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Editorial Note: Based on FedReg. Doc. E8-30669, this section has been changed. The new version is in BOLD. The old section will remain, pending the next publication of the 30 CFR.
The effective date for this rule is March 2, 2009. Click for Compliance Dates
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30 CFR § 75.1501
Emergency evacuations.
(a) For each shift that miners work underground, there shall be in
attendance a responsible person designated by the mine operator to take
charge during mine emergencies involving a fire, explosion, or gas or
water inundation.
(1) The responsible person shall have current knowledge of the
assigned location and expected movements of miners underground, the
operation of the mine ventilation system, the location of the mine
escapeways, the mine communications system, any mine monitoring system
if used, locations of firefighting equipment, the mine's Emergency
Response Plan, the Mine Rescue Notification Plan, and the Mine
Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Program of Instruction.
(1) The responsible person shall have current knowledge of the
assigned location and expected movements of miners underground, the
operation of the mine ventilation system, the locations of the mine
escapeways and refuge alternatives, the mine communications system, any
mine monitoring system if used, locations of firefighting equipment,
the mine's Emergency Response Plan, the Mine Rescue Notification Plan,
and the Mine Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Program of
Instruction.
(2) The responsible person shall be trained annually in a course of
instruction in mine emergency response, as prescribed by MSHA's Office
of Educational Policy and Development. The course will include topics
such as the following:
(i) Organizing a command center;
(ii) Coordinating firefighting personnel;
(iii) Deploying firefighting equipment;
(iv) Coordinating mine rescue personnel;
(v) Establishing fresh air base;
(vi) Deploying mine rescue teams;
(vii) Providing for mine gas sampling and analysis;
(viii) Establishing security;
(ix) Initiating an emergency mine evacuation;
(x) Contacting emergency personnel; and
(xi) Communicating appropriate information related to the
emergency.
(3) The operator shall certify by signature and date after each
responsible person has completed the training and keep the
certification at the mine for 1 year.
(b) The responsible person shall initiate and conduct an immediate mine evacuation when there is a mine emergency which presents an imminent danger to miners due to fire or explosion or gas or water inundation. Only properly trained and equipped persons essential to respond to the mine emergency may remain underground.
(c) The mine operator shall instruct all miners of the identity of the responsible person designated by the operator for their workshift. The mine operator shall instruct miners of any change in the identity of the responsible person before the start of their workshift.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the ability of other persons in the mine to warn of an imminent danger which warrants evacuation.
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