Since it began rolling last August, more than 1000 workers from West Virginia and Pennsylvania have taken on the challenges of the trailer, which has been developed complete with signage to mimic mine escapeways.

The inside has been modelled carefully by the five WVU MEP staff who travel with the trailer and who encompass decades of mine management and safety expertise. To provide the most realistic experience, the mazed path of the classroom's inside can be adjusted as trainees move through thick theatrical smoke, duck into man doors and follow a lifeline.

The training takes about 15 minutes for four persons to complete, and includes all the necessary factors of expectations training to comply with federal regulations. CSE, Ocenco and Draeger self-rescuers are all available for miners completing the course.

WVU MEP's Joe Spiker and Joe Caldwell told International Longwall News recently that the biggest benefit to the mobile classroom is a realistic experience that can be brought right to the workers. With two persons able to trek the trailer's corridor at any one time, an entire mine crew can complete its required training in a short period of time.

The project has been so successful that Spiker and Caldwell noted they are already looking at adding another individual to the team who would be dedicated to travelling to mines to conduct training sessions. A second trailer to cover other mines simultaneously is also being considered.

For more information on WVU's expectations trailer, its capabilities and other benefits for workers, check out the March edition of Coal USA Magazine.