Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual PDF

Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual Chapter 1 Introduction 1-1 INTRODUCTION This manual is designed to provide basic training in the rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an incident requiring emergency response at a surface or underground mining operation. The mining laws of all jurisd...

Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual Chapter 1 Introduction 1-1 INTRODUCTION This manual is designed to provide basic training in the rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an incident requiring emergency response at a surface or underground mining operation. The mining laws of all jurisdictions in Western Canada require that trained, properly equipped mine rescue teams be maintained at all surface and underground mining operations. It is the management’s responsibility to appoint a qualified person as a trainer for mine rescue training and to ensure that all mine rescue team members practice as a team. The appointed rescue trainer is responsible for maintaining a log of dates, times, training material, and equipment used at practice sessions. All records must be signed off by employers and trainees. A properly planned training agenda should be constructed so as to achieve the maximum training results for the allotted training time, as stipulated by local legislation. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF MINE RESCUE TRAINING The fundamental principles of mine rescue training are, in order of importance:  Ensuring the safety of self and rescue team  Endeavouring to rescue or ensuring the safety of trapped or injured workers  Protection of the mine property from further damage  Rehabilitation of the affected work area and salvage of equipment Through training, mine rescue teams will become familiar with:  Mine rescue equipment  Mining equipment that may be useful in an emergency (cranes, loaders, scoop trams, etc.)  Hazards involved in mine rescue work (toxic and flammable gases, electricity, rock‑falls, etc.)  The most common dangerous occurrences, such as those involving fire, machinery, or electricity REQUIREMENTS FOR MINE RESCUE TRAINING Mine rescue work is physically and mentally demanding, and at times dangerous. Members of mine rescue teams must not only have an intimate knowledge of their equipment but must also be physically sound and fit to perform strenuous work while wearing a breathing apparatus. In addition, they must maintain good judgement and temperament. They should be selected carefully and must receive thorough training. Frequent additional training and instruction should be given in an irrespirable atmosphere to ensure that both crew and equipment are in condition to respond to an emergency. Training exercises involving a recovery problem should be conducted occasionally. Many hours of training and practice are needed to develop a competent mine rescue team that can work effectively with other teams to accomplish rescue objectives in the event of a mine emergency. It is also most important that mine officials receive periodic instruction and training in the duties they must perform, both individually and collectively, should an incident arise requiring a mine rescue response. They must know where tools, equipment and materials can be obtained, both on the mine site and from outside sources. 1-2 All supervisory staff should be instructed that, in the absence of higher authority, they must take charge, and act on matters requiring immediate attention. They must notify all persons required to assist at a disaster, particularly the regulator responsible for the district in which the mine is located, the mine rescue team, and any other help that may be available. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates for mine rescue training must meet the following minimum requirements:  Minimum age of 18 years  Speak, read, and write English*  Be in good physical and mental condition*  Be familiar with mining conditions, practices, hazards and equipment  Have no perforated eardrums (tympanic membrane)*  Hold a valid Standard First Aid Certificate with spinal immobilization training or its equivalent  Clean-shaven, with no facial hair to interfere with the seal on the breathing apparatus.  Hold any additional certifications as required by your jurisdiction Whether a candidate is trained in underground mine rescue, surface mine rescue, or first aid, the applicant must be mentally and physically capable and prepared to render assistance whenever called upon to do so. * = Subject to the discretion of the mine manager MINE RESCUE CERTIFICATION The Basic Underground or Surface Mine Rescue Certificate will be issued to candidates who successfully complete the training course. The candidate must attain a grade of 70% upon examination to pass. Continuous participation in mine rescue service while maintaining the above minimum requirements will ensure that the certification does not expire. A rescuer may apply for an advanced certificate after five years of service in addition to fulfilling further competencies. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Mine Rescue Manual has evolved from integrating revised editions of the General Underground Mine Rescue Manual (British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1977‑2) and the Surface Mine Rescue Manual (British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1981‑4). The manual was compiled by Mike Barber and Haley Kuppers, in cooperation with a steering committee drawn from the coal- and metal‑mining industries in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The compilers gratefully acknowledge the contribution made by members of the steering committee in 2013–14, specifically: Jerrold Jewsbury Gerry Wong Nathan Pitre Lex Lovatt Ron Ratz British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines Teck Highland Valley Copper Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. Workers Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board 1-3 Considerable assistance in creating and reviewing content for the manual was provided by:  East Kootenay Mining Industry Safety Association (B.C.)  North/Central/South Mine Rescue (B.C.)  Northern Mine Safety Forum  Yukon Mine Producers Group The manual also draws on a number of earlier publications, including:  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  Electrical Safety for Policemen and Firemen, B.C. Hydro  Rigging for Rescue, Dynamic Rescue Systems  Operation Recharge Inspection and Maintenance Manual – Cartridge Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, ANSUL  Manitoba Mine Rescue Training and Reference Manual, Manitoba Ministry of Mineral Resources  Alberta Mine Rescue Manual, Alberta Mine Safety Association  Saskatchewan Mine Emergency Response Program, Saskatchewan Labour Occupational Health and Safety  The Canadian Electrical Code, Canadian Standards Association  Various publications of American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), National Institute for Occupational Safety, and Health (NIOSH), Environment Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and Health Canada A number of photos in this manual are used courtesy of the manufacturers and rights holders, including:  Draeger Canada  vRigger  AnimatedKnots.Com  Ferno Canada  Canadian Safety  Carleton Rescue Equipment  CMC Rescue  Gastec  Scott Safety  Biomarine Inc.  MSA Canada  Industrial Scientific  O-Two  Honeywell Analytics These sources are gratefully acknowledged. This manual is intended to cover basic mine rescue principles, techniques, and equipment. Familiarize yourself with site-specific procedures, manufacturer’s instructions, and other training programs available to supplement this course. 1-4