The 22-page document covers such topics as command centre organisation and functions, activities centre focus and responsibilities, rescue methods and mine rescue equipment and training.

 

“[A] multi-faceted review process culminated in the development of … [this] mine rescue handbook, which can serve as a guide for those developing mine rescue protocols and procedures as well as a review tool for those who have established procedures in place,” the group said in the document’s preface.

 

Financial details are also included within the handbook’s pages, from a listing of recommended mine rescue equipment and the associated estimated cost and estimates of annual costs for mandated training.

 

Massey Coal Services safety and training vice-president Elizabeth Chamberlin, one of the group’s experts, told International Longwall News the events of last year brought everyone’s attention back to mine safety as crucial to the future of the industry.

 

“There was a recognition within the industry coming out of the events of 2006 that it was proper and appropriate to review how these type of mine rescue events should be handled and, furthermore, that the resultant key learnings should be shared with those who have not experienced such an event,” she said.

 

While no schedule is set for when and how the book will be updated, she added that any revisions needed “will occur as needed to reflect new or changing technologies, practices and procedures”

 

Related in impetus to the development of the Mine Emergency Command Center software program, an ad hoc committee formed in 2006 was responsible for bringing the document together.

 

Supporters of mine rescue, including those from the National Mining Association and Bituminous Coal Operators’ Association, Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, all contributed their efforts and knowledge on a volunteer basis to bring the industry this end product.

 

“I am honoured to have been able to contribute to this worthwhile and timely endeavour,” Chamberlin said of her involvement in the process and resulting handbook. As for how the book will impact industry, she added that it will certainly hold a prominent place.

 

“There has been a very real need in the mining industry and in the mine rescue community for the contemporary guidance provided by the Mine Rescue Handbook. In addition, the handbook will provide a valuable tool for operators forming additional new mine rescue teams in anticipation of the mine rescue team requirements contained in the MINER Act,” Chamberlin said.

 

It is hard not to look at the new document and its contents without contemplating the role that mine emergencies, and the needed preparedness for them, play as the industry works towards its zero fatality goal.

 

“Mine rescue teams have long been a key component of underground mine emergency response plans, and that will continue,” Chamberlin said.

 

While those efforts and discussion also often centre on where new regulations and safety pushes originate, every single member of the industry is in charge of making their own day and those of their co-workers as safe as possible.

 

“The impact of the MINER Act, which will result in changes in the number of teams and their training, is unclear at this time [and] while I believe the intent of the Act is to improve mine rescue capabilities, there is concern within the mine rescue community that the prescriptive nature of the relevant provisions may adversely impact effective, well-established, state-sponsored mine rescue team programs,” said Chamberlin.

 

“Whatever the changes the MINER Act may bring to mine rescue, we must not lessen our proactive efforts to prevent mine emergencies requiring mine rescue team rescue and recovery efforts.”

 

The entire handbook is available in PDF format at http://www.usmra.com/download/MineRescueHandbook.pdf