U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Cripple Creek Deep Cut

An Exercise for Remote 

Control Miner Operators 

& Face Crews
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Cripple Creek Deep Cut:

An Exercise for Remote Control Miner Operators and Face Crews

Instructor's Copy

Prepared by:

Lisa J. Steiner1

Michael J. Brnich, Jr.1

Charles Vaught, PhD1

Jeff Duncan2

With Technical Assistance from:

Roberta A. Calhoun

Kim C. Cornelius

Lynn L. Rethi

E. William Rossi

Fred C. Turin

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Pittsburgh, PA

October 1999

 

1 Mining Division

2 Formerly with United Mine Workers of America
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

2

Contents

Introduction 3

Exercise Summary 3

How to Use This Exercise 4

Performance Objectives 5

Master Answer Sheet 6

Instructor Discussion Notes 10

References 12

Scoring Key 13

Demographics and Training Performance 14

Appendix A: Problem Booklet (duplicate this for use in class) and instructions for 

exercise completion

Appendix B: Answer sheet blanks (print the latent image answers on these 

blanks)

Appendix C:Latent image answers (print these on the answer sheet blanks)
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

3

Introduction

This document contains most of the materials needed to use the exercise. The main part 

of the document is the instructor's copy. It tells how to use the exercise, presents the

objectives, the master answer sheet, the scoring key, and discussion notes to be used

following the exercise. The next section summarizes results from field tests of the

exercise, and reports the miners' evaluation of the activity. The last part of this document 

is three appendices. Appendix A is the exercise problem booklet. This booklet can be

duplicated locally. The booklets are reusable. One is needed for every person in the

classroom. Appendix B is the answer sheet. Copies of this answer sheet must have the 

latent image (invisible) ink answers that appear in Appendix C printed on them.3 Answer 

sheets are consumable. One is needed for each person or each small group of persons 

who work the exercise.

Exercise Summary

Read this section first. It determines if the exercise is appropriate for your classes. If you 

choose to use the exercise, examine the table of contents and review the remainder of 

this document.

Type: Latent image

Audience: Remote control and extended cut miner operators and face crews

Length: Eight questions (30 minutes for administration plus 30 for discussion)

Skills: Remote control mining procedures including remote control mining, taking extended cuts, 

resetting breaker on mining machine, and setting timbers. Communicating mine conditions, 

influencing safe behaviors when mine conditions are less than stable

Location: Underground coal mine, four section continuous mining operation

Average seam height is 48 inches

Problem: Your regular job is on the general labor crew at Cripple Creek #9 mine, a four section 

continuous mining operation. The mains are 9 entries wide and panels are 5 entries 

across. You and the rest of the crew had annual refresher training about 3 months ago. 

For the past few days you have been sent to 2 South panel to fill in as the third shuttle car 

operator. This morning, however, your buggy is down. The face boss asks you to get the 

scoop and take seven or eight timbers to the number 5 entry because the last shift got off 

sight line. The miner will be working in entry 5 while the bolter crew pins entry 4. When 

you get up to the face you see that Mo, the remote control continuous miner operator, has 

rounded off the left inby corner in order to make his first cuts in the right hand rib. Now, 

he has squared around enough so that you and Red, the miner helper, can set some posts 

on the corner. The two of you set posts along the left inby rib of #5 entry while the shuttle 

car operator waits. You are in a tight spot when Mo decides to start mining. You must 

decide where the best place is to stand for safety and to be out of the way.

 

3You can do this yourself if you have the proper equipment, or you may obtain copies of preprinted latent 

image answer sheets from NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA (412-386-5901) or email 

to minetraining@cdc.gov .
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

4

How to Use This Exercise

1. Look at the performance objectives. Decide if the exercise is relevant for your 

annual refresher class.

2. Work through the exercise with the special pen and score your responses.

3. Read the master answer sheet for the exercise. Look at all the answers.

4. Read the "Instructor's Discussion Notes" for the exercise.

5. Become thoroughly familiar with the problem so you can present it to your

class without reading it. Put the figures on an overhead projector so you can

use these to help explain the problem.

6. When you present the exercise to the class:

- Give each person an exercise booklet, an answer sheet, and a pen.

- Demonstrate how to select and mark answers using the special pen.

- Go over the instructions for working the exercise with the whole group.

- Explain the problem making sure everyone understands the problem

situation.

- Have the class members work the exercise.

- When the class members finish, have them figure up their score using the 

instructions at the end of the exercise.

- When everyone has finished, discuss the exercise. Let class members

discuss the merits of each answer. Add your own ideas.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

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Performance Objectives for Cripple Creek Deep Cut Exercise

Objective 

number

Capability 

verb(s)

Description of required performance and conditions 

under which it is to occur

1. HR4 Evaluate/

Identify

How work procedures change and what additional 

hazards might be present when switching from standard 

to deep cuts

2. HR Evaluate Roof conditions to determine if an extended cut should 

be taken

3. HR Communicate With face crew members about any changes in mining 

conditions or hazards on the section to make them 

aware

4. SW Identify Safe cm operator positioning which will reduce the 

incidence of cm operator being hit by falling top or hit by 

moving equipment

5. SW

6. SW

Recognize

Implement

Where people are on the section at all times to avoid 

injury

Safe work procedures that guide employees in working 

safely

 

4 Skill and knowledge domain abbreviations

HR = hazard recognition

SW = safe work practices
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

6

Master Answer Sheet for Cripple Creek Deep Cut Exercise

Use this answer sheet to mark your selections. Rub the special pen gently and

smoothly between the brackets. Don't scrub the pen or the message may blur. Be sure 

to color in the entire message once you have made a selection. Otherwise you may not 

get the information you need. The last part of the message will tell you what to do next.

Question A (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

1. [ You may be caught between the miner and the rib or timbers while Mo ]

[ attempts to square up the entry. Try Again! ]

2. [ You would still be inby the operator, which could be dangerous. Try again! ]

3. [ Correct. You have finished setting the timbers and need to move to a safer ]

[ safer location. Do the next question. ]

4. [ You might get caught between the miner or shuttle car and the rib. Try ]

[ Again! ]

5. [ This would put you in danger of getting caught between the miner and a ]

[ timber or rib. Try Again! ]

Question B (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

6. [ Although Mo will eventually have the miner in place to begin taking the first ]

[ lift in #5, you are in a confined space. You could still be pinned or have your ]

[ escape route from the face blocked. ]

7. [ Correct. You need to get to a safe location. ]

8. [ Even though you can see Mo, you are still not in a safe location because you ]

[ are still inby the operator. ]

9. [ Correct. Red is also in a dangerous position and needs to move, but he ]

[ chooses to move towards the face instead of moving outby. ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

7

Question C (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

10. [ Scooping entry #3 would result in a pile of spillage, blocking the entrance to ]

[ the crosscut. Try Again! ]

11. [ You should talk to the boss first. The shuttle car operators won't be ]

[ expecting you to be traveling to the feeder, and you might interrupt the ]

[ ventilation. There is a better choice. Try Again! ]

12. [ Although this is where the miner is going next, the bolters are still bolting ]

[ #4. Try Again! ]

13. [ Correct. Entry #3 needs to be scooped and the spillage can be put in the ]

[ face of #2 to be loaded out later. Do the next question. ]

14. [ This is not needed and would be a waste of time. Try Again! ]

Question D (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

15. [ Correct. You notice that the last two cuts in entry #4 were bolted using 5 foot ]

[ bolts instead of 4 footers. ]

16. [ You could cut into 3 Right crosscut before the bolters are finished. ]

17. [ You could cut into 3 Right crosscut before the bolters are finished. ]

18. [ You need to talk to the bolters in 3 Right to be sure they are done before ]

[ you start mining. ]

19. [ Correct. They aren’t finished, they still need to put in two rows of bolts. ]

Question E (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

20. [ With the top drummy in 3 Right, and the roof parting in #4, taking a deep ]

[ cut is not a good idea. There are clear signs that bad roof exists. ]

21. [ Correct. The drummy top in 3 Right and the use of longer bolts indicate ]

[ bad top. Taking this cut would violate the roof control plan. ]

22. [ This is dangerous since the top in 3 Right is drummy. ]

23. [ Correct. The foreman needs to know what's going on. Red should wait to ]

[ hear from Dave. ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

8

Question F (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

24. [ You know from the bolters that the top in 3 Right may already be bad. You ]

[ have a better option. Try Again! ]

25. [ Correct. This is the safest way to reach the breaker on the miner without ]

[ exposing yourself to unsupported roof. Do the next question. ]

26. [ This is not an option. The ATRS is only to be used for setting permanent ]

[ roof supports. Try Again! ]

27. [ This is not an option. Never go beyond permanent supports! Also, the ]

[ bolters told you they saw a parting in the roof when they bolted #4. Try Again! ]

Question G (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Tr

28. [ This is dangerous since the "cracking" you hear indicates the top is setting ]

[ down on the timbers. You have a better option. Try Again! ]

29. [ The top is setting down on the posts as evidenced by the "cracking" sound. ]

[ Try Again! ]

30. [ Correct. You need to get the miner out of the cut as soon as possible. ]

[ Do the next question. ]

31. [ Since the top is setting on the posts, this could bring the top down and bury ]

[ the miner. Try Again! ]

Question H (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

32. [ You would probably be wasting your time. Try Again! ]

33. [ Correct. Since Dave was outby, he needs to know exactly how this situation ]

[ occurred to ensure it won’t happen again. Do the next question. ]

34. [ There is a better way to approach this problem. Try Again! ]

35. [ You may want to leave, but this is not constructive. Try Again! ]

36. [ This type of action is normally reserved as a last resort. You should first try ]

[ to resolve this locally with the mine safety personnel. Try Again! ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

9

Question I (List your responses using pen or pencil.)

37. What are some signs that indicated Red should not have taken a deep cut?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

38. What are some other things miners should look for when deciding whether to take 

a deep cut?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

39. Why is clear, concise communication a key factor in the crew's safety, especially 

when taking deep cuts?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

10

Instructor's Discussion Notes for Cripple Creek Deep Cut Exercise

Use the information presented here and on the master answer sheet, your own ideas

and experience, and those of the miners in your class, to discuss the exercise after it is 

completed. Group discussion can strengthen knowledge and skills, correct errors, and 

relate the exercise content to the experiences of the miners. After they have worked

the exercise, miners enjoy discussing the problem. They also frequently think of better 

ways to respond to a problem than those listed among the answers. The purpose of

the exercise is to help miners think about and remember basic knowledge and skills

they may someday need to deal with an emergency. The discussion following the

exercise can contribute to this goal and tailor the exercise content to the needs of the 

group you are training.

It is helpful to show overhead transparencies of the master answer sheet during the

discussion while the miners look at their problem booklets. This allows you to lead the 

group through the exercise and to disclose and discuss all the answers to each

question. Most of the information about why particular answers are correct or incorrect 

is given on the master answer sheet.

The following notes provide additional information for you to discuss with your class. 

Read through and think about the notes before the class. Don't read the notes to the 

class members. This would be boring and ineffective. Rather, incorporate the ideas

you find here with your own ideas and make these points at the appropriate place in the 

discussion of the exercise.

Question A. The correct answer is (3) signal Mo with your caplamp to shut down the 

machine. A safer location would be outby the continuous mining machine away from

the shuttle car and the rib. Placing yourself inby the continuous miner operator is not 

only illegal but also dangerous because the shuttle car operator and the continuous

miner operator may not be able to see you (1). Also, if you are inby the continuous

miner operator and a roof fall occurs, you are trapped in that area without an

accessible escape route. Though many miners consider the pivot point of the mining

machine to be a safe location, it is not (2). The mining machine could slide and pin you 

against the rib. Most accidents at the face area are from people going under

unsupported top or being pinned between machinery and the rib. 

Question B. The correct answers are (7) and (9). Before the operator resumes mining, 

you should leave the face area and move to a safer position (7) and tell Red you both 

should get outby the continuous miner on the operator’s side (9). Since your job is

finished at the face, you and Red need to move away from the face area. The face

area is considered to be the most dangerous part of the mine. Never assume that the 

continuous miner operator or any other miners know that you are in the area (6). It is 

more important that others can see you rather than you seeing them (8).

Question C. The correct answer is (13) scoop #3 and dump the spillage in the face of 

entry #2. Entry #2 is bolted and dusted and is clear of any mining activity and
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

11

equipment. While this may take some extra time, this is your best option. If you just

scoop #3 and pile the spillage at the face, you would partially block the entrance of 3

Right crosscut and you would not be able to get the roof bolter machine in the area

(10). You could scoop #3 entry and dump the spillage at the tailpiece but you would

need to coordinate this with the shuttle car operators and the foreman. The shuttle car 

operators would not be expecting you in their travel route (11). You could also interrupt 

the ventilation. Taking the spillage from #3 to #4 would not do you any good because 

the roof bolters are in # 4 entry (12). Just scooping the area that is bolted in 3 Right

crosscut is a waste of time since the entire entry will eventually have to be scooped.

Question D. The correct answers are (15) and (19). You should examine entry #4

from the first outby crosscut to the face, checking conditions and examining for hazards

(15) and go over to the crosscut between #3 and #4 entries and ask the bolters if they 

are finished (19). Switching from 4 foot to 5-foot bolts indicates that there may be

adverse roof conditions. To confirm this, you would want to talk to the roof bolters. 

Taking a cut of any length could put the roof bolters in danger since they are still

bolting in the crosscut (16,17). Although you might see the bolter back out of the

crosscut, it does not mean that they are necessarily finished bolting (18). The only way 

to be sure they are finished is to talk to them. Besides, you need to communicate with 

the bolters to get a better assessment of the roof conditions.

Question E. The correct answers are (21) and (23). You may want to tell Red that he 

should not take a deep cut since there are signs that the top might be getting bad (21)

and then go find the foreman, Dave, and tell him what the bolters told you about the top 

and ask him to check the face area in 3 Right (23). Since you know that the top is

giving you feedback as to its stability, watching the top will not prevent it from falling

(20, 22). The cut needs to be curtailed. Curtailing the cut will also ensure that you will 

not be burying the miner causing a loss in production. You are inexperienced as a

miner helper. If you really feel that the top is too bad to be mining and you don’t feel 

that you can influence Red, you may need to let the foreman know about the situation 

so he can talk to the roof bolters and make an informed decision about the cut.

Question F. The correct answer is (25) have the bolters pin entry #4 up to the boom of 

the miner; afterwards set a minimum of two rows of timbers on 4’ centers up to the

breaker on the miner. It is very tempting to run out quickly under unsupported top and 

throw the breaker but this is how many fatalities occur (27). This is a particularly bad 

decision since you already had reports that the bolters saw a parting in the roof when 

they were bolting #4 entry. The safest way to reset the breaker is to pin the entry so far 

and timber out the rest of the way to the miner. Setting timbers all the way out and

cribbing over the machine is not a good idea since you know that the top in 3 Right is 

bad (24). Also, you would not want to use the ATRS on the roof bolting machine for a 

temporary roof support since it is designed only to deflect roof debris when setting

permanent roof supports (26).
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

12

Question G. The correct answer is (30) - you suggest that Red tram the miner out of 

the cut. Once it is clear, evaluate the situation. Time is of essence and you do not

want to bury the miner. Since the timbers are cracking, you have a good idea that the 

top is unstable. Walking a cable or chain around the timbers would not be safe since 

you know the top is unstable (28). Taking the timbers out as you back the miner

carefully out of the cut is not a good idea since those timbers may be the only thing

supporting the top (31). Removing the timbers either with the miner or with sledge

hammer may cause the top to fall burying you and/or the miner (29).

Question H. The correct answer is (33) to inform Dave of the situation and how it

occurred. Obviously, reminding Red that he should have paid attention to the roof

warning signals will do no good since your earlier warnings to Red had no effect (32). 

Going directly to the mine safety personnel or reporting the incident to MSHA at this

point would be premature (34, 36). This type of incident needs to be reported to the

section foreman and resolved locally first. If the problem has not been resolved locally 

within the crew, then additional action should be taken. 

Question I. Ask your miners to discuss the answers to the following open-ended 

questions. The responses from the field tests (and the number of trainees who chose 

each response) are reported below. The more specific the responses are, the better. 

Specific answers help miner operators and crew members with less experience gain

knowledge from those with experience. Encourage discussion of these topics with

respect to the specific characteristics of your mine and experiences of your miners. It 

is important that crew members understand that everyone in the section should be able 

to identify poor mining conditions, should be familiar with the mining plan and that

communication between crew members is essential to a safe and productive workplace.

37. What are some signs that indicated Red should not have taken a deep cut?

The switch to 60” bolts in #4 entry (42)

The face in 3 Right is drummy (35)

The 1" separation in the roof (35)

Roof is bad (33)

Timbers cracking (7)

Corners were rounded off (3)

Sound, vibration, sight (3)

Helper did not have enough experience (1)

Roof control plan (1)

38. What are some other things miners should look for when deciding whether to 

take a deep cut?
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

13

Roof (39), rib conditions (25), methane checks (20), adequate ventilation (14),

location of crew members (8), water from the roof (6), test roof at last row of bolts (6), 

examine the bolts (6), cutters in the roof (5), communication with the roof bolters (5),

visual inspection (4), sound of the roof (4), look for weight on ribs (3), are there clay

veins (3), kettle bottoms (3), loose and flaking rock (3)?, width of entry (2), keep on

centers (2), stay away from pinch points (1), and timbers taking on pressure (1)

39. Why is clear, concise communication a key factor in the crew’s safety, 

especially when taking deep cuts?

Everyone is involved somehow (18)

To know where everyone is located (13)

Communicating hazards when you are unsure of conditions (9)

Communicating is the only way to get things 

accomplished safely without overlooking problems (6)

Listen to bolters - they test the roof (5)

Communication creates harmony among crew (2)

Communicate when you think something is not right (2)

Other responses:

Let the operator know where you are at all times, do not make decisions

without all the information, know your area, communicate the roof control plan,

extended cuts create additional safety concerns (limited vision, sounds, test roof).
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

14

References

Preventing Coal Mine Groundfall Accidents: How To Identify and Respond to Geologic 

Hazards and Prevent Unsafe Worker Behavior (1992). IC 9332. Proceedings: U.S. 

Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminar. U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of 

Mines.

E.R. Bauer, D.M. Pappas, and J.M. Listak. IC 9372 (1993). Ground Control Safety 

Analysis of Extended Cut Mining. U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines.

F.C. Turin, L.J. Steiner, and K.M. Cornelius. “Evaluation of Mining Activities Using a 

Scenario Interview Approach”. Published in the Proceeding for the 42nd Annual Human 

Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, October 5-9, 1998. 

L.J. Steiner, K.M. Cornelius, and F.C. Turin, D. Stock. “Work Sampling Applied to a 

Human Factors Analysis of Mine Worker Positioning”. Published in the Proceeding for 

the 42nd Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, October 5-9, 1998.

K.M. Cornelius, L.J. Steiner, F.C. Turin. “Using Coal Miners’ Experience to Identify 

Effective Operating Cues”. Published in the Proceeding for the 42nd Annual Human 

Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, October 5-9, 1998.

L.J. Steiner, F.C. Turin, and C.A. Hamrick (1994). Ergonomic and Statistical 

Assessment of Safety in Deep-Cut Mining. Published in Improving Safety at Small 

Underground Mines (pp. 124-132), Special Publication 18-94. U.S. Department of 

Interior, Bureau of Mines. 
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

15

Scoring Key for the Cripple Creek Deep Cut Exercise

The correct answers are marked with an asterisk.5

Question Answer Number

A 1 2 3* 4 5

B 6 7* 8 9*

C 10 11 12 13* 14

D 15* 16 17 18 19*

E 20 21* 22 23*

F 24 25* 26 27

G 28 29 30* 31

H 32 33* 34 35 36

 

5 This page is printed in large type so that it may be copied and used as an overhead transparency.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

16

Demographics and Training Performance

The exercise was field tested at both union and non-union mines. There were

80 participants with an average age of 43.3 years and 19.4 years of mining experience. 

The job titles included: mine laborers (57.7%), maintenance and technical workers

(19.7%), supervisors and managers (21.1%) and other (1.4%). The exercise

demonstrated face validity in that 97.2% of participants thought that this type of

situation could definitely happen at their mine. Participants (87.4%) thought the

exercise would help them to remember safety aspects associated with remote control 

and extended cut mining. Fifty-three percent said that they learned at least one thing 

from the exercise. This number may seem a little low but considering that the

participants were very experienced, this is a worthwhile exercise for inexperienced

remote control mine workers.

The exercise was moderately difficult for most of the participants since 62%

scored greater than 80% (a mean score of 81.2%) on the exercise. Again, given that

the exercise was field tested with miners with experience with deep cuts, these figures 

were not surprising. The exercise should promote good discussion and debate among 

miners with less experience in this area.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Appendix A: Problem Booklet

Duplicate this copy of the problem booklet for use in your classes. Each person in your 

class should have a problem booklet while they are working the exercise. The problem 

booklets are reusable. To save effort and money, ask the trainees to avoid marking in 

the booklets and collect all the booklets after the class.

You may obtain a copy of the problem booklet from NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research

Laboratory. The telephone number for this agency is listed in the footnote on page

three of this document.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Cripple Creek Deep Cut Exercise

Problem Booklet

NIOSH

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

2

Instructions

Read the problem situation described on the next page. Next, answer each of the 

8 questions. Do them one at a time. Don't jump ahead, but you may look back to 

earlier questions and answers. Some questions ask you to select ALL of the

answers that you think are correct. Other questions ask you to select only ONE

answer unless you are told to "Try again!" Follow the directions for each

question.

After you have selected a choice to a question, look up its number on the answer 

sheet. Select your answer(s) to each question by rubbing the special pen

between the brackets on the answer sheet. A hidden message will appear and

tell you if you are right. When you have finished, you will learn how to score your 

performance.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

3

Background

Your regular job is on the general labor crew at Cripple Creek #9, a four section 

continuous mining operation. You and the rest of the miners had annual refresher 

training about 3 months ago.

Entries and crosscuts are 20' wide and pillars are on 80' centers. Average seam height 

is 48".

Mains are 9 entries wide while panels are 5 entries across.

Blowing ventilation is used at the face. All remote controlled continuous miners are 

equipped with scrubbers.

The approved roof control plan allows for extended cuts up to 40’ in depth from the last 

full row of undisturbed permanent roof supports. A 4 cut sequence of 20’ lifts is used. 

The mine plan calls for a reduction in cut depth when poor roof conditions are 

encountered.

The mine uses 48" mechanical anchor roof bolts under normal mining conditions and 

60" mechanical anchor bolts when adverse roof conditions are encountered. Bolt 

lengths are marked in inches on the bolt heads.

Each section has one twin boom roof bolter. 

The mine uses track haulage for moving personnel, equipment, and supplies, while 

coal is transported from sections on 48" belt.

Shuttle cars with operator compartments on the outby end of the machine are used for 

face haulage, and three cars are run when a section is taking deep cuts.

All sections have a scoop for cleaning the runways and bringing supplies from the end 

of the track.

All sections have first aid equipment stored in the dinner hole.

All miners carry a person-wearable self-contained self-rescuer.

There is a sump pump located at the mouth of the section.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

4

Problem

For the past few days you have been sent to 2 South panel to fill in as the third 

shuttle car operator. This morning, though, your buggy is down. Dave, the face boss, 

asks you to get the scoop and take seven or eight timbers to the number 5 entry. The 

last shift got off sight line. (See Figure 1.) The miner will be working in entry 5 while 

the bolter crew pins entry 4.

When you get up to the face you see that Mo, the miner operator, has rounded 

off the left inby corner in order to make his first cuts in the right hand rib. Now, he has 

squared around enough so that you and Red, the miner helper, can set some posts on 

the corner. The two of you prepare to set posts along the left inby rib of #5 entry. Now 

turn to Question A.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

5

C C

CC

C

C

C

C

C C

C

Power

Center

Dinner

Hole

Not Bolted

Scoop

Charger

1 2 3 4 5

3 Right

R

VENT TUBE

Figure 1
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

6

Question A

You and Red quickly set timbers along the left rib. The shuttle car that has been

waiting pulls under the boom of the miner. (See Figure 2.) Mo resumes positioning the 

machine. Red suggests you move closer to the face to get out of the way. What

should you do? (Choose only ONE unless told to "Try Again!")

1. Stay with Red while Mo positions the miner.

2. Stay near the pivot point of the miner.

3. Signal Mo with your caplamp to shut down the machine.

4. Squeeze back around the corner between the timbers so that you're out of the

way.

5. Shut the miner down by hitting the panic button on the left rear side of the

machine so you can get out of the way safely.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

7

MO

C

Not Bolted

Red

You

Posts

3 Right

4

Figure 2
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

8

Question B

You tell Mo that you and Red are finished setting posts and need to get outby

the miner. Red says "Nah ... I always stay up on this side when I don't have to handle 

cable. Stick around." What should you do? (Select as MANY as you think are

correct.)

6. Since the miner operator now knows your location, go ahead and stay with Red.

7. Before the operator resumes mining, leave the face area and move to a safer

position.

8. Position yourself so that you can always see Mo's caplamp.

9. Tell Red you both should get outby the continuous miner on the operator’s side.

When you have made your selection(s) do the next question.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

9

Question C

Before Mo resumes mining, you move outby and position yourself on the

machine operator’s side. The foreman, Dave, comes by and tells you to scoop the

faces. You scoop and dust entries #1 and #2. You then make your first pass in #3. As 

you reach the crosscut between entries 3 & 4, you see it hasn't been bolted all the way 

in. There is a "Danger Unsupported Roof" sign on the last row of bolts about 20 feet

back from the face. What should you do now? (Choose only ONE unless told to "Try 

Again!".)

10. Go ahead and scoop entry #3 and dump at the face of #3. Then wait to scoop #3 

Right until after it is bolted.

11. Scoop #3 entry and dump the spillage on the belt feeder.

12. Take what spillage you have in your bucket over to #4 entry and scoop it.

13. Scoop # 3 and dump the spillage in the face of entry #2.

14. Set several timbers in the 3 Right crosscut. Then scoop the area that has been

bolted.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

10

Question D

You finish scooping the faces and park the scoop out of the way. You go to the 

dinner hole for a drink of water. Dave stops and tells you that Mo was called out of the 

mine for an emergency at home, and that Red will run the miner the rest of the shift and 

you are to be the miner helper. You go get the scoop and take it back to the charger 

station. By the time you return to the face, Red has trammed the miner to #4 and is

ready to mine. He says "Come on let's go - we’re takin' a deep cut!" (See Figure 3.) 

What should you and Red do? (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

15. Examine entry #4 from the first outby crosscut to the face, checking conditions and 

examining for hazards.

16. Begin mining and take a full deep cut.

17. Begin mining and take a standard 20’ cut.

18. Wait until the roof bolting machine comes out of 3 Right into the straight.

19. Go over to the crosscut between #3 and #4 entries and ask the bolters if they are 

finished.

When you have made your selection(s) do the next question.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

11

60" Roof Bolts

48" Roof Bolts

C

3 Right 4

Figure 3
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

12

Question E

You convince Red to wait until you can make sure the bolters are out of 3 Right. 

The bolters come by and tell you the top was drummy near the face of 3 Right. They 

also tell you they noticed a 1 inch separation in the top about 4 feet above the coal

when they bolted in #4. The bolters tell you they switched to 5 foot bolts. Red says, 

"These guys are wimps - let's get it in the coal and take a deep cut!" What should you 

do now? (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

20. Help Red mine the deep cut, being careful to watch the top when taking out the

left side lifts.

21. Tell Red that he should not take a deep cut since there are signs that the top may 

be getting bad.

22. While Red takes a deep cut and removes the left side lifts, watch the top from 3

Right and see what it does.

23. Go find the foreman, Dave, and tell him what the bolters told you about the top

and ask him to check the face area in 3 Right.

When you have made your selection(s) do the next question.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

13

Question F

You tell Red that he shouldn't take a deep cut but he ignores you. You look for 

Dave and are told by the mechanic that he is outby checking the section pump. When 

you come back to the face, Red is starting the third 20' lift in entry #4. He finishes this 

lift and starts mining the fourth 20' lift. The miner cuts through into 3 Right. (See

Figure 4.) With less than 10 feet to cut in this lift, the onboard circuit breaker on the

miner trips. Red says, "It's that blasted breaker on the miner again!" What should be 

done now? (Choose only ONE unless told to "Try Again!".)

24. Set timbers from 3 Right over to the miner and then use cribbing over the miner to 

get to the breaker.

25. Have the bolters pin entry #4 up to the boom of the miner; afterwards set a

minimum of two rows of timbers on 4' centers up to the breaker on the miner.

26. Have the bolter come to 3 Right and set the ATRS next to the miner so you can

then reset the breaker on the miner.

27. Sound the top and if it rings solid, quickly go up and reset the breaker.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

14

60" Roof Bolts

48" Roof Bolts

C

3 Right

4

Figure 4
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

15

Question G

The bolters install a row of pins behind the boom of the miner and then you set 3 

rows of timbers up to the machine. (See FIGURE 5.) Red resets the breaker and as

he comes back toward permanent support, you hear the timbers start to "crack". You

suddenly realize that no cable or chain was laced around the timbers to remove them

remotely. You know they need to be removed before you resume mining. What should 

be done now? (Choose only ONE unless told to "Try Again!".)

28. You and Red walk a cable or chain around the timbers so they can be pulled

remotely.

29. You knock the timbers out with the sledgehammer that's kept at the belt feeder.

30. You suggest that Red tram the miner out of the cut. Once it is clear, evaluate the 

situation.

31. You suggest that Red back the miner out taking the timbers as he goes.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

16

60" Roof Bolts

48" Roof Bolts

Timbers

C

3 Right

4

Figure 5
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

17

Question H

Red begins backing the miner out but takes down several timbers in the process. 

As he continues to maneuver the miner out, the intersection comes in, partially 

covering the miner. You will be helping to clean up the fall the rest of the shift. Dave, 

the foreman, returns. You are unhappy about the situation and want to do something, 

but what? (Choose only ONE unless told to "Try Again!".)

32. Wait until you get Red alone and remind him he should have paid more attention 

to the danger signals before taking a deep cut.

33. Inform Dave of the situation and how it occurred.

34. Tell Dave that you are going to take this issue to the mine safety personnel to

ensure that this situation doesn’t happen again.

35. Tell Dave to call you a ride; you're sick and want to go home.

36. Call the MSHA hotline to report this situation.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

18

Question I

The following day, your mine safety director gathers the 2 South panel crew at 

the start of the shift for a brief safety talk. The discussion topic is deep cut mining and 

what happened yesterday. Since you are not a regular member of the crew, you want 

to learn more. There are some questions that need to be answered about deep cut

mining. (List your responses on the answer sheet using a pen or pencil.)

37. What are some signs that indicated Red should not have taken a deep cut?

38. What are some other things miners should look for when deciding whether to take 

a deep cut?

39. Why is clear, concise communication a key factor in the crew's safety, especially 

when taking deep cuts?

End of Problem

Scoring your performance

1. Count the total number of responses you colored in that were marked "correct". 

Write this number in the first blank on the answer sheet.

2. Count the total number of incorrect responses you colored in. Subtract this 

number from 25. Write the difference in the second blank on the answer sheet.

3. The best score is 36. The worst score is 0.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Appendix B: Answer Sheet Blanks

These are the answer sheet blanks. Copies of these blank answer sheets may be

duplicated in the normal fashion. However, the answers that are found within the

brackets must be printed on these blank answer sheets in latent image ink. These

answers are found in Appendix C. If you have the capability to print latent image ink, 

make copies of the blank answer sheets. Then make a mimeograph master of the

latent image answers that appear in Appendix C. Then print the invisible latent image 

ink on the blank answer sheets, being careful to make sure all pages print and that the 

appropriate answers line up with the appropriate blanks. The Master Answer Sheet

shows all the latent image answers in their proper place.

Most companies and trainers prefer to purchase preprinted answer sheets. You may

obtain copies of preprinted latent image answer sheets from NIOSH, Pittsburgh

Research Laboratory. The telephone number for this agency is listed in the footnote on 

page three of this document.

The exercise may be administered in small groups or individually. Used individually,

you will need one answer sheet for each person in your class. If you use the exercise in 

small groups, you will need one answer sheet for each 3 to 5 persons in your class. 

The answer sheets are consumable. You will need a new set for each class.

Special developing pens are also needed by each person who marks an answer sheet. 

These are “PENIB” and may be obtained from SICPA Customer Service, 8000

Research Way, Springfield, VA 22153, phone 1-888-742-7287.
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

1

Answer Sheet for Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Use this answer sheet to mark your selections. Rub the special pen gently and

smoothly between the brackets. Don't scrub the pen or the message may blur. Be sure 

to color in the entire message once you have made a selection. Otherwise you may not 

get the information you need. The last part of the message will tell you what to do next.

Question A (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

1. [ ]

[ ]

2. [ ]

3. [ ]

[ ]

4. [ ]

[ ]

5. [ ]

[ ]

Question B (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

6. [ ]

[ ]

[ ]

7. [ ]

8. [ ]

[ ]

9. [ ]

[ ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

2

Question C (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

10. [ ]

[ ]

11. [ ]

[ ]

[ ]

12. [ ]

[ ]

13. [ ]

[ ]

14. [ ]

Question D (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

15. [ ]

[ ]

16. [ ]

17. [ ]

18. [ ]

[ ]

19. [ ]

Question E (Select as MANY as you think are correct.)

20. [ ]

[ ]

21. [ ]

[ ]

22. [ ]

23. [ ]

[ ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

3

Question F (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

24. [ ]

[ ]

25. [ ]

[ ]

26. [ ]

[ ]

27. [ ]

[ ]

Question G (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

28. [ ]

[ ]

29. [ ]

[ ]

30. [ ]

[ ]

31. [ ]

[ ]

Question H (Choose only ONE unless you are directed to “Try Again!”)

32. [ ]

33. [ ]

[ ]

34. [ ]

35. [ ]

36. [ ]

[ ]
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

4

Question I (List your responses using pen or pencil.)

37. What are some signs that indicated Red should not have taken a deep cut?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

38. What are some other things miners should look for when deciding whether to take 

a deep cut?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

39. Why is clear, concise communication a key factor in the crew's safety, especially 

when taking deep cuts?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Finding Your Score

Number of "Correct" answers you colored in = (1)___________

25 minus number of incorrect answers you colored in = (2)___________

Add lines one and two to get your total score = (3)___________

Highest possible score = 36

Lowest possible score = 0
Cripple Creek Deep Cut

Appendix C: Latent Image Answers

These pages contain the latent image answers that must be printed in the blanks of the 

answer sheet in Appendix B. These answers are spaced and sequenced correctly so 

that they exactly match up with the appropriate blanks on the answer sheet blank.

Once the latent image ink answers have been printed in the answer sheet blanks, the 

special developing pen reveals the formerly invisible (latent image) printed message.

You may purchase preprinted answer sheets or you may prepare your own copies. To 

learn more about this option, and to determine how many answer sheets and special

pens you will need, see the introductory section of the Instructor's Copy.
1 Cripple Creek Deep Cut

1

You may be caught between the miner and the rib or timbers while Mo 

attempts to square up the entry. Try Again!

You would still be inby the operator, which could be dangerous. Try Again!

Correct. You have finished setting the timbers and need to move to a 

safer location. Do the next question.

You might get caught between the miner or shuttle car and the rib. Try

Again!

This would put you in danger of getting caught between the miner and a 

timber or rib. Try Again!

Although Mo will eventually have the miner in place to begin taking the first

lift in #5, you are in a confined space. You could still be pinned or have your

escape route from the face blocked.

Correct. You need to get to a safe location.

Even though you can see Mo, you are still not in a safe location because you

are still inby the operator.

Correct. Red is also in a dangerous position and needs to move, but he 

choses to move towards the face instead of moving outby.
2 Cripple Creek Deep Cut

2

Scooping entry #3 would result in a pile of spillage, blocking the entrance to

the crosscut. Try Again!

You should talk to the boss first. The shuttle car operators won't be 

expecting you to be traveling to the feeder, and you might interrupt the 

ventilation. There is a better choice. Try Again!

Although this is where the miner is going next, the bolters are still bolting in

#4. Try Again!

Correct. Entry #3 needs to be scooped and the spillage can be put in the

face of #2 to be loaded out later. Do the next question.

This is not needed and would be a waste of time. Try Again!

Correct. You notice that the last two cuts in entry #4 were bolted using 5 foot

bolts instead of 4 footers.

You could cut into the 3 Right crosscut before the bolters are finished.

You could cut into 3 Right crosscut before the bolters are finished.

You need to talk to the bolters in 3 Right to be sure they are done before

you start mining.

Correct. They aren’t finished, they still need to put in two rows of bolts.

With the top drummy in 3 Right, and the roof parting in #4, taking a deep

cut is not a good idea. There are clear signs that bad roof exists.

Correct. The drummy top in 3 Right and the use of longer bolts indicate

bad top. Taking this cut would violate the roof control plan.

This is dangerous since the top in 3 Right is drummy.

Correct. The foreman needs to know what's going on. Red should wait to

hear from Dave.
3 Cripple Creek Deep Cut

3

You know from the bolters that the top in 3 Right may already be bad. you

have a better option. Try Again!

Correct. This is the safest way to reach the breaker on the miner without

exposing yourself to unsupported roof. Do the next question.

This is not an option. The ATRS is only to be used for setting 

permanent roof supports. Try Again!

This is not an option. Never go beyond permanent supports! Also, the

bolters told you they saw a parting in the roof when they bolted #4. Try Again!

This is dangerous since the "cracking" you hear indicates the top is setting

down on the timbers. You have a better option. Try Again!

The top is setting down on the posts as evidenced by the "cracking" sound.

Try Again!

Correct. You need to get the miner out of the cut as soon as possible. 

Do the next question.

Since the top is setting on the posts, this could bring the top down and bury

the miner. Try Again!

You would probably be wasting your time. Try Again!

Correct. Since Dave was outby, he needs to know exactly how this situation

occurred to ensure it won’t happen again. Do the next question.

There is a better way to approach this problem. Try Again!

You may want to leave, but this is not constructive. Try Again!

This type of action is normally reserved as a last resort. You should first try

to resolve this locally with the mine safety personnel. Try Again!
Delivering on the Nation’s promise:

Safety and Health at Work 

For all people 

Through research and prevention

To receive other information about occupational safety and 

health problems, call

1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)

Fax: (513) 533-8573

Email: pubstaff@cdc.gov

Or visit the NIOSH web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 99-159

October 1999