. 

Live 

Person 

Indicate position of head and 

feet as found. Write out 

condition, such as conscious, 

walking, etc. Indicate any 

injuries as given on placard. 

Write out information on map 

beside symbol. 

Check 

Curtain 

Condition of check, if noted on 

placard, must be shown on 

mine map beside symbol. Ex. 

“Partially down” 

Line 

Brattice 

or Line 

Curtain 

The full extent of curtain shall 

be shown. If the curtain is 

partially or completely down, it 

must be noted on the map 

beside the symbol. 

Overcast If it is damaged, leaking, or 

destroyed, that particular 

condition is to be noted on the 

map beside the symbol. 

117
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 

Tubing 

Write out the conditions of the 

fan, tubing, vent bag or placard 

on the map by symbol. 

Brattice 

Frames 

Indicate any information on 

placard on mine map beside 

symbol. 

Brattice 

Cloth or 

Brattice 

Material 

Indicate any information on 

placard on mine map beside 

symbol. 

Gas 

Mixture 

Use for any placard indicating a 

gas or a mix of gases in the 

mine atmosphere. Write out the 

gas name or symbol and 

indicate PPM or percent (%) if 

shown on placard. 

Smoke Write out light, heavy, dense, or 

any other information indicated 

on placard, on map beside the 

symbol. 

Elongated 

Object 

For use in indicating pipelines, 

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. 

118
Mobile 

Equipment 

Use for all mobile face 

equipment. Write out any other 

information given on placard on 

map beside symbol on map. 

50 Foot or 

First Team 

Check Inby 

Fresh Air 

Base 

Used for 50 foot check of team 

members 

20 Minute 

Apparatus 

Check 

Used for every 20-minute 

apparatus check of team 

members. 

Farthest 

Point of 

Advance 

Should be used only where 

areas 

inby will not be explored for 

whatever reason. Not to be used 

where other conditions block 

travel. 

Captain’s 

Date and 

Initial 

Use for all locations where the 

team captain dated and wrote 

his initials. 

Power 

Center 

Self explanatory -Write out any 

information noted on placard. 

Other 

Objects, 

Conditions, 

or 

Equipment 

Write the name of the object, 

condition, or equipment and 

other information indicated by 

placard on map beside the 

symbol. This would include a 

“face” if marked by a placard. 

119