U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

ISSUE DATE: APRIL 21, 2003

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P03-8

FROM:           RAY McKINNEY
                      Administrator for
                            for Coal Mine Safety and Health

                      ROBERT M. FRIEND
                     Administrator for
                            Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

                      MARK E. SKILES
                     Director of Technical Support

                      JEFFREY A. DUNCAN
                     Director for
                            Educational Policy and Development

SUBJECT:      Mine Rescue Stations - Onsite Training and Technical Assistance

Scope
This program information bulletin applies to underground mine operators, independent contractors who provide mine rescue capabilities for mine operators, and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) training and enforcement personnel.

Purpose
This bulletin establishes an onsite training and technical assistance program for mine operators and independent contractors who seek assistance in complying with 30 CFR Part 49.

Information
Section 502(b) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Act) provides MSHA with the authority to provide, to the greatest extent possible, technical assistance to mine operators in meeting the requirements of the Act. In order to assist mine operators in complying with Section 115(e) of the Act, which requires mine rescue teams to be available for rescue and recovery work at each underground mine in the event of an emergency, MSHA will provide onsite training and technical assistance at the request of the operator.

Mine operators and independent contractors who would like assistance should submit a request to the appropriate District Manager. MSHA will then make arrangements to provide technical assistance at the mine rescue station or facility maintained by the mine operator or independent contractor. MSHA may provide this training and assistance up to two times per year, or more often if deemed necessary by the appropriate District Manager.

Each District will designate a person to provide the training and technical assistance. The person will be familiar with the use, care, and maintenance of the mine rescue equipment and will have a complete understanding of the latest mine rescue and recovery procedures and techniques. When available, the person will be either a current or past member of Coal's Mine Emergency Unit (MEU) or Metal and Nonmetal's Mine Rescue Team. Where a team member is not available, the person will be selected from personnel most familiar with, and trained in, mine rescue and will be thoroughly familiar with the maintenance of mine rescue stations and equipment.

The focus of the training will be directly and specifically related to mine rescue. The training will include a complete technical review of the mine rescue facility, a description of any new mine rescue and recovery equipment, and a discussion concerning actual rescue and recovery procedures that were used during emergency operations of the previous year. In addition, the requirements of Part 49 will be discussed as they relate to the mine rescue station.

The mandatory inspections of mine rescue stations will be conducted by an Authorized Representative of the Secretary of Labor during regular inspection activities. They will be separate from any technical assistance.

Background
A Mine Rescue Initiative Committee was established by MSHA to address all issues relating to a decline in the number of available mine rescue teams throughout the mining industry. The committee has participated in several meetings with representatives from industry, labor, and State agencies to solicit ideas for ensuring full compliance with Section 115(e) of the Act and 30 CFR Part 49, which require mine rescue teams to be available for emergency rescue and recovery work at each underground mine. Several representatives proposed that MSHA conduct courtesy inspections in order to provide technical assistance with the requirements. This bulletin implements the recommendations.

Authority
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977;
Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 49.

Internet Availability
This program information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing "Statutory and Regulatory Information" and "Compliance Assistance Information."

Issuing Office and Contact Persons
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Accident Investigation Program Manager,
William Crocco, (202) 693-9507
e-mail: crocco-william@msha.gov

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health, Accident Investigation Program Manager,
John K. Radomsky, (202) 693- 9614
e-mail: radomsky-john@msha.gov

Educational Policy and Development, Division of Policy and Program Coordination,
Douglas C. Altizer, Jr. (202) 693-9580
e-mail: altizer-douglas@msha.gov

Technical Support,
Larry Checca, (202) 693-9480
e-mail: checca-elio@msha.gov

Distribution
Program Policy Manual Holders
Underground Mine Operators
Independent Contractors
Special Interest Groups