ISSUE DATE: 10/27/09 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P09-40 

FROM: LINDA F. ZEILER 

 Acting Director of Technical Support 

KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

Administrator for 

Coal Mine Safety and Health 

SUBJECT: CSE SR-MP Expectations Training Unit 

Who needs this information?

Underground coal mine operators using the SR-MP Expectations Training Unit, Miner’s 

Representatives, Industry Groups, and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 

inspection personnel should have this information. 

Why is MSHA issuing this bulletin?

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is to inform mine operators and other stakeholders of 

an incident that occurred during training at an underground mine, and to reinforce the proper 

procedures to use the SR-MP Expectations Training Unit. 

What is the background for this PIB?

MSHA received a report from a mine where some miners received chemical burns during a 

training exercise while using the CSE SR-MP training unit. Eight miners received some degree 

of chemical burns to their mouths and one also had a chemical burn to his forehead after 

handling a training canister. All eight went to a hospital for treatment, were released, and went 

back to work. 

The training units used in the incident were examined by MSHA, the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health, and CSE personnel. Potassium super-oxide (KO2) residue was 

found on the outside of the training units. After discussion with mine personnel and CSE 

personnel who visited the mine, it was determined that the exterior of the training units had been 

contaminated with KO2. This may have occurred when one or more used units were placed in 

the same container with unused units during the training exercise. Other miners had used the 

same type of training units that day without problems. 
2

Information

Mine operators must follow the proper operating instructions for all types of training devices 

used at their mines. The instructions, as detailed in accompanying Instruction Manuals, must be 

followed, paying attention to proper use, handling, and disposal procedures. Failure to properly 

use and dispose of the CSE SR-MP Training Unit can cause serious injury including burns to the 

mouth and skin. 

Accompanying this PIB is a CSE User Notice reinforcing the proper procedures to employ when 

using this unit. As a further precaution, the manufacturer has begun making SR-MPs with a 

different chemical. CSE will exchange all unused SR-MPs with the new design at no cost to 

customers. 

What is MSHA's authority for this PIB?

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 as amended; 30 C.F.R. Part 75.1504 

 

Internet Availability

This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page at 

www.msha.gov and then choosing Statutory and Regulatory Information, Compliance Assistance 

Information, and Program Information Bulletins. 

Who are the MSHA contact persons for this PIB?

Technical Support, Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center 

Dr. Jeffery H. Kravitz, (412) 386-6923 

E-mail: kravitz.jeffery@dol.gov

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division 

Eric Sherer, (202) 693-9523 

E-mail: sherer.hubert@dol.gov

Who will receive this PIB?

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders 

Miners' Representatives 

Underground Mine Operators 

Special Interest Groups 

Attachment

CSE SR-MP User Notice