[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 30, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 30CFR49.8]

[Page 240-241]
 
                       TITLE 30--MINERAL RESOURCES
 
  CHAPTER I--MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
 
PART 49--MINE RESCUE TEAMS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 49.8  Training for mine rescue teams.

    (a) Prior to serving on a mine rescue team each member shall 
complete, at a minimum, an initial 20-hour course of instruction as 
prescribed by MSHA's Office of Educational Policy and Development, in 
the use, care, and maintenance of the type of breathing apparatus which 
will be used by the mine rescue team. The initial training requirement 
is waived for those miners on a mine rescue team on the effective date 
of this rule.
    (b) Upon completion of the initial training, all team members shall 
receive at least 40 hours of refresher training annually. This training 
shall be given at least 4 hours each month, or for a period of 8 hours 
every two months. This training shall include:
    (1) Sessions underground at least once each 6 months;
    (2) The wearing and use of the breathing apparatus by team members 
for a period of at least two hours while under oxygen every two months;
    (3) Where applicable, the use, care, capabilities, and limitations 
of auxiliary mine rescue equipment, or a different breathing apparatus;
    (4) Advanced mine rescue training and procedures; as prescribed by 
MSHA's Office of Educational Policy and Development; and
    (5) Mine map training and ventilation procedures.
    (c) A mine rescue team member will be ineligible to serve on a team 
if more than 8 hours of training is missed during one year, unless 
additional training is received to make up for the time missed.
    (d) The training courses required by this section shall be conducted 
by instructors who have been employed in an underground mine for a 
minimum of one year within the past five years, and who have received 
MSHA approval through:
    (1) Completion of an MSHA or State approved instructor's training 
course and the program of instruction in the subject matter to be 
taught.
    (2) Designation by the District Manager as approved instructors to 
teach specific courses, based on their qualifications and teaching 
experience. Previously approved instructors need not be re-designated to 
teach the approved courses as long as they have taught those courses 
within the 24 months prior to the effective date of this part. Where 
individuals are designated, the

[[Page 241]]

District Manager may waive the underground experience requirement.
    (e) The District Manager may revoke an instructor's approval for 
good cause. A written statement revoking the approval together with 
reasons for revocation shall be provided the instructor. The affected 
instructor may appeal the decision of the District Manager by writing to 
the Administrator for Coal Safety and Health or Administrator for a 
Metal and Non-Metal Safety and Health, as appropriate, MSHA, 1100 Wilson 
Blvd., Room 2424 (Coal) or Room 2436 (Metal and Nonmetal), Arlington, 
Virginia 22209-3939. The Administrator shall issue a decision on the 
appeal.
    (f) Upon request from the District Manager, the operator shall 
provide information concerning the schedule of upcoming training.
    (g) A record of training of each team member shall be on file at the 
mine rescue station for a period of one year.

[45 FR 47002, July 11, 1980, as amended at 47 FR 23641, May 28, 1982; 47 
FR 28095, June 29, 1982; 67 FR 38385, June 4, 2002]