WorldWide Drilling Resource

! " # ! When Danger Strikes Adapted from Information by the Mine Safety and Health Administration Throughout history, miners from all walks of life have worked both aboveground and underground, confident should a disaster occur, every possible effort would be made to locate and rescue them. That’s where the nation’s Mine Rescue Teams come in; when called, these rescuers do not hesitate. They undertake some of the most difficult and risky emergency response work in the country, sometimes traveling miles in dark underground mines filled with debris, as well as poisonous and explosive gases, searching for missing miners and recovering those who do not survive. When miners find themselves in an emergency situation on the job, such as being trapped by fires, explosions, roof falls, flooding, or harmful gases, they rely on specially-trained mine rescue teams to help. A speedy and safe rescue effort can mean the difference between life and death for trapped miners. Teamwork is crucial. Rescuers must be trained, available, and ready to respond in a moment’s notice. Over the years, mine rescuers have become better trained and organized, the equipment they use has also become more sophisticated. Today, over 250 mine rescue teams are certified and equipped to perform mine rescue operations in the United States. They train and compete in mine rescue contests across the country, culminating in a national championship for coal as well as metal and nonmetal mines, so they are ready to answer the call they hope never comes. Mine rescue contests and simulations are an essential part of the training process, and ensure teams receive hands-on exposure to a range of po- tential hazards and mine emergency scenarios. The Mine Act requires every operator of an underground mine assure the avail- ability of mine rescue teams for emergency rescue and recovery of trapped or in- jured miners. Rescue teams must receive adequate training in accordance with 30 CFR Part 49.8 for underground metal and nonmetal mines, and 30 CFR Part 49.18 for underground coal mines. In 2013, October 30th was declared as Mine Rescue Day to celebrate these brave champions on a national level. This Mine Rescue Day, salute the brave men and women who give their time, and risk their lives in the service of miners across the country. Surface drilling of boreholes sometimes takes place during the mine rescue process. 46 OCTOBER 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®