Metal and Nonmetal 

National Mine Rescue 

Contest Rules 

U. S. Department of Labor 

Mine Safety and Health Administration 

2004 

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

National Mine Rescue 

Contest Rules 

U. S. Department of Labor 

Elaine L. Chao 

Secretary 

Mine Safety and Health Administration 

Dave D. Lauriski 

Assistant Secretary 

2004 

iii 
(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY)

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 is made to 

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

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Metal and Nonmetal National Mine Rescue 

Contest serves as a training tool to improve the skills 

required to respond to a mine emergency. The 

National Contest Rule Book establishes procedures 

and rules that serve to guide the rescue teams in actual 

situations. This competition serves to strengthen 

cooperation between mining companies, equipment 

manufacturers, Federal and State agencies to enhance 

mine rescue preparedness. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

A special thanks to the National Metal and Nonmetal Advisory Committee for their valuable assistance in preparing this booklet. The Advisory 

Committee consists of: 

Barrick Gold Strike Mine Rescue 

Bill Francom, Safety Coordinator 

Meikle Mine 

P. O. Box 29 

Elko, NV 89801 

(775) 778-8857 

i 
Central Mine Rescue Unit 

Robert McPhail, Director


Coeur d’Alene Mining District


P. O. Box 1067


Wallace, ID 83873


(208) 556-2225


Kansas Mine Rescue Association 

Lee Graham, Coordinator


Hutchinson Community College


815 North Walnut, Davis Hall


Hutchinson, KS 67501


(620) 665-4990


Missouri Mine Rescue Association 

Larry Hampton, Mine Rescue Coordinator


The Doe Run Company


Viburnum, MO 65566


(337) 373-1726


Northern Mine Rescue Association 

Richard L. Hickman, Safety Manager


Morton Salt


P. O. Box 428


Grand River, OH 44045


(440) 639-4223


Southern Mine Rescue Association 

Henry Charpentier, Plant Trainer


Morton Salt


P. O. Box 1496


New Iberia, LA 70562


(337) 867-9501


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Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association 

Buddy Webb, Emergency Response Coordinator 

Waste Isolation Pilot Project 

P. O. Box 2078 - MS165 

Carlsbad, NM 88221 

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

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association 

Mike Padilla, Mine Rescue Coordinator 

FMC Corporation 

Green River, WY 82935 

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

Gary R. Gomez, Human Resources/Safety 

OCI Wyoming, L.P. 

P.O. Box 513 

Green River, WY 82935 

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

Mine Safety and Health Administration 

John Radomsky, Manager 

Accident Investigations 

1100 Wilson Boulevard 

Arlington,VA 22209 

(202) 693-9614 Fax: (202) 693-9601 

Eddie Lopez, District Manager 

South Central District 

1100 Commerce Street, Room 462 

Dallas, TX 75242-0499 

(214) 767-8401 Fax: (214) 767-8405 

iii 
Frank R. Schwamberger, Deputy Director


Education Policy and Development


1100 Wilson Boulevard


Arlington, VA 22209


(202) 693-9570 Fax: (202) 693-9571


Donald J. Foster, Jr., Assistant District Manager


Northeastern District


Thorn Hill Industrial Park


547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400


Warrendale, PA 15086


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


2

6

Michael Dennehy, Mine Safety and Health Specialist


Rocky Mountain District


Denver Federal Center


th & Kipling


nd Street, Bldg. 25, E-16


Denver, CO 80225-0367


Telephone: (303) 231-5672


Wyatt Andrews, Supervisory Inspector


South Central District


700 West Capitol Street


Little Rock, AR 72201


Telephone: (501) 324-5281


iv

The following organizations are recognized for 

the resources and personnel they committed in 

support of the biannual National Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest. 

Biomarine, Inc. 

Central Mine Rescue Unit 

CSE Corporation 

Draeger Corporation 

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association 

Industrial Scientific Corporation 

Kansas Mine Rescue Association 

Missouri Mine Rescue Association 

Mine Safety Appliances Co. 

National Mine Rescue Association 

Northern Mine Rescue Association 

Southern Mine Rescue Association 

Southwestern Mine Rescue Association 

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association 

v 
2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

CONTEST CHAMPIONS 

FMC 

FMC Westvaco Mine 

FMC I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green River, Wyoming 

Bob Knott (Captain) 

Rick Owens (Gas) 

Glen Weinmaster 

Robert Pope 

Leroy Hutchinson 

Al Jones (Gas) 

Melvin Lovato 

Bill Oleson 

Mike Padilla (Team Trainer) 

Dave Hutchinson (Team Trainer) 

Robert Pope (First Aid) 

Melvin Lovato (First Aid) 

Bill Oleson (First Aid) 

Rick Steenberg, Mine Manager 

(Official in charge) 

(Kneeling left to right) Robert Pope, Anthony Herrera, 

Leroy Hutchinson, Bob Knott, Glen Weinmaster, Mike Padilla 

(Standing left to right) Rick Owens, Al Jones, Melvin Lovato, 

Bill Oleson, Dave Thomas 

vi 
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 

2000	 Big Island Mine, OCI Blue Team, OCI of 

Wyoming, L.P. - Green River, WY 

1998	 FMC Mine, Red Team, FMC Corporation - Green 

River, WY 

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

L.P. - Green River, WY 

1994 Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Blue Team, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

1992 Big Island Mine, White Team, Rhone Poulenc of 

Wyoming - Green River, WY 

1990 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, 

MO 

1988 Homestake Mine, Gold Team, Homestake Mining 

Co. - Lead, SD 

1986 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical 

Co. - Green River, WY 

1984 Texasgulf Mine, Gold Team, Texasgulf Chemicals 

Co. - Granger, WY 

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

- Green River, WY 

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

1978	 Jefferson Island Mine Team, Diamond Crystal Salt 

Co. - New Iberia, LA 

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, 

MO (Single-Level Contest) 

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American - Bixby, 

MO (Multi-Level Contest) 

1975 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical 

Co. - Green River, WY 

1973 Grand Saline Mine Team, Morton Salt, Division of 

Morton Norwich Products, Inc. - Grand Saline, TX 

vii 
2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST CHAMPIONS 

BG-4 CONTEST 

LESLIE WAREHAM 

General Chemical Corporation 

General Chemical Mine 

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

BG-174A CONTEST 

DENISE RICH 

Stillwater Mining Company 

Stillwater Mine 

Platinum Team ................. Nye, Montana 

viii 
2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST CHAMPIONS 

BioPak CONTEST 

DAN LUKE 

Newmont Mining Corporation 

Eastern Nevada Operations 

Carlin Underground Mine ........ Carlin, Nevada 

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST 

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

Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric Corporation ­

Carlsbad, NM 

2000	 RICHARD WEST (BG-174A), Silver Team, 

Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse 

Electric Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

2000	 ROD CLEMENT (BioPak 240), No. 4 Mine & 

Mill, Zinc Corporation of America, Hailesboro, NY 

ix 
PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (cont'd) 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST 

1998 JOE BACA, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

1996 MACLANE BARTON, West Fork Mine, Missouri 

Lead Division, ASARCO, Inc. - Bunker, MO 

1994 FRED MILLER, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad, NM 

1992 LESLIE WAREHAM, General Chemical Mine, 

General Chemical Partners - Green River, WY 

1990 STAN AMRINE, Parachute Creek Mine, Unocal 

Mining Division - Parachute, CO 

1988 KARL SAUER, Homestake Mine, Homestake 

Mining Co. - Lead, SD 

1986 ART DAVIS, Henderson Mine, Amax, Inc. ­

Empire, CO 

1984 STEVE YANCHUNIS, Schwarzwalder Mine, 

Cotter Corp. - Golden, CO 

1982 ART DAVIS, Henderson Mine, Amax, Inc. ­

Empire, CO 

1980 ALAN HERMEZ (Draeger), Carr Fork Mine, 

Anaconda Copper Co. - Tooele, UT 

1980 RODNEY PHILBRICK (McCaa), Pine Creek 

Mine, Union Carbide - Bishop, CA 

1978 WILLIE DAVIS (McCaa), Lisbon Mine, Rio 

Algom Corp. - Moab, UT 

1978 KEN JOHNSON (Draeger), Climax Mine, Climax 

Molybdenum Co. - Climax, CO 

1976 STEVE MURRAY, Bunker Hill Mine, Bunker Hill 

Co. - Kellogg, ID 

x 
2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

FIRST AID CONTEST CHAMPIONS 

CARMEUSE LIME, INC. 

Maysville Mine 

Maysville Operations 

Raiders.................. Maysville, Kentucky 

Gary Lewis (Team Leader)


Ken Heater


Mark Bickley


2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST CHAMPION 

CARGILL, INC. 

Cayuga Mine 

Cayuga Lakers............. Lansing, New York 

John Gibson 

xi 
2002 NATIONAL MINE RESCUE 

"OVERALL" (COMBO) CONTEST WINNERS 

Westinghouse Tru-Solutions 

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) 

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

Robert Rhoades (Captain) 

Richard West (Benchman) 

Edgar Keyser (Gas) 

Mike Proctor 

David Ripley 

Buddy Webb 

Jamey Smith 

Deena Cantrell 

Mike Proctor (First Aid) 

Jamey Smith (First Aid) 

Deena Cantrell (First Aid) 

Buddy Webb (Team Trainer) 

Buddy Webb, Emergency Response Coordinator 

(Official in charge) 

xii 
METAL/NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE TEAM MEMBERS 

THOMAS P. CLARKSON 

1821 Lee Ave.


Sanford, NC 27330


Telephone: (919) 774-8113


CHARLES DAME 

2300 Old Decker, Suite 100 

Vincennes, IN 47591 

Telephone: (812) 882-0696 

L. MIKE DUNLAP 

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

Denver, CO 80225-0367 

Telephone: (303) 231-5681 

JAMES FITCH 

North Park Corporate Center 

17319 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 110 

San Antonio, TX 78232 

Telephone: (210) 403-5943 

BRIAN GOEPFERT 

2200 Marquette Rd., Suite 110 

Peru, IL 61354 

Telephone: (815) 233-0697 

GARY HEBEL 

3633 136th Place, SE, Room 206 

Bellevue, WA 98006 

Telephone: (206) 553-7037 

xiii 
ED L. JEWELL 

901 Pine St., Room 202


Rolla, MO 65401


Telephone: (573) 364-8282


TERRY G. LINGENFELTER 

135 Gemini Circle, Suite 212


Birmingham, AL 35209


Telephone: (205) 290-7294


BRET A. PARK 

Executive Plaza, Suite 103


2001 State Hill Rd.


Wyomissing, PA 19610


Telephone: (610) 371-2761


PAUL PELESKY 

547 Keystone Drive, Suite 400


Warrendale, PA 15086


Telephone: (724) 772-2333


CURTIS ROTH 

567 West Silver St., Suite 401


Elko, NV 89801


Telephone: (775) 753-4732


JOEL TANKERSLEY 

Jamar Office Building, Suite A


50 Shoshine Avenue


Green River, WY 82935


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2

6

MICHAEL DENNEHY, National Team Trainer


Denver Federal Center


th & Kipling


nd Street, Bldg., 25, E-16


Denver, CO 80225-0367


Telephone: (303) 231-5465


JOHN RADOMSKY, Mine Rescue Coordinator


1100 Wilson Boulevard


Arlington, VA 22209


Telephone: (202) 693-9600


Fax: (202) 693-9601


xv

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Security .................................... 11 


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


Team Preparation and Procedures ................ 13 


Apparatus and Material Checks.................. 13 


Briefing .................................... 14 


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


Start of Problem.............................. 15 


Equipment Checks and Procedures ............... 15 


Standard Communications and Signals ............ 16 


Team Safety................................. 17 


First Team Stop .............................. 18 


Advancing .................................. 19 


Barricades .................................. 20 


Dates and Initials ............................. 22 


Map – Timing Device ......................... 22 


Mine Fires .................................. 23 


Mine Rescue Discounts and Interpretations ........ 24 


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


Surface Interpretation – Judge #1 ................ 25 


Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #1 .......... 27 


Underground Interpretation – Judge #1 ............ 30 


xvi 
Page 

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #2 ............... 33 


Surface Interpretation – Judge #2 ................ 34 


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


Underground Interpretation – Judge #2 ............ 36 


Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #3 ............... 39 


Surface Interpretation – Judge #3 ................ 40 


Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #3 .......... 41 


Underground Interpretation – Judge #3 ............ 43 


Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet ..... 45 


Map Discount Summary Sheet .................. 46 


Time Discount Summary Sheet .................. 47 


Multi-Gas Instrument Contest ................... 48 


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


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


Multi-Gas Instrument Bench Problem............. 49 


Gas Box Testing ............................. 50 


Judging..................................... 51 


Judges’ Discount Card......................... 52 


Benchman’s Contest – Draeger BG-4


Breathing Apparatus ........................... 53 


General Rules................................ 53 


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


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


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


Judges’ Working Scorecard..................... 57 


Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card .............. 58 


Testing Procedure ............................ 59 


Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen ............ 61 


Benchman’s Contest – Draeger BG-174A


Breathing Apparatus ........................... 62 


General Rules................................ 62 


xvii 
Page 

Written Test ................................. 63 


Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis ..... 64 


Judging..................................... 65 


Judges’ Working Scorecard..................... 66 


Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card .............. 67 


Testing Procedure ............................ 68 


Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen ............ 71 


Benchman’s Contest – Biomarine BioPak 240/240S


Breathing Apparatus ........................... 72 


General Rules................................ 72 


Written Test ................................. 73 


Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis ..... 74 


Judging..................................... 75 


Judges’ Working Scorecard..................... 76 


Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card .............. 77 


Testing Procedures............................ 78 


Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen ............ 79 


National Metal and Nonmetal First Aid Contest ..... 81 


General Rules................................ 81 


Guidelines and Procedures ..................... 81 


Written Test ................................. 83 


Appeals .................................... 84 


Discounts................................... 85 


Judges’ Discount Card – Station #1............... 86 


Judges’ Discount Card – Station #2............... 91 


Judges’ Discount Card – Station #3............... 95 


Glossary of Terms.............................. 98 


Mine Map Legend............................. 106 


xviii 
GENERAL RULES 

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST 

1. The contest will be comprised of four individual 

events, including a Mine Rescue Team competition 

(two-day preliminary and one day final), an apparatus 

benchman contest, a multi-gas instrument contest, and 

a first aid contest. Each event will include a written 

examination. 

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

Contest Director, Contest Coordinator, Appeals Committee, field judges, written exam judges, first aid contest judges, apparatus bench judges, multi-gas 

instrument judges, mine managers, mine attendants, 

and isolation officials. 

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

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

organization. There will be a $500.00 entry fee for 

each team entered. 

4. All members of teams must be bona fide employees of 

the metal and nonmetal mining industry and meet the 

requirements set forth in 30 CFR Part 49. 

5. Mine rescue teams may register up to eight team members. No more than six members may participate in the 

field competition. For the purpose of first aid, bench, 

and gas competition, a team member may not participate in more than one event and each team will only be 

permitted to compete in each event once. Once registered, no changes will be permitted without the permission of the Contest Director. 

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

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety 

and Health Administration 

1100 Wilson Boulevard 

Arlington, Virginia 22209 

Telephone Number (202) 693-9614 

1 
Entries should then be submitted to the above address 

at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the contest. 

The entry forms will require information regarding the 

type of equipment (breathing apparatus) each team will 

be wearing and the type and model of all gas testing 

equipment the team will use during the field competition. Any needed equipment changes require submission of a modified list to the Contest Director for 

consideration of approval. (Note: Each judge will be 

given a list of your equipment prior to working of the 

problem to assist them in determining if the equipment 

was utilized properly and was functional.) Registration 

information and entry forms will be available on 

MSHA’s homepage under the “Mine Rescue” heading 

at www.msha.gov. Completed entry forms can be submitted via e-mail to radomsky.john@dol.gov. 

7. The team drawings for the first two days’ preliminary 

field competitions will be conducted at the time of 

team registration. A separate drawing (by team 

captains) will be held in isolation to determine running 

order for the final competition on the third day. Position changes necessary for management of the contest 

will be permitted if the Contest Director approves the 

change. 

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

and gas instrument competitions in the respective isolation areas. 

9. The day before the contest begins, team registration 

will be conducted between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at a 

designated location. Programs, souvenirs, and banquet 

tickets will be distributed to the teams. 

10. On the days of the competition, all teams shall be in 

isolation by 7:00 a.m. No communication device capable of receiving or sending messages will be permitted 

in isolation. 

2 
11. The Contest Director will establish a reasonable 

amount of time for each team to complete the problem. 

All teams will be notified of the established time prior 

to beginning to work the problem. Any teams working 

beyond the established time period will be notified by 

the #1 Judge that they must leave the field. Those 

teams will be scored based on their discounts to that 

point and will be ranked below all teams that completed the problem within the established time period. 

12. In the event of mine rescue field competition ties, the 

underground discount sheet will be the first tie breaker, 

the surface discount sheet will be the second tie 

breaker, mine maps will be the third tie breaker, the 

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

be the fifth tie breaker. For the purpose of the competition on the final day, written test scores from the first 

and second days will be incorporated into the final 

composite score. 

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

once the judges have signed their discount sheets. This 

does not preclude changes due to administrative errors 

or a mis-application of a rule. 

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

The team captain, trainer, and one other team member 

may examine their team’s scoring cards for a time not 

to exceed 20 minutes. No protest of the discounts assessed may be given to the person in charge of the review, however, the team captain and/or trainer may 

protest in writing any discount within 60 minutes after 

reviewing them. Written appeals are not to exceed one 

page for any discount assessed and will be submitted 

to the Appeals Committee. Documentation (contest 

rules and other documents used in the contest) supporting the appeal will be accepted. Any protest(s) will be 

considered by the Appeals Committee. A discount 

summary sheet will be used to list the discounts. All 

discounts except time will be listed and totaled. Both 

3 
the captain and the review judge will sign the discount 

sheet to certify they have reviewed the discounts and 

verified the totals. (See page 5.) 

15. The Appeals Committee shall rule in matters concerning any interpretations, procedures, or any matter involving proper conduct of the Contest. Any complaints 

filed with the committee shall be in writing and shall 

set forth incidents, times, names, source of information, and the act complained against. Where a written 

test question or rule application was found to be 

wrong, all teams will receive the appropriate correction. A decision by a majority of the committee shall 

be binding. 

16. Following the awarding of the trophies and plaques, 

team standings will be available to the teams. The results from all elements of the contest will be mailed to 

the teams at the earliest possible time. 

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

time. 

18. Prior to the contest, contest equipment will be accepted 

at an address and during a time frame to be specified. 

The cost of all shipments must be prepaid, and all 

boxes, cartons, etc. should be clearly labeled “Hold for 

National Mine Rescue Contest.” 

4 
___________________ _____________________ 

NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Team Discount Summary Sheet 

Team No. ___________________________________ 

Company Name ______________________________ 

Team Name _________________________________ 

Judge #1 Surface___________________________ 

Underground___________________________ 

Judge #2 Surface___________________________ 

Underground___________________________ 

Judge #3 Surface___________________________ 

Underground___________________________ 

Written Test _________________________________ 

Map _______________________________________ 

Working Time: Hours ____ Minutes ____ Seconds ____ 

Total Discounts 

Excluding average time ________________________ 

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts 

listed above. 

Team Captain Review Judge 

5 
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 

Team Members 

Each team shall be composed of five members and 

one fresh air base attendant. Each member shall wear 

a number on the arm at or near the shoulders with 

number one (1) being assigned to the captain and the 

number six (6) to the fresh air base attendant. Switching of numbers by team members will not be permitted after arriving at portal or fresh air base. Any 

means of affixing legible numbers on the sleeve of the 

uniform will be acceptable. Additional persons, who 

had been isolated with the team, may assist the team 

placing equipment prior to starting the clock. Only the 

fresh air base attendant will be allowed to assist the 

team after the clock has started. The fresh air base attendant will be isolated from visual contact with the 

field while the teams are in the mine and will maintain voice communications with the team utilizing a 

portable, hard wire, communications system. 

Teams wishing to communicate with the fresh air 

base attendant shall use their portable communication 

system, or they must return to the fresh air base. 

Medical Requirements 

A letter from management or physical examination 

forms, dated within the twelve (12) months preceding 

the contest showing that each member of the team is 

physically sound and capable of performing strenuous 

work under oxygen, shall be provided at the time of 

team registration. 

6 
Equipment 

Breathing apparatus approved for at least two 

hours shall be used in the Mine Rescue Contest problems. Each team member must have his/her own approved breathing apparatus. Teams cannot expect 

recharging materials, apparatus parts, and accessories 

for all types of apparatus at the contest site. 

Team members must wear an approved protective 

hat, identification tag, safety shoes, permissible cap 

lamps, self-rescuer, and be clean shaven to the extent 

that a good face-to-facepiece seal is achieved. 

Each team must have approved gas instruments, or 

testers for rescue and recovery work. 

Teams are required to bring with them a sufficient 

supply of materials. Brattice, boards, PVC piping, or 

other materials necessary for constructing bulkheads 

or stoppings (if necessary in problem) will be furnished by the field committee. Teams will be responsible for collecting the material from the source of 

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

When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the 

problem and are 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 

7 
base immediately and ask the official in charge to 

provide them with such tools. 

Team Preparation (Apparatus) 

Team members must make necessary checks of 

all apparatus for proper working condition and airtightness prior to going underground. Cylinder pressures must be within specifications of approval. Apparatus tests must comply with prescribed tests for 

that particular type of apparatus. 

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

breathing apparatus must be used on the survivor(s) 

or other rescued personnel when respiratory protection is needed. One-hour self-rescuers are not to be 

used for the evacuation or rescue of survivors. 

Written Test 

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

the Contest Director. The questions for the written 

test will be taken from material contained in MSHAapproved mine rescue training modules 2202 Mine 

Gases, 2203 Ventilation, 2204 Exploration, 2205 Fire, 

Firefighting, and Explosions, 2206 Rescue of Survivors 

and Recovery of Bodies, and 2207 Mine Recovery. 

MSHA training modules are available at the following address: 

U.S. Department of Labor 

National Mine Health and Safety Academy 

ATTENTION: Printing and Training Materials 

Distribution 

1301 Airport Road 

Beaver, WV 25813-9426 

8 
Telephone: (304) 256-3257


Fax: (304) 256-3368


E-mail: DistributionCenter@dol.gov


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

include at least ten (10) questions on mine gases from 

Module 2202 for each team member. The questions shall 

consist of true/false and multiple choice questions. 

All tests will be scored by two qualified judges using a Scantron test correcting machine. The contestants will be assessed one discount point for each 

incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to 

the test questions or answers will be determined to be 

incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

In special circumstances, individual team members 

may be given oral instead of written tests by one or 

more judges. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the Contest Director at the time of registration. All other team members will take the test at the 

same time. In any case, the judges will not explain the 

meaning of questions, but may explain a word or 

words in the questions. 

Judges 

The Chief Judge and his/her assistants will be persons trained in the assembly, use, and care of the different types of breathing apparatus, etc., and will not 

be connected with any of the teams, teams’ employers, or companies who manufacture apparatus or gas 

detecting devices. Exceptions to personnel assigned 

for judging any phase of the contest requires the approval of the Contest Director. 

Competing teams deserve the full attention of the 

judges and only those personnel judging the specific 

9 
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. 

Only persons trained in the assembly, use, and care 

of the different types of mine rescue equipment and 

trained in mine rescue procedures will be used as 

judges. 

A minimum of two (2) persons will judge the gas 

instrument test, apparatus bench test, first aid test, and 

written test. A minimum of three (3) persons shall 

judge the team during the entire working of the field 

problem. 

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

and proper operation of the self-contained breathing 

apparatus, gas detecting devices, other respiratory 

protection equipment to be used, and firefighting 

equipment, etc. 

The mine manager will be stationed, and must remain, at the fresh air base when the teams are working 

the problem. 

As each team performs a problem, it will be rated 

by a crew of three or more designated judges. Only 

the Contest Director, Chief Judge, or their designee 

may discuss discrepancies or discounts on the field. 

When discussions are held on the field that interrupt 

the working of the problem, the time should be 

stopped and restarted after the discussion is over. A 

Mine Safety and Health Administration employee will 

be the #1 Judge. All judges must have current Mine 

10 
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. 

Contest Problem 

The problem will be limited to working on one 

level. It may include hoists or shafts. Skip pockets 

and sumps (either above or below) will be considered 

part of the working level. Raises or boreholes may be 

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

Teams may have to change existing ventilation, 

pump water, or move falls to rescue persons and/or 

explore if it can be done safely. Changing ventilation 

11 
shall not be done until the official in charge has been 

informed. Ventilation changes will be considered as 

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

ventilation, the check curtain must first be converted 

into a temporary stopping. Regulating airflow to control a fire is not considered a ventilation change. 

All areas that have been cleared of smoke and toxic 

or dangerous gases that the teams elect to travel 

through must be rechecked prior to the team’s reentering. Upon re-entry into these areas where the ventilation has been changed, teams shall make gas tests at 

all openings along the route they travel. 

When smoke or gas is encountered in an opening, 

it will be considered to extend to a placard indicating 

the smoke or gas is cleared, or to a separation intended, or indicated to be air tight. 

If water is being pumped, ventilation changed, 

falls moved, loose rock barred down, etc.; teams must 

wait until placards have been changed by the ground 

committee before assuming they have accomplished 

what they were trying to do. 

Inaccessible areas only need to be explored when 

there are miners unaccounted for or if an explosive 

air/gas mixture will be moved through the unexplored 

areas. Teams may be required to pump water or set 

timbers to explore inaccessible areas. If this is necessary, appropriate materials will be provided in the 

problem. 

Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, 

and news media approved by the Contest Director or 

Chief Judge will be permitted in the working areas. 

Insofar as possible, materials rather than placards 

will be used in the mine. Bodies with identification 

12 
will be designated by the use of dummies. When placards indicating conditions are used, they will be 

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

one (1) inch in height, and easily visible. 

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

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

shall be on the placard, when possible, to aid teams in 

identifying it. 

Terms used in the problem shall be terms which 

appear in the Rule Book Glossary, the MSHA Mine 

Rescue Training Modules, or CFR 30, Part 57. 

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

they go up and/or down from the level. 

TEAM PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES 

Apparatus and Material Checks 

Before reporting to the contest field, each team 

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

charged properly and in good working condition. 

These checks must be within the manufacturer’s specified limits and the regenerator fully charged with 

chemicals. Apparatus tightness, valves, warning devices, and face pieces are to be checked according to 

approved methods for the particular apparatus. The extra breathing apparatus must also be tested accordingly. 

Other materials such as roof testing devices, 

stretchers, hammers, blankets, fire extinguishers, and 

gas detectors must be checked to see that they are in 

good operating condition. If horns are to be used for 

signaling between team members, they should be 

13 
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 

given copies of the mine map and briefed on field 

conditions either by a video or a briefing paper. The 

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

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

cut into another mine; condition of the fan; have 

guards been posted; electric power cut off from the 

mine or affected parts of the mine; recovery work that 

has been accomplished; notification of the local, state, 

and federal agencies; reserve rescue teams, equipment, and materials that are available. 

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

prior to reporting to the field judge. 

Reporting to Field 

On reporting to the field, the captain should have 

the team line up at the place indicated by the person 

in charge. 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 

14 
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. 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). After 

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

to do the work at the fresh air base. MSHA’s field attendants will feed out and reel in communication wire 

once the team leaves the fresh air base. 

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

within the six (6) foot map requirement, solid lines 

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

These conditions should be studied carefully so that 

proper procedures may be decided in advance. 

Equipment Checks and Procedures 

No testing of equipment is required at the fresh air 

base. Testing of equipment used by the team will be 

performed 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. 

15 
Standard Communications and Signals 

A portable communication system, utilizing hard 

wire, will be used to inform the fresh air base of all 

conditions encountered. In the event of a communication failure, the team will be required to return to the 

fresh air base to repair or replace the system. 

The following standard horn blasts or other audible 

signals between team members will be used: 

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

in motion 

2 blasts on the horn will mean “advance” 

3 blasts on the horn will mean “retreat” 

4 blasts on the horn will mean “distress” 

State hoist shaft signals will be used wherever contest is held. 

NEVADA HOIST SIGNAL CODES 

The conveyance shall not be moved without a command signal. When persons are to be hoisted or lowered, they must enter the conveyance and close the 

door; then give the signal for the desired level followed by either “Hoist Persons” (3-1 bells) or “Lower 

Persons” (3-2 bells). 

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

must acknowledge by raising and 

lowering conveyance slightly. 

9 Bells: Emergency - then ring mine level 

signal where emergency exists. 

16 
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 the MSHA National Contest Rules Book 

for the type of equipment used, when getting under 

oxygen. 

The team captain must now check each member’s 

apparatus. A team member must make the same 

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

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

holding or are attached to the team line. 

If a team encounters smoke, an apparatus check or 

personnel check is required before entering smoke. In 

smoke, all team members must have hold of, or be 

fastened to, a lifeline. 

17 
The captain must now have the team count off either orally or visually by the raising of hands. 

The captain must give the signal to advance. The 

stretcher bearers should pick up the stretchers, and the 

rear captain shall relay the signal to the fresh air base. 

When the signal is returned, the team may now advance into the mine. 

Teams shall never travel through water over knee 

deep. Entrances to all mine openings shall be examined. This examination should not cover more than 

twenty-five (25) feet. In air clear of smoke, these 

checks may be made without a lifeline, provided the 

entire team does not go into the entrance. 

Checking for loose ground (loose roof or rib) is 

done visually by the team captain as the team 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 by the rear captain upon retreat. 

First Team Stop 

After advancing into the mine not more than fifty 

(50) feet from the cage or portal, the captain shall 

give a signal for the team to stop. The co-captain may 

take no more than two steps forward after the horn 

blast before stopping. The captain now checks the 

members and their apparatus to see if they are in good 

condition and a team member checks the captain and 

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

the cage.) The procedure shall be followed at not 

more than twenty (20) minute intervals while the team 

is working the problem. Additionally, apparatus re18 
moved in order to enter a confined area or apparatus 

that has sustained possible damage from impact must 

be checked before continuing. 

If all the apparatus are operating properly and the 

members are in good condition, the team can now 

continue into the mine. 

The cage door must be closed and the signal to release conveyance to a standby mode must be sent after the cage has been unloaded. 

Advancing 

When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, 

intersections, or drifts turned off the drift that is being 

traveled, separate gas tests must be made across each 

entry within 25 feet of each opening to the place 

turned off the entry. No place, which intersects entry 

direction, should be passed without first checking the 

condition of that place. Examination of any intersection or entry shall not exceed 25 feet from the rear 

captain. This means the captain can extend out into 

openings and take gas readings within the limits of 

the team line. 

In case of entries turned from the entry being 

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

followed and many things must be taken into consideration in making the choice. However, the openings 

of all places must be checked before that place is 

passed. A team will be considered to have passed an 

opening or intersection when the number 5 member is 

past the opening. 

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

from following the normal course of travel into an 

area, they may break a stopping and enter that area. If 

19 
it becomes necessary to break a stopping, the team 

shall erect a temporary stopping or stoppings that 

would have the same effect on the area that the original stopping would have provided. Doors shall not be 

opened without prior knowledge of the effects of the 

mine ventilation system, unless a temporary stopping 

has been erected. Regulators shall not be opened 

without prior knowledge of the effects of the mine 

ventilation system, unless a temporary regulator has 

been erected. 

Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may 

advance more than three (3) feet beyond the second 

(2nd) intersection before tying across and/or behind 

into all unexplored areas that intersect. The second intersection will be determined by two crosscuts on either side of the entry being traveled. The first 

intersection will be the blocked intersection. However, a team will be permitted to tie across to adjacent 

drifts to tie in behind. 

Barricades 

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

protect the barricaded persons as indicated by the 

conditions found outside the barricade. Before the 

barricade is opened, the entire area of the mine is assumed to be filled with an irrespirable atmosphere unless otherwise specified in the problem, and will 

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

the temporary stopping should be as little as feasible; 

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

the barricade should be kept to a minimum, the roof 

in the area shall be tested, and gas tests made. For the 

20 
purposes of contest work, no barricade will be entered 

without ventilating in front of the barricade if: Oxygen (O2) is below 17.0%; or Carbon Monoxide (CO) 

exceeds 1200 PPM (0.12%); or Hydrogen Sulfide 

(H2S) exceeds 100 PPM (0.01%); or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceeds 20 PPM (0.002%); or Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) exceeds 100 PPM (0.01%); or Carbon 

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

other than these are encountered or indicated by the 

problem, the team must ask for stain tubes or testing 

devices for these gases if they don’t have them. 

If survivors are found, they shall be given proper 

respiratory protection. If more than one (1) survivor is 

behind the barricade and proper protection cannot be 

provided for all of them, the team in retreating should 

keep the openings in the barricade and temporary 

stopping to a minimum so that as little irrespirable air 

will get into the barricaded area as possible. If the 

area beyond the last survivor can be explored without 

advancing the survivor, this should be done before retreating with the survivor. When all the survivors 

have been removed from the barricaded area, the enclosure may be opened as wide as necessary for easy 

exit. Survivors must be secured to the stretcher and 

covered with a blanket unless first aid 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. 

21 
Dates and Initials 

The date and the captain’s initials must be marked 

at the point of farthest advance of the team in any direction such as at stoppings, faces of rooms and drifts, 

water over knee deep, impassable falls, barricades, 

fires out of control, and at the location of any survivors or bodies. The captain must verbally indicate to 

the judges each time he simulates marking his initials 

and date. 

Map - Timing Device 

When the team has explored all accessible areas, 

accounted for all miners and completed all required 

work, they should return to the fresh air base and 

count off. After the team checks the maps, the captain 

should present both maps to the persons in charge of 

the mine and stop the timing device. The map person 

must use the standardized map legend provided in this 

MSHA Rules Book (see pages 106-110) or write everything out. Teams will be expected to accurately 

map all required items on the maps maintained by the 

team and the fresh air base attendant. 

The marked maps must show: the condition of all 

faces, stoppings and doors; the location of all placards 

or materials; the location of fires and barricades; and 

the location of dead bodies and survivors (including 

identification). Temporary stoppings that are erected 

shall also be shown as well as the location of any gas 

found or indicated by placards. The maps must show 

all locations dated and initialed by the team captain. If 

a team fails to explore the entire mine, the furthest 

point of advance shall be indicated on the maps by a 

line drawn across the entry with the appropriate mine 

map legend symbol. 

22 
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. 

23 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #1 

Time: Hours ____ Minutes ____ Seconds ____ Discounts 

1. Apparatus improperly assembled, 

each apparatus 10 x = 

2. Apparatus improperly adjusted to the 

wearer, each infraction 1 x = 

3. Failure to follow prescribed procedures 

for going under oxygen, each person 3 x = 

4. Apparatus part or parts worn or 

deteriorated so as to be dangerous 

to wearer, each person 8 x = 

5. Failure of captain to examine each 

apparatus and have captain’s examined before entering the mine, 

each apparatus each infraction 2 x = 

6. A team member failing to carry 

identification upon his/her person, 

each member 2 x = 

7. Team member not wearing protective 

clothing, including safety shoes, hard 

hat, permissible cap lamp, self-rescuer, 

each infraction 2 x = 

8. Failure of team captain to mark date 

and team position number on the check 

board at mine portal or fresh air base, 

or start timing device, each omission 4 x = 

9. Failure to be clean shaven in areas that 

affect a good face-to-facepiece seal, 

each infraction 10 x = 

10. No work will be done prior to starting 

the clock 4 (total) 

______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

24 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #1 

1. Apparatus not meeting manufacturer’s life critical 

specifications during use. This discount will be applied 

if the team captain or team member does not correct it 

before the team goes underground. 

2. Shoulder straps, chest straps, etc., that are twisted or 

not fastened. (Separate discount for each strap.) This 

discount will be applied if the team captain or team 

member does not correct it when the team goes under 

oxygen. 

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

procedure will be outlined in the apparatus section. 

Once the team has entered the course, no further penalties can be assessed by the judges for items 1, 2, 3. 

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

while still at the fresh air base, should not be discounted if they are replaced prior to starting work in 

the mine. 

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

apparatus before entering the mine. The person making 

the check must obtain assurance from person being 

checked that he/she is all right (asking if person is 

okay will suffice). 

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

identification number in addition to the team member’s 

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

or cap lamp is not acceptable. 

7. All equipment must be permissible and operating before advancing into the mine. In the event of an equipment failure other than a SCBA, the team will fix it, 

25 
use the back-up, or return to the FAB to replace the 

failed equipment. 

8. Captain must mark date and team position number on 

check board after clock is started, and the captain must 

stop the clock after the map is turned in. 

9. Self-explanatory 

10. Self-explanatory 

26 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #1	 Discounts 

1. Breathing external air while working 

problem, each team member, each 

infraction 10 x = 

2. Team not following proper procedure 

in case of apparatus failure, each 

infraction 10 x = 

3. Failure to use posted hoisting signals, 

each infraction 1 x = 

4. Failure to close shaft station gate 5 x = 

5. a. Failure of the captain to indicate to 

the team he/she has recognized bad 

ground. 

b. Failure of the captain to verbally 

indicate he/she is checking the 

back or roof; 

1. at intersections, shaft stations, 

rooms, faces, and mine openings; 

2. at all points of farthest advance; 

3. before building or erecting any


structure;


4. upon passing through any


barricade, stopping, bulkhead,


air lock; door; check curtain, or


similar barrier;


5. at the location of fire or intense


heat.


c.	 Any team member performing work 

or moving into any part of an area 

during a team stop before the captain 

has visually checked the ground 

conditions in that part, each 

infraction 5 x = 

27 
6. Failure of the captain to mark the 

date and his/her initials at the point 

of farthest advance of the team in any 

direction such as at stoppings, faces 

of rooms and drifts, water over knee 

deep, impassable falls, barricades, 

fires out of control, and at the 

location of any live persons or 

bodies, each omission (maximum 

10 discounts) 2 x = 

(10 max.) 

.7 Failure of team to stop within 50 

feet of the fresh air base or at the 

shaft station to perform personnel 

and apparatus checks, upon their 

first entry into the mine 4 (total) 

8. Team member(s) not making 

apparatus check after removing 

apparatus to traverse restricted 

clearance or after apparatus has 

sustained possible damage from 

impact (total team discounts, 

each incident) 4 x = 

9. Captain or other team member doing 

anything to endanger himself/ 

herself or other team members, 

15 points each team member so 

endangered, each infraction, each 

occurrence 15 x = 

10. Failure of team to explore or examine 

workings systematically and 

thoroughly, each omission 4 x = 

11. Teams must be checked immediately 

before entering smoke 5 x = 

12. Failure to locate, seal, or extinguish 

fire, if possible, without undue delay 8 (total) 

28 
13. Apparatus examination exceeding


20-minute intervals 5 x =


______________________ Total Discounts ______ 

Judge’s Signature 

29 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #1 

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

working with inhalation hose disconnected. 

2. Proper procedure would depend on type of apparatus; 

however, team must proceed to fresh air base immediately. 

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

will be used to notify the hoistman of intended movement and cage release. 

4. Self-explanatory. 

5. a.	 Must so indicate before any other team member 

passes the placard. This applies each time such a 

placard is reached; when retreating the rear captain 

must do this. 

b. 1. Must be so indicated before physically entering 

the area. 

2. Includes checking in front of any physical barrier 

to advancement. 

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

4. Must be so indicated before physically passing 

through. 

5. Must be so indicated immediately upon reaching 

the placard indicating fire or intense heat. 

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

having been examined. 

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

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

and year. 

7. This check must be made: 

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

portal, or off the cage (this does not apply to checking mine entrances prior to working the problem); 

b. before the captain exceeds 50 feet from portal or 

shaft, and before the team leaves the shaft station. 

30 
8. This apparatus check must be made as soon as all team 

members have passed through the restricted area and 

before any other work is done. Additionally, this apparatus check must be made immediately after any apparatus has sustained a blow which might cause damage 

to it. 

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

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

1. travels under bad roof or ground; 

2. travels into water over knee deep; 

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

pocket into which they could fall or be injured 

by falling objects; 

4. advances past a sign indicating intense heat or 

fire out of control. 

b. entire team will be considered endangered and 75 

points assessed for: 

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

the presence of fire or flooding, prior to traveling 

through it. For contest purposes, this check may 

be done by placing combustible materials on the 

cage and having the cage lowered to the level to 

be explored, then raising it to the collar; 

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

when explosive gases are found in a non-gassy 

mine; 

3. changing conditions of the mine ventilation system in such a manner that an explosive mixture 

is moved over an ignition source. Changing conditions of the mine ventilation system in such a 

manner that an explosive mixture is moved over 

an unexplored area. If a team explores all sides 

of an overcast or undercast, both ends of a ventilation shaft, or the top and bottom of shafts when 

the shaft cannot be traveled, the in-between areas 

are considered explored for ventilation purposes; 

4. continuing exploration after conditions are found 

to indicate an imminent explosion is possible by 

the presence of an explosive mixture and the evi31 
dence of fire (smoke or carbon monoxide) and 

the location of the fire is unknown. A team must 

continue to explore if it knows there is a continuous nonexplosive separation between the explosive mixture and the evidence of fire. Utilizing 

electric or battery-powered equipment in explosive air/gas atmosphere. Ignition sources would 

include any communication device, unless designated as sound-powered or intrinsically safe; 

5. Utilizing electric or battery-powered equipment 

in explosive air/gas atmosphere. Ignition sources 

would include any communication device, unless 

designated as sound-powered or intrinsically safe. 

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

mine that can be explored without endangering team, if 

problem requires entire mine to be explored, or leaving 

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

be tied across and behind before advancing. Where 

crosscuts are blocked, no team member may advance 

more than 3 feet beyond the second intersection before 

tying across and/or behind into all unexplored areas 

that intersect. This may require building an air lock or 

returning to the fresh air base and exploring into other 

drifts at the discretion of the team and according to 

conditions of the mine. Shafts must be checked for 

possible damage, water, or fire, and must be traveled to 

be considered explored. All shafts must be traveled, if 

possible, before proceeding beyond the 2nd intersection. 

11. Personnel checks, not necessarily an apparatus check. 

The person making the check must obtain assurance 

from person being checked that he/she is all right (asking if person is all right will suffice). 

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

the responsibility of systematic exploration 

13. Self-explanatory. 

32 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #2 Discounts 

1. Failure to take necessary equipment


and gas detecting devices to work the


problem, each omission 4 x =


2. Gas detectors, testers, and/or


indicators failing to function


properly and not corrected before


entering the mine, each infraction 4 x =


3. Testers or detectors improperly


assembled or defective parts used 8 (total)


______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

33 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #2 

1. Failure to take necessary equipment or testing devices 

underground, discount should be assessed even if 

teams return to fresh air base to pick up necessary 

equipment. 

2. 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.


34 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #2 Discounts 

1. Failure to make necessary gas tests 

where required, each gas, each 

omission 1 x = 

2. Improper procedure when testing 

with gas detectors, each gas, each 

infraction 1 x = 

3. Intentional causing of a test instrument 

to inflate faster than tests indicate that 

it should, each infraction 1 x = 

4. Traveling at more than a normal 

walking speed 8 (total) 

5. Team member talking to an unauthorized person without permission of the 

judges or supervisors, each infraction 5 x = 

6. Failure to erect temporary barricade, 

stopping or regulator when necessary, each infraction 10 x = 

7. Failure to erect temporary barricade, 

seal, or stopping reasonably airtight, 

each infraction 2 x = 

8. Less than 5 members entering, working 

or completing problem, each person 8 x = 

9. Any team passing a card indicating 

a condition in the mine before 

determining the information on the 

card, each infraction 2 x = 

10. Failure to make necessary ventilation 

changes or changing ventilation or electric power before the effects of such 

changes are known, each infraction 15 x = 

______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

35 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #2 

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

When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, intersections, or drifts turned off the drift that is being traveled, separate gas tests must be made across each entry 

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

shall be passed without first checking the condition of that 

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

room shall be checked before examining the entry beyond 

the opening. This does not necessarily hold true in cases 

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

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

in making the choice. However, all places must be 

checked before that place is passed. A team will be considered to have passed an opening or intersection when 

the No. 5 member is past the opening. All areas that have 

been cleared of smoke and toxic or dangerous gases that 

the teams elect to travel through must be rechecked prior 

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

where the ventilation has been changed, teams shall make 

gas tests at all openings along the route they travel. 

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

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

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

methane (CH4) is light and will be found in high places 

near the back or roof. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is relatively heavy and will be found in greater concentrations along the floor and in low places. Therefore, this 

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

test must be made at chest height. 

3. Self-explanatory. 

36 
4. Teams traveling obviously faster than a normal walk 

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

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

and state instructions given, if known. 

6. Stoppings, doors, regulators, and barricades require 

construction of temporary stoppings by a team before a 

team may make openings in the pre-existing stoppings, 

doors, etc. Doors shall not be opened without prior 

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

Regulators shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation system, unless a temporary regulator has been erected. This does 

not apply to existing check or drop curtains used to direct the air current. When retreating out of a barricade 

or coming back through a stopping where an air lock 

has been erected, it will not be necessary to air lock on 

the way out, if this will not change any existing 

ventilation. 

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

barricade is not acceptable. Air curtains that have to be 

upgraded to temporary stoppings, such as a curtain that 

directs airflow, require additional material such as a 

2-by-4 on the bottom of the curtain and nailed to make 

a good seal. 

8. This does not apply to checking mine entrances prior 

to working the problem. 

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

10. Teams must inform the official in charge before changing the ventilation or electric power, and such things as 

explosive gases and the safety of trapped miners and 

rescue personnel must be considered. Teams do not 

have to exit the mine to change power or ventilation. 

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

37 
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. 

38 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet 

Judge #3 Discounts 

1. Failure to connect phone when


applicable before entering the mine 2 (total)


2. Failure to take wire communication


system into the mine 10 (total)


3. Failure of team to “count off” before


entering or leaving the mine 2 x =


4. Failure to secure extra apparatus to


stretcher, each omission 4 x =


______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

39 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #3 

1. Self-explanatory. 

2. Rescue teams are required to utilize a portable mine 

rescue communication system approved under 30 CFR 

Part 23 or a sound powered communication system. 

The wire for this system shall be strong enough to be 

used as a manual communication system. This would 

apply only if all team members were in the mine. 

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

but must be done prior to team entering the mine. It 

does not have to be done prior to checking portals. 

Hand or audible counting off is acceptable. It is not 

necessary to count off upon reentry or leaving mine; 

however, the team is also required to count off when 

completing problem. 

4. Extra apparatus must be secured to stretcher to prevent 

it from falling off. 

40 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Discount Sheet 

Judge #3	 Discounts 

1. Failure to properly secure survivor to


stretcher; failure to cover survivor with


blanket (unless first aid procedures


indicate otherwise); or placing survivor


on stretcher in such a way as to foul


proper operation of apparatus,


each omission 4 x =


2. Survivor care: 

a.	 Failure to adequately examine and 

assess each person found in the 

mine for possible injury or illness, 

each infraction 4 x = 

b. Failure to properly treat any injury 

or illness which is, or should have 

been, revealed by the examination, 

each infraction 4 x = 

3. In smoke, any team member not


having hold of lifeline, or not having


it firmly attached to his/her person,


each infraction 2 x =


4. In clear air, none of the team


members having hold of lifeline,


each infraction 2 x =


5. Intentionally detaching/severing


lifeline 5 (total)


6. Failure to bring live person to surface


or fresh air base by the end of the


problem, each omission 10 x =


7. Failure to locate bodies,


each omission 10 x =


8. Failure to find live persons,


each omission 10 x =


41 
9. Failure to properly protect live person 

or persons, each person 10 x = 

10. Failure to follow proper procedure 

when putting apparatus on survivor, 

each infraction 5 x = 

11. Assistance given by supposedly 

unconscious person, each infraction 5 x = 

12. Transporting survivor in unexplored 

territory, leaving survivor unattended, 

and moving survivor in any direction 

except toward the fresh air base, 

each infraction 6 x = 

13. Failure to give proper notification 

with communication system of 

team's intentions, each infraction 2 x = 

14. The team performing an act that 

results in the death or injury of 

patient(s). Examples of this would be: 

a.	 Entering a barricade with toxic


gases outside.


b. Directing toxic gases over survivor(s)


through a change in ventilation


c.	 In the case of multiple survivors,


leaving the higher priority patient


and taking a less injured patient out,


each infraction


d. Improperly protecting survivor(s) 

from toxic gases 50 x = 

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base 

when an air/gas mixture has reached 

its explosive range 10 x = 

______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

42 
MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #3 

1. Survivor shall be secured to stretcher by at least two 

bandages or straps, one around trunk of body and one 

around legs, covered with blanket, and placed so as not 

to crimp air hoses. (Hands of unconscious person must 

be secured.) 

2. This will be based on the Brady First Responder, Sixth 

Edition, Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, 

MSHA Mine Rescue Training Module 2206 “Rescue 

of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies.” (This book may 

be ordered from the National Mine Health and Safety 

Academy. See page 10.) A team must deal with a victim(s), if there is either visual or verbal contact, if the 

rescue can be done without violating procedures. Visual contact requires the captain’s presence in the area. 

Verbal contact is any voice communication from the 

victim that can reasonably be expected to be heard by 

the team. 

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

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

team member is in smoke. This discount cannot be assessed when checking mine entrances or portals on the 

surface. 

4. Self-explanatory. 

5. Self-explanatory. 

6. Self-explanatory. 

7. Self-explanatory. 

8. Self-explanatory. 

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

breathing apparatus or self-rescuer on a live person instead of an approved 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour selfcontained breathing apparatus is a failure to properly 

protect that survivor. 

43 
10. Self-explanatory. 

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

breathing apparatus or self-rescuer on a live person instead of an approved 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour selfcontained breathing apparatus is a failure to properly 

protect that survivor. 

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

chamber in a contaminated area, and the barricade or 

refuge chamber is not entered, the team may advance. 

13. Failure to notify fresh air base by phone of team’s intentions would include advancing or retreating team 

prior to giving signal or notifying fresh air base and receiving reply. When advancing, and captain gives signal to stop, No. 5 member may not move more than 2 

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

signal prior to starting to move. The No. 5 member 

may move from side to side to give captain more area 

when team is connected by lifeline in smoke or by telephone line as long as he/she does not pull or give line. 

All team members must hold or be attached to the lifeline at all times while traveling. If taglines are used between team members and the team line, they shall be 

no longer than 3 feet in length. Do not apply this to 

movement at the fresh air base. 

14. An act which does not endanger the team, but kills or 

injures the patient(s). 

15. Failure to notify the fresh air base when an air/gas 

mixture, which reached its explosive range, has been 

encountered. 

44 
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name:__________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________ 

Draw Number: ___________________________________ 

Discounts 

For each incorrect answer for each 

person (1 discount) 

No. 1 person 1 x = 

No. 2 person 1 x = 

No. 3 person 1 x = 

No. 4 person 1 x = 

No. 5 person 1 x = 

No. 6 person (substitute) 1 x = 

______________________ Total Discounts 

Judge’s Signature 

45 
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Map Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name:__________________________________ 

Team Name: ____________________________________ 

Draw Number: ___________________________________ 

1. Failure to record information


on map 1 x =


2. Not recording information


accurately on map (within 6 feet


of actual location measured from


the center point of the object),


each infraction 1 x =


______________________ Total Discounts 

Map Examiner’s Signature 

46 
NATIONAL MINE RESCUE CONTEST 

Time Discount Summary Sheet 

Company Name:__________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________ 

Draw Number: ___________________________________ 

Total Time 

Total time will be rounded off to the next 

highest minute. (Total average time will also 

be rounded off to the next highest minute.) _______ 

Discounts 

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

______________________ Total Discounts 

Timekeeper’s Signature 

47 
MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST 

General Rules 

1. One gas man will be allowed for each team entered in 

the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. Each contestant will draw for competition order while 

in isolation. No switching of numbers will be allowed, 

unless approved by the Contest Director. 

4. The Multi-Gas Instrument Contest will be held at a 

time and place designated by the Contest Director. All 

written testing will be conducted in isolation. Contestants will remain in isolation until they finish the bench 

competition or they will be disqualified. 

5. Each contestant will be provided with a multi-gas instrument, along with spare sensors, batteries, calibration gas, tubing, regulators, calibration hoods and the 

tools necessary to complete the problem. 

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

workstation. Only those tools and equipment provided 

will be used by contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written, bench, and gas testing 

will determine the winner. In the event of a tie, the 

written test score will determine the winner. The total 

time used for the bench and gas testing will be the second tiebreaker. 

7. At a pre-designated time after the written test, the test 

judge will conduct a five-minute review of test answers. 

8. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the 

instrument, the judges will notify the contestants that 

the deficiency is not part of the problem. The judge 

will stop the clock and correct the deficiency as 

needed. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant 

the clock will not be stopped. 

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


place in the Multi-Gas Instrument Contest.


48 
Written Test 

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

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

be taken from: 

a. MSHA publication on Mine Gases (Module 2202) 

b. MSHA publication on Ventilation (Module 2203) 

c. MSHA National Mine Rescue Contest Rules 

d. Respective instrument manufacturer’s operations 

manual 

Contestants will be assessed one (1) discount point for 

each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations 

to the test questions or answers will be determined to 

be incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

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

qualified judges. 

Multi-Gas Instrument Bench Problem 

1. The instrument(s) given to the contestants will have 

multiple bugs or problems consisting of any of the following: 

a. Missing sensors 

b. Failed sensors 

c. Mis-calibrated sensors 

d. Dead or incorrect batteries 

e. Incorrect alarm points 

f. Missing parts 

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

instrument, check for proper action level alarm set 

points, and then use the instrument to measure the concentrations of O2, CH4, CO and NO2 in a single gas 

box. 

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

49 
4. Five (5) discount points per alarm point will be as­


sessed for any incorrectly set alarms.


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

calibration. 

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

incorrect gas reading given during the gas box test. 

7. No discounts will be assessed for replacing nondeficient sensors, as long as the resulting gas readings 

and alarm points are correct. 

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

of the contest. There will be a five (5) minute warning 

given by the judge when time is about to expire. 

9. For completion, the contestant must have the instrument fully assembled and operating and have completed all four gas readings within the allowed time. 

Gas Box Testing 

1. The gas testing will consist of subjecting the instrument to an unknown mixture of O2, CH4, CO and NO2. 

The contestant will be expected to report all 4-gas concentrations within acceptable limits in the following 

order: O2, CH4, CO, NO2. 

2. Fifteen (15) discount points per gas will be deducted if 

a contestant does not report gas concentrations within 

acceptable limits: 

a.	 Oxygen readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 0.5% by volume; 

b. Methane readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 0.2% by volume; 

c.	 Carbon Monoxide readings are considered to be 

correct if within plus or minus 20% of the actual 

value present; and 

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

value present. 

50 
Judging 

1. All judges must successfully complete a training 

course as prescribed by the Contest Director per the instrument they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of contestants. 

3. Prior to each contestant, judges shall insure that the 

next contestant’s instrument contains only the deficiencies as per the planned problem. 

4. After each contestant, judges will evaluate that contestant’s instrument and confirm scoring and assess additional discounts as necessary. 

5. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges 

shall stop the clock, instruct the contestant to turn 

his/her back to the bench area, at which time the judge 

will correct the unplanned deficiencies. Judges shall 

instruct the contestant that upon turning back to face 

the bench, the clock will start. If the deficiencies are 

caused by the contestant the clock will not be stopped. 

6. After completion of the bench problem and gas box 

testing, there will be a five minute review, at which 

time the judges will discuss discounts. After the review, both judge and contestant will sign the judge’s 

scorecard in the spaces provided. All appeals must be 

in writing and submitted within one hour of the fiveminute review. 

7. The multi-gas instrument contest appeals committee 

ruling will be final. 

51 
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ 

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ 

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ 

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ 

METAL AND NONMETAL 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST 

Judges’ Discount Card 

Company Name:__________________________________


Team Name: _____________________________________


Draw Number: ___________________________________


Contestant: _____________ Instrument Model__________


Serial # _________________


Time: _________________ Written Test Discounts: _____


Bench Problem 

Alarm Points 

Sensor Reqd. Set Comments Discounts 

O2 Low 19.5 

High 23.5 

Procedure 

CH4	 Low 1.0 

High 1.5 

Procedure 

CO	 Low 50 

High 100 

Procedure 

NO2	 Low 3.0 

High 5.0 

Procedure 

_____ ______ 

_____ ______ 

___________ ______ 

_____ ______ 

_____ ______ 

___________ ______ 

_____ ______ 

_____ ______ 

___________ ______ 

_____ ______ 

_____ ______ 

___________ ______ 

Gas Box Testing 

Actual Minimum Maximum Observed by 

Gas In Box Acceptable Acceptable Contestant Discounts 

O2 

CH4 

CO 

NO2 

Judges Signature______________ Total discounts 

Contestant’s Signature_______________________ 

52 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST 

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS 

General Rules 

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered 

in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. The participants shall draw for working order in isolation. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless 

approved by Bench Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman’s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day period in conjunction 

with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. 

The teams not working the mine rescue problem will 

compete in the Benchman’s Contest. All written testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants 

53 
will remain in isolation until they finish the bench 

competition or they will be disqualified. The location 

of the competition will be noted. The Contest Director 

may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully 

assembled BG-4, an RZ-25 tester, defogging solution, 

leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to complete 

the problem(s). Only tools, apparatus, and testing 

equipment provided by the judge will be used by contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus 

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. 

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

Third tiebreaker will be the time to find the first 

deficiency. 

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/ 

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

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

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard. 

All appeals must be in writing and submitted within 

one hour of the five-minute review. 

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

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the 

apparatus, the judges will notify the contestants that 

the deficiency is not part of the problem. The contestant will turn his/her back while the judge stops the 

clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies 

are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be 

stopped. 

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

fourth place in the Benchman’s Contest. 

54 
Written Test 

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

in isolation and will consist of twenty-five true/false, 

multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken 

from Draeger’s BG-4 Service Manual. The contestants 

will be assessed one discount point for each incorrect 

or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test 

questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect 

by the test judge and discounts assessed. 

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

qualified judges. 

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the 

low pressure alarm test forward and recorded. If and 

when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must 

call out to the judge and properly correct and record 

any and all deficiencies. Visuals can be performed at 

any time during the 30-minute time limit. 

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

3. If contestants perform checks out of order, there will 

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

4. Contestant will be allowed to move forward, in order, 

in the event a deficiency is detected but not located. 

Once deficiency is corrected, contestant must return to 

the point of deficiency and repeat all test steps in 

proper order. 

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

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

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

checks, record and correct any and all deficiencies, and 

be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the judge when time is about to expire. 

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

55 
8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency 

not corrected. 

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

check not performed. 

10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one’s mouth while 

making checks is prohibited. There will be a ten (10) 

point discount assessed for each infraction. 

11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus 

fully assembled with hoses connected to the face piece and 

attached to the apparatus and draped over the cover. If the 

contestant does not leave the apparatus in “ready-for-use” 

condition, a five (5) point discount will be assessed. 

Judging 

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

the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall 

perform monthly apparatus checks and correct any and 

all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges 

shall stop the clock, instruct contestants to turn his/her 

back to the bench area, at which time the judge will 

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

clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the 

contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

56 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4 

Judges’ Working Scorecard 

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Low Pressure Alarm 

(Negative Pressure Warning) 

Inhalation Valve 

Exhalation Valve 

Drain Valve 

Positive Pressure Leak 

Relief Valve 

High Pressure Leak Test 

Constant Metering (Dosage) 

Minimum Valve 

Bypass Valve 

Residual Warning 

Battery Check 

Test OK (initials) 

Replacement Parts 

Ready for Use 

Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Time 

0 Bug _________ 

1st Bug _________ 

2nd Bug _________ 

3rd Bug _________ 

4th Bug _________ 

5th Bug _________ 

Time to Complete Problem 

Min ______ Sec ______ 

Summary of Discounts 

Written test questions incorrect: 

1 discount x = 

Monthly check not performed: 

5 discounts x = 

Monthly checks out of order: 

5 discounts (total) 

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x = ______ 

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 

5 discounts x = 

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x = 

Judge ___________________________ Apparatus not “Ready for Use”: 

5 discounts (total) 

Judge ___________________________ Total Discounts 

57 
Test Date

Visual Inspection

Low Pressure Alarm

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure Leak

Relief Valve

High Pressure Leak Test

Constant Metering (Dosage)

Minimum Valve

Bypass Valve

Residual Warning

Battery Check

Test OK (initials)

Ready for Use

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4 

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card 

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Problems Found 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug 

5th Bug 

Corrected 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

Judge’s Signature 

Bench Person’s Signature 

58 
TESTING PROCEDURE 

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS 

TESTER 

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS 

1. Visual Inspection Check for good 

condition. 

2. Insert O� Cylinder Fully Charged. 

3. Insert Canister Factory Sealed or 

Reusable. 

4. Facepiece and Hoses Check for good 

condition. 

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

warning Pumping activation should 

sound at 1.25 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 10mbar is 

Pumping indicated on gauge. 

Fit sealing cap over 

tappet of relief valve as 

bag inflated. 

Drain valve must not 

open at 10 mb. 

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

pressure should not 

change by more than 

1 mbar in 1 minute. 

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

Pumping opens. 

Opening pressure, 

should lie between 2 & 

5 mbar. 

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

59 
TESTER 

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS 

11.High Pressure Leak Leak Test Open cylinder valve. 

Alarm sounds once. 

CCR (Close Cylinder). 

Alarm sounds once, 

green indicator flashes. 

OCR (Open Cylinder). 

12.Constant Metering 

Valve 

Pos. Pres. 

Pumping 

Inflate breathing bag. 

Fit sealing cap over 

tappet of relief valve. 

Dosage 

.05-2 L/min 

Constant metering 

dosage should lie 

between 1.5 and 

1.9 L/min. 

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

Minimum Valve should 

open between 0.1 and 

2.5 mbar. 

14.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. 

15. 

16. 

Low 

Pressure 

Warning 

Battery 

Check 

Close cylinder valve. 

Warning sounds at 700 

psi. 

If Failing: 

Alarm sounds 5 Times. 

Red indicator flashes 

for 30 sec. 

Bat is displayed. 

60 
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for getting under oxygen: 

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

breathing air cooler are installed. Don the apparatus 

and adjust the harness and belt. 

2. Don the facepiece by spreading the head harness with 

hands; put chin into chin support and pull harness over 

the head. Tighten the chin straps first, then the temple 

straps, and then the top head strap. The facepiece must 

be sufficiently tight on the face to prevent leakage of 

the breathing air which could shorten the duration of 

the apparatus. 

3. Plug the breathing connector into the facepiece until it 

locks in place. Pull to verify it is secure. 

4. Open cylinder valve fully. 

5. Check the digital pressure gauge to see that a sufficient 

oxygen supply remains. The green LED light should 

be displayed. Press the by-pass valve to check the 

by-pass valve operation. 

6. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing both 

breathing hoses and inhaling. The facepiece should 

collapse against the face, indicating there are no leaks. 

7. Each team member and apparatus should be rechecked 

by the team captain. The team captain and apparatus 

should be rechecked by a team member. 

Items to be checked prior to going underground and at 

20 minute intervals: 

1. Visually check apparatus. 

2. Check pressure gauge. 

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

61 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST 

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS 

General Rules 

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered 

in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. The participants shall draw for working order in isolation. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless 

approved by Bench Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman’s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day period in conjunction 

with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. 

The teams not working the mine rescue problem will 

compete in the Benchman’s Contest. All written testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants 

will remain in isolation until they finish the bench 

competition or they will be disqualified. The location 

of the competition will be noted. The Contest Director 

may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully 

assembled BG-174A, an RZ-25 tester, defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts necessary to 

complete the problem(s). Only tools, apparatus, and 

testing equipment provided by the judge will be used 

by contestants to work the problem. 

62 
6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus 

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. 

In the event of a tie, total time will be the first tie 

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

Third tie breaker will be the time to find the first deficiency. 

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/ 

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

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

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard. 

All appeals must be in writing and submitted within 

one hour of the five-minute review. 

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

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the 

apparatus, the contestants will be notified by the 

judges that the deficiency is not part of the problem. 

The contestant will turn his/her back while the judge 

stops the clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies are caused by the contestant, the clock will not 

be stopped. 

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


fourth place in the Benchman’s Contest.


Written Test 

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

in isolation and will consist of twenty-five true/false, 

multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken 

from Draeger’s BG-174A Test, Maintenance, and 

Troubleshooting Manual. The contestants will be assessed one discount point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions 

or answers will be determined to be incorrect by the 

test judge and discounts assessed. 

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

qualified judges. 

63 
Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the 

exhalation valve test forward and recorded. If and 

when deficiencies are encountered, contestants must 

call out to the judge and properly correct and record 

any and all deficiencies. High and medium pressure 

leak checks must be performed while the oxygen is in 

the on position (after the pre-flush test); visuals can be 

performed at any time during the 30-minute time limit. 

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

breathing apparatus prior to any repair work, other 

than visual examination. 

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

checks will be those found on page 135 of MSHA 

Training Module 2004. The Oxygen Control Assembly 

Number and the Demand Valve Assembly Number 

will not be required to be recorded. 

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

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

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

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

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

checks, record and correct any and all deficiencies, and 

be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the judge when time is about to expire. 

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

8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency 

not corrected. 

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

check not performed. 

10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one’s mouth while 

making checks is prohibited. There will be a ten (10) 

point discount assessed for each infraction. 

64 
11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus 

fully assembled with hoses attached to face piece and 

connected to the apparatus and draped over the cover 

(ready to wear). If the contestant does not leave the apparatus in “ready-for-use” condition, a five (5) point 

discount will be assessed. 

Judging 

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

the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall 

perform monthly apparatus checks and correct any and 

all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges 

shall stop the clock, instruct contestants to turn his/her 

back to the bench area, at which time the judge will 

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

clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the 

contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

65 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-174A 

Judges’ Working Scorecard 

Canister/Regenerative, 

Exp.? 

Preflush 

By-pass 

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Cylinder Pressure 

Refillable filled Fact. Sealed? 

Facepiece and Hoses 

Exhalation Valve 

Inhalation Valve 

Relief Valve 

(opens +10 to +40 mm) 

Pos. Pressure Leak Test 

Neg. Pressure Leak Test 

Gauge Equalization 

Breathing Bag Volume Test 

Lung Demand Valve 

Dosage test (1.4 to 1.7 mbar) 

Whistle Activation 

Whistle Duration 

(20 to 60 seconds) 

Pres. Gage Shutoff 

High & Med. Pres. Leaks 

Test OK (initials) 

Replacement Parts 

Ready for Use 

Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Time


0 Bug _________


1st Bug _________


2nd Bug _________


3rd Bug _________


4th Bug _________


5th Bug _________


Time to Complete Problem 

Min _______ Sec _______ 

Summary of Discounts: 

Written test questions incorrect:


1 discount x =


Monthly check not performed:


5 discounts x =


Monthly checks out of order:


5 discounts (total)


Deficiency (bug) not found:


15 discounts x = ______


Deficiency (bug) not corrected:


5 discounts x =


Sucking/Blowing Valves:


10 discounts x =


Apparatus not “Ready for Use”:


5 discounts (total)


Judge ___________________________ Total Discounts 

Judge ___________________________ 

66 
#

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Cylinder Pressure

Canister/Regenerative,

Facepiece and Hoses

Exhalation Valve

Inhalation Valve

Relief Valve

Pos. Pressure Leak Test Time to Complete Problem

Neg. Pressure Leak Test Min _______ Sec _______

Preflush

Gauge Equalization Summary of Discounts:

Breathing Bag Volume Test

Lung Demand Valve

By-pass

Dosage test (1.4 to 1.7 mbar)

Whistle Activation

Whistle Duration

(20 to 60 seconds)

Pres. Gage Shutoff

High & Med. Pres. Leaks

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-174A 

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card 

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Problems Found 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug 

5th Bug 

Corrected 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

Judge’s Signature 

Bench Person’s Signature 

67 
TESTING PROCEDURE 

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS 

TESTER 

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS 

1. Visual Inspection Check for good 

condition. 

2. Insert O2 Cylinder Fully charged 

3. Insert Regen. Factory-sealed for rescue/ 

Canister refillable for training. 

4. Facepiece and Hoses Check for good 

condition. 

5. Exhalation Valve Zero Cap off exhalation hose. 

Adjust Connect inhalation hose 

to exhalation valve. 

Neg. Pres. Bag should not begin to 

Pumping deflate after 5 seconds 

6. Inhalation Valve Connect inhalation hose 

to inhalation valve 

(saliva trap should be 

vertical). 

Pos. Pres. Bag should not begin to 

Pumping inflate after 5 seconds. 

7. Relief Valve 

Pos. Pres. 

Pumping 

Connect exhalation hose 

to exhalation valve. 

Fill bag. Relief valve 

should open between 

+10 and +40 mm H2O 

(+1 and +4 mbar). 

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

8. Pos. Pres. Leak Plug relief valve and 

whistle. 

Pos. Pres. Pump up to +100 mm 

Pumping H2O (+10 mbar). 

Leak Test Bleed needle down to +70 

mm H2O (+7 mbar). 

Start stopwatch, observe 

meter for 60 seconds. 

Should not drop more than 

10 mm H2O (1 mbar). 

68 
TESTER 

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS 

9. Neg. Pres. Leak Remove plug from relief 

valve only. 

Neg. Pres. Pump down to -100 mm 

Pumping H2O (-10 mbar). 

Leak Test Bleed needle up to -70 mm 

H2O (-7 mbar). 

Start stopwatch, observe 

meter for 60 seconds. 

Should not drop more 

than 10 mm H2O 

(1 mbar). 

10.Preflush/Pressure 

Gauge 

Equalization 

Remove plug from 

whistle. 

Neg. Pres. 

Pumping 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Bag should completely 

inflate. 

Compare gauge readings. 

Neg. Pres. 

Pumping 

and Leak 

Test 

(Alternate Relief Valve Test) Open cylinder valve. 

Relief valve should open 

between +10 and +40 

mm H2O (+1 and +4 

mbar). 

11.Lung Demand 

Valve/Breathing 

Bag Volume 

Neg. Pres. 

Pumping 

Pump and count strokes. 

Should be at least 10 

strokes before demand 

valve opens. Valve 

should open between 

-10 and -40 mm H2O 

(-1 and -4 mbar). 

69 
TESTER 

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS 

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

Dosage Test (0.5 to Press by-pass valve until 

2 LPM) needle reads 1.7 LPM 

on outside red scale. 

Needle should settle 

between 1.4 and 1.7 

LPM (at sea level). 

13.Whistle 

Activation 

Remove plug from relief 

valve vent. 

Close O2 cylinder valve. 

Observe chest gauge. 

Whistle should sound at 

20 to 25 percent of full 

cylinder pressure. 

14.Whistle Duration/ Neg. Pres. 

Pressure Gauge Pumping 

Shutoff 

Lift pressure gauge 

shutoff lever. 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Start stopwatch. Whistle 

should sound for 20 to 

60 seconds. 

Chest pressure gauge 

should read zero. 

Return shutoff valve to 

down position. 

15.High and Medium Cylinder valve still open. 

Pressure Leak Check for leaks. 

Shut off valve after test. 

70 
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

DRAEGER BG-174A BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen: 

1. Open cylinder valve fully. 

2. Don the facepiece by pressing the chin against the chin 

support; pull the facepiece up into position; then, pull 

the harness over the head. Tighten the neck straps. 

Tighten the temple straps next. 

3. Tighten the top straps last. It is essential that the 

facepiece fit well. A badly fitting facepiece not only 

endangers the wearer by the possible inward leakage 

of contaminated air, but also shortens the period of use 

of the apparatus by allowing the escape of oxygen 

from the closed circuit. 

4. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing both 

breathing tubes and inhaling. The facepiece should 

collapse against the face, indicating no leaks. Maintain 

the tubes closed and exhale slowly and forcibly into 

the facepiece. Significant pressure should build up in 

the mask before leaking between the facepiece and the 

face indicating a good facepiece seal. 

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

and observe the chest gauge. If the pressure drops and 

the whistle blows, the O2 group is restricted and the 

unit is not in a useable condition. 

6. Each team member and apparatus should be rechecked 

by the team captain. The team captain and apparatus 

should be rechecked by a team member. 

Items to be Checked Prior to Going Underground and 

at 20-Minute Intervals: 

1. Visually check apparatus. 

2. Check gauge. 

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

71 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST 

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240/240S 

BREATHING APPARATUS 

General Rules 

1. One benchman will be allowed for each team entered 

in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

2. Registration will be made with the team registration. 

3. The participants shall draw for working order in isolation. No switching of numbers will be allowed, unless 

approved by Bench Contest Director. 

4. The Benchman’s Contest will be held at designated locations and times over a two-day period in conjunction 

with the preliminary Mine Rescue Field Competitions. 

The teams not working the mine rescue problem will 

compete in the Benchman’s Contest. All written testing will be conducted at the same time. Contestants 

will remain in isolation until they finish the bench 

competition or they will be disqualified. The location 

of the competition will be noted. The Contest Director 

may waive this provision, if warranted by extenuating 

circumstances. 

72 
5. The bench contestants will be provided with one fully 

assembled BioPak 240/240S, a Test/Service Kit, 

defogging solution, leak detector fluid, and all parts 

necessary to complete the problem(s). Only tools, apparatus, and testing equipment provided by the judge 

will be used by contestants to work the problem. 

6. Total discounts of the written and monthly apparatus 

checks/problem diagnosis will determine the winner. 

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

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

7. At the completion of the Monthly Apparatus Checks/ 

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

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

judge and contestant will sign the judge’s scorecard. 

All appeals must be in writing and submitted within 

one hour of the five-minute review. 

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

9. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered in the 

apparatus, the judges will notify the contestants that 

the deficiency is not part of the problem. The contestant will turn his/her back while the judge stops the 

clock and corrects the deficiency. If the deficiencies 

are caused by the contestant, the clock will not be 

stopped. 

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


place in the Benchman’s Contest.


Written Test 

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

in isolation and will consist of twenty-five true/false, 

multiple choice questions. The questions will be taken 

from BioMarine BioPak 240/240S Benchman Instruction Manuals and the BioPak 240/240S Operations and 

Training Manual. The contestants will be assessed one 

73 
discount point for each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test questions or answers 

will be determined to be incorrect by the test judge and 

discounts assessed. 

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

qualified judges. 

Monthly Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis 

1. Monthly checks must be performed in order from the 

visual inspection forward and recorded. If and when 

deficiencies are encountered, contestants must call out 

to the judge and properly correct and record any and 

all deficiencies. 

2. Prior to stopping the clock; Turn-Around Maintenance 

Tag must be connected to the cylinder valve, hoses 

must be connected together with the hose coupling, 

back cover on and latched. Anti-fog agent must be applied to the mask lens. Apparatus serial number is required. 

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

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

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

5. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be 

discounted as not performed. For example: balloon inflated without test key installed. 

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

checks, record and correct any and all deficiencies, and 

be ready to wear. There will be a five (5) minute warning given by the judge when time is about to expire. 

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

8. Five (5) discounts will be assessed for each deficiency 

not corrected. 

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

check not performed. 

74 
10. Sucking or blowing on valves with one’s mouth while 

making checks is prohibited. There will be a ten (10) 

point discount assessed for each infraction. 

11. For completion, the contestant must have the apparatus 

fully assembled, cover in place with hoses connected, 

facemask on top of the apparatus (ready to wear), before stopping the clock. If the contestant does not leave 

the apparatus in “ready-for-use” condition, a five (5) 

point discount will be assessed. 

Judging 

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

the apparatuses they are going to judge. 

2. Judges must stand clear of the contestants. 

3. Prior to and between each contestant, the judges shall 

perform monthly apparatus checks and correct any and 

all unplanned deficiencies. 

4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges 

shall stop the clock, instruct contestants to turn his/her 

back to the bench area, at which time the judge will 

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

clock will start. If the deficiencies are caused by the 

contestant, the clock will not be stopped. 

75 
_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - BIOMARINE 

BIOPAK 240/240S 

Judges’ Working Scorecard 

Apparatus Serial # 

Test Date 

Visual Inspection 

Plumbing Leak Test 

Constant Flow Test 1.6 - 2.4 

Breathing System Leak Test 

Ready for Use 

Judge __________________________ 

Judge __________________________ 

76 

Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Time 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

4th Bug _________ 

5th Bug _________ 

Time to Complete Problem 

Min _______ Sec _______ 

Summary of Discounts: 

Written test questions incorrect: 

1 discount x =


Monthly check not performed:


5 discounts x =


Monthly checks out of order:


5 discounts (total)


Deficiency (bug) not found:


15 discounts x = ______


Deficiency (bug) not corrected:


5 discounts x =


Sucking/Blowing Valves:


10 discounts x =


Apparatus not “Ready for Use”:


5 discounts (total)


Total Discounts 
BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - BIOMARINE 

BIOPAK 240/240S 

Bench Person’s Blank Testing Card 

TEST PROCEDURES Team No. ________________ 

Bench Person _____________ 

Company ________________ 

Problems Found 

0 Bug 

1st Bug 

2nd Bug 

3rd Bug 

Corrected 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

_________ 

4th Bug _________ 

5th Bug _________ 

Judge’s Signature 

Bench Person’s Signature 

77 
TESTING PROCEDURE 

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240/240S 

BREATHING APPARATUS 

STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS 

1. Visual Visually inspect the 

Inspection entire BioPak 240/240S 

for worn, loose or missing parts, and parts that 

could fail under use. 

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

Leak Test Leak Tec chamber lid and CO2 

scrubber. Hold diaphragm 

away from demand valve 

with tongue depressor. 

Open O2 cylinder valve. 

Check each plumbing 

joint with leak tec. 

3. Constant Flow Tongue Slip the flowmeter over 

Test Depressor the flow restrictor. Hold 

Flow Meter diaphragm away from 

demand valve with 

tongue depressor. Open 

O2 cylinder valve. Flow 

should be 1.6 - 2.4 Lpm 

4. Breathing Leak Test Connect leak test fixture 

System Leak Fixture to hoses. Insert pressure 

Test Pressure test knob into the hole in 

Test Knob back of unit and turn 1⁄4 

turn to lock in place. 

Open O2 cylinder valve, 

depress by-pass to 

inflate balloon. Close 

cylinder valve, depress 

by-pass to vent internal 

pressure. Vent pressure 

at test fixture until 

balloon reaches approximately 45 degree. Time 

for two minutes looking 

for significant drop in 

balloon. 

78 
PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240/240S 

BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for getting under oxygen: 

Pre-Use Inspection 

1. If apparatus is stored in a ready to use condition, TurnAround Maintenance Tag attached to oxygen cylinder 

valve (date less than one year old). Before donning the 

apparatus install frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling 

canister, secure lid. 

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

prior to donning the apparatus, complete the periodic 

long term maintenance procedures as outline in the 

BioPak 240/240S Operation and Maintenance Manual. 

Refill and install the CO2 absorbent canister (LimePak 

dated with-in one year). Install a frozen Gel Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid. 

Donning, 6Getting under Oxygen 

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

adjust waist strap, connect and adjust chest strap. 

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

cup, hold facemask to face and snug bottom (chin) 

straps first, then the upper (temple) straps, and then the 

top (head) strap. A poor facemask seal will cause a significant decrease in duration. 

3. Perform negative pressure check by blocking the inhalation port with hand and inhaling. If you cannot inhale, mask fit is good and exhalation valve is OK. 

4. Perform positive pressure check by covering the exhalation port with hand and exhaling. Mask should push 

away from face. If air does not escape, mask fit is good 

and inhalation valve is OK. 

79 
5. Remove hose coupler or red caps; connect inhalation 

hose and then exhalation hose to mask. Open oxygen 

cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and back 1⁄4 turn. 

Note whistle chirp. 

Option:	 Hoses connected to the facepiece prior to 

donning. 

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

b. Open cylinder valve fully counterclockwise and 

back 1/4 turn. Note whistle chirp. 

c.	 Perform negative pressure check by pinching off 

the inhalation hose and inhaling. If the wearer 

cannot inhale, mask fit is good and exhalation 

valve is OK. 

d. Perform positive pressure check pinching off the 

exhalation hose and exhaling. Mask should push 

away from face. If air does not escape, mask fit is 

good and inhalation valve is OK. 

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. 

80 
NATIONAL METAL AND NONMETAL 

FIRST AID CONTEST 

General Rules 

1. The First Aid team must furnish the basic first aid supplies needed to complete the problem unless specified 

by the contest coordinator that the supplies will be 

available at a specific station. 

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

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

prospective station. 

3. CPR and abdominal thrusts will only be performed on 

a manikin. 

4. Any violations of the general rules not covered in the 

discount sheets will result in ten (10) discounts for 

each infraction. 

Guidelines and Procedures 

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

and a written examination. 

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

mine rescue team entered in the Mine Rescue Contest. 

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

mine rescue team. If the team wishes to have an alternate available, then the alternate must take the written 

examination. The alternate’s score on the examination 

will not count unless the alternate actually participates. 

4. Team positions will be drawn at the beginning of each 

day while the first aid teams are in isolation. 

5. All first aid team members will attend a briefing while 

in isolation and will remain in isolation until their team 

name is called. 

6. If participating teams need additional help, such as 

transporting or moving a patient, help will be provided 

by contest officials. 

81 
7. There will be a minimum of two (2) judges at each of 

the first aid stations. 

8. Judges will be assigned specific tasks to be scored 

prior to the judging and will record their findings on a 

specific scoring card issued prior to the contest. 

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

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

necessarily in any order). 

a.	 Patient assessment, artificial respiration, CPR. 

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

c.	 Wounds, burns, and scalds, musculoskeletal


injuries, and transportation.


11. When the team receives the first aid scenario the clock 

will be started. 

12. Judges must keep an accurate time and record it on 

scoring sheets for tie breaker purposes. First tie 

breaker will be field scores on all stations, second tie 

breaker will be scores on written test, and third tie 

breaker will be total time on field scores. 

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

14. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, 

and news media approved by the contest director will 

be permitted in the first aid stations. 

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

to discuss officials’ and judges’ assignments and training. All personnel who will be officiating during the 

contest shall attend this meeting. 

16. The Sixth Edition of Brady “First Responder,” Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the published rules, 

and the interpretations of the discount sheet are hereby 

authorized for reference and guidance. 

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

for reference purposes during the problem solving or 

between working stations. 

82 
18. There will be no simulations on the patient. All dress­


ings and splints must be placed properly.


19. Team members are not allowed to leave the working


area to obtain materials for the problem.


20. Stimulants will not be given to any patient. 

21. When digital pressure is applied to the proper pressure 

point, bleeding will be considered under control and 

acknowledged by the judge. 

22. Rough treatment of patient is not allowed. 

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

secure tightly. 

24. Assistance in treatment from a supposedly unconscious 

patient is not allowed. 

25. Teams failing to complete problems at stations 2 and 3 

in the specified times will be discounted. 

26. The winning six teams will be announced during the


banquet.


27. Following the awarding of the trophies and plaques, 

team rankings will be available to the teams. The results from each station of the contest will be given to 

the teams at the earliest possible time. 

Written Test 

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

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

true/false and multiple choice questions. The questions 

will be taken from the Sixth Edition of Brady “First 

Responder”, Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. 

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. 

83 
3. In special circumstances, individual team members 

may be given oral instead of written tests by one or 

more judges. Requests for consideration shall be presented to the Contest Director at the time of registration. All other team members will take the test at the 

same time. 

Appeals 

1. Upon completion of the examination of the patient by 

the judges at each station, the team shall be informed 

of any infractions regarding treatment while at the 

station. The team will be permitted to verbally appeal 

any infractions either with the field judge or the chief 

judge. If not resolved, the chief judge will make the 

final decision until an appeal can be filed by the team. 

2. During the verbal appeal process, all questionable 

splints/dressings shall remain intact until the appeal is 

resolved. If any questionable splints/dressings are removed or altered by the team prior to being resolved, 

the appeal shall not be allowed. 

3. Teams will have 15 minutes after being notified to report to the area designated for 20 minute looks. The 

team shall have 20 minutes for reviewing the judges 

scorecards and an additional 60 minutes to prepare 

and submit any appeals. All appeals shall be in writing and shall clearly state the team’s comments to the 

discount in question. All appeals will be considered 

by the Final Appeals Committee and a decision will 

be binding and final. 

84 
Discounts 

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

judges have signed their discount sheets following a 

review with team members. This does not preclude 

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

2. Teams shall not be discounted more than once for any 

one mistake in the same problem where such mistake 

may qualify under more than one discount. Judges will 

confer and assess the highest single discount. 

3. Teams shall be additionally discounted for repetition 

of the same mistakes in the same problem. For example; improper bandaging on two separate wounds (2 

times the appropriate discount), three granny knots (3 

times the appropriate discount), etc. 

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

problem calls for, unless it is detrimental to the patient 

or improper care. 

5. If the discount is not listed on the discount sheet and if 

it is not covered under one of the approved rules of the 

contest, judges will not improvise a discount to cover 

the suspected violation. 

85 
__________________________ 

__________________________ 

METAL AND NONMETAL FIRST AID CONTEST 

Judges’ Discount Card 

Station #1 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 

Artificial Respiration 

Foreign Body Obstructed Airway - Unconscious Victim 

Team Team


Name: _________________ Number: _________________


Team Members: Captain __________________________


Date: __________________ 

A. One Rescuer CPR Discounts 

1. Not checking accident scene to 

assure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance 

isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver 

when modified jaw thrust should 

be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

a. Not giving two breaths within 

3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs from 

0.8 to 2 liters 1 x = 

c. Not allowing for deflation 

between breaths (below 0.5 

liters) 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head when 

airway obstruction is found 1 x = 

86 
Discounts 

10. Not giving two breaths between 

compressions 1 x = 

a. Not giving two breaths within 

3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs up to 2 liters 1 x = 

c. Not allowing for deflation 

between breaths (below 

0.5 liters) 1 x = 

11. Not Checking for pulse 1 x = 

12. Improperly checking for pulse 1 x = 

13. Taking less than 5 seconds or 

more than 10 seconds 1 x = 

14. Not using “notch” or “nipple line” 

technique for proper hand position 1 x = 

15. Not making parallel axis with 

heels of hands 1 x = 

16. Not giving 15 compressions 1 x = 

a. Each cycle of compressions not 

at a rate of 80 - 100 per minute 1 x = 

b. Depth of compressions not 

between 1.5 to 2 inches 1 x = 

c. Not releasing compressions 1 x = 

17. Incorrect hand position 1 x = 

18. No pulse reassessment 1 x = 

19. Not reassessing pulse within 

3-5 seconds 1 x = 

20. Not beginning compressions after 

reassessment (when required) 1 x = 

21. Interrupting CPR for more than 

7 seconds (each) 1 x = 

22. Not giving compressions in 

52-73 seconds 1 x = 

23. Not giving artificial ventilation 

when pulse is found 4 x = 

24. Not communicating and physically 

examining each condition found 

(each) 1 x = 

One Rescuer CPR Subtotal _________ 

87 
B. Artificial Respiration	 Discounts 

1. Not checking accident scene to 

assure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance 

isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver 

when modified jaw thrust should 

be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

a.	 Not giving two breaths within 

3-4 seconds 1 x = 

b. Not inflating lungs from 

0.8 to 2 liters	 1 x = 

c.	 Not allowing for deflation


between breaths (below


0.5 liters)	 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head when 

airway obstruction is found 1 x = 

10. Not checking for pulse 1 x = 

11. Not giving artificial ventilation


when pulse is found 4 x =


12. Improper timing of artificial


ventilations (12 to 15 per minute) 2 x =


13. Not rechecking pulse after one


minute of artificial respirations 2 x =


14. Not communicating and


physically examining each


condition found (each) 1 x =


Artificial Respiration Subtotal _________ 

C. Foreign Body Obstructed Airway -

Unconscious Victim Discounts 

1. Not checking accident scene to 

assure personal safety 5 x = 

88 
_________ 

________ 

Discounts 

2. Not taking body substance 

isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x = 

4. Not calling for help 1 x = 

5. Not opening airway 2 x = 

6. Using head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver 

when modified jaw thrust should 

be used 2 x = 

7. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x = 

8. Not giving 2 breaths initially 1 x = 

9. Not repositioning head after 

initial ventilation attempt fails 2 x = 

10. Not using tongue-jaw lift, cross 

finger technique or finger sweep 

when required (each) 1 x = 

11. Not giving abdominal or chest 

thrust when required 2 x = 

12. Improper number (maximum 

of 5) or improper technique in 

administering abdominal or chest 

thrusts (off to one side, improper 

hand position) 2 x = 

13. Not attempting to ventilate after 

each series of abdominal or chest 

thrusts 2 x = 

14. Not assessing for breathlessness 

or pulse once obstruction is 

cleared 2 x = 

15. Not communicating and 

physically examining each 

condition found (each) 1 x = 

Foreign Body Obstructed 

Airway - Unconscious Victim Subtotal 

Station #1 Total Discounts 

89 
_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

Judge 

Judge 

Scorecard Examiner 

90 
__________________________ 

__________________________ 

__________________ 

METAL AND NONMETAL FIRST AID CONTEST 

Judges’ Discount Card 

Station #2 

Patient Assessment 

Control of Bleeding 

Physical Shock 

Team Team


Name: _________________ Number: _________________


Team Members: Captain __________________________


Date: 

A. Patient Assessment Discounts 

Primary Assessment 

1. Not checking accident scene to 

ensure personal safety 5 x = 

2. Not taking body substance 

isolation (BSI) precautions 2 x = 

3. Not administering patient 

assessment 25 x = 

4. Not checking unresponsiveness 1 x = 

5. Not calling for help 1 x = 

6. Not stabilizing head if spinal 

injury is suspected 12 x = 

7. Not placing patient in supine 

position 1 x = 

8. Improper turning of patient 5 x = 

9. Not assessing airway - using 

head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver when 

modified jaw-thrust should be 

used and visa versa 10 x = 

10. Not removing visible foreign 

substance from mouth 2 x = 

11. Not assessing breathing - look, 

listen, feel 10 x = 

91 
Discounts 

12. Not checking for pulse 10 x = 

13. Improperly checking for a pulse 2 x = 

14. Not visibly checking for profuse 

bleeding - state to judge that 

you are looking for bleeding 10 x = 

15. Not doing primary assessment 

in proper sequence 15 x = 

Secondary Assessment 

16. Not examining head (scalp, 

blood in hair, etc.) 2 x = 

17. Not examining neck 2 x = 

18. Raising head if spinal injury exists 6 x = 

19. Not checking chest (placing 

hand on chest) 2 x = 

20. Not gently feeling abdominal area 2 x = 

21. Not gently feeling under patient 

(lower back) for injury 2 x = 

22. Not checking pelvic area for injury 2 x = 

23. Not checking genital area for 

obvious injury 2 x = 

24. Not checking lower extremities 

for injury 2 x = 

25. Not checking lower extremities 

for paralysis 2 x = 

26. Not checking upper extremities 

for injury 2 x = 

27. Not checking upper extremities 

for paralysis 2 x = 

28. Not checking back surfaces for 

injury 2 x = 

29. Not checking medic alert 

bracelets/necklace 2 x = 

30. Checking out of order 15 x = 

31. Work other than taking support 

or controlling bleeding during 

secondary survey 4 x = 

Patient Assessment Subtotal _________ 

92 
B. Control of Bleeding	 Discounts 

1. Not controlling arterial bleeding 20 x = 

2. Not applying direct pressure to 

control arterial bleeding 20 x = 

3. Ineffective indirect pressure 

(off pressure point, etc.) 4 x = 

4. Releasing direct or indirect 

pressure or elevation before 

bleeding is controlled 4 x = 

5. Tourniquet - Ineffective 

application, improperly applied 

or loosened during problem 4 x = 

6. Applying tourniquets when 

not required 4 x = 

7. Not giving any treatment for 

internal bleeding 4 x = 

Control of Bleeding Subtotal _________ 

C. Physical Shock	 Discounts 

1.	 Not loosening tight clothing at neck, 

chest, and waistline, if closed 

(unopened belt, button, snap, or 

fastener) (each infraction) 1 x = _____ 

2. Not covering patient 2 x = 

3. Improper covering of patient 1 x = 

4. Giving patient a stimulant 4 x = 

5. Not elevating foot end or head 

end of stretcher in required cases 1 x = 

6. Not keeping calm and not 

assuring the patient (emotional 

well being) 2 x = 

Physical Shock Subtotal __________ 

Failure to locate and treat any


condition (each infraction) 10 x =


Not completing problem in


specified time 25 (total)


Station #2 Total Discounts _________ 

93 
_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

Judge 

Judge 

Scorecard Examiner 

94 
__________________________ 

__________________________ 

METAL AND NONMETAL FIRST AID CONTEST 

Judges’ Discount Card 

Station #3 

Wounds, Burns and Scalds 

Musculoskeletal Injuries 

Transportation 

Team Team


Name: _________________ Number: _________________


Team Members: Captain __________________________


Date: __________________ 

A. Wounds, Burns and Scalds Discounts 

1. Not applying dressing for 

wound or burn (each) 8 x = 

2. Not applying cover dressing 

(each) 4 x = 

3. Not using sterile gauze or sterile 

compress 1 x = 

4. Bandages improperly applied 

(not entirely covered, wrong 

location, method, or position 

of knot, etc.) 2 x = 

5. Failure to place gauze between 

fingers, toes, or back of ear 

(when required) 2 x = 

6. Failure to apply cold applications 

or elevate bruise (when practical) 

(each) 2 x = 

7. Not removing or indicating 

removal of clothing from 

affected area 2 x = 

8. Not rendering any treatment 

for rupture 6 x = 

95 
_________ 

Discounts 

9. Not simulating or indicating that 

gauze is moist (when required) 2 x = 

10. Failure to properly treat sucking 

chest wound 10 x = 

11. Not treating injuries in their 

proper order (according to 

fundamentals) 4 x = 

12. Improperly applied slings when 

required (each) 1 x = 

Wounds, Burns and Scalds 

B. Musculoskeletal Injuries 

1. Not rendering any treatment for a 

strain or sprain (each infraction) 

2.	 Not treating spinal injury, fracture 

of pelvis or thigh (each) 

3. Not treating fractures other than 

(#4) (each) 

4. Failure to properly treat


suspected skull fracture


5. Failure to support fractures/dislocations until properly splinted 

Subtotal 

Discounts 

4 x = 

12 x = 

10 x = 

2 x = 

6 x = 

6. Not properly treating dislocations 

(each) 8 x = 

7. Failure to properly splint 2 x = 

8. Failure to properly apply 

padding where needed 1 x = 

9. Lifting or rolling patient from 

wrong side when applying splint 2 x = 

10. Team member not kneeling on 

proper knee(s) (each) 2 x = 

11. Improperly lifting or rolling of 

patient (lifting to knee when 

patient has dislocated or 

fractured hip or spinal injury) 2 x = 

12. Failure to properly test 

broken-back splint 4 x = 

96 
_________ 

_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________ 

Discounts 

13. Improperly assembled 

splint/backboard 2 x = 

14. Improperly applied bandages 2 x = 

15. Improperly applied slings when 

required (each) 1 x = 

Musculoskeletal Injuries Subtotal 

C. Preparation for Transportation Discounts 

1. Failure to properly test stretcher 4 x = 

2. Lifting patient from wrong side 

(three members on least injured 

side) 2 x = 

3. Team member kneeling on 

wrong knee (each) 1 x = 

4. Patient not placed on stretcher 

(when required) 2 x = 

5. Improperly applied basket sling 1 x = 

Preparation for Transportation Subtotal _________ 

Failure to locate and treat any 

condition (each infraction) 10 x = 

Not completing problem in 

specified time 25 (total) 

Station #3 Total Discounts ________ 

Judge 

Judge 

Scorecard Examiner 

97 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

ACCESSIBLE - Able to be traveled into; not impassable. 

ADIT - A nearly horizontal passage from the surface by 

which a mine is entered. 

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

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

AIR SHAFT - Shaft used exclusively for conducting air. 

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

more parts. 

AIR TRACK DRILL - A heavy drill mounted on crawler 

tracks. 

AIRWAY - Any passage through which air is flowing. 

ALTERNATE - Person qualifying to participate as a mine 

rescue team member. Can replace any team member 

who cannot continue or who is removed from the problem. 

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

ATTENDANT - Person who assists the team at the fresh 

air base. 

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

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

of an auxiliary fan and tubing. 

BACK FILL - The rough material used to refill a place 

from which the earth has been removed. 

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

the surface in relation to any portion of the workings of 

the mine, the roof. Overhead surface of an underground 

opening. 

98 
BACKUP TEAM - The rescue team stationed at the fresh 

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

fresh air base. 

BAFFLE - A device used to deflect, check or regulate the 

flow of air. 

BARRICADE - Enclosed part of mine to prevent inflow of 

noxious gases from a mine fire or explosion. This may 

be done by doors or by building one or more airtight 

walls using any available materials such as rock, wood, 

brattice cloth, mud, clothing, etc., so as to enclose a 

maximum quantity of good air. If contact is not made 

with person behind the barricade, conditions inside the 

barricade will be unknown. 

BARRICADING - Enclosing part of mine to prevent inflow of noxious gases from a mine fire or an explosion. 

BATTERY CHARGING STATION - Area set aside for 

charging and storing batteries. 

BATTERY LOCOMOTIVE - Battery powered machine 

used for moving cars within the mine. 

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. 

99 
BRATTICE CLOTH - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic used 

in a mine passage to control ventilation. 

BRIEFING - Session held before a team goes underground 

to inform team members of conditions underground and 

give them their work assignment. 

BULKHEAD - A wall or partition constructed across a passageway to direct the ventilating air in its proper course. 

CAGE - A shaft conveyance used in hoisting personnel 

and materials. 

CAVED - Ground which has fallen. 

CAVED IMPASSABLE - Incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted, but allows some ventilation flow. 

CAVED TIGHT - Ground caved in to prevent access and 

allows no ventilation flow. 

CHOCKS - Wedge shaped blocks to put under vehicle 

wheels to prevent movement. 

CHUTE/ORE PASS - Vertical or inclined passageway for 

downward movement of ore. 

CONTINUOUS MINER - A mining machine designed to remove ore from the face and load it into cars or conveyors. 

CRIB BLOCKS - Blocks used to support. 

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

two drifts or tunnels. 

CURTAIN - Brattice cloth, canvas or plastic curtain used to 

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

manner to allow the passage of miners and machinery. 

CUTTING MACHINE - A power (electric) driven machine used to undercut ore. 

DEBRIEFING - Session held when teams return to the 

surface after completing an assignment to review what 

they saw and did. 

100 
DETONATING FUSE - A round, flexible cord containing 

a center core of high explosives. (Primacord) 

DETONATOR - A device used for detonating explosives. 

DISTRIBUTION BOX - An enclosure through which 

electric power is carried to one or more cables from a 

single incoming feed line. 

DOWNCAST - An opening though which fresh ventilating 

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

DRIFT/ENTRY - A passage underground 

EXHAUST - The air course along which the air of the 

mine is returned or conducted to the surface. 

FACE/RIB - Vertical surface of an underground opening. 

FEEDER - Small cracks in rock strata from which gas escapes. 

FILL - Any material that is put back in place of the extracted ore. 

FLOOR - That part of any underground opening upon 

which one walks. 

FOOTWALL - Lower side of a dipping ore body. 

FRESH AIR BASE - Base of operations from which the 

rescue and recovery teams can advance into irrespirable 

atmospheres. 

FRONT-END LOADER - Self-propelled machine used 

for moving or loading muck. 

HANGING WALL - Upper side of a dipping ore body. 

HOLE CHARGED - A drilled hole that is charged with 

explosives ready to be blasted. 

IMPASSABLE - Incapable of being passed, traveled, 

crossed, or surmounted. 

INACCESSIBLE AREAS - All areas of the mine where 

team travel is blocked by one of the following conditions: seals, unsafe roof (rib-to-rib) that cannot be supported or scaled, inextinguishable fires, water over knee 

deep, or caved impassable falls. 

101 
INCLINE/SLOPE - A non-vertical shaft, usually on the 

dip of a vein. 

INTAKE - The passage through which fresh air is drawn 

or forced into a mine. 

INTENSE HEAT - Air heated to the extent that it cannot 

be entered. 

INTERSECTION - For contest work, any area driven 3 

feet or more off a drift. 

LAGGING - Materials used for flooring or shoring. 

LEAD WIRE - Wire used to fire electric detonators. 

LIFELINE - Rope, line, or cable that links the team to the 

fresh air base. 

LINE BRATTICE - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic partition used in a mine passage to direct the air into the 

working place. Also termed “Line Canvas or Line Curtain.” 

LOADING MACHINE - A machine to load broken ore or 

rock. 

LONG HOLE DRILL - A drill using sectional steel to 

drill holes to greater depths. 

LOOSE BACK - Unstable overhead surface which must 

be controlled before entry. 

LOOSE RIB - Unsupported loose ground on the side of 

the drift. 

MAGAZINE - A storage place for explosives or for detonators. 

MANDOOR - Door installed in a permanent stopping 

(bulkhead) to allow persons to travel from one drift to 

another. 

MANHOLE - A refuge hole constructed in the side of a 

drift. 

MANTRIP - A trip on which personnel are transported to 

and from a work area. 

102 
MINE DOOR - A large, hinged door used to close off a 

mine entry. 

MISFIRE - The complete or partial failure of a blasting 

charge to explode as planned. 

MOTOR - Machine usually on a track used for tramming 

ore or supplies. 

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT - Gas detector capable of 

continuously and simultaneously measuring atmospheric 

concentrations of oxygen (O2), methane (CH4), carbon 

monoxide (CO) and at least one other toxic gas (e.g. nitrogen dioxide - NO2). 

ORE PASS - A vertical or inclined passage for the downward transfer of ore. 

OVERCAST - Enclosed airway built at an intersection of 

mine passages that permits one air current to pass over 

another air current without mixing. 

PERMISSIBLE - A machine, material, apparatus or device which has been investigated, tested and approved 

by MSHA for use in gassy mines. 

PILLAR - A column of ore or rock left in place. 

POST - A mine timber. 

RAISE - A vertical or inclined opening driven upward. 

RAISE CLIMBER - Equipment used in an opening (raise) 

that is mined upward. 

REFUGE CHAMBER - An airtight, fire-resistant room in 

a mine used as a method of refuge in emergencies by 

miners unable to reach the surface. 

REGULATOR - An adjustable door or opening in a stopping, used to control and adjust the quantity of airflow. 

RETURN AIR - The air that has passed through the working areas of the mine. 

RIB - The wall of a mine opening. 

103 
ROOF BOLTER - A machine designed to drill holes in 

the roof and install bolts. 

ROOF BOLTS/ROCK BOLTS - A long bolt inserted and 

anchored in holes drilled in the rock. 

ROOF JACKS - A roof support designed for immediate 

temporary use. 

SCALING BAR - Tool with a flat point and a heel used to 

pry in a crack of the rock. 

SEAL - A stopping built of greater thickness and more 

substantial construction used to isolate abandoned areas 

of the mine from the active workings or to isolate a fire. 

SHAFT - A vertical opening of limited area compared with 

its depth, made for finding or mining ore, raising ore, 

rock or water, hoisting and lowering workers and materials, or ventilating underground workings. 

SKIP - A hoisting bucket, which slides between guides in a 

shaft. 

SLUSHER/SCRAPER - A machine for transferring or 

loading rock by pulling an open bottomed scoop back 

and forth from the face to the loading point by means of 

a drum hoist, cables and sheaves. 

SPLIT - To divide the air current in two or more separate 

currents. 

STOPE - An excavation in a mine, other than development 

workings, made for the purpose of extracting ore. 

STOPER - A pneumatic hammer drill used for drilling upward. 

STOPPING - A permanent or temporary wall or partition 

constructed across a passageway to direct the ventilating 

air. 

STULL/PROP - Column of wood or steel used for support 

of underground openings. 

SUMP - An excavation in the shaft or mine made below 

the mining level to collect mine water. 

104 
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 intersection of mine passages that permits one air current to pass 

under another air current without mixing. 

UPCAST - The opening through which the return air is removed from the mine. The opposite of downcast or intake. 

VENT BAG - An enclosed airway to direct airflow to a 

given area or location. 

WINZE - An opening, like a small shaft, sunk from an interior point in a mine. 

WORKING PLACE - Any place in or about a mine where 

work is being performed. 

105 
MINE MAP LEGEND 

This legend must be used by all teams participating in 

the National Mine Rescue Contest. 

Gas Test For each gas test conducted. 

Seal If the seal is equipped with devices 

such as sampling tubes or water 

traps, or is damaged, leaking, or 

destroyed that particular device or 

condition is noted beside the symbol. 

Permanent Stopping is intact, airtight. (No 

Stopping indication of opening or leakage.) 

Intact 

Permanent Stopping may be destroyed, partially 

Stopping destroyed, or have openings. Is not 

Not Intact airtight. Condition noted on placard 

is to be shown on map beside symbol. 

Temporary Stopping is intact and airtight. This 

Stopping symbol is used for all structures built 

Intact by the team, such as airlocks, etc. 

Temporary Stopping may be destroyed, partially 

Stopping destroyed, or have openings. Is not 

Not Intact airtight. Condition noted on placard 

is to be shown on map beside symbol. 

Barricade Any information an placard, such as 

leaking, damaged, destroyed, etc. 

shall be noted on mine map beside 

symbol. 

106 
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. 

107 
Unsafe Symbol used for any indication of 

Roof questionable roof conditions. May 

Partially or may not be scalable. Write out 

Across any other information on placard on 

Entry map beside symbol. 

Unsafe Rib Symbol used for any indication of 

or Over- questionable rib conditions. May or 

hanging may not be scalable. Project over rib 

Brow line area on map. Write out any 

other information on placard on 

map beside symbol. 

Body Indicate position of head and feet as 

body is found. If word “body” is on 

placard, show symbol. Indicate any 

additional information on placard 

on map beside symbol. 

Live Indicate position of head and feet as 

Person found. Write out condition, such as 

conscious, walking, etc. Indicate any 

injuries as given on placard. Write out 

information on map beside symbol. 

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

beside symbol. Ex. “Partially down” 

Line The full extent of curtain shall be 

Brattice shown. If the curtain is partially or 

or Line completely down, it must be noted 

Curtain on the map beside the symbol. 

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

to be noted on the map beside the 

symbol. 

108 
Undercast If it is damaged, leaking, or destroyed, that particular condition is 

to be noted on the map beside the 

symbol. 

Fan Write out the conditions of the fan, 

and any other information indicated 

on placard, on the map beside the 

symbol. 

Fan with Write out the conditions of the fan, 

Tubing tubing, vent bag or placard on the 

map by symbol. 

Brattice Indicate any information on placard 

Frames on mine map beside symbol. 

Brattice Indicate any information on placard 

Cloth or on mine map beside symbol. 

Brattice 

Material 

Gas Use for any placard indicating a gas 

Mixture or a mix of gases in the mine atmosphere. Write out the gas name or 

symbol and indicate PPM or percent 

(%) if shown on placard. 

Smoke Write out light, heavy, dense, or any 

other information indicated on placard, on map beside the symbol. 

Elongated For use in indicating pipelines, 

Object cables, and other objects usually 

found that are of any length. Do not 

use for cable coiled, etc. Write out 

any other information about object 

on map beside symbol. 

Track Write out any information noted on 

placard on map beside symbol. 

109 
Mobile Use for all mobile face equipment. 

Equipment Write out any other information 

given on placard on map beside 

symbol on map. 

50 Foot or Used for 50 foot check of team 

First Team members 

Check Inby 

Fresh Air 

Base 

20 Minute Used for every 20-minute apparatus 

Apparatus check of team members. 

Check 

Farthest Should be used only where areas 

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

other conditions block travel. 

Captain’s Use for all locations where the team 

Date and captain dated and wrote his 

Initial initials. 

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

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

or beside the symbol. This would 

Equipment include a “face” if marked by a 

placard. 

110