FREE MSHA Mine Rescue Questions and Answers
Should the symbol for FPA be placed on the map in the direction of travel?
Explanation:
The orientation of the FPA symbol on the map does not affect its functionality. The primary concern is to accurately mark its location for navigation purposes, regardless of the direction of travel.
Do patients’ arms have to be strapped down?
Explanation:
Strapping down patients' arms may hinder their ability to remove their mask or CareVent quickly in case of an emergency. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to strap down patients' arms during rescue operations to ensure their safety and ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
On the fire as a quitter scenario, if a team puts the fire out prior to retreating, will the team be discounted for that?
Explanation:
While it's important for the team to retreat promptly in a fire scenario, extinguishing the fire before retreating may not necessarily result in disqualification as long as all required team functions are performed in the designated areas. Safety protocols should be followed, and necessary actions taken to ensure the safety of all team members.
A team is advancing in an entry and is stopped by an unsafe roof. There is a gas placard 10 feet out by the unsafe roof. The other entries are blocked, but the team has timbers. If the team timbers through the unsafe roof, does the gas extend through the unsafe roof?
Explanation:
According to mine safety regulations, the presence of a gas placard indicates the extent of the gas. Since there is no placard at the unsafe roof, the gas is not assumed to extend beyond that point. Therefore, timbers can be used to secure the unsafe roof without the assumption that gas extends through it.
Can you hold a curtain up to a rib corner that has an unsafe roof running across the imaginary rib line?
Explanation:
Holding a curtain up to a rib corner with an unsafe roof running across it is generally not allowed due to safety concerns. However, if the unsafe roof has been properly supported and secured by the team, then holding a curtain up to the rib corner can be considered safe. It's essential to ensure the structural integrity of the roof before implementing any safety measures.
If timbers are previously set through an area of unsafe roof, does the team have to set its own timbers?
Explanation:
For safety and accountability, mine rescue teams must set their own timbers rather than relying on previously set ones. This ensures that the timbers are properly installed and meet safety standards, reducing the risk of roof collapse or other hazards during rescue operations.
If the problem statement states mine has three headings and the team enters from the side, how do you explore? The team map also shows headings.
Explanation:
By exploring each heading sequentially from left to right, the mine rescue team ensures systematic coverage of the mine and minimizes the risk of missing any areas. This approach aligns with standard mine rescue procedures and ensures thorough exploration of the mine.
By law, a team is only required to have 6 team members. Can a team with only 6 team members compete at the National Contest?
Explanation:
While the legal requirement set by 30 CFR Part 49 mandates a minimum of 6 team members, the National Rules for Mine Rescue Contests stipulate a minimum of 7 team members to compete. Therefore, a team with only 6 members would not meet the eligibility criteria for the National Contest.
If the direction of the fan cannot be changed, do teams still have to put BLOWING OR EXHAUSTING?
Explanation:
Even if the direction of the fan cannot be changed, it is still important for teams to accurately indicate whether the fan is blowing air into the mine or exhausting air out of the mine. This information helps in understanding the ventilation flow within the mine and is essential for safety and rescue operations.
Can smoke return in the mine after ventilation is changed? How would that be indicated to the team?
Explanation:
Smoke can potentially return in the mine if ventilation changes are not effectively controlled or if there are unforeseen circumstances. Increased smoke levels would indicate this issue to the mine rescue team, highlighting the importance of constant monitoring and adjustment of ventilation systems to maintain safe working conditions.
If there is an irrespirable atmosphere in an intersection and a barricade 7 feet into the entry ahead, can the team just airlock and go in, or does the team have to clear the intersection first?
Explanation:
If there is a barricade 7 feet into the entry ahead and no irrespirable atmosphere immediately outby it, the team can airlock and proceed into the entry. As long as the barricade is secure and there are no immediate hazards, it is safe for the team to advance into the entry.