(a) Prior to serving on a mine rescue team each member shall
complete, at a minimum, an initial 20-hour course of instruction as
prescribed by MSHA's Office of Educational Policy and Development, in the
use, care, and maintenance of the type of breathing apparatus which will be
used by the mine rescue team. The initial training requirement is waived for
those miners on a mine rescue team on the effective date of this rule. See MSHA's Program Policy Manual
(b) Upon completion of the initial training, all team members shall
receive at least 40 hours of refresher training annually. This training
shall be given at least 4 hours each month, or for a period of 8 hours every
two months. This training shall include:
(1) Sessions underground at least once each 6 months;
(2) The wearing and use of the breathing apparatus by team
members for a period of at least two hours while under oxygen every two
months; See MSHA's Program Policy Manual
(3) Where applicable, the use, care, capabilities, and
limitations of auxiliary mine rescue equipment, or a different breathing
apparatus;
(4) Advanced mine rescue training and procedures; as
prescribed by MSHA's Office of Educational Policy and Development; and
(5) Mine map training and ventilation procedures.
(c) A mine rescue team member will be ineligible to serve on a team
if more than 8 hours of training is missed during one year, unless
additional training is received to make up for the time missed.
(d) The training courses required by this section shall be conducted
by instructors who have been employed in an underground mine for a minimum
of one year within the past five years, and who have received MSHA approval
through:
(1) Completion of an MSHA or State approved instructor's
training course and the program of instruction in the subject matter to be
taught.
(2) Designation by the District Manager as approved
instructors to teach specific courses, based on their qualifications and
teaching experience. Previously approved instructors need not be
re-designated to teach the approved courses as long as they have taught those
courses within the 24 months prior to the effective date of this part. Where
individuals are designated, the District Manager may waive the underground
experience requirement.
(e) The District Manager may revoke an instructor's approval for good
cause. A written statement revoking the approval together with reasons for
revocation shall be provided the instructor. The affected instructor may
appeal the decision of the District Manager by writing to the Administrator
for Coal Safety and Health or Administrator for a Metal and Non-Metal Safety
and Health, as appropriate, MSHA, 1100 Wilson Boulevard Room 2424 (Coal) or Room 2436 (Metal and Nonmetal), Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939. The Administrator shall issue a decision on the appeal.
(f) Upon request from the District Manager, the operator shall
provide information concerning the schedule of upcoming training.
(g) A record of training of each team member shall be on file at the
mine rescue station for a period of one year.
[45 FR 47002, July 11, 1980, as amended at 47 FR 23641, May 28, 1982; 47 FR
28095, June 29, 1982]
