2019 - 2020 Metal 

and Nonmetal Mine 

Rescue Contest Rules

U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Visit the Mine Safety and Health

Administration Web site at

www.msha.gov
i

PREFACE 

This booklet was prepared for mining industry 

instructors, MSHA instructors and inspectors to train 

mine rescue teams, judges, and contest personnel in 

procedures for a mine rescue contest.

Reference to specific brands, equipment, or trade 

names in this document is made to facilitate 

understanding and does not imply endorsement. 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Metal and Nonmetal National and Regional 

Contests serve as training tools to improve the skills 

required to respond to a mine emergency. These 

competitions serve to strengthen cooperation between 

mining companies, equipment manufacturers, and 

Federal and State agencies to enhance mine rescue 

preparedness. This Contest Rule Book establishes 

procedures and rules that serve to guide the rescue 

teams in actual situations. 
ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to the Metal and Nonmetal Rules 

Committee for their valuable assistance in preparing 

this booklet. The aforementioned Rules Committee 

is comprised of representatives from the following 

organizations:

Central Kentucky Mine Rescue Association

Central Mine Rescue Unit

Georgia Mine Rescue Association

Kansas Mine Rescue Association

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Missouri Mine Rescue Association

Nevada Mine Rescue Association

Northern Mine Rescue Association

Rocky Mountain Mine Rescue Association

Stillwater Mine Rescue Association

Southern Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Association

Southwestern Wyoming Mutual Aid Association

Tennessee Mine Rescue Association
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Page

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

Team Trainer Competition

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

Mine Rescue Field Competition

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

 Guidelines and Procedures

Team Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Medical Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Team Preparation (Apparatus). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Written Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Competition Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

 Team Preparation and Procedures

Apparatus and Material Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Briefing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Reporting to Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Start of Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Equipment Checks and Procedures. . . . . . . . . .24

Standard Communications and Signals. . . . . . . 25

Hoist Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Team Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

First Team Stop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Advancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Barricades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Dates and Initials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Maps and Timing Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
iv

 Page

Mine Fires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Roof or Ground Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 Mine Rescue Discounts and Interpretations

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #1. . . . . . . . . .42

Surface Interpretation – Judge #1. . . . . . . . . . . 43

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #1. . . . . 45

Underground Interpretation – Judge #1. . . . . . . 48

Surface Discount Sheet – Judge #2. . . . . . . . . .52

Surface Interpretation – Judge #2 . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Underground Discount Sheet – Judge #2. . . . . 54

Underground Interpretation – Judge #2. . . . . . . 56

Team Discount Summary Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . .59

 Written Examination Discount 

 Summary Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Map Discount Summary Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Time Discount Summary Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

 Technician Team Competition

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

Written Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Discounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

 Team Equipment Checks/Preparation

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

 Multi-Gas Instrument Checks/Problem Diagnosis

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

Judges’ Scorecard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

 Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis

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

 Page

 Draeger BG-4 Breathing Apparatus

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

Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card. . . . . . . . 77

Testing Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Procedures for High Pressure Leak Test. . . . . . 80

Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen. . . . . . . . 82

 Biomarine BioPak 240R/240S Breathing Apparatus

Judges’ Scorecard BioPak 240R. . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Judges’ Scorecard BioPak 240S. . . . . . . . . . . . 85

 Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

 BioPak 240R/240S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 

Testing Procedure BioPak 240R. . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Testing Procedure BioPak 240S. . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Procedures for High Pressure Leak Test. . . . . . 89

 Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen

 BioPak 240R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

 Procedures for Getting Under Oxygen

 BioPak 240S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

 Technician Team Discount Summary

 Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

First Aid Competition

General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Guidelines and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Written Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Discounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Judges’ Discount Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

First Aid Team Discount Summary Sheet. . . . . 109

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Mine Map Legend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
vi

PREVIOUS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 

MINE RESCUE FIELD CONTEST 

2018 Genesis Blue Team, Genesis Alkali, Green River, 

Wyoming

2016 Nuclear Waste Partnership LLC, WIPP Blue Team, 

Carlsbad, New Mexico

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

Company, Viburnum, Missouri

2013 Newmont Mining, Carlin Team, Newmont Mining, 

Elko, Nevada

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

Company, Viburnum, Missouri

2008 FMC Alkali Chemicals, Red Team, FMC Corporation, 

Green River, Wyoming

2006 FMC Westvaco Mine, White Team, FMC Corporation,

Green River, Wyoming 

2004 Big Island Mine, White Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P.,

Green River, Wyoming

2002 FMC Westvaco Mine, FMC 1, FMC Corporation,

Green River, Wyoming

2000 Big Island Mine, OCI Blue Team, OCI of Wyoming, L.P.,

Green River, Wyoming

1998 FMC Mine, Red Team, FMC Corporation, Green

River, Wyoming

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

L.P., Green River, Wyoming

1994 Waste Isolation Pilot Project, Blue Team, Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Carlsbad, New Mexico 

1992 Big Island Mine, White Team, Rhone Poulenc of 

Wyoming, Green River, Wyoming

1990 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American,

Bixby, Missouri

1988 Homestake Mine, Gold Team, Homestake 

Mining Company, Lead, South Dakota
vii

1986 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical 

Company, Green River, Wyoming

1984 Texasgulf Mine, Gold Team, Texasgulf Chemicals 

Company, Granger, Wyoming

1982 Big Island Mine, Blue Team, Stauffer Chemical 

Company, Green River, Wyoming

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

1978	 Jefferson Island Mine Team, Diamond Crystal 

Salt Co., New Iberia, Louisiana

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American

Bixby, Missouri (Single-Level Contest) 

1976 Magmont Mine Team, Cominco American

Bixby, Missouri (Multi-Level Contest) 

1975 Big Island Mine, White Team, Stauffer Chemical 

Co., Green River, Wyoming 

1973 Grand Saline Mine Team, Morton Salt, Division of 

Morton Norwich Products, Inc. - Grand Saline, Texas 

TECHNICIAN TEAM CONTEST

2018 BG-4 – Genesis Teal, Genesis Alkali, Green River, 

Wyoming 

2018 BioPak 240 - Black River Bandits, Carmeuse Lime and

Stone, Butler, Kentucky 

2016 BG-4 - Doe Run Gray Team, The Doe Run Company, 

Viburnum, Missouri 

2016 BioPak 240 - Turquoise Ridge Regulators, Barrick, 

Golconda, Nevada

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

Wyoming 

2013 Henderson Operations, Henderson Red Team, Climax 

Molybdenum, Empire, Colorado

2010 FMC Westvaco Mine, White Team, FMC Corporation,

Green River, Wyoming
viii

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

2008 TYLER LOVATO, (BG-4), OCI of Wyoming, Big 

Island Mine, OCI Blue Team - Green River, 

Wyoming

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ, (BioPak), Barrick, TSRV

Mine, TSRV Team 2 - Golconda, Nevada

2006 CURTIS SANDERS, (BG-4), WIPP Silver Team, 

Washington True Solutions – Carlsbad, New Mexico

RICKY MARTIN, (BG-174A), The Doe Run Maroon

Team, The Doe Run Company - Viburnum, Missouri

TOM SENECAL, (BioPak), Newmont Gold Team, 

Newmont Mining Corporation – Carlin, Nevada

2004 MACLANE BARTON, (BG-4), Sugar Creek Mine 

Limestone Lizzards, Lafarge North America - Sugar 

Creek, Missouri

GARRY MOORE, (BG-174A), Southeast Missouri 

Mining and Milling Division, Doe Run Grey Team, 

The Doe Run Company - Viburnum, Missouri

ROD CHRISTENSEN, (BioPak), Barrick Goldstrike

Mine, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc - Elko, Nevada

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

Blue, General Chemical Soda Ash Partners - Green 

River, Wyoming 

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

Stillwater Mining Company - Nye, Montana

DAN LUKE, (BioPak), Carlin Underground Mine, 

Newmont Mining Corporation - Carlin, Nevada 

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

Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric Corporation - 

Carlsbad, New Mexico 

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

Isolation Pilot Project, Westinghouse Electric 

Corporation - Carlsbad, New Mexico

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

Zinc Corporation of America - Hailesboro, New York
ix

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST

(continued)

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

1996 MACLANE BARTON, West Fork Mine, Missouri 

Lead Division, ASARCO, Inc. - Bunker, Missouri 

1994 FRED MILLER, Waste Isolation Pilot Project, 

Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Carlsbad,

New Mexico

1992 LESLIE WAREHAM, General Chemical Mine,

General Chemical Partners - Green River, Wyoming

1990 STAN AMRINE, Parachute Creek Mine, Unocal

Mining Division - Parachute, Colorado

1988 KARL SAUER, Homestake Mine, Homestake 

Mining Co. - Lead, South Dakota

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

Empire, Colorado 

1984 STEVE YANCHUNIS, Schwarzwalder Mine, Cotter 

Corp. - Golden, Colorado

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

Empire, Colorado 

1980 ALAN HERMEZ (Draeger), Carr Fork Mine, 

Anaconda Copper Co. - Tooele, Utah

1980 RODNEY PHILBRICK (McCaa), Pine Creek Mine, 

Union Carbide - Bishop, California

1978 WILLIE DAVIS (McCaa), Lisbon Mine, Rio Algom 

Corp. - Moab, Utah

1978 KEN JOHNSON (Draeger), Climax Mine, Climax 

Molybdenum Co. - Climax, Colorado 

1976 STEVE MURRAY, Bunker Hill Mine, Bunker Hill

Co. - Kellogg, Idaho 
x

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CONTEST

2008 RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, 

FMC Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

2006 RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, 

FMC Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

2004 RICK OWENS, FMC Westvaco Mine - Red Team, 

FMC Corporation, Green River, Wyoming

FIRST AID CONTEST

2018 Barrick Cortez Team, Barrick Gold Corporation,

Cortez, Nevada

2016 Newmont, Newmont Carlin Team, Elko, Nevada

2014 Newmont, Newmont Carlin Team, Elko, Nevada

2013 Kinross, Kettle River Buckhorn, Kinross, Republic, 

Washington

2010 FMC Westvaco Mine, Red Team, FMC Corporation, 

Green River, Wyoming

2008 Barrick Goldstrike, Gold Team, Barrick Goldstrike 

Mines, Inc., Elko, Nevada

2006 Barrick Goldstrike, Gold Team, Barrick Goldstrike 

Mines, Inc., Elko, Nevada, Ken Groves, Team Captain

2004 General Chemical Mine, General Chemical Blue, 

General Chemical Soda Ash Partners, Green 

River, Wyoming, Mickey Smith, Team Captain 

2002 Maysville Mine, Maysville Mine Raiders, Carmeuse 

Lime, Inc., Maysville, Kentucky, Gary Lewis, 

Team Captain

2000 Maysville Mine, Maysville Mine Raiders, Dravo 

Lime, Inc., Maysville, Kentucky, Gary Lewis, Team 

Captain 
xi

COMBINATION CHAMPION

2018 Ciner Blue Team, Ciner Wyoming, Green River,

Wyoming

2016 Newmont Carlin Team, Newmont Mining, Elko, Nevada

2014 WIPP Red Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, 

Washington TRU- Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico 

2013 Newmont Mining, Carlin Team, Newmont Mining, 

Elko, Nevada

2010 Solvay Chemicals Inc., Solvay Chemicals Mine, Silver

Team, Green River, Wyoming

2008 FMC Alkali Chemicals, FMC Red Team, Green 

River, Wyoming

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

Elko, Nevada

2004 WIPP Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, 

Washington TRU- Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

2002 WIPP Silver Team, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, 

Washington TRU-Solutions, Carlsbad, New Mexico

TEAM TRAINER COMPETITION

2018 Steve Setzer, Doe Run Maroon, The Doe Run 

Company, Viburnum, Missouri

2016 John Teague, Morton Salt, Team Texas, Grand Saline,

Texas

2014 Jason Hook, Vulcan Materials Co., Vulcan Blue Team,

Bartlett, Illinois

2013 Tom Senecal, Barrick, Barrick Cortez Team, Crescent 

Valley, Nevada

2010 Kenny Groves, Barrick Gold, Barrick Cortez Team, 

Crescent Valley, Nevada
xii

METAL AND NONMETAL

MINE RESCUE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

2018

Lynn Bayard

Kenny Heater

Richard “Rick” Hickman

Joseph Olivier

Steve Setzer

Richard “Stik” West

2016

W. Mark Davis

Richard (Denny) Dickerson

Donald Huffpauir

Gary Lewis

Edward (Eddie) Lopez

Leslie Wareham

2014

Maclane (Mac) Barton

Donald (Don) J. Foster

Raymond Nelson

Randal Romero

Rick Terry

2013

Michael T. (Mick) Dennehy

Tom Gleaton

Gary R. Gomez

Gary Kessler

John Sykes

John Teague

2010

Joe Baca

Henry Charpentier

Harold Leblanc

Felix Quintana

2008

Keith Mullins

Tim Musbach

Art Davis

Rogers (Rod) Etie

Rayward Segura

Lee Graham

Brian Liscomb

2006

John Angwin

Lonny Badeaux

Bob McPhail

Walter Mortimer

Clayton Pellerin

Harold Riffle

2004

Walt Bryant

William (Bill) Frankom

Stoney Hotard

Mike Padilla

John Pennington

2002

Wayne D. Kanack

Robert A. Koenig

Gerald Myers

Arlon B. Parmer

2000

M.R. “Whitey” Jacobson

R.J. Rucker

Richard Skelton

Harlan “Buddy” Webb

1998

Harry Hall Anderson

Leo M. Bradshaw

James Chailland

Harold David James

“Buster” Mosele

Thomas Overy, Jr.

J.D. Pitts

Jack L. Squires
1

FOR CONDUCTING THE CONTEST

 1. The National Contest will be comprised of four 

individual events, including a Mine Rescue Field 

Competition (two days for each participating 

team), a Technician Team Competition, a First Aid 

Competition, and a Team Trainer Competition. 

Each event will include a written examination. 

Note: Regional Contests will include the same 

four individual events; however, the field 

competition may be limited to a one day event.

 2. Contest officials will be comprised of the Contest 

Director, Contest Coordinator, Chief Judge, 

Appeals Committee, field competition judges 

(including: field judges and mine attendants), 

isolation officials, written exam judges, technician 

team contest judges, and first aid contest judges. 

Note: During the working of the field problem(s), 

the No. 1 Judge will assume the role of the mine 

manager.

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

teams admitted from any county, state, district, 

company, or organization.

 4. All teams must actively provide bona fide mine 

rescue services for the metal and nonmetal 

mining industry and meet all of the requirements 

set forth in 30 CFR Part 49. Collegiate mine 

rescue teams may compete in any or all of 

the competitions with approval of the Contest 

Director. If a collegiate team competes in all 

competitions, they must meet the requirements 

listed in General Rule No. 5.

GENERAL RULES
2

 5. Mine rescue teams may register a minimum of 

six and a maximum of eight competing team 

members. The team may also register a team 

trainer. If the team trainer competes in any one 

of the competitions, he/she must be included as 

part of the 8-member team. For the purpose of 

technician team and first aid contests, a team 

member may not participate in more than one 

event and each team will only be permitted to 

compete in each event once. The technician 

teams must compete with the same type of 

breathing apparatus and multi-gas instrument 

that their teams will be using for the mine rescue 

field contest. For the purposes of identification, 

participants of the Mine Rescue Field, Technician 

Team, and First Aid Contests must be dressed 

uniformly, complete with team logo. This includes 

the testing process. Once registered, no changes 

will be permitted without the permission of the 

Contest Director.

 6. A schedule of Regional Contests and the 

National Contest, as well as the respective 

hosting organizations, will be posted on MSHA’s 

homepage under the “Mine Rescue” heading at 

www.msha.gov. The specific contest entry forms 

may be obtained through the hosting organization.

The entry forms will require information regarding 

the type of equipment (breathing apparatus) 

each team will be wearing, the type and model 

of all gas testing equipment the team will use 

during the field competition, any 1-hour oxygen 

generating unit that the team may be using 

(including donning procedures), and the type 

of communication system to be used. Any 

needed equipment changes require submission 

of a modified list to the Contest Director for 
3

consideration of approval. (Note: Each judge will 

be given a list of your equipment prior to working 

of the problem to assist them in determining if 

the equipment was utilized properly and was 

functional.)

 7. On the day before the contest begins, team 

equipment shall be secured in isolation and team 

registration will be conducted at a designated 

location. Afterward, all of the written tests 

(outlined in this booklet) will be administered in 

isolation. For planning purposes, the hosting 

organization will prepare a contest agenda to 

include: a specified time period for equipment 

drop-off; a specified time period and location 

for team registration; and a listing of scheduled 

events for the rest of the week. The agenda will 

be provided in advance to all participating teams 

and contest officials. At the time of the contest, 

the agenda will be posted in various locations as 

a reminder for all.

8. On the day before the contest begins, all written 

tests will be administered in isolation. The team 

members (Nos. 1 – 7) and team trainers will 

be directed to sit at separate tables. Persons 

from the same company or organization will 

also be required to sit apart from each other at 

the designated tables. A separate area will be 

designated for additional team alternates (No. 8) 

who wish to take the test(s). Their tests will not 

count toward their cumulative team scores.

Note: No wireless communication or electronic 

device will be permitted in isolation or during the 

written testing.
4

The field competition, first aid, technician team, 

and team trainer tests will be included at this 

same time. A description of each test with the 

corresponding references is listed in the respective 

section of this booklet. A total of 60 minutes will 

be allowed to complete all required testing. At 

the end of the allotted time, tests will be collected 

regardless of whether or not the contestants have 

answered all of the required questions.

 9. For the National and Regional Contests, the team 

drawing will be conducted as each team registers 

and drops off their equipment in the isolation area. 

As each team arrives, the number selected by the 

team captain will determine their running order for 

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

first aid and technician team competitions. On the 

second day of the field competition, the teams will 

run in reverse draw order.

For Regional Contests with a one-day field 

competition, a similar team drawing will be 

conducted. However, the number selected by each 

team captain will determine their running order 

for the one-day field competition. Then, the teams 

will run in reverse draw order for the first aid and 

technician team competitions. 

In both cases, position changes necessary for 

management of the respective contest will be 

permitted if the Contest Director approves the 

change.

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

be in isolation at a time designated by the Contest 

Director. No wireless communication or electronic 

device will be permitted in isolation. Any team 

member found with a wireless communication or 
5

electronic device in isolation will result in the entire 

team being disqualified.

11. All judges will be persons trained in mine rescue 

procedures; trained in the assembly, use, and 

care of the different types of breathing apparatus; 

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

different types of multi-gas instruments. Exceptions 

to personnel assigned for judging any phase of 

the contest requires the approval of the Contest 

Director.

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

intentionally disturb or destroy any component on 

a competition field will immediately be assessed a 

100 point discount. Repeated offense may result in 

team disqualification at the discretion of the Contest 

Director.

13. For Regional and the National Mine Rescue 

Contests, the hosting organization will supply one 

person per field during the mine rescue field and 

first aid competitions. These persons will act under 

the direction of the field coordinators and will be 

used as survivors or patients, respectively. 

When an approved 4-hour oxygen breathing 

apparatus and/or an approved 1-hour oxygengenerating self-contained self-rescuer unit is 

required to be used on a patient, the team must 

demonstrate proper donning procedures and unit 

activation. After acknowledgement by the judge, for 

an approved 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus 

the breathing hoses can be disconnected and the 

unit turned off. The breathing apparatus must be 

kept in close proximity (as if it were used) to the 

patient during transport out of the mine. 
6

For an approved 1-hour oxygen-generating selfcontained self-rescuer unit, a training model must 

be used during the competition.

14. A trophy will be awarded for the Overall Mine 

Rescue Contest Champion based on the 

best cumulative team scores (least amount of 

discounts), including the combined discounts for 

the mine rescue field, first aid, and technician 

team competitions. In the event of a tie, the 

team with the best mine rescue team standing in 

the mine rescue field competition will be the tie 

breaker.

15. The results from all elements of the National and 

Regional Contests will be distributed to the teams 

at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.
7

TEAM TRAINER COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

 1. On the day before the contest begins, all written 

tests will be administered in isolation. The team 

trainer tests will be included at this same time. 

The written test will consist of thirty (30) multiple 

choice questions, including:

• Material contained in MSHA Publication 3027 

– Instructor’s Manual for Mine Rescue Training 

(formerly MSHA Publication “IG 6”). The training modules in Publication 3027 are as follows: 

Module 1 – Surface organization; Module 2 

– Mine Gases; Module 3 – Ventilation; Module 

4 – Exploration; Module 5 – Fire, Firefighting, 

and Explosions; Module 6 – Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies; and Module 7 – 

Mine Recovery.

• Tenth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical 

Responder – First on the Scene,” Chapters: 3, 

4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 

20, 21, 22, and 27.

• Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations Part 

49 Mine Rescue Teams, Subpart A – Mine 

Rescue Teams for Underground Metal and 

Nonmetal Mines.

• Current MSHA National Metal and Nonmetal 

Mine Rescue Contest Rules.

• Generic questions covering the use and care 

of self-contained breathing apparatus and 

multi-gas instruments.

Contestants will be assessed one (1) discount 

point for each incorrect or unanswered question. 

Any alterations to the test questions or answers 
8

will be determined to be incorrect by the test 

judge and discounts assessed.

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

two qualified judges.

 3. In special circumstances, individual team 

members may be given an oral test by one or 

more judges in lieu of a written test. Requests for 

consideration shall be presented to the Contest 

Director at the time of registration. All other team 

members will take the test at the same time. In 

any case, the judges will not explain the meaning 

of questions, but may explain a word or words in 

the questions.

 4. One trophy will be awarded for the Team Trainer 

Competition. The team trainer with the least 

amount of discounts on the written test will be the 

winner. In the event of a tie, the team trainer with 

Overall Mine Rescue Contest Champion Team 

will determine the winner. The second tie breaker 

would be the team trainer with the best mine 

rescue team standing in the mine rescue field 

competition. 
9

MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

 1. The Contest Director will establish a reasonable 

amount of time for each team to complete the 

problem(s). All teams will be notified of the 

established time prior to beginning to work the 

problem(s). Any teams working beyond the 

established time period will be notified by the #1 

Judge that they must leave the field. All teams 

will be scored based on their discounts, including: 

appropriate discounts for items missed in areas 

left unexplored or abandoned by the team; and

appropriate discounts for necessary actions not 

taken by the team to complete the mission.

 2. The Contest Director will ensure that all field 

problems are designed so that a team can 

successfully complete each problem with no 

discounts.

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

score once the judges have signed their discount 

sheets. This does not preclude changes due to 

administrative errors or a misapplication of a rule.

 4. ... WARNING ... Any team whose member(s) 

intentionally disturb or destroy any component on 

a competition field will immediately be assessed a 

100 point discount. Repeated offense may result 

in team disqualification at the discretion of the 

Contest Director.

 5. Upon completion of the problem, a 5-minute 

review will be conducted regarding their working 

of the problem. At that time, the team will be 

informed of infractions and will be permitted 

to verbally appeal these with the field judge or 

the chief judge. If not resolved, the chief judge 

will make the final decision until an appeal can 
10

be filed by the team. Note: During this process 

mutual respect for the judges and team members 

is paramount and civility must be demonstrated 

by all involved or the review will be stopped 

before the allotted time.

 6. After the scorecards are checked by the 

scorecard examiners, they will be taken to a 

designated location. At a designated time, the 

team captain, trainer and all team members 

may examine their team’s scoring cards for a 

time not to exceed 30 minutes. A schedule will 

be posted near the 30-minute look location. At 

the conclusion of the 30-minute look, the team 

captain and/or trainer may submit a written 

appeal for any discount received to the person 

in charge of the review. Written appeals are not 

to exceed one page for any discount assessed 

and will be forwarded to the Mine Rescue Field 

Appeals Committee. No additional appeals will 

be accepted after the 30-minutelook.

Documentation (contest rules and other 

documents used in the contest) supporting the 

appeal will be accepted. Any protest(s) will be 

considered by the Mine Rescue Field Appeals 

Committee. A discount summary sheet will be 

used to list the discounts. All discounts except 

time will be listed and totaled. Both the captain 

and the review judge will sign the team discount 

summary sheet to certify they have reviewed the 

discounts and verified the totals (See page 59).

 7. The Mine Rescue Field 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 
11

information, and the act complained against. 

Where a written test question or rule application 

was found to be wrong, all teams will receive the 

appropriate correction. A decision by a majority of 

the committee shall be binding.

 8. A predetermined amount of trophies will be 

awarded for the Mine Rescue Competition based 

on the best cumulative team scores (least amount 

of discounts). For the National Mine Rescue 

Contest, this would include each team’s combined 

discounts for both day’s field problems plus their 

written test discounts. For the Regional Contests, 

this would include each team’s discounts for the 

field problem (one-day event) plus their written 

test scores. 

In the event of mine rescue field competition ties, 

the underground discount sheet will be the first 

tie breaker, the surface discount sheet will be the 

second tie breaker, mine maps will be the third 

tie breaker, the written test will be the fourth tie 

breaker, and time will be the fifth tie breaker.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Team Members

Each team shall be composed of five members, one 

fresh air base attendant and one assistant (optional). 

Each member shall wear a number on the arm at or 

near the shoulders with number one (1) being assigned to the captain, the number six (6) to the fresh 

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

Switching of numbers by team members will not be 

permitted after arriving at the portal or fresh air base. 

Any means of affixing legible numbers on the sleeve 

of the uniform will be acceptable. Additional persons, 
12

who had been isolated with the team, may assist the 

team placing equipment prior to starting the clock. 

Only the fresh air base attendant and the assistant 

will be allowed to assist the team after the clock has 

started. The fresh air base attendant and assistant will 

be isolated from visual contact with the field while the 

teams are in the mine. The fresh airbase attendant will 

maintain voice communications with the team utilizing 

a portable communication system. The team may use 

either one of the following options to accomplish this 

task. 

 1. Teams may use a portable hard wire, 

communication system. The wires or cable shall 

be of sufficient tensile strength to be used as a 

manual communication system. Teams may use 

standard signals if the communication system 

fails. The assistant may listen in with a separate 

headset and advise the fresh air base attendant 

and interact with the team. If during the working 

of the problem any team member is unable to 

continue (due to physical condition or by problem 

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

used as a substitute. The team can rearrange 

member positions to complete the problem.

 2. Teams may use a wireless communication system 

(radios), provided they are designed and used in 

such a manner that the integrity of the Contest 

is not jeopardized. Therefore, team members 

stationed at the fresh air base must use headsets. 

A lifeline will still be required for working of the 

problem when any team member enters smoke 

or the team travels through smoke. This can be 

achieved through the use of a rope, wire or cable 

which has sufficient tensile strength to be used as 

a manual communication system. The assistant 

may listen to the radio transmissions and advise 
13

the fresh air base attendant and interact with 

the team. If during the working of the problem 

any team member is unable to continue (due 

to physical condition or by problem design), 

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

a substitute. The team can rearrange member 

positions to complete the problem. 

Note: For teams using a wireless communication 

system (radios), the specific requirements for

use are outlined in the “Equipment” section.

In either case, teams wishing to communicate with the 

fresh air base attendant shall use their portable communication system, or they must return to the fresh air 

base. 

Medical Requirements

Per 30 CFR Part 49, all mine rescue team members 

must have completed physical examinations in the 

past 12 months preceding the contest and are capable of performing strenuous work under oxygen. 

Equipment

Breathing apparatus approved for at least four hours

shall be used in the Mine Rescue Contest problems. 

Each team member must have his/her own approved 

breathing apparatus. Teams cannot expect recharging materials, apparatus parts, and accessories for all 

types of apparatus at the contest site. 

Team members must wear an approved protective 

hat, identification tag, safety shoes, permissible cap 

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

that a good face-to-face-piece 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 or other materials nec-
14

essary for constructing bulkheads or stoppings will 

be furnished by the field committee. Teams will be 

responsible for collecting the material from the source 

of supply. 

When teams report to the fresh air base to begin the 

problem and are given information indicating that 

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

mine, they must have non-sparking tools while they 

are working the problem so as not to endanger themselves. If teams do not have non-sparking tools, they 

must ask the official in charge at the fresh air base to 

provide them with such tools before they go underground. 

If the mine is not classified as gassy and the teams 

go underground to work the problem and encounter 

an explosive gas and they do not have non-sparking 

tools, they must return to the fresh air base immediately and ask the official in charge to provide them 

with such tools.

For teams who opt to use a wireless communication 

system (radios) during the mine rescue field competition, the following procedures shall be strictly followed. 

• All radios are to be MSHA-approved and

intrinsically safe. 

• Upon completing the contest entry form, the 

team shall properly identify that they will be 

using radios in lieu of a hard-wired system 

during the field competition. 

• On the day before the contest as the team 

drops off their mine rescue equipment, they 

must provide all of their radios to the 

official-in-charge with a list of the programmed 

channels and frequencies. The radios must 
15

be properly labeled as team property so that 

they can be stored exclusively for the respective 

team’s use. The associated charger(s) must be 

supplied.

• Teams using wireless communication must have 

radios charged and properly programmed to the 

MSHA FCC licensed radio frequencies prior to 

turning them over to contest officials.

UHF radios must support at least 16 channels 

(see Table 1).

VHF radios must support at least 3 channels 

(see Table 2).

Table 1 – UHF Frequencies

Channel Frequency PL Channel Frequency PL

1 451.8000 71.9 9 466.1375 146.5

2 456.8000 82.5 10 469.5625 156.7

3 461.0375 94.8 11 461.0875 167.9

4 461.1375 103.5 12 469.5000 179.9

5 462.7625 110.9 13 461.0625 192.8

6 462.8375 118.8 14 464.5000 210.7

7 464.5500 127.3 15 466.0875 225.7

8 466.0375 136.5 16 469.5500 241.8

All Frequencies will have a PL code set for transmit

and receive of 94.8 Hz

All Frequencies will be set to “Low Power” and “Narrow Band”

Table 2 - VHF Frequencies

Channel Frequency

1 151.5050

2 151.6250

3 154.5275
16

• MSHA licensed radio frequencies and settings 

such as PL codes, low power, and narrow 

banding protect MSHA and teams from FCC 

violations and prevent crosstalk between competing teams.

• When selecting a channel for team competition, 

the team’s radios will be set by a designated 

contest official on a channel that is different 

from any other radios in use.

• The mine manager (No. 1 Judge) or other 

designated contest official will check and monitor conversations on the channel selected. In 

the event of failure of the radio provided to the 

mine manager or other contest official, corrective actions will be immediately taken by the 

team.

• Teams may take up to three radios inby the 

fresh air base and must provide at least two for 

the fresh air base to be used by the team’s 

attendant and the mine manager (No. 1 Judge). 

Teams may leave additional radios at the fresh 

air base for use in case of malfunctions. A 

minimum of three radios shall remain operational during the working of the problem:

one radio each for the team, the team’s fresh 

air base attendant and the mine manager (or 

No. 1 Judge). This complement of radios is 

necessary for the team to be considered as 

using wireless communication. 

Team Preparation (Apparatus) 

Team members must make necessary checks of all 

apparatus for proper working condition and airtightness prior to going underground. Cylinder pressures 

must be within specifications of approval. Apparatus 

tests must comply with prescribed tests for that particular type of apparatus. 
17

An approved 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus and/

or an approved 1-hour oxygen-generating unit must 

be used as an emergency spare for a mine rescue 

team member or for use on the survivor(s) or other 

rescued personnel when respiratory protection is 

needed. 

Note: If a survivor is found and is wearing an approved 1-hour oxygen-generating self-contained selfrescue (SCSR) device, the team will not be required 

to replace it with one of the above mentioned units unless the SCSR has been depleted. In addition, if any 

of the above persons are unconscious, an approved 

4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus equipped with a 

full face-piece must be used.

Written Test

On the day before the contest begins, all written tests 

will be administered in isolation. The mine rescue field 

test will be included at this same time. Team member 

Nos. 1 through 7 will take the written test. The six best 

test scores (least amount of discounts) will be counted 

as the team’s cumulative written test discounts. If 

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

aggregate sum of scores for team member Nos. 1 

through 6 will count as the team’s cumulative written 

test discounts.

The questions for the written test will be taken 

from material contained in MSHA Publication 3027 

– Instructor’s Manual for Mine Rescue Training 

(formerly MSHA Publication “IG 6”). The training 

modules in Publication 3027 are as follows: Module 

1 – Surface organization; Module 2 – Mine Gases; 

Module 3 – Ventilation; Module 4 – Exploration; 

Module 5 – Fire, Firefighting, and Explosions; Module 

6 – Rescue of Survivors and Recovery of Bodies; and 

Module 7 – Mine Recovery.
18

MSHA Publication 3027 is available on the MSHA 

homepage at http://www.msha.gov/MineRescue/ 

Training/TeamTraining.asp or at the following address: 

U.S. Department of Labor

National Mine Health and Safety Academy

Attention: Printing and Training Materials Distribution

1301 Airport Road

Beaver, WV 25813-9426

Telephone: (304) 256-3257

Fax: (304) 256-3368

E-mail:MSHADistributionCenter@dol.gov

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

least ten (10) questions on mine gases from MSHA 

Publication 3027 (Module 2 – Mine Gases) for each 

team member. The questions shall consist of multiple 

choice questions.

The total written test discounts (as determined above) 

will be included as part of the team cumulative 

discounts for the mine rescue field competition (i.e., 

National Contest – two-day total or Regional Contest 

– one-day total).

Judges

All judges will be persons trained in mine rescue 

procedures and knowledgeable in the rules, interpretations, and the procedures for working the respective 

problems. The judges will attend training sessions 

prior to the contest concerning the problems to be 

worked and the guidelines for working such problems. 

Judges will be trained in all aspects of the problems to 

allow for consistent and accurate judging.

Competing teams deserve the full attention of the 

judges and only those personnel judging the specific 

teams are allowed on the field. While the team is in 
19

the mine, judges must not ask questions or interfere 

with the team. Only personnel approved by the 

Contest Director will be permitted on the field.

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 No. 1 Judge will assume the role of the mine 

manager and will travel with the team throughout the 

field problem. The No. 1 Judge will provide answers, 

as necessary, to questions posed by the team, the 

fresh air base attendant, or the assistant.

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

during the entire working of the field problem. Only 

the Contest Director, Chief Judge, or their designee 

may discuss discrepancies or discounts on the field. 

If discussions are held on the field, interrupting the 

working of the problem, the time will be stopped and 

restarted after the discussion is over. A Mine Safety 

and Health Administration employee will be the #1 

Judge. All judges must have current Mine Rescue 

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

The judges will mark and explain on their scorecards 

the discounts for work performed by each team member. In the event that more than one discount applies, 

the highest discount will be assessed for a violation. 

There will be no stacking of discounts. Judges must 

sign their scorecard after the discounts have been 

recorded. Scorecards will be marked promptly and 

delivered to scorecard examiners as soon as possible 

after completion of the problem. 
20

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.

Media access and videos for future training aids 

will be allowed with the Contest Director’s approval. 

Therefore, only judges, contest officials, escorted 

photographers, and news media approved by the 

Contest Director will be permitted on the competition 

fields. A separate area will be provided for spectators to 

observe the teams during competition. 

Competition Problem

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

the team will be limited to working on one level. It 

may include hoists or shafts. Skip pockets and sumps 

(either above or below) will be considered part of 

the working level. Raises or boreholes may be in the 

problem; however, climbing will not be required. 

Teams may have to change existing ventilation, pump 

water, set roof supports, or move falls to rescue persons and/or explore if it can be done safely. Changing ventilation shall not be done until the official in 

charge has been informed. Ventilation changes will be 

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

used to direct ventilation, the check curtain must first 

be converted into a temporary stopping. Regulating 
21

airflow to control a fire is not considered a ventilation 

change. 

All areas that have been cleared of smoke and 

toxic or dangerous gases that the teams elect to 

travel through must be rechecked prior to the team’s 

reentering. Upon re-entry into these areas where the 

ventilation has been changed, whether advancing or 

retreating through these areas, separate gas tests will 

be conducted by the team along the route they travel 

across each entry (rib-to-rib) within 25 feet of each 

opening to the place turned off the entry. 

When smoke or gas is encountered in an opening, it 

will be considered to extend to the next placard indicating the smoke or gas is cleared. 

If water is being pumped, ventilation changed, falls 

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

until placards have been changed by the ground committee. If placards have not been changed after 15 

seconds, teams must assume that their actions were 

not successful.

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. Therefore, teams will not be required to set 

timbers or pump water until all accessible areas have 

been explored and there are still missing miners. 

Teams will not be considered unsystematic if these 

conditions are found and passed during initial exploration of the problem field. When it becomes necessary 

to explore inaccessible areas, appropriate materials will 

be provided. 

Insofar as possible, materials rather than placards will 

be used in the mine. Bodies with identification may be 

designated by the use of dummies. When placards in-
22

dicating conditions are used, they will be placed face 

up, and the letters shall not be less than one (1) inch 

in height, and easily visible. 

Additionally, when these placards are used to identify 

mining machinery or equipment, a description of the 

current condition of the equipment and/or a photocopy 

of a picture of such machinery or equipment may be 

on the placard, when possible, to aid teams in identifying it. 

Terms used in the problem will be terms which appear 

in the Glossary of this Rule Book, the MSHA Mine 

Rescue Training Modules, or 30 CFR Part 49 and 

Part 57. 

When raises, winzes or boreholes are in the problem, 

the card identifying them will indicate whether they go 

up and/or down from the level being worked. 

TEAM PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES 

Apparatus and Material Checks 

Before reporting to the contest field, each team 

member must check his/her own apparatus to see 

if it is charged properly and in good working condition. These checks must be within the manufacturer’s 

specified limits and the regenerator fully charged with 

chemicals.

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

detectors must be checked to see that they are in 

good operating condition. If horns are to be used for 

signaling between team members, they should be 

checked. A portable communication system must be 

used by all teams. Wheeled stretchers will be allowed. 
23

Briefing

When all members of the team have their apparatus 

fully assembled and ready to wear, the captain should 

assemble the team and report to the Briefing Station 

Official when directed by the guard. The team will be 

briefed on field conditions either by a video or a briefing paper. Team members will return any handouts 

at the conclusion of the briefing. The briefing should 

contain all pertinent information, including the following conditions: classification of the mine; frequency of 

explosive gas being found; accuracy of the mine map; 

possibility of the mine being cut into another mine; 

condition of the fan; have guards been posted; electric 

power cut off from the mine or affected parts of the 

mine; recovery work that has been accomplished; 

notification of the local, state, and federal agencies; 

reserve rescue teams, equipment, and materials that 

are available. 

Any final adjustments to the equipment and necessary 

talks between team members can be completed prior 

to reporting to the field judge. 

Reporting to Field 

On reporting to the field, communication cable can be 

strung out prior to starting the clock. Afterward, the 

captain should have the team line up at the place indicated by the person in charge. The captain introduces 

his team and remarks “We are here to offer our help. I 

have a fully equipped, properly trained, and physically 

fit mine rescue team and we are ready to do anything 

that you may require in the rescue and recovery work 

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

do require the service of mine rescue teams, and that 

if they are ready, they can be of immediate service. 
24

Start of Problem

When the necessary introductions have been made, 

the team captain will indicate that they are ready 

for the problem and map. No work will be done until 

the clock is started. The captain will start the timing 

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

team position number) before receiving the problem 

and the map. After the clock is started, only the five 

working team members, fresh air base attendant, and 

assistant will be permitted to do the work at the fresh 

air base. Field attendants will feed out and reel in the 

communication wire. 

The fresh air base attendant will receive the problem 

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

team members should discuss the conditions presented by the problem and the map. On the map, solid 

lines will denote actual workings. Although locations 

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

requirement, solid lines will represent known conditions. Dotted lines will denote projections and may 

or may not be accurate. These conditions should be 

studied carefully so that proper procedures may be 

decided in advance. 

Equipment Checks and Procedures 

No testing of equipment is required at the fresh air 

base. Testing of equipment used by the team will be 

performed 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. 
25

Standard Communications and Signals

A portable communication system will be used to

inform the fresh air base of all conditions encountered. 

External speakers will not be permitted at the fresh 

air base while working the problem. In the event of 

a communication failure, the team will be required to 

return to the fresh air base to repair or replace the 

system. 

The following standard horn blasts or other audible 

signals between team members will be used:

1 blast on the horn will mean for the team to 

“stop” if in motion

2 blasts on the horn will mean “advance”

3 blasts on the horn will mean “retreat”

4 blasts on the horn will mean “distress” 

Hoist Signals 

The following signals will be used for the Mine Rescue Field Competition. The conveyance shall not be 

moved without a command signal: when persons are 

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

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

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

9 Bells: Emergency - then ring mine level signal where 

emergency exists. 

MINE LEVEL SIGNALS 

Surface Shaft Collar - 1-2 Bells

 500 Feet First Level - 2-1 Bells
26

HOIST SIGNAL 

 1 Bell - STOP 

 2 Bells - Lower Conveyance 

 3 Bells - Raise Conveyance 

 3-1 Bells - Hoist Persons 

 3-2 Bells - Lower Persons 

2-1-2 Bells - Release Conveyance 

Team Safety 

Team members must follow established procedures, 

per this booklet for the type of equipment used, when 

getting under oxygen. 

The team captain must now check each member’s apparatus. A team member must make the same checks 

on the captain’s apparatus. The judges will observe the 

operation and adjustment of the apparatuses. 

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. 

The captain must now have the team count off either 

orally or visually by the raising of hands. In smoke, all 

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

lifeline. 

The captain must give the signal to advance. The 

stretcher bearers should pick up the stretchers, and 

the rear captain shall relay the signal to the fresh air 

base. When the signal is returned, the team may now 

advance into the mine. 

Entrances to all mine openings shall be examined while 

under oxygen. In air clear of smoke, these checks may 
27

be made without a lifeline, provided the entire team 

does not go into the entrance. This examination should 

not cover more than twenty-five (25) feet.

For Contest purposes, a placard denoting “clear air” 

will mean that the atmosphere is free of smoke and all 

dangerous and/or harmful concentrations of flammable, combustible, noxious, and/or toxic contaminants.

Teams shall never travel through water over knee 

deep.

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

visually by the team captain as the team advances. 

The captain must verbally indicate that he is checking 

for loose ground at every location required. The team 

captain must orally warn the team each time loose 

ground conditions are encountered. A similar warning 

must be given upon retreat. 

First Team Stop

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

feet from the cage or portal, the captain shall give a 

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

no more than two steps forward after the signal before 

stopping. The captain now checks the members and 

their apparatus to see if they are in good condition and 

a team member checks the captain and his/her apparatus. (This check must not be made on the cage.) The 

procedure shall be followed at not more than twenty 

(20) minute intervals while the team is working the 

problem. Additionally, apparatus removed in order to 

enter a confined area or apparatus that has sustained 

possible damage from impact must be checked before 

continuing. 

If all the apparatus are operating properly and the 

members are in good condition, the team can now 

continue into the mine. 
28

The cage door must be closed and the signal to 

release conveyance to a standby mode must be sent 

after the cage has been unloaded. 

Advancing 

When stops are made at the openings of crosscuts, 

intersections, or drifts turned off the drift that is being 

traveled, separate gas tests must be made across 

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

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

intersects entry direction, should be passed without 

first checking the condition of that place. Examination 

of any intersection or entry shall not exceed 25 feet 

from the rear captain. This means the captain can 

extend out into openings and take gas readings within 

the limits of the team line. 

In case of entries turned from the entry being traveled, 

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

and many things must be taken into consideration 

in making the choice. However, the openings of all 

places must be checked before that place is passed. 

A team will be considered to have passed an opening 

or intersection when the number 5 member is past the 

opening. 

While advancing, if a team encounters an impassable 

fall or other condition that prevents the members from 

following the normal course of travel into an area, they 

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

erect a temporary stopping or stoppings that would 

have the same effect on the area that the original 

stopping would have provided. 

Doors shall not be opened without prior knowledge 

of the effects of the mine ventilation system, unless 

a temporary stopping has been erected. However, in 
29

any case, if the conditions behind the stopping or door 

are unknown and there is a potential that missing miners are located in the enclosed area, these ventilation 

controls should be treated like a “barricade” and the 

same precautions must be taken as prescribed in the 

section below.

Regulators shall not be opened without prior knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation system, 

unless a temporary regulator has been erected. 

Where crosscuts are blocked, no team member may 

advance more than three (3) feet beyond the second 

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

into all unexplored areas that intersect. The second 

intersection will be determined by two crosscuts on 

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

team will be permitted to tie across to adjacent drifts 

to tie in behind.

Barricades 

If a barricade is found, the team will take action to protect the barricaded persons as indicated by the conditions found outside the barricade. For the purposes of 

contest work, no barricade will be breached without 

ventilating in front of the barricade if an Immediately 

Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere is 

present, including: 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.
30

If conditions behind the barricade are unknown, the 

barricade cannot be breached unless the team erects 

a reasonably airtight temporary stopping. The space 

between the barricade and the temporary stopping 

should be as little as feasible; however, it should be 

large enough for the team to enter. When entering the 

barricaded area, the opening in the barricade should 

be kept to a minimum, the roof in the area shall be 

tested, and gas tests made. 

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

survivor will travel through an IDLH atmosphere), they 

shall be given proper respiratory protection which can 

include an approved 1-hour oxygen generating unit 

(including a CareVent-CA). If a survivor is unconscious, an approved oxygen breathing apparatus 

equipped with a full face-piece must be used. 

Note: If a survivor is found and is wearing an approved 

1-hour oxygen-generating self-contained self-rescue 

(SCSR) device, the team will not be required to 

replace it with either a 4-hour or a 1-hour oxygen 

generating self-contained self-rescue unit unless the 

SCSR has been depleted. 

If more than one (1) survivor is behind the barricade 

and proper protection cannot be provided for all of 

them, the team in retreating should keep the openings 

in the barricade and temporary stopping to a minimum 

so that as little irrespirable air will get into the barricaded as possible. If the area beyond the last survivor 

can be explored without advancing the survivor, this 

should be done before retreating with the survivor. 

When all the survivors have been removed from the 

barricaded area, the enclosure may be opened (or 

breached) as wide as necessary for easy exit. Survivors must be secured to the stretcher and covered 

with a blanket unless first aid procedures indicate 

other treatment is proper. If a person is found behind 
31

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

entered, the team may advance beyond the chamber 

for exploration. However, if survivor(s) can be safely 

evacuated without changing conditions, they shall be 

evacuated before any further exploration is done. 

Dates and Initials 

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

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

water over knee deep, impassable falls, barricades, 

fires out of control, and at the location of any survivors 

or bodies. The captain must verbally indicate to the 

judges each time initials and date are simulated. 

Maps and Timing Device

The map person and fresh air base attendant must 

use the standardized map legend provided in this rule 

booklet. If a symbol is not available on the legend, 

the team must write out the exact information contained on the placards on both maps. Teams will be 

expected to accurately map all required items on the 

maps maintained by the team and the fresh air base 

attendant.

An additional map will be provided to the team for use 

by the team alternate, if they so choose. However, 

deficiencies found on this map will not be counted 

toward the team’s cumulative score.

After the team has completed its 50 foot check, they 

will not be allowed to physically compare the team 

map with the fresh air base map. That is, no side by 

side comparison will be allowed and no changes 

(edits) can be made to either map while the team is at 

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

has explored all accessible areas, accounted for all 

miners and completed all required work, they should 
32

return to the fresh air base and count off. At that time, 

no other changes can be made to either map and the 

captain should present all three maps to the person in 

charge of the mine and stop the timing device. 

The marked maps must show: the condition of all 

faces, stoppings and doors; the location of all placards 

or materials; the location of fires and barricades; and 

the location of dead bodies and survivors (including 

identification). Temporary stoppings that are erected 

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

found or indicated by placards. 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. 

All locations dated and initialed by the team captain 

must be included on the Team and Fresh Air Base 

maps as “DI.” Since the No. 1 Judge is responsible 

for discounting the team captain for failure to date and 

initial in required places, the maps will not be discounted for these infractions.

Tests for gases taken by the team at all required 

locations must be included on the Team and Fresh Air 

Base maps as “GT.” Since the No. 2 Judge is responsible for discounting the team for failure to conduct 

gas testing at required locations, the maps will not be 

discounted for these infractions.

Ventilation

Under no circumstances should mine ventilation 

be altered without knowing the full effects of those 

changes and without notification of the changes to 

the mine manager (No. 1 Judge).

A contaminant or explosive gas, when indicated on 

a placard and regardless of the mass, is considered 
33

moved throughout the established ventilation course 

until exhausted from the mine. 

Unless otherwise documented by placards indicating 

air movement, the mine is not considered to have 

natural ventilation or airflow. All airflow is provided 

by the existence of mine fans or other mechanical 

ventilation. However, before the team can breach, 

open, or alter an existing ventilation control (bulkhead, 

door, stopping, or regulator) without the knowledge of 

the effects on the existing mine ventilation system, the 

team must follow the necessary precautions outlined 

in the “Advancing” section of these rules.

Ventilation changes will be considered as starting, 

stopping, altering, and/or redirecting the air current. 

The direction of airflow depends upon where the team 

constructs ventilation controls. A standard brattice 

frame and curtain are 10 feet. Therefore, if the team 

elects to build a ventilation control at a distance 

greater than 10 feet, such as diagonally across an 

intersection, they must utilize a second brattice frame 

and curtain. 

If existing check curtains are to be used to direct ventilation, the check curtain must first be converted into 

a temporary stopping.

Regulating airflow to control a fire is not considered a 

ventilation change.

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

stoppings, caved air tight, the entire area is considered contaminated. Once the team has established an 

airflow course, areas that contain contaminants that 

are not directly in the established air course, and have 

two or more openings, could potentially be drawn from 

those areas unless isolation and/or ventilation controls 

are established to prevent movement. An example is 

in an uncontrollable fire area where regulators were 
34

constructed. Until all but one regulator is closed, airflow 

will draw from those regulators into the established air 

course.

Blankets or other porous materials cannot be used as 

curtains to direct airflow. All brattice material, including 

wing curtains, will be provided for each problem so 

that adequate ventilation can be established to work 

the problem correctly. Teams need not carry additional 

brattice materials on their stretcher. 

All problems will be designed with at least one clear 

and systematic ventilation solution. When the team 

alters and/or constructs ventilation controls, and the 

effects of those changes do not clear the air and the 

placards do not change, the team has missed a critical adjustment to the ventilation solution.

Mine Fires 

When a mine rescue team encounters a noncombatable 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/non-gassy), the presence of any 

explosive gases, the possible effects of any ventilation 

change(s), and other pertinent data. A regulated fire, 
35

left unsealed, has the potential to emit contaminants 

into the mine atmosphere.

Roof or Ground Control

The following illustration (Figure 1) shows the proper 

method of setting roof supports through an unsafe 

area using the safe ribs as support. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary 

roof supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1 foot 

from the area designated as unsafe. 

• The rib can be used as support unless designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and support an unsafe roof condition, it cannot be 

removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three supports must be set; one on each end 

and one under the unsafe roof.

The team must simulate setting support and then 

place placard (or other material provided by the contest officials) on the floor in the proper location.

(See Figure 1 on next page)
36

Figure 1
37

Figure 2

The following illustration (Figure 2) shows the proper 

method of setting roof supports through an unsafe 

area with designated unsafe ribs. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary 

roof supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1 foot 

from the area designated as unsafe. 

• The rib can be used as support unless designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and 

support an unsafe roof condition, it cannot be 

removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three supports must be set; one on each end 

and one under the unsafe roof. 

The team must simulate setting support and then place 

placard (or other material provided by the contest officials) on the floor in the proper location.
38

Figure 3

The following illustration (Figure 3) shows the proper 

method of setting roof supports through an unsafe 

intersection. 

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary 

roof supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1 foot 

from the area designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and 

support an unsafe roof condition, it cannot be 

removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three supports must be set; one on each end 

and one under the unsafe roof. 

The team must simulate setting support and then place 

placard (or other material provided by the contest officials) on the floor in the proper location.

 Note: If the team decides to travel through the intersection to the east or the west, additional supports will 

need to be installed (as shown in green on the illustration).
39

Figure 4

The following illustrations (Figures 4, 5 and 6) show 

the proper method of setting roof supports to recover a 

patient located under an area of unsafe roof or back.

• 5-foot maximum spacing between temporary 

roof supports. 

• The first support is set a maximum of 1 foot

from the area designated as unsafe. 

• Once a post has been set to correct and 

support an unsafe roof condition, it cannot be 

removed.

If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet in length, a minimum of three supports must be set; one on each end 

and one under the unsafe roof. 

In each situation, the team must simulate setting supports and then place placards (or other material provided by the contest officials) on the floor in the proper 

location.
40

Figure 5

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

additional supports will need to be installed (as shown 

in green on the illustration) so that additional team 

members can safely access the area and provide 

necessary treatment.
41

Note: If the team locates a missing miner under an 

area of unsafe roof and has found sufficient roof 

supports, the supports must be installed as shown in 

Figure 4 and Figure 5. If, however, the team locates a 

missing miner and has not found a sufficient number of 

roof supports (as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5), the 

minimum amounts shown in Figure 6 can be installed 

to safely access the area, assess the miner and pull 

him/her from underneath the unsafe roof and provide 

necessary treatment.

A sucient number 

of temporary roof 

supports must be 

installed to safely 

remove the patient.

A minimum of two 

temporary roof 

supports must be 

set to examine or 

recover a patient.

Direction of 

Team Travel

Direction of 

Team Travel

Figure 6
42

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #1

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

 1. Apparatus improperly assembled, 

each apparatus 10 x ___ = ____

 2. Apparatus improperly adjusted to the

wearer, each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

 3. Apparatus part or parts worn or 

deteriorated so as to be dangerous 

to wearer, each person 8 x ___ = ____

 4. Failure to follow prescribed procedures

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

 5. Failure of team member to be clean 

shaven in the area that affects a good 

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

 6. Failure of captain to examine each

apparatus and have captain’s examined

before entering the mine, each apparatus

each infraction 2 x ___ = ____

 7. Team member not wearing identification,

protective clothing, including safety

shoes, hard hat, permissible cap lamp,

self-rescuer, each infraction 2 x ___ = ____

 8. Failure of team captain to mark date

and team position number on the check

board at mine portal or fresh air base,

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

 9. No work will be done prior to starting

the clock 4 (total) ____

10. Failure of team to “count off” before

entering or leaving the mine 2 x ___ = ____

____________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature 
43

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation 

Judge #1

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

team captain or team member does not correct it before 

the team goes underground. Once the team has entered 

the course, no further penalty can be assessed by the 

judge.

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

not fastened. (Separate discount for each strap.) 

This discount will be applied if the team captain or team 

member does not correct it when the team goes under 

oxygen. Once the team has entered the course, no 

further penalty can be assessed by the judge.

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

that they break during working of the problem while still 

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

replaced prior to starting work in the mine.

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

procedure will be outlined in the apparatus section. Once 

the team has entered the course, no further penalty can 

be assessed by the judge.

 5. Self-explanatory.

 6. The captain must examine the apparatus of team 

members and have a team member examine the 

captain’s apparatus before entering the mine. The person 

making the check must obtain assurance from person 

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

okay will suffice).

 7. Self explanatory.

 8. Captain must mark date and team position number on 

check board after clock is started, and the captain must 

stop the clock after the maps are turned in.
44

 9. Self-explanatory. 

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

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

first time. It does not have to be done prior to checking 

portals. Hand or audible counting off is acceptable. It is 

not necessary to count off upon reentry or leaving mine; 

however, the team is also required to count off when 

completing problem.
45

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Discount Sheet

Judge #1

 Discounts

 1. Breathing external air while working

problem, each team member, each 

infraction 10 x ___ = ____

 2. Team not following proper procedure

in case of apparatus failure, each

infraction 10 x ___ = ____

 3. Failure of team to stop within 50 feet

of the fresh air base or at the shaft

station to perform personnel and

apparatus checks, upon their first entry

into the mine 4 (total) ____ 

 4. Team member(s) not making apparatus

check after removing apparatus to

traverse restricted clearance or after

apparatus has sustained damage

from impact (each person, each

incident) 4 x ___ = ____ 

 5. Apparatus examination exceeding

20-minute intervals 5 x ___ = ____

 6. Failure to use posted hoisting signals,

each infraction 1 x ___ = ____

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

 8. a. Failure of the captain to indicate to

 the team he/she has recognized bad

 ground.

b. Failure of the captain to verbally

 indicate he/she is checking the back

 or roof:

 1. at intersections, shaft stations,

 rooms, faces, and mine openings;

 2. at all points of farthest advance;

 3. before building or erecting any

 structure;
46

 Discounts

 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 ___= ____

 9. Failure of the captain to mark the date

and his/her initials at the point of farthest

advance of the team in any direction such

as at stoppings, faces of rooms and drifts,

water over knee deep, impassable falls,

barricades, fires out of control, and at the

location of any live persons or bodies,

each omission (maximum 10 discounts) 2 x ___ = ____

 (10 max.)

10. Captain or other team member doing

anything to endanger himself/herself

or other team members, 15 points each

team member so endangered, each

infraction, each occurrence 15 x ___ = ____ 

11. Failure of team to explore or examine

workings systematically and thoroughly,

each infraction 25 x ___ = ____ 

12. Teams must be checked immediately

before entering smoke 5 x ___ = ____ 

13. Failure to locate, seal, or extinguish

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

14. Failure to notify the fresh air base

when an air/gas mixture has reached

its explosive range. 10 x ___ = ____

15. Failure to bring live person to

surface or fresh air base by the

end of the problem, each omission 50 x ___ = ____
47

 Discounts

16. Failure to locate bodies and/or live

persons, each omission 50 x ___ = ____

17. Transporting survivor in unexplored

territory, leaving survivor unattended,

and moving survivor in any direction

except toward the fresh air base,

each infraction 6 x ___= ____

18. The team performing an act that may

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

each infraction 50 x ___ = ____

Comments:

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

__________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature
48

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Underground Interpretation

Judge #1

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

working with inhalation hose disconnected.

 2. Proper procedure would depend on type of apparatus; 

however, team must proceed to fresh air base immediately.

 3. This check must be made: at the first stop, with all team 

members past the portal or off the cage (this does not 

apply to checking mine entrances prior to working the 

problem); before the captain exceeds 50 feet from portal 

or cage. 

 4. This apparatus check must be made as soon as all 

team members have passed through the restricted area 

and before any other work is done. Additionally, this 

apparatus check must be made immediately after any 

apparatus has sustained a blow which causes damage 

to it.

 5. Self-explanatory.

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

will be used to notify the hoistman of intended movement 

and cage release.

 7. Self-explanatory.

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

passes the placard. This applies each time such a 

 placard is reached; when retreating, the rear 

 captain must do this.

b. 1. Must be so indicated before physically entering 

 the area.

 2. Includes checking in front of any physical barrier 

 to advancement.

 3. Including erecting or breaching stoppings, 

 barricades, curtains, etc.

 4. Must be so indicated before physically passing 

 through.

 5. Must be so indicated immediately upon 

 reaching the placard indicating fire or intense

 heat.
49

c. This means the captain’s physical presence is 

necessary before any part of an area can be

considered as having been examined.

 9. Self-explanatory.

10. Examples of endangerment include, but are not limited 

to:

a. 15 points will be assessed for each team member 

who:

 1. travels under bad roof or ground;

 2. travels into water over knee deep or into a 

 sump containing water;

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

 pocket into which they could fall or be injured 

 by falling objects;

 4. advances past a sign indicating intense heat or 

 fire out of control;

 5. fails to take body substance isolation (BSI) 

 precautions before physically contacting a 

 patient; 

 6. fails to wear apparatus while examining the 

 entrances to mine openings; and

 7. enters smoke and is not connected to a lifeline.

b. The entire team will be considered endangered 

and 75 points assessed for:

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

 the presence of fire or flooding, prior to 

 traveling through it. For contest purposes, this 

 check may be done by placing combustible 

 materials on the cage and having the cage 

 lowered to the level to be explored, then raising 

 it to the collar.

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

 or when explosive gases are found in a non-

 gassy mine.

 3. changing conditions of the mine ventilation 

 system in such a manner that an explosive 

 mixture is moved over an ignition source. 

 Changing conditions of the mine ventilation 

 system in such a manner that an explosive 

 mixture is moved over an unexplored area. If a 

 team explores all sides of an overcast or an 
50

 undercast, both ends of a ventilation shaft, or 

 the top and bottom of shafts when the shaft 

 cannot be traveled, the in-between areas are 

 considered explored for ventilation purposes.

 4. continuing exploration after conditions are

 found to indicate an imminent explosion is 

 possible by the presence of an explosive mixture 

 and the evidence of fire (smoke or carbon 

 monoxide) and the location of the fire is unknown. 

 A team must continue to explore if it knows there 

 is a continuous nonexplosive separation between 

 the explosive mixture and the evidence of fire.

 5. continuing exploration after an ignition source

 (i.e., electric or battery-powered equipment or 

 any communication device that is not intrinsically 

 safe) is found in an explosive mixture.

6. 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. 

 7. failure to take a functioning communication 

 system into the mine or committing an act that 

 causes the communications system to break or 

 fail while underground.

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

 support an unsafe roof condition.

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

the mine that can be explored without endangering 

team, if problem requires entire mine to be explored. 

All accessible areas must be tied across and behind 

before advancing. Where crosscuts are blocked, no 

team member may advance more than three (3) feet 

beyond the second intersection before tying across and/

or behind into all unexplored areas that intersect. This 

may require building an air lock or returning to the fresh 

air base and exploring into other drifts at the discretion of 

the team and according to conditions of the mine. Shafts 

must be checked for possible damage, water, or fire, and 

must be traveled to be considered explored. All shafts 

must be traveled, if possible, before proceeding more 

than three (3) feet beyond the second intersection. 
51

12. Personnel checks, not necessarily an apparatus check. 

The person making the check must obtain assurance 

from person being checked that he/she is all right 

(asking if person is okay will suffice).

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

the responsibility of systematic exploration.

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

mixture, which reached its explosive range, has been 

encountered.

15. Self-explanatory.

16. Self-explanatory.

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

chamber in a contaminated area, and the barricade 

or refuge chamber is not breached, the team may 

advance.

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

injure or result in the death of a survivor. Some 

examples of this would be:

a. Breaching a barricade with an IDLH atmosphere 

 outside

b. Directing an IDLH atmosphere 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

d. Improperly protecting survivor(s) from an IDLH 

 atmosphere

e. Continuing exploration beyond a miner (potential 

 survivor) who is clearly visible to the team and 

located under unsafe roof after an adequate supply 

 of roof support materials have become available 

 for his/her safe recovery (applies to similar areas 

 as shown in Figure 1 through Figure 6 under the 

 “Roof or Ground Control” section).

f. Continuing exploration beyond a miner (survivor) 

 who has made verbal contact with the team but is 

 located in an isolated/barricaded area when a 

 means to safely evacuate the miner has been 

 found.
52

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Discount Sheet

Judge #2

 

Discounts

 1. Failure to take necessary permissible

equipment and gas detecting devices

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

 2. Gas detectors, testers, and/or indicators

failing to function properly and not

corrected before entering the mine,

each infraction 4 x ___ = ____ 

 3. Testers or detectors improperly

assembled or defective parts used 8 (total) ____

 4. Failure to secure extra apparatus to

stretcher, each omission 4 x ___ = ____

 5. Physically comparing team map with

fresh air base map, once the team has

entered the mine. 25 (total) ____

6. Failure of the team to complete the

problem within the established time

limit. 25 (total) ____

 7. Any team whose member(s) intentionally disturb or destroy any component

on a competition field will immediately

be assessed this discount. Repeated 

offense may result in team disqualification at the discretion of the Contest

Director. 100 (total) ____

___________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature 
53

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Surface Interpretation

Judge #2

 1. Failure to take necessary permissible equipment or 

testing devices underground, discount should be 

assessed even if teams return to fresh air base to pick 

up necessary equipment.

 2. Faulty or inadequate equipment must be repaired or 

replaced. (This includes instruments used beyond their 

designed limits or range.)

 3. If any questions exist, the equipment should be 

checked by the judges after the completion of the 

problem in the presence of the team captain.

 4. Extra apparatus must be secured to stretcher to 

prevent it from falling off.

 5. Teams may place reference or other information on 

both maps before proceeding into the mine. After the 

team has completed its 50 foot check, no side by side 

comparison of the maps or changes (edits) will be 

allowed on either map while the team is at the fresh air 

base.

 6. Teams are required to complete the problem in the 

established time limit: explore all accessible areas 

of the mine; install roof supports, pump water and/

or re-ventilate (if needed); extinguish or seal all fires; 

locate all missing miners; and bring all survivors to the 

surface.

 7. Self-explanatory.
54

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. Less than 5 members entering, 

working or completing problem, 

each person 8 x ___ = ____

 5. Traveling at more than a normal

walking speed 8 (total) ____

 6. Team member talking to an unauthorized

person without permission of the

judges or contest officials, each 

infraction 5 x ___ = ____ 

 7. Intentionally detaching/severing 

lifeline 5 (total) ____

 8. All team members must be connected

or have hold of the team line when the

team is traveling. When stopped, in air 

clear of smoke, at least one person must

have hold of the team line. If tag lines 

are used between team members and 

the team line, they shall be no longer 

than 3 feet in length. 2 x ___ = ____

 9. Failure to erect temporary barricade,

stopping or regulator when necessary,

each infraction 10 x ___ = ____ 

10. Failure to erect temporary barricade,

seal, or stopping reasonably airtight,

each infraction 2 x ___ = ____ 
55

 Discounts

11. Failure to make necessary ventilation

changes or changing ventilation or

electric power before the effects of

such changes are known, each 

infraction 15 x ___ = ____ 

12. 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 ___ = ____

13. Survivor care:

a. Failure to adequately examine and

 assess each person found in the

 mine for possible injury or illness,

 maximum for each survivor 4 x ___ = ____

b. Failure to properly treat any

 injury or illness which is, or should

 have been, revealed by the

 examination, maximum for each

 survivor 4 x ___ = ____

14. Failure to follow proper procedure

when putting apparatus on survivor,

each infraction 5 x ___ = ____

15. Assistance given by supposedly

unconscious person, each infraction 5 x ___ = ____

Comments:

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

__________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Judge’s Signature 
56

MINE RESCUE DISCOUNTS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

Underground Interpretation 

Judge #2 

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

doors, regulators, barricades and other areas where 

conditions are unknown. When stops are made at the 

openings of crosscuts, intersections, or drifts turned off 

the drift that is being traveled, separate gas tests must 

be made across each entry within 25 feet of the rear 

captain’s position. No place shall be passed without first 

checking the condition of that place. That is, if a room 

is turned from the entry, that room shall be checked 

before examining the entry beyond the opening. This 

does not necessarily hold true in cases of entries. In 

cases of entries turned from the entry being traveled, it 

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

many things must be taken into consideration in making 

the choice. However, all places must be checked before 

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

passed an opening or intersection when the No. 5 

member is past the opening. All areas that have been 

cleared of smoke and toxic or dangerous gases that the 

teams elect to travel through must be rechecked prior 

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

where the ventilation has been changed, teams shall 

make gas tests (rib-to-rib) at all openings along the 

route they travel.

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

procedure when testing includes the location of the 

instrument when testing or using a gas detection 

device beyond its limits or range. For example, a 

methane detector must be held overhead when testing 

because methane (CH4) is light and will be found in 

high places near the back or roof. Nitrogen dioxide 

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

concentrations along the floor and in low places. 

Therefore, this test must be made with the tester below 

the waist. Carbon monoxide (CO) is slightly lighter than 

air so this test must be made at chest height. 
57

 3. Self-explanatory.

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

working the problem.

 5. Teams traveling obviously faster than a normal walk 

(both judges must concur on this) shall be discounted.

 6. Do not hesitate to assess this discount; however, 

explain and name unauthorized person on discount 

card and state instructions given, if known.

 7. Self-explanatory.

 8. The No. 5 member may move from side to side to give 

captain more area when team is connected by the team 

line as long as he/she does not pull or give line. All 

team members must hold or be attached to the team 

line 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.

 9. Stoppings, doors, regulators, and barricades require 

construction of temporary stoppings by a team before a 

team may make openings in the pre-existing stoppings, 

doors, etc. Doors shall not be opened without prior 

knowledge of the effects of the mine ventilation system, 

unless a temporary stopping has been erected. 

Regulators shall not be opened without prior knowledge 

of the effects of the mine ventilation system, unless a 

temporary regulator has been erected. This does not 

apply to existing check curtains used to direct the air 

current. When retreating out of a barricade or coming 

back through a stopping where an air lock has been 

erected, it will not be necessary to air lock on the way 

out, if this will not change any existing ventilation.

10. During a ventilation change, a curtain that directs 

airflow is required to be upgraded to a temporary 

barricade, seal, or stopping and must be fastened at 

top and sides.

11. 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 
58

base attendant by approved communication devices 

available, and the fresh air base attendant must inform 

the official in charge before changing ventilation 

or electric power. Informing the official in charge of 

the fresh air base does not relieve the team of the 

responsibility of their decision.

12. Survivor must be secured to stretcher by at least two 

bandages or straps, one around trunk of body and one 

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

to crimp air hoses. (Hands of unconscious person must 

be secured.)

13. The maximum discount (4) will be assessed for each 

patient, as follows: 

a. This will be based on a rapid head-to-toe 

assessment of the patient as described in the 

Tenth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical 

Responder – First on the Scene,” Chapter 13.

b. If injuries are found on any patient, treatment will 

be administered per the appropriate chapter in the 

 Tenth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical 

Responder – First on the Scene.”

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

approved 4-hour oxygen breathing apparatus and/or an 

approved 1-hour oxygen-generating unit. If a survivor is 

unconscious, an approved oxygen breathing apparatus 

equipped with a full face-piece must be used. However, 

if a survivor is found and is wearing an approved 1 hour 

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

device, the team will not be required to replace it with 

one of the above mentioned units unless the SCSR has 

been depleted.

15. Applies to person sitting up unassisted or moving arms 

so as to help in putting on apparatus. (Only applies 

if person is member of the team and not an MSHA 

employee.)
59

MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Team Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.:_______________________________________ 

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________ 

Judge #1 Surface: __________________________

 Underground: _____________________

Judge #2 Surface: __________________________

 Underground: _____________________

Written Test: _____________________________________

Map: ___________________________________________

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

Total Discounts

Excluding average time: ____________________________

Time Review Completed: ___________________________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

_____________________ _____________________

 Team Captain Review Judge 
60

MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Written Examination Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________

Draw Number: ___________________________________

 Discounts 

For each incorrect answer for each person

(1 discount)

No. 1 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 2 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 3 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 4 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 5 person 1 x ____ = _____

No. 6 person 1 x ____ = _____ 

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

Note:

Total Discounts is the aggregate sum of the six best 

test scores (tests with least amount of discounts). For 

teams with only six members, Total Discounts will 

include the aggregate sum of all six test scores.

________________________ Total Discounts ________ 

 Judge’s Signature 
61

MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Map Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________

Draw Number: ___________________________________

Discounts

Team Map:

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

 2. Not recording information accurately

on map (within 6 feet of actual

location measured from the center

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

Fresh Air Base Map:

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

 2. Not recording information accurately

on map (within 6 feet of actual

location measured from the center

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

_________________________ Total Discounts ______ 

 Map Examiner’s Signature
62

MINE RESCUE FIELD COMPETITION

Time Discount Summary Sheet

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________

Draw Number: ___________________________________ 

 Total Time 

Total time will be rounded off to the next 

highest minute. (Total average time will also 

be rounded off to the next highest minute.) ________ 

 Discounts 

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

________________________ Total Discounts _______

 Timekeeper’s Signature
63

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

 1. The Technician Team Competition will be held in a 

simulated mine rescue station and may consist of 

benching one self-contained breathing apparatus (which 

will be assembled) and at least one multi-gas instrument 

to ensure the field readiness of the team. Thus, with this 

practical approach at the conclusion of the competition, 

the technician team’s mine rescue team will be prepared 

to go underground and conduct a successful mine 

rescue mission. 

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

8-person mine rescue team. Persons competing in the 

Technician Team Competition cannot be members of the 

first aid team.

 3. Registration will be made with the team registration.

 4. The Technician Team Competition will be held at 

designated location in conjunction with the first aid 

competition. Contestants will remain in isolation until 

they finish the Technician Team Competition or they will 

be disqualified.

 5. For the purposes of identification, participants of 

the Technician Team Competition must be dressed 

uniformly, complete with team.

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

be started. The technician team may work together or 

separately to complete the required tasks.

 7. At the simulated mine rescue station, the technician 

team will be provided with one breathing apparatus 

(designated by each team at the time of registration) 

and at least one multi-gas instrument, equipment, tools, 

and supplies, as necessary to complete the problem. 

Only those tools, equipment, and supplies provided 

will be used by contestants to work the problem. It is 

imperative that each team provide the type and model 

of breathing apparatus that the team will be using during 

the field competition because the same type and model 

of breathing apparatus will be made available to the 

Technician Team at the “simulated mine rescue station” 

during the Technician Team competition. 
64

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

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

given by the judge when the time is about to expire. If 

the technician team has not completed the competition 

when time expires, the judges will stop their activities. 

They will be scored based on their discounts to that 

point, including: appropriate discounts for items missed; 

and appropriate discounts for necessary actions not 

taken by the technician team to complete the assigned 

task. 

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

appropriate discounts.

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

intentionally disturb or destroy any component on a 

competition field will immediately be assessed a 100 

point discount. Repeated offense may result in team 

disqualification at the discretion of the Contest Director.

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

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

review, both the judges and the technician team will 

sign the appropriate judge’s scorecard in the spaces 

provided. 

12. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, 

and news media approved by the Contest Director will 

be permitted in the technician team simulated mine 

rescue station. A separate area will be provided for 

spectators to observe the teams during competition. 

13. A predetermined amount of trophies will be awarded for 

the Technician Team Competition. These will include 

separate trophies for the teams using Draeger BG-4 

apparatuses and those teams using Biomarine BioPak 

240R/S apparatuses.

The combined total discounts of the written tests 

and the individual segments of the competition will 

determine the winners. In the event of a tie, the written 

test scores will determine the winner. The total time will 

be the second tie-breaker. The winning teams will be 

announced during the banquet.
65

WRITTEN TEST

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

will be administered in isolation. The technician team 

tests will be included at this same time. The written 

test will consist of thirty (30) multiple choice questions, 

including:

a. Ten (10) questions from MSHA Publication 3027

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

 Rescue Training”): Module 2 – Mine Gases and 

 Module 3 – Ventilation.

b. Ten (10) questions concerning the breathing 

 apparatus used by the Technician Team’s mine 

 rescue team, as declared on the contest 

 registration form. 

 For those teams using Draeger BG-4 apparatuses,

test questions will be taken from Draeger Safety, 

 Inc.’s “PSS BG 4 Service Manual” – P/N 4057781, 

 Revision O, Serial No. ERXE-F001. 

 For those teams using Biomarine BioPak 240S 

apparatuses, test questions will be taken from: 

 the BioPak 240S User Instruction Manual, 

 Document A46D029, Revision F; the Benchman 

 Instruction Manual, Document A46D030, Revision 

 L; and applicable BioPak 240 Benchman/User

 Quizzes.

 For those teams using Biomarine BioPak 240R 

apparatuses, test questions will be taken from: the 

 BioPak 240R User Instructions, Document 

 A47D134, Revision K; the Benchman Manual, 

 Document A47D135, Revision M; and the current 

 BioPak 240R User (Document A47D264, Revision 

 C) and Benchman (Document A47265, Revision D) 

 Quizzes.

c. Ten (10) questions concerning the MX6 iBrid multigas instrument used by the Technician Team’s mine 

rescue team. Questions will be taken from the 

Industrial Scientific Corporation’s “MX6 iBrid 

 Multigas Monitor Operation Guide” – Edition 17 

(P/N 17130279-1), dated August 10, 2018. 
66

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

each incorrect or unanswered question. Any alterations 

to the test questions or answers will be determined to 

be incorrect by the test judge and discounts assessed.

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

qualified judges.

4. In special circumstances, individual team members 

may be given an oral test by one or more judges in 

lieu of a written test. Requests for consideration shall 

be presented to the Contest Director at the time of 

registration. All other team members will take the test at 

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

the meaning of questions, but may explain a word or 

words in the questions.

JUDGES

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

Director.

 2. Judges must stand clear of team members.

 3. Prior to the competition, judges will ensure that 

the team’s breathing apparatus(es), multi-gas 

instrument(s), and communications system contain only 

the deficiencies as per the planned problem. 

 4. When unplanned deficiencies are encountered, judges 

will stop the clock, instruct the technician team to turn 

their backs to their respective area, at which time the 

judge will correct the unplanned deficiencies. Judges 

shall instruct the technician team that upon turning back 

to their area, the clock will restart. If the deficiencies are 

caused by either team member, the clock will not be 

stopped.

APPEALS

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

will be notified to report to the area designated for 

30-minute looks. A schedule will be posted near the 

30-minute look location. The technician team and 

team trainer will have thirty (30) minutes to review the 

judges’ scorecards and the team’s written test scores. 
67

At the conclusion of the 30-minute look, the technician 

team and/or trainer may submit a written appeal for 

any discount received to the person in charge of the 

review. Written appeals are not to exceed one page 

for any discount assessed and will be forwarded to the 

Technician Team Appeals Committee. No additional 

appeals will be accepted after the 30-minute look.

 2. Documentation (contest rules and other documents used 

in the contest) supporting the appeal will be accepted. 

Any protest(s) will be considered by the Technician Team 

Appeals Committee. A discount summary sheet will be 

used to list the discounts. All discounts except time will 

be listed and totaled. Both the technician team and the 

review judge will sign the team discount summary sheet 

to certify they have reviewed the discounts and verified 

the totals (See page 95). All appeals will be considered 

by the committee and their decision will be binding and 

final. 

DISCOUNTS

 1. Discounts will not be added to the technician team 

score once the judges have signed their discount sheets 

following a review with team members. This does not 

preclude changes due to administrative errors or a 

misapplication of a rule.

 2. Technician Teams will not be discounted more than 

once for any one mistake in the same segment of the 

competition where such mistake may qualify under more 

than one discount. Judges will confer and assess the 

highest single discount.
68

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

TEAM EQUIPMENT CHECKS/PREPARATION

GENERAL RULES

 1. The technician team must make necessary checks 

of multi-gas instruments (see Multi-Gas Instrument 

Checks/Problem Diagnosis) and self-contained 

breathing apparatuses (see Apparatus Checks/Problem 

Diagnosis) for proper working condition. These checks 

must be within the manufacturer’s specified limits. 

The extra breathing apparatus must also be tested 

accordingly.

 2. Faulty equipment must be repaired or replaced. If 

replacements or replacement parts are not available, 

these items can be requested from the respective 

judges.

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

breathing apparatus and multi-gas instruments) must 

be MSHA-approved and bear an MSHA Approval 

sticker where applicable.
69

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CHECKS/PROBLEM

DIAGNOSIS

GENERAL RULES

 1. The technician team must be familiar with the 

respective multi-gas instrument manufacturer’s 

operations manual, handbook, and/or instructional 

videos. (Note: these videos may be found on the 

individual manufacturers’ websites).

 2. For Contest purposes, multi-gas instruments used 

by the teams during the field and technician team 

competitions must include at least one instrument that 

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

Gas testing proficiency will be conducted during the 

multi-gas instrument portion of the competition. At the 

simulated mine rescue station, the team will find a gas 

box (gas cylinder and tubing) containing an “unknown” 

mixture of gases. Each mine rescue team will need 

to provide their own multi-gas instrument and will be 

expected to report all required concentrations within 

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

 3. The multi-gas instrument(s) given to the technician 

team may have multiple bugs or problems consisting of 

any of the following but not limited to:

a. Missing and/or needed sensors 

b. Failed sensors

c. Mis-calibrated sensors

d. Dead or incorrect batteries

e. Incorrect alarm and calibration points

f. Missing parts

g. Defective parts

 4. The technician team will be expected to evaluate the 

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

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

and check for proper action level alarm set points. 

During this process, the technician team may need to 

reconfigure the instrument(s) to complete these tasks. 
70

 5. The technician team may return to correct any 

uncorrected deficiencies at any time within the time 

limit. 

 6. Twenty (20) discount points per alarm point will be 

assessed for any incorrectly set alarms.

 7. Twenty (20) discount points will be assessed for each 

instance of incorrect procedure or equipment use 

during calibration.

 8. No discounts will be assessed for replacing nondeficient sensors, as long as the resulting calibration(s) 

and alarm points are correct. 

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

incorrect gas concentration identified when the team’s 

instrument is subjected to the “unknown” gas mixture, 

as follows:

(1) Oxygen readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 0.5% by volume;

(2) Methane readings are considered to be correct if 

within plus or minus 0.2% by volume (LEL readings 

are not acceptable);

(3) Carbon Monoxide readings are considered to be 

correct if within plus or minus 10% of the actual 

value present; and

(4) Nitrogen Dioxide readings are considered to be 

correct if within plus or minus 3 ppm of the actual 

value present. 

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

(bug) not corrected.

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

assembled, operating, and properly configured within 

the allowed time. If the team technician does not leave 

the instrument(s) in this “ready-for-use” condition, a five 

(5) point discount will be assessed.

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

with the peaks cleared.
71

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

MULTI-GAS INSTRUMENT CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Judges’ Scorecard

Technician Team: _________________________________

Company Name: __________________________________ 

Team Name: _____________________________________

Draw Number: ___________________________________ 

Total Time: _________________ 

Bench Problem

 Alarm Points

Sensor Reqd. Set Comments Discounts

O2 Low 19.5 _______ ____________ ______

 High 23.5 _______ ____________ ______

CH4 Low 1.0 _______ ____________ ______

 High 1.5 _______ ____________ ______

CO Low 50 _______ ____________ ______

 High 100 _______ ____________ ______

NO2 Low 3.0 _______ ____________ ______

 High 5.0 _______ ____________ ______

Toxic:

____ Low ___ _______ ____________ ______

 High ___ _______ ____________ ______

Additional Discounts:

Functional (Bump) Test Not Performed, if required -

 20 discounts, each infraction ______

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

 5 discounts (total) ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 5 x _____ = ______

 Comments: _______________________________________ 

Each instance of incorrect procedure or equipment use

during calibration of instrument - 20 discounts, 

each infraction 20 x _____ = ______

 Comments: ______________________________________ 

“Unknown” gas mixture concentration not identified:

O2 Concentration - Bottle _______ % Team Found ______% 

CH4 Concentration - Bottle _______ % Team Found ______%

CO Concentration - Bottle _______ ppm Team Found _____ ppm

NO2 Concentration - Bottle _______ ppm Team Found _____ ppm

 15 discounts, each gas: 15 x _____ = ______

Judge ________________________ Total discounts: ______

Judge _______________________
72

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

APPARATUS CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

GENERAL RULES

 1. The technician team must be familiar with the 

respective self-contained breathing apparatus 

manufacturer’s service manual.

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

fully assembled self-contained breathing apparatus, 

an apparatus tester, defogging solution, leak detector 

fluid, and all parts necessary to complete the problem. 

Only tools, apparatus, and testing equipment provided 

by the judge will be used by the technician team to 

work the problem. Bugs used in the competition will be 

consistent with all models of breathing apparatuses.

 3. Checks must be performed in order as prescribed 

by the manufacturer and recorded. If and when 

deficiencies are encountered, the technician team must 

call out to the judge and properly correct and record 

any and all deficiencies. Visuals can be performed at 

any time.

 4. The technician team may return to correct any 

uncorrected deficiencies within the thirty (30) minute 

time limit.

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

there will be a one-time discount of five (5) points 

assessed.

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

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

located. Once deficiency is corrected, the technician 

team must return to the point of deficiency and repeat 

all test steps in proper order.

 7. If checks are performed incorrectly, checks will be 

discounted as not performed.

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

deficiency not found.
73

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

not corrected.

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

check not performed.

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

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

point discount assessed for each infraction.

12. For completion, the self-contained breathing apparatus 

must be assembled with hoses connected to the 

face piece and attached to the apparatus. If the team 

technician does not leave the apparatus in this “readyfor-use” condition, a five (5) point discount will be 

assessed. This rule addressing “ready for use” criteria 

is self-explanatory and specific. Contestants must 

ensure that all apparatuses found at the “simulated 

mine rescue stations” are left in this condition before 

the thirty (30) minute time limit expires. Any deviation 

or omission will result in a five (5) point discount.
74
75

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS
76

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Judges’ Scorecard

Apparatus Serial #

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Low Pressure Alarm

(Negative Pressure 

Warning)

Inhalation Valve

Exhalation Valve

Drain Valve

Positive Pressure 

Leak

Relief Valve

Constant Metering 

(Dosage)

Minimum Valve

Bypass Valve

Residual Warning

Battery Check

Test OK (initials)

Replacement Parts

Ready for Use

Total Time: ________

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

 Corrected

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Bug _________

Summary of Discounts

Required check not performed: 

5 discounts x ______ = ______

Checks out of order: 

5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected: 

 5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”:

 5 discounts (total) ______

Any team whose member(s) 

intentionally disturb or destroy any 

component on a competition field 

will immediately be assessed this 

discount. Repeated offense may 

result in team disqualification at the 

discretion of the Contest Director.

100 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts _________

Judge _____________________

Judge _____________________
77

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION 

BENCHMAN’S CONTEST - DRAEGER BG-4

CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Problems Found Corrected

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______
78

TESTING PROCEDURE

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

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

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

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

 Reusable.

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

 Hoses

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

 Warning Pumping activation should sound

 at 1.25 and/or 1.4 mbar.

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

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

 gauge.

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

Pumping 10 mbar indicated on

 gauge.

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

Pumping indicated on gauge.

Fit sealing cap over tappet

 of relief valve as bag

 inflated.

Drain valve must not

 open at 10 mbar.

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

 Pressure should not

 change by more than

 1 mbar in 1 minute.

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

Pumping opens. 

Opening pressure should

 lie between 2 & 5 mbar.

(Alternate Relief Valve Test, can be performed after Step 13.)
79

TESTER

STEP SETTING PROCEDURE HINTS

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

Pumping breathing bag.

Fit sealing cap over

 tappet of relief valve.

Dosage Constant metering

.05 - 2 L/min dosage should lie

 between 1.5 and 

 1.9 L/min.

12. Minimum Valve Neg. Pres. Pump slowly until

Pumping minimum valve is 

 opening. 

Minimum valve should

 open between 0.1 and

 2.5 mbar.

13. Bypass Valve Leak Test Press red button. 

Breathing bag inflates.

 (Alternate Relief Valve Test) Observe reading on Rz,

 relief valve should open

 between 2 and 5 mbar.

14. Low Close cylinder valve.

Pressure Warning sounds at 700 

Warning psi.

15. Battery If Failing:

Check Alarm sounds 5 times.

 Red indicator flashes

 for 30 sec.

 Bat is displayed.

(Note – Battery check is performed when shutting off the sentinel by observing the indicator. Black battery is sufficient, battery indicator with “1” indicates four (4) hours left on battery, 

and “2” means change battery immediately.)
80

PROCEDURES FOR “HIGH PRESSURE LEAK TEST”

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

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

pressure must be greater than 2600 psi/165 bar.

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

will appear on the display unit approximately 3 seconds 

after opening the cylinder valve and successful 

completion of the battery test.

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

valve.

 d. After approximately 35 seconds if the apparatus is 

O.K.:

 i. Alarm sounds once

 ii. Green indicator flashes

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

 cylinder valve.

 e. The high-pressure leak test has been completed 

successfully.

i. Keep cylinder valve closed.

The “automatic battery test” is performed, before 

switching off.

 f. Afterward, attach the facepiece to the hoses and the 

unit is now in a “ready to use” condition.

For the Draeger BG-4 with Sentinel:

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

psi, otherwise the Sentinel will not carry out the test.

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

cylinder valve” appears on the display, the backlight 

is on, and a double alarm beep sounds when the 

pressure is greater than 2600 psi/165 bar.

 c. Close the cylinder valve.

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

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

the backlight is on, and the countdown process of the 

bar graph continues. The high pressure leak test has 

been passed successfully. 
81

 e. Keep the cylinder valve closed.

Remove the sealing cap. Wait until the Sentinel shows 

0 psi/0bar pressure.

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

 g. Switching off the Sentinel

 i. Simultaneously press the right and the left 

hand button until a sharp audible “bleep” 

sounds.

 ii. Release buttons.

 iii. For 3 seconds the Sentinel shows the battery

status.

 iv. Sentinel switches off.

 h. Afterward, attach the facepiece to the hoses and the 

unit is now in a “ready to use” condition. 
82

PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN 

DRAEGER BG-4 BREATHING APPARATUS 

Procedures for getting under oxygen:

 1. Prior to donning the apparatus, make sure a filled 

cylinder, a fresh soda lime pack, and an ice block 

for the breathing air cooler are installed. Don the 

apparatus and adjust the harness and belt.

 2. Don the facepiece by spreading the head harness 

with hands; put chin into chin support and pull 

harness over the head. Tighten the chin straps 

first, then the temple straps, and then the top 

head strap. The facepiece must be sufficiently 

tight on the face to prevent leakage of the 

breathing air which could shorten the duration of 

the apparatus.

 3. Open cylinder valve fully.

 4. Check the digital pressure gauge to see that a 

sufficient oxygen supply remains. The green LED 

light should be displayed. Press the by-pass valve 

to check the by-pass valve operation.

 5. Check the facepiece tightness by tightly closing 

both breathing hoses and inhaling. The facepiece 

should collapse against the face, indicating there 

are no leaks.

 6. Each team member and apparatus should be 

rechecked by the team captain. The team captain 

and apparatus should be rechecked by a team 

member. 

Items to be checked prior to going underground 

and at 20 minute intervals:

 1. Visually check apparatus.

 2. Check pressure gauge.

 3. Question member as to member’s ability to 

continue. 
83

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R/240S

BREATHING APPARATUS
84

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240R

Judges’ Scorecard

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Problems Found Corrected

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

Summary of Discounts

Required check not performed: 

 5 discounts x ______ = ______

Checks out of order: 

 5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

 15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected:

 5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

 10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”: 

 5 discounts (total) ______

Any team whose member(s) 

intentionally disturb or destroy any 

component on a competition field 

will immediately be assessed this 

discount. Repeated offense may 

result in team disqualification at the 

discretion of the Contest Director.

100 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts _________

Apparatus Serial #

Test Date

Visual Inspection

Constant Flow Test 

1.6 – 2.4

Low Pressure Leak 

Test

RMS Gauge & 

TRIM System 

Check

Plumbing High 

Pressure Leak Test

Ready for Use

Judge _____________________

Judge _____________________
85

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240S

Judges’ Scorecard

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Problems Found Corrected

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

 Bug _________

Summary of Discounts

Required check not performed: 

 5 discounts x ______ = ______

Checks out of order: 

 5 discounts (total) _______

Deficiency (bug) not found: 

 15 discounts x ______ = ______

Deficiency (bug) not corrected:

 5 discounts x ______ = ______

Sucking/Blowing Valves: 

 10 discounts x ______ = ______

Apparatuses not “Ready for Use”: 

 5 discounts (total) ______

Any team whose member(s) 

intentionally disturb or destroy any 

component on a competition field 

will immediately be assessed this 

discount. Repeated offense may 

result in team disqualification at the 

discretion of the Contest Director.

100 discounts (total) ______

Total Discounts _________

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 _____________________

 Total Time = __________
86

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

BIOMARINE CHECKS/PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

BIOPAK 240R/240S

Technician Team’s Blank Testing Card

Team No. _______________

Technician(s) _____________

Company ________________ 

Problems Found Corrected

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

Bug _______

TEST PROCEDURES
87

TESTING PROCEDURE

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R

BREATHING APPARATUS

 STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS

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

 Inspection BioPak 240R for worn, loose

 or missing parts, and parts

 that could fail under use.

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

 Test to the constant flow line.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Flow should be 1.6 – 2.4 LPM. 

 (+10% at elevations above 

 2000 ft)

3. Low Pressure Leak Test Connect leak test kit/gauge

 Leak Test Kit/Gauge hoses

Two Test Insert two pressure test keys 

Keys into the holes in the back of 

 the unit and turn 1⁄4 turn to lock

 in place.

Open O2 cylinder valve,

 depress by-pass to inflate

 chamber.

Close cylinder valve. 

Depress by-pass to vent

 internal pressure. 

Vent pressure at test fixture

 until leak test kit/gauge

 reaches 6” - 8” water column.

Time for one minute, maximum 

 .2” drop.

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

 TRIM System RMS observe gauge and TRIM. 

 Check Listen for alarm horn,

 observe light sequence 

 (Red, Green, Blue) and verify 

 flashing Green.

 5. Plumbing Leak Tec Install fully charged

 High Pressure oxygen cylinder.

 Leak Test Open O2 cylinder valve.

 

Check each plumbing

 joint with Leak Tec.
88

TESTING PROCEDURE

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240S

BREATHING APPARATUS

 STEP EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE HINTS

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

 Inspection BioPak 240S for worn, loose 

 or missing parts, and parts 

 that could fail under use.

2. Plumbing Tongue Install fully charged cylinder

 High Pressure Depressor (minimum 2,700 psi).

 Leak Test Leak Tec Remove breathing chamber

 lid and CO2 scrubber.

Hold diaphragm away from

 demand valve with tongue

 depressor.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Check each plumbing joint

 with Leak Tec.

3. Constant Flow Tongue Slip the flowmeter over the 

 Test Depressor flow restrictor.

Flow Meter Hold diaphragm away from 

 demand valve with tongue

 depressor.

Open O2 cylinder valve.

Flow should be 1.6 – 2.4 

 LPM.(+10% at elevations

 above 2,000 feet)

4. Breathing Leak Test Connect leak test fixture

 System Leak Fixture to hoses.

 Test Pressure Insert pressure test key into

Test Knob the hole in the back of the 

 unit and turn 1⁄4 turn to lock

 in place.

Open O2 cylinder valve, depress

 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 

 pressure.
89

PROCEDURES FOR “HIGH PRESSURE LEAK TEST”

For the BioPak 240R:

a. Hold the pneumatic gauge in one hand and turn 

the unit by opening the oxygen cylinder. Verify 

that the pressure gauge reads between 2700 and 

3000 psi.

b. Observe gauge and TRIM light sequence, listen 

for Horn. When the 240R RMS finishes its battery 

test and horn test and then flashes green, the 

contestant may then turn off the oxygen cylinder 

and bleed the unit by depressing the bypass. This 

takes approximately 50-60 seconds to do this test 

due to the gauge line flow restrictor.

c. A successful test is one in which: 1) Oxygen does 

not leak out of the regulator; 2) Gauge goes to 

flow; 3) Proper RMS light sequence which ends 

up with a green light; and 4) Horn goes on and off.

d. Bleed the unit properly by depressing the bypass.

e. Afterward, attach the facepiece to the hoses and 

the unit is now in a “ready to use” condition.

For the BioPak 240S:

a. Hold the pressure gauge in one hand and turn 

on the unit by opening the oxygen cylinder. Verify 

that the pressure gauge reads between 2700 and 

3000 psi.

b. Observe gauge and listen for whistle. When the 

gauge reaches full (it takes a BioPak 240S gauge 

to reach full in 50-60 seconds due to the gauge 

line flow restrictor) and the contestant hears the 

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

cylinder and bleed the unit by properly depressing 

the bypass.
90

c. A successful test is one in which: 1) Oxygen does 

not leak out of the regulator when the cylinder 

is opened; 2) Gauge goes to full; and 3) Whistle 

goes on and off.

d. Bleed the unit properly by depressing the bypass.

e. Afterward, attach the facepiece to the hoses and 

the unit is now in a “ready to use” condition. 
91

PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240R BREATHING

APPARATUS

Procedures for getting under oxygen:

Pre-Use Inspection 

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

Turn-Around Maintenance Tag attached to 

harness (date less than one year old). Before 

donning the apparatus install frozen Ice Canisters, 

wet sponges, secure lid.

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

condition, prior to donning the apparatus, 

complete the Turn Around maintenance 

procedures as outlined in the BioPak 240R 

Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision I, wet 

sponges and install the CO2 absorbent cartridges 

(Cartridges dated within three years). Install a 

frozen Coolant Canister, secure lid. 

Donning, Getting under Oxygen

1. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, 

buckle and adjust waist strap, connect and adjust 

chest strap.

2. Attach facemask to hose adapter and lock in 

place.

3. Place facemask harness over head, center chin in 

chin cup, hold facemask to face and snug bottom 

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

and then the top (head) strap (if supplied). Turn 

on oxygen cylinder. A poor facemask seal will 

cause a significant decrease in duration.

4. Perform negative pressure check by collapsing 

the inhalation hose and inhaling. If the mask 

collapses in on your face, mask fit is good and 

exhalation valve is OK.
92

5. Perform positive pressure check by collapsing the 

exhalation hose and exhaling. If the mask pushes 

away from face, mask fit is good and inhalation 

valve is OK.

6. Completely open the oxygen cylinder all the way.

7. Inspect Chest gauge minimum 3000 psi and TRIM 

flashing Green. 

8. The team captain should recheck each team 

member and apparatus. A team member should 

recheck the team captain and apparatus.

Items to be checked before going underground 

and at 20-minute intervals.

1. Visually check apparatus.

2. Check chest mounted pressure gauge.

3. Question member as to member’s ability to 

continue.
93

PROCEDURES FOR GETTING UNDER OXYGEN

BIOMARINE BIOPAK 240S BREATHING

APPARATUS

Procedures for getting under oxygen:

Pre-Use Inspection

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

Turn-Around Maintenance Tag attached to oxygen 

cylinder valve (date less than one year old). 

Before donning the apparatus install frozen Gel 

Tube Insert into cooling canister, secure lid.

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

condition, prior to donning the apparatus, 

complete the periodic long term maintenance 

procedures as outlined in the BioPak 240S 

Benchman Instruction Manual, Revision K. Fill 

and install the CO2 absorbent canister (LimePak 

dated within one year). Install a frozen Gel Tube 

Insert into cooling canister, secure lid. 

Donning, Getting under Oxygen

1. Don the apparatus, tighten shoulder straps, 

buckle and adjust waist strap, connect and adjust 

chest strap.

2. Place facemask harness over head, center chin 

in chin cup, hold facemask to face and snug 

bottom (chin) straps first, then the upper (temple) 

straps, and then the top (head) strap. Turn on 

oxygen cylinder. A poor facemask seal will cause 

a significant decrease in duration.

3. Perform negative pressure check by blocking the 

inhalation port with hand and inhaling. If the mask 

collapses in on your face, mask fit is good and 

exhalation valve is OK.
94

4. Perform positive pressure check by covering the 

exhalation port with hand and exhaling. If mask 

pushes away from face; mask fit is good and 

inhalation valve is OK.

Option: If hoses are connected to the facepiece 

prior to donning.

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

b. Open cylinder valve fully counterclockwise 

and back 1/4 turn. Note whistle chirp.

c. Perform negative pressure check by pinching 

off the inhalation hose and inhaling. If the 

mask collapses in on your face, mask fit is 

good and exhalation valve is OK.

d. Perform positive pressure check pinching off 

the exhalation hose and exhaling. If mask 

pushes away from face, mask fit is good and 

inhalation valve is OK.

5. Check chest-mounted pressure gauge, 2700 – 

3000 psi within one minute.

6. 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.
95

TECHNICIAN TEAM COMPETITION

Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.: ______________________________________ 

Company Name: _________________________________

Technician Team: _________________________________ 

Multi-Gas Instrument Checks/Problem Diagnosis 

 Discounts: ____________

Apparatus Checks/Problem Diagnosis

 Discounts: ____________

Written Test Discounts: ____________

 Total Discounts: ___________

 Time to Complete Problem: ___________

 Time Review Completed: ___________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed

above.

_______________________ ______________________

 Technician Review Judge

_______________________ ______________________

 Technician Review Judge 
96

FIRST AID COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

 1. 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 Judge that they must leave the station.

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

supplies needed to complete the problem unless 

specified by the contest coordinator that the supplies 

will be available at a specific station.

 3. All injuries presented during the problem will be created 

using Moulage to be as realistic as possible. No tape, 

tattoos, or photos describing the injury will be used. 

All material used to solve the first aid problem will be 

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

prospective station.

 4. If required by the problem, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with an AED and rescue breathing will 

only be performed on a manikin.

 5. Any team found committing an act that will endanger 

the patient will receive fifty (50) discounts for each 

infraction.

 6. Team members must wear an approved protective hat, 

identification tag, safety shoes, permissible cap lamps, 

self-rescuer, and safety glasses.

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

intentionally disturb or destroy any component on a 

competition field will immediately be assessed a 100 

point discount. Repeated offense may result in team 

disqualification at the discretion of the Contest Director.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 

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

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.
97

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

8-person mine rescue team.

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

their team is called. Teams will receive a briefing on 

the problem scenario when they arrive at the first aid 

station.

 5. If participating teams need additional help, such as 

transporting or moving a patient, help will be provided 

by contest officials. 

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

aid station.

 7. Judges will be assigned specific tasks to be scored 

prior to the judging and will record their findings on a 

specific scoring card issued prior to the contest.

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

 9. There will be one first aid station, including:

a. Patient assessment, control of bleeding, physical 

shock, wounds, burns, scalds, musculoskeletal 

injuries, and transportation.

b. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with an AED

and Artificial Respiration may be incorporated into 

the problem. 

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

will be started.

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

scoring sheets for tie breaker purposes.

12. Judges will not discuss any first aid problem with 

contestant teams unless there are technical problems.

13. Only judges, contest officials, escorted photographers, 

and news media approved by the contest director will 

be permitted in the first aid station. A separate area will 

be provided for spectators to observe the teams during 

competition.

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

held to discuss officials’ and judges’ assignments and 

training. All personnel who will be officiating during the 

contest shall attend this meeting.

15. The Tenth Edition of Brady “Emergency Medical 

Responder – First on the Scene” (Chapters: 3, 4, 6, 

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 
98

and 27), and the current American Heart Association 

Heartsaver CPR guidelines are authorized for reference 

and guidance. 

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

for reference purposes during the working of the 

problem.

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

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

will be required.

18. Liquids applied for the purposes of washing eyes, 

moistening dressings, and rinsing contaminated skin 

may be simulated. All dressings and splints must be 

placed properly.

19. Team members are not allowed to leave the working 

area to obtain materials for the problem.

20. Rough treatment of patient is not allowed.

21. If a tourniquet is required in First Aid problem, do

not secure tightly. Upon proper application of the 

tourniquet, bleeding will be considered controlled and 

acknowledged by the judge. 

22. Assistance in treatment from a supposedly unconscious 

patient is not allowed.

23. Teams failing to complete the problem in the specified 

time will be discounted.

24. A predetermined amount of trophies will be awarded for 

the First Aid Competition based on the best cumulative 

team scores (least amount of discounts). In the event of 

a tie, the first tie breaker will be scores on written test, 

and the second tie breaker will be total time on field 

scores. The winning teams will be announced during 

the banquet.

WRITTEN TEST

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

will be administered in isolation. The first aid test will 

be included at this same time. The written test will 

consist of thirty (30) multiple choice questions. The 

questions will be taken from the Tenth Edition of Brady 

“Emergency Medical Responder – First on the Scene” 

(Chapters: 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 

19, 20, 21, 22, and 27), and the current American Heart 
99

Association Heartsaver CPR guidelines. The contestants 

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

or unanswered question. Any alterations to the test 

questions or answers will be determined to be incorrect 

by the test judge and discounts assessed.

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

qualified judges.

 3. In special circumstances, individual team members 

may be given an oral exam by one or more judges in 

lieu of a written exam. Requests for consideration shall 

be presented to the Contest Director at the time of 

registration. All other team members will take the test at 

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

the meaning of questions, but may explain a word or 

words in the questions.

APPEALS

 1. Upon completion of the examination of the patient by 

the judges, the team will be informed of any infractions 

regarding treatment while at the station. The team will be 

permitted to verbally appeal any infractions either with 

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

judge will make the final decision until an appeal can be 

filed by the team.

 2. During the verbal appeal process, all questionable 

splints/dressings must remain intact until any verbal 

appeal is resolved. If any questionable splints/dressings 

are removed or altered by the team prior to being 

resolved, the appeal will not be allowed.

 3. At the conclusion of the competition, the team members 

will be instructed to report to the area designated for 

30-minute looks. A schedule will be posted near the 

30-minute look location. The first aid team and team 

trainer will have thirty (30) minutes to review the judges’ 

scorecards and the team’s written test scores. At the 

conclusion of the 30-minute look, the first aid team and/

or trainer may submit a written appeal for any discount 

received to the person in charge of the review. Written 
100

appeals are not to exceed one page for any discount 

assessed and will be forwarded to the First Aid Appeals 

Committee. No additional appeals will be accepted 

after the 30-minute look.

 4. Documentation (contest rules and other documents 

used in the contest) supporting the appeal will be 

accepted. Any protest(s) will be considered by the First 

Aid Appeals Committee. A discount summary sheet will 

be used to list the discounts. All discounts except time 

will be listed and totaled. Both the first aid team and 

the review judge will sign the team discount summary 

sheet to certify they have reviewed the discounts and 

verified the totals (See page 102). All appeals will be 

considered by the committee and their decision will be 

binding and final.

DISCOUNTS

 1. Discounts will not be added to the team score 

once the judges have signed their discount sheets 

following a review with team members. This does not 

preclude changes due to administrative errors or a 

misapplication of a rule.

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

one mistake in the same problem where such mistake 

may qualify under more than one discount. Judges will 

confer and assess the highest single discount. 

 3. Teams will be additionally discounted for repetition of 

the same mistakes in the same problem. For example; 

improper bandaging on two separate wounds (2 times 

the appropriate discount), three granny knots (3 times 

the appropriate discount), etc.

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

problem calls for, unless it is detrimental to the patient 

or improper care.

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

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

contest, judges will not improvise a discount to cover 

the suspected violation. 
101

FIRST AID COMPETITION

Judges’ Discount Card

Patient Assessment, Control of Bleeding, Physical 

Shock, Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns, Musculoskeletal 

Injuries, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with 

AED, Rescue Breathing, and Transportation

Team Team

Name: _________________ Number: _______________

Team Members: Captain _______________________

 __________________________

 __________________________

Date: _________ Time to Complete Problem: __________

A. Patient Assessment

 Primary Assessment Discounts

 1. Not checking accident scene to

ensure personal safety 5 x ___ = ___

 2. Not taking body substance

isolation (BSI) precautions

(glasses, gloves and CPR barrier) 15 x ___ = ___

 3. Not administering patient

assessment 25 x ___ = ___

 4. Not assessing responsiveness/

mental status 1 x ___ = ___

 5. Not assessing breathing – look,

listen, feel 10 x ___ = ___

 6. Not managing injuries 

compromising breathing/ventilation 1 x ___ = ___

 7. Not stabilizing head if spinal

injury is suspected 2 x ___ = ___

 8. Not assuring adequate ventilation 1 x ___ = ___

 9. Not checking carotid pulse 10 x ___ = ___

10. Improperly checking for a pulse 2 x ___ = ___

11. Not visibly checking for profuse

bleeding – state to judge that you

are looking for bleeding 10 x ___ = ___

12. Not managing injuries

compromising circulation 2 x ___ = ___
102

 Discounts

13. Not doing primary assessment in

proper sequence 15 x ___ = ___

Secondary Assessment

14. Not examining head (scalp, 

blood in hair, ears, etc.) 1 x ___ = ___

15. Not assessing facial area 1 x ___ = ___

16. Not assessing eyes 1 x ___ = ___

17. Not inspecting nose 1 x ___ = ___

18. Not inspecting mouth 1 x ___ = ___

19. Not examining neck 1 x ___ = ___

20. Not checking position of trachea 1 x ___ = ___

21. Not inspecting jugular veins for 

distention 1 x ___ = ___

22. Raising head if suspected spinal

injury exists 6 x ___ = ___

23. Not checking chest (placing

hand on chest) 2 x ___ = ___

24. Not gently feeling abdominal area 2 x ___ = ___

25. Not checking pelvic area for injury 2 x ___ = ___

26. Not checking genital area for

obvious injury 2 x ___ = ___

27. Not gently feeling under patient

(lower back) for injury 2 x ___ = ___

28. Not checking lower extremities

for injury 2 x ___ = ___

29. Not checking lower extremities

for paralysis 2 x ___ = ___

30. Not checking upper extremities

for injury 2 x ___ = ___

31. Not checking upper extremities

for paralysis 2 x ___ = ___ 

32. Not inspecting back 2 x ___ = ___

33. Not checking head-to-toe

(according to fundamentals) 2 x ___ = ___

34. Not checking medic alert

bracelets/necklace 2 x ___ = ___

35. Work other than taking support or

controlling bleeding during 

secondary survey 4 x ___ = ___
103

 Discounts

36. Not obtaining vital signs

(BP, pulse, respirations) 4 x ___ = ___

Patient Assessment Subtotal _______

B. Control of Bleeding Discounts

 1. Not controlling arterial bleeding

immediately 20 x ___ = ___

 2. Not applying direct pressure to

control arterial bleeding 20 x ___ = ___

 3. Failure to elevate extremity

to control bleeding (if no fracture

suspected) 4 x ___ = ___

4. Releasing direct or elevation

before bleeding is controlled 4 x ___ = ___

5. Elevating an extremity 

with fracture present 4 x ___ = ___

6. Not applying a tourniquet when 

direct pressure and elevation do

not control bleeding 10 x ___ = ___

7. Tourniquet – Ineffective application,

improperly applied or loosened

during problem 4 x ___ = ___

8. Applying tourniquets when not

required 4 x ___ = ___

9. Not giving any treatment for

internal bleeding 4 x ___ = ___

10. Bandages improperly applied 

(not entirely covered, wrong

location, method, or position

of knot, etc.) 2 x ___ = ___

11. Failure to reassess distal circulation

after bandaging extremities 4 x ___ = ___

12. Removing or attempting to

replace a dressing that is

applied directly to the wound 2 x ___ = ___

Control of Bleeding Subtotal _______
104

C. Physical Shock Discounts

 1. Not administering oxygen

per local protocols 2 x ___ = ___

 2. Not keeping patient in supine

position 1 x ___ = ___

 3. Not calming and reassuring

the patient 2 x ___ = ___

 4. Not maintaining a normal

body temperature 1 x ___ = ___

 5. Providing fluids or food

to the patient 4 x ___ = ___

 6. Not monitoring ABC’s and

vital signs 4 x ___ = ___

Physical Shock Subtotal _______

D. Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns Discounts

 1. Not applying dressing for wound

or burn (each) 8 x ___ = ___

 2. Not applying cover dressing 4 x ___ = ___

 3. Not using sterile gauze or sterile 

dressing 1 x ___ = ___

 4. Bandages improperly applied (not

entirely covered, wrong location,

method, or position of knot, etc.) 2 x ___ = ___

 5. Failure to place gauze between

fingers, toes, or back of ear

(when required) 2 x ___ = ___

 6. Not properly treating an impaled object 2 x ___ = ___

 7. Not removing or indicating removal

of clothing from affected area 2 x ___ = ___

 8. Not properly treating an evisceration 6 x ___ = ___

 9. Not simulating or indicating that

gauze is moist (when required) 2 x ___ = ___

10. Failure to properly treat sucking

chest wound 10 x ___ = ___

11. Not treating injuries in their proper

order (according to fundamentals) 4 x ___ = ___

12. Not properly treating eye injuries 1 x ___ = ___

Soft-Tissue Injuries and Burns Subtotal _______
105

E. Musculoskeletal Injuries Discounts

 1. Not rendering any treatment for a

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

 2. Not treating suspected spinal

injury, fracture of pelvis or thigh

(each) (this includes not using a

properly sized cervical collar) 12 x ___ = ___

 3. Not treating fractures other

than (#4) (each) 10 x ___ = ___

 4. Failure to properly treat suspected

skull fracture 2 x ___ = ___

 5. Failure to support fractures/

dislocations until properly splinted 6 x ___ = ___

 6. Not properly treating dislocations

(each) 8 x ___ = ___

 7. Failure to properly splint 2 x ___ = ___

 8. Failure to properly apply padding

where needed 1 x ___ = ___

 9. Failure to check distal circulation

and sensation before and after splinting 2 x ___ = ___

10. Improperly lifting or rolling of patient

(lifting to knee when patient has 

dislocated or fractured hip or spinal

injury) 2 x ___ = ___

11. Failure to apply cold applications

to reduce pain and swelling 2 x ___ = ___

12. Improperly applied bandages 2 x ___ = ___

13. Improperly applied slings when

required (each) 1 x ___ = ___

Musculoskeletal Injuries Subtotal _______ 

F. CPR with AED (Two Person) - Applicable Y ___ N ___

 (In accordance with the current American Heart Association CPR 

Guidelines as referenced in 10th Edition Brady’s “EMR – First on 

Scene”)

 Discounts

 1. Not determining unresponsiveness 1 x ___ = ___

 2. Not checking for normal breathing

for between 5 and 10 seconds 1 x ___ = ___
106

 Discounts

 3. Not activating 911 1 x ___ = ___

Not checking for a pulse (for at least 

5 seconds, but no more than 

10 seconds) 2 x ___ = ___

 4. Not requesting an Automated

External Defibrillator (if available) 2 x ___ = ___

 5. Not exposing patient’s chest 1 x ___ = ___

 6. Improper hand placement (heel of 

hand on the center of patient’s chest 

between the nipples) 1 x ___ = ___

 7. Not providing 30 compressions initially 1 x ___ = ___

 8. Not delivering chest compressions

hard and fast at a rate of 100 per

minute (18 seconds or less /

30 compressions) 1 x ___ = ___

 9. Not releasing pressure completely to

allow the heart to refill (in at least 23 of 

30 compressions) 1 x ___ = ___

10. Not opening the airway after the 

initial 30 compressions 1 x ___ = ___

11. Using the head tilt/chin lift maneuver

when a spinal injury is suspected 1 x ___ = ___

12. Not giving two breaths between

compressions 1 x ___ = ___

13. Not providing two slow breaths 

(to allow chest to fall between breaths) 1 x ___ = ___

14. Not watching the chest rise and fall 

with each breath 1 x ___ = ___

15. Interrupting CPR for more than 

10 seconds (each) 1 x ___ = ___

16. Not performing CPR for two minutes 

prior to defibrillation 2 x ___ = ___

17. Not continuing CPR as AED is prepared 5 x ___ = ___

18. 2nd Rescuer not turning on AED 1 x ___ = ___

19. 2nd Rescuer not attaching AED pads 5 x ___ = ___

20. Touching patient while AED analyzes 1 x ___ = ___

21. Not switching rescuers 1 x ___ = ___

22. Not administering shock when advised 5 x ___ = ___
107

 Discounts

23. Not resuming CPR following delivery 

of shock (2nd rescuer delivering 

compressions) 5 x ___ = ___

24. First rescuer not providing breaths 

with either bag or CPR mask 1 x ___ = ___

CPR with AED (Two Person) Subtotal _______ 

G. Rescue Breathing (One Person)-Applicable Y __ N __

 Discounts

 1. Not determining responsiveness 1 x ___ = ___

 2. Not activating 911 1 x ___ = ___

 3. Not requesting an Automated 

External Defibrillator (if available) 2 x ___ = ___ 

 4. Not opening airway 2 x ___ = ___

 5. Using head-tilt/chin lift

maneuver when modified jaw

thrust should be used 2 x ___ = ___

 6. Not assessing breathlessness 1 x ___ = ___

 7. Not checking for carotid pulse

for 5 to 10 seconds 1 x ___ = ___

 8. Not providing rescue breathing

when pulse is found 4 x ___ = ___

 9. Not repositioning the head

if initial breaths do not go in 1 x ___ = ___

10. Not giving one breath

every 5 to 6 seconds 2 x ___ = ___

11. Not giving 10 to 12 breaths

per minute 2 x ___ = ___

12. Not reassessing pulse after

2 minutes 2 x ___ = ___

13. Not performing CPR in accordance

with EMR and AHA guidelines 10 x ___ = ___

Rescue Breathing Subtotal ________
108

H. Preparation for Transportation Discounts

 1. Improper “log roll” 2 x ___ = ___

 2. Patient not placed on a spine

board when required 2 x ___ = ___

 3. Improperly secured to a

spine board or stretcher 1 x ___ = ___

Preparation for Transportation Subtotal _______

I. Miscellaneous Discounts

 1. Failure to locate and treat any 

condition (each infraction) 10 x ___ = ___

 2. Not completing problem in

specified time 25 (total) 25 (total) ______

 3. Any team found committing an 

act that will endanger the patient,

each infraction 50 x ___ = ___

 4. Any team whose member(s)

intentionally disturb or destroy any

component on a competition field

will immediately be assessed this

discount. Repeated offense may

result in team disqualification at the 

discretion of the Contest Director. 100 (total) _____

Miscellaneous Subtotal _______

Summary (A. through I.) Total Discounts ________

Comments: ___________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Judge

____________________________________________

Scorecard Examiner
109

FIRST AID COMPETITION

Discount Summary Sheet

Team No.: _______________________________________ 

Company Name: __________________________________ 

First Aid Team: ___________________________________ 

Station Summary (Sections A through I) 

 Discounts: ____________

 Time to Complete Problem: ____________

Written Test Discounts: ____________

 Total Discounts: ____________

 Time Review Completed: ____________

I certify that I have read and reviewed all discounts listed 

above.

_____________________ ______________________

 First Aid Team Captain Review Judge
110

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 - Optional eighth person qualifying to 

participate as a mine rescue team member. They must 

be part of the 8 person team and be isolated with the 

team prior to the competition. The alternate can assist 

the team prepare for the competition but cannot actively 

participate during the working of the problem.

ASSISTANT (FAB) - Optional seventh person during the 

field competition who may assist the fresh air base 

attendant and be eligible to substitute for another team 

member including the fresh air base attendant. The 

assistant must be part of the 8-person team and be 

isolated with the team and take the written field test. 

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE -Force exerted by air.

Atmospheric pressure is measured on a barometer. 

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

AUXILIARY VENTILATION - Portion of main

ventilating current directed to face of dead-end entry by

means of an auxiliary fan and tubing. 

BACK FILL - The rough material used to refill a place

from which the earth has been removed.

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

the surface in relation to any portion of the workings of

the mine, the roof. Overhead surface of an 

underground opening.
111

BACKUP TEAM - The rescue team stationed at the fresh

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

fresh air base. 

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

flow of air. 

BARRICADE - Enclosed part of mine to prevent inflow of

noxious gases from a mine fire or explosion. This may

be done by doors or by building one or more airtight

walls using any available materials such as rock, wood, 

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

maximum quantity of good air. If contact is not made

with person behind the barricade, conditions inside the

barricade will be unknown. 

BARRICADING - Enclosing part of mine to prevent inflow of 

noxious gases from a mine fire or an explosion. 

BATTERY LOCOMOTIVE - Battery powered machine

used for moving cars within the mine. 

BATTERY CHARGING STATION - Area set aside for

charging and storing batteries. 

BATTERY OPERATED EQUIPMENT – Any equipment 

powered by batteries. 

BELT FEEDER - The dump end of a belt system. To

disperse ore on the belt. 

BLASTING BOX - The unit used for firing of one or more

charges electrically. 

BLASTING CAPS - A detonator containing a charge of 

detonating compound, which is ignited by electrical 

current or the spark of a fuse used for detonating 

explosives. 

BOREHOLE - Any deep or long drill hole. It may be a 

source of air, supplies and communications in an

emergency. 

BORER - A device for making large holes. 

BRATTICE CLOTH - Fire-resistant fabric or plastic used

in a mine passage to control ventilation. 

BRIEFING -Session held before a team goes underground

to inform team members of conditions underground and

give them their work assignment. 

BULKHEAD (same as STOPPING) - A temporary wall or 

partition constructed across a passageway to direct the 

ventilating air. Can be modified or removed if needed.
112

BUMP TEST – A functional test, defined as a brief exposure 

of the monitor to a concentration of gas(es) in excess 

of the lowest alarm set-point for each sensor for the 

purpose of verifying sensor and alarm operation and 

is not intended to be a measure of the accuracy of the 

instrument.

CAGE - A shaft conveyance used in hoisting personnel

and materials. 

CAVED - Ground which has fallen. 

CAVED IMPASSABLE - For the duration of the problem, 

a cave which is incapable of being passed, traveled, 

crossed, or surmounted, but allows some ventilation 

flow. 

CAVED TIGHT - Ground caved in to prevent access and

allows no ventilation flow. 

CHOCKS - Wedge shaped blocks to put under vehicle

wheels to prevent movement. 

CHUTE/ORE PASS - Vertical or inclined passageway for

downward movement of ore.

CLEAR AIR - An atmosphere which is free of smoke and all 

dangerous and/or harmful concentrations of flammable, 

combustible, noxious, and or toxic contaminants.

CONTINUOUS MINER - A mining machine designed to

remove ore from the face and load it into cars or

conveyors. 

CRIB BLOCKS - Blocks used for support. 

CROSSCUT - A horizontal opening driven across the

direction of the main workings; a connection between

the two drifts or tunnels. 

CURTAIN - Brattice cloth, canvas or plastic curtain used

to deflect or direct air into a working place. Constructed

in a manner to allow the passage of miners and 

machinery. 

CUTTING MACHINE - A power (electric) driven machine 

used to undercut ore. 

DEBRIEFING - Session held when teams return to the

surface after completing an assignment to review what

they saw and did. 

DETONATING FUSE - A round, flexible cord containing

a center core of high explosives (Primacord). 

DETONATOR - A device used for detonating explosives. 
113

DISTRIBUTION BOX - An enclosure through which

electric power is carried to one or more cables from a

single incoming feed line. 

DOWNCAST - An opening through 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, intense heat, 

inextinguishable fires, water over knee deep, caved 

impassable falls, or the top of an overcast. 

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

dip of a vein. 

INTAKE - The passage through which fresh air is drawn

or forced into a mine. 

INTENSE HEAT - Air heated to the extent that it cannot

be entered. 

INTERSECTION - For contest work, any area driven 

three (3) feet or more off a drift. 

LAGGING - Materials used for flooring or shoring. 
114

LEAD WIRE - Wire used to fire electric detonators. 

LIFELINE - For teams using a hardwire communication 

system, the lifeline is the cable that links the team 

to the fresh air base. For teams using a wireless 

communication system, the lifeline is a rope, wire or 

cable that links the team to an area free of smoke. In 

this case, the lifeline must be used before any team 

member enters or travels through smoke. 

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 used 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 vehicle (mobile or track-mounted) used to 

transport personnel to and from a work area. 

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

mine entry.

MISFIRE - The complete or partial failure of a blasting

charge to explode as planned. 

MOTOR - A track-mounted machine used for transporting 

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). 
115

ORE PASS - A vertical or inclined passage for the

downward transfer of ore. 

OVERCAST - Enclosed airway built at an intersection of

mine passages that permits one air current to pass over

another air current without mixing. 

PERMANENT STOPPING (same as PERMANENT

BULKHEAD) – For the duration of the problem, 

a ventilation control which cannot be removed or 

modified.

PERMISSIBLE - A machine, material, apparatus or

device which has been investigated, tested and 

approved by MSHA for use in gassy mines. 

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

POST - A mine timber. 

RAISE - A vertical or inclined opening driven upward. 

RAISE CLIMBER - Equipment used in an opening (raise) 

that is mined upward. 

REFUGE CHAMBER - An airtight, fire-resistant room

in a mine used as a method of refuge in emergencies 

by miners unable to reach the surface. 

REGULATOR - An adjustable door or opening in a

stopping, used to control and adjust the quantity of

airflow. 

RETURN AIR - The air that has passed through the 

working areas of the mine. 

RIB - The wall of a mine opening. 

ROOF BOLTER - A machine designed to drill holes in

the roof and install bolts. 

ROOF BOLTS/ROCK BOLTS - A long bolt inserted and

anchored in holes drilled in the rock. 

ROOF JACKS - A roof support designed for immediate

temporary use. 

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

pry in a crack of the rock. 

SEAL - A stopping built of greater thickness and more

substantial construction used to isolate abandoned 

areas of the mine from the active workings or to isolate 

a fire. 
116

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 (same as BULKHEAD) - A temporary wall or 

partition constructed across a passageway to direct the 

ventilating air. Can be modified or removed if needed.

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

of underground openings. 

SUMP - An excavation in the shaft or mine made below

the mining level to collect mine water. 

SUPPLY PLATFORM - Area set aside for storage of

materials. 

SURVIVOR - Person found alive in the mine.

SWITCH - An electrical switch.

TAGLINE - Short line no longer than 3 feet hooked from

a team member to the team line. 

TEAM LINE - A 25-feet long line that links team members 

together. 

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. 
117

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.
118
119

MINE MAP LEGEND

This legend must be used by all teams participating in the Mine 

Rescue Field Competition. Any condition and/or descriptive 

information provided on the corresponding placard shall be 

spelled out on the team and fresh air base maps next to the 

respective legend symbol.

111 

 MINE MAP LEGEND 

This legend must be used by all teams participating in the 

Mine Rescue Field Competition. Any condition and/or 

descriptive information provided on the corresponding 

placard shall be spelled out on the team and fresh air base 

maps next to the respective legend symbol. 

GT

Gas Test For each gas test 

conducted by the team. 

Seal Seal may be equipped with 

devices such as sampling 

tubes or water traps. Seal 

may be intact, destroyed, 

damaged, or have 

openings. Conditions do 

not change the symbol. 

Permanent 

Stopping 

Intact 

Permanent stopping is 

intact and airtight (no 

indication of opening or 

leakage). 

Permanent 

Stopping 

Not Intact 

Permanent stopping may 

be destroyed, damaged, or 

have openings. Therefore, 

the stopping is not airtight. 

Temporary 

Stopping 

Intact 

Temporary stopping is 

intact and airtight (no 

indication of opening or 

leakage). This symbol is 

also to be used for any 

structures built by the 

team, such as fire seals, 

airlocks, etc. 

Temporary 

Stopping 

Not Intact 

Temporary stopping may 

be destroyed, damaged, or 

have openings. Therefore, 

the stopping is not airtight. 

Barricade Barricade may be intact, 

destroyed, damaged, or 

have openings. Conditions 

do not change the symbol. 

 
120

Door The “D” symbol can be 

used by itself or included in 

a permanent or temporary 

stopping based on its 

placarded description. 

Must show if door is open 

(how much) or closed. 

Regulator Regulator may be 

damaged or destroyed. 

Must show if regulator is 

open (how much) or 

closed. Conditions do not 

change the symbol. 

Fire Write out placarded 

description of fire on map 

beside symbol. 

Air 

Movement 

Show arrow in direction of 

movement as indicated on 

placard, and, if given, any 

other information (such as 

air quantity or air flow 

velocity, etc.). 

Water 

Indicate depth (ankle deep, 

knee deep, over knee 

deep, etc.) 

Caved Caves are considered 

inaccessible unless 

otherwise stated on 

placard. Caves are not 

considered airtight unless 

stated on placard. 

Unsafe Roof 

Across Entry 

Rib-to-Rib 

Symbol used for any 

indication of questionable 

roof conditions. May or may 

not be scalable. 
121

113 

Unsafe 

Roof 

Partially 

Across 

Entry 

Symbol used for any 

indication of questionable 

roof conditions. May or may 

not be scalable. 

Unsafe Rib 

or Overhanging 

Brow 

Symbol used for any 

indication of questionable 

rib conditions. May or may 

not be scalable. Project 

over rib line area on map. 

Body Deceased person. Indicate 

position of head and feet 

when found. Write out 

placarded information on 

map beside symbol (name, 

ID number, burned, etc.). 

Live 

Person 

Live Person. Write out 

placarded information on 

map beside symbol (name, 

ID number, sitting, 

unconscious, etc.). 

Check 

Curtain 

Check Curtain may be 

damaged or destroyed. 

Conditions do not change 

the symbol. 

Line 

Brattice 

or Line 

Curtain 

Existing or installed by 

team. The full extent of the 

line curtain must be shown. 

Line 

Curtain 

Line curtain (uninstalled) 

found by team on 

competition field and 

available for use. 

Overcast Overcast may be intact, 

destroyed, damaged, or 

leaking. Conditions do not 

change the symbol. 
122

Undercast Undercast may be intact, 

destroyed, damaged, or 

leaking. Conditions do not 

change the symbol. 

Fan Write out placarded 

description of fan on map 

beside symbol. Must show 

if fan is operating or not. 

Fan with 

Tubing

Write out the conditions of 

the fan, tubing, vent bag or 

placard on the map by 

symbol. 

Brattice 

Frames

Indicate any information on 

placard on mine map 

beside symbol. 

Brattice 

Cloth or 

Brattice 

Material

Indicate any information on 

placard on mine map 

beside symbol. 

Clear Air Clear Air (refer to definition 

in Glossary of Terms). 

Gas 

Mixture 

Use for any placard 

indicating a gas or a mix of 

gases in the mine 

atmosphere. Write out the 

gas name or symbol and 

indicate PPM or percent 

(%) if shown on placard. 

Smoke Write out placarded 

description of smoke (light, 

heavy, dense, etc.) on map 

beside symbol. 

Track Show extent of track and 

location in mine entry or 

drift. 

Mobile 

Equipment 

Use for all mobile mining 

equipment. 
123

50 Foot or 

First Team 

Check Inby 

Fresh Air 

Base 

Used for 50 foot check of 

team members 

20 Minute 

Apparatus 

Check 

Used for every 20-minute 

apparatus check of team 

members. 

Farthest 

Point of 

Advance 

Should be used only where 

areas inby will not be 

explored for whatever 

reason. Not to be used 

where other conditions 

block travel. 

Captain’s 

Date and 

Initial 

Use for all locations where 

the team captain dated and 

wrote his/her initials. 

Power 

Center 

Write out placarded 

description of power center 

on map beside symbol. 

Must show if power center 

is energized or not. 

Other 

Objects, 

Conditions, 

or 

Equipment 

Write the name of the 

object, condition, or 

equipment and any other 

placarded information on 

map beside symbol. This 

would include a “face” if 

marked by placard or the 

location of roof supports 

(timbers, posts, jacks, etc.) 

installed by the team. 

Visit the Department of Labor

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