Mine Rescue and Safety Certifications

Study Notes

Hold additional certifications as required by jurisdiction
East Kootenay Mining Industry Safety Association, North/Central/South Mine Rescue, and Northern Mine Safety Forum provide training and resources

The Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations (Ontario Ministry of Labour)
Mine Rescue Crisis Response Manual (Yukon Territorial Government)
Occupational First Aid Manual (British Columbia Workers' Compensation Board)
Various publications from ACGIH, NIOSH, Environment Canada, CCOHS, and Health Canada

Frostbite occurs when tissue temperature falls below freezing point, or blood flow is obstructed, causing damage to blood vessels and potentially leading to infection and gangrene
Trench foot occurs when feet have been wet, but not freezing cold, for prolonged periods, causing tingling, numbness, itching, pain, and swelling

Control the incident scene to eliminate unauthorized access and prevent exposure to electrical hazards
Use lock-out/tag-out devices when working near energy sources
Guard against electrical shocks, burns, and eye injuries from electrical arcs
Establish an exclusion zone around downed power lines

Terms, concepts, and formulae: 1 metre step in 1,000 kilometres, 1 millilitre per 1,000 litres of liquid, etc.
Properties and effects of mine gases: irritation, chronic or irreversible tissue damage, or narcosis
Gases produced by burning rubber, neoprene, and PVC: carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide

Concepts and definitions: general safety considerations, tool classes, and equipment
Tool classes: rotating, pushing, pulling, and lifting, prying and spreading, striking, cutting, and miscellaneous
Safety considerations: wear appropriate PPE, follow manufacturer's instructions, and evaluate consequences before operation

Protective hood (balaclava): protects face and neck
Bunker pants and coat: protects body from heat, cuts, and abrasions
Gloves: protects hands from heat, cuts, and abrasions
Bunker boots: protects feet from cuts and abrasions
Eye protection: protects eyes from foreign matter
Hearing protection: protects ears from excessive noise
Respiratory protection: protects against heated gases and toxic atmospheres
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS): built into breathing apparatus or attached to rescuer

Requirements for burning: fuel, oxygen, and heat
Fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, and heat
Ways to extinguish a fire: remove the reducing agent, exclude the oxidizing agent, reduce the temperature, and interrupt the chemical chain reaction