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The National Mine Health and Safety Academy
had its origins in the 1969 Act.
On July 29th 1972 ground was broken for a new Academy facility.
The academy for which we break ground today
is a symbol of a better furture for a small but vital segment
of America that has been to long neglected and who's suffering
has been to long endured.
But most of all it will give hope
to thousands of Men and Women
to whom this country owes deep debt of gratiude
that at last their sacrifices are recognized
and that their futures are valued.
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Construction continued for four years
and the new Academy complex was dedicated on August 17th 1976.
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The new Academy was a 278,000 square foot facility
of 6 interconnected buildings
including classrooms
laboratories
library
a publication distribution center
and full serviced print shop.
a cafeteria, which can serve over 400 meals an hour.
A Residence Hall with 174 Dormitory Rooms
and physical fitness facility.
In 1977 the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act
brought Coal and Metal Nonmetal mine safety under the same legislation.
The Academy continued to grow
and its curriculum evolved to meet the changing needs of the mining community.
The Mine Simulation Laboratory dedicated on September 1st 1992
was a centerpiece of this expansion.
The laboratory is a unique facility
designed to provide hands on, practical training in fire fighting
and rescue procedures for coal and metal nonmetal miners.
If this laboratory saves from dealth...Just one more miner.. it will have searved a noble purpose.
Mining like other industries has changed over the years
as bigger machines mine more material than ever before.
The need for healthy and safe work places does not change however
and the Academy has never lost sight of its job
to help make our nations mines safer and healthier places to work.
Today in Entry Level Training , MSHA's new Coal
and Metal Nonmetal Mine Inspectorís learn the technical and other skills they need to do
their jobs safely.
Experienced Inspectors return to the Academy for updated training
on new mining technology and inspection procedures and requirements.
We also train MSHA specialist in areas such as roof control, special investigations,
health and mine ventilation.
Through the year we host many seminars and conferences
to give people from the mining community a chance to meet,
learn about new safety techniques
and to exchange ideas.
From its beginning the Academy has been a central training facility
for federal mine inspectors and mine safety and health professionals
from throughout the mining community.
We have come along way in 40 years
the Academy will continue to proudly uphold its tradition
of leadership in improving mine health and safety
through education and training.