MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES - PH13-V-1 - Mine Safety and Health ...

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 3
5. Communication and Tracking Surface Facility. The surface facility for the
post-accident two-way communication and electronic tracking systems shall be
inspected for compliance with applicable standards, and the Emergency
Response Plan (ERP). This inspection should include:
a. Observing the responsible person demonstrate the functionality of the postaccident
tracking system to determine whether it uniquely identifies miners
underground and their locations.
b. Observing the responsible person: (1) conduct an emergency
communication broadcast test and (2) confirm that messages were received.
c. Determining whether the responsible person on the surface has a working
knowledge of the communication and tracking system, is always on duty
when miners are underground to provide communications, initiates
corrective actions for system failures and faults, and takes appropriate
actions during emergencies. If the responsible person performs duties away
from the communications center, determine whether the responsible person
will remain in contact with the system and can immediately attend to alerts.
(Refer to Q&As Post-Accident Two-Way Communication Tracking 2011 for
further guidance and additional information.)
6. Refuge Alternatives. Inspect all refuge alternatives (RAs) for compliance with
applicable standards, including determining if the RAs are properly located,
examined, and maintained.
1. Assure RAs are examined as part of the preshift examination;
2. properly identified on the mine map;
3. within 1,000 feet of the nearest working face;
4. conspicuously marked;
5. connected to lifelines with branch lines;
6. assure a clear space is available to fully deploy the RA;
7. communications are provided; and
8. the RA is adequate in size to accommodate the number of persons
reasonably expected to use it.
(Refer to Q&As Mine Emergency Evacuation 2007; Q&As Breathable Air; Q&As
Mine Emergencies §§ 75.1501 & 75.1502; Q&As Refuge Alternatives; Q&As Post-
Accident Two-Way Communication Tracking 2011; Mine Emergency Evacuation:
71 Fed. Reg. 71430 (Dec. 8, 2006); Refuge Alternatives: 73 Fed. Reg. 80656 (Dec.
31, 2008); and 2000-223 ERP Review Form for further guidance and additional
information.)
Release 1 (February 2013) 3-6