U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Resource: Mine and Tunnel Search and Rescue Team
Category: Search and Rescue (ESF #9)
Kind: Team
Minimum Capabilities (Component) Minimum Capabilities
(Metric)

Type I
Inactive or Abandoned Mines or Tunnels

 Type II
Active mines or tunnels under construction		 Type III Type IV Other

Team

 Personnel

8 members
(at least 5 qualified on breathing apparatus)

8 members (at least
5 qualified on breathing apparatus)

Personnel Training

Same as Type II, plus:
Understanding forces involved in technical rope systems;
Proficiency in the selection and set up of rescue anchors;
Ability to construct and operate simple and compound mechanical advantage systems, belay systems and lowering systems;
Proficiency in technical litter evacuations in a vertical environment

20 hour MSHA initial training on use of breathing apparatus;
Refresher training sessions underground with breathing apparatus at least every
6 months;
Use and care of auxiliary mine rescue equipment;
Mine searching and mapping;
Mine ventilation procedures and equipment;
Mine firefighting;
Any advanced mine rescue training and procedures, as described by MSHA;
Basic First Aid/CPR

 

 

  
Team

Equipment

 Same as Type II 6 4-hour self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus and any necessary equipment for testing such breathing apparatus before putting it into service norxshop.com      
Team Equipment Same as Type II 1 extra, fully charged, oxygen bottle and 6 spare coolant canisters compatible with the breathing apparatus      
Team Equipment Same as Type II 1 oxygen pump or cascading system with portable supply of pressurized oxygen to compatible with the breathing apparatus      
Team Equipment

Same as Type II

10 permissible cap lamps and charging rack

  

 
Team Equipment

Same as Type II

2 gas detectors capable of reading oxygen levels, and any flammable or poisonous gases encountered or anticipated at the rescue location

 
Team Equipment Same as Type II 1 portable mine rescue communications system at least 1,000 feet in length      
Team Equipment Same as Type II Necessary spare parts and tools for repairing the breathing apparatus or communications system      
Team Equipment Sufficient rope and hardware to support complex rigging        
Personnel Equipment Same as Type II, plus full body harness Head protection compatible with cap lamps; Gloves; Flame protective outerwear; Footwear appropriate to the environment      
Equipment Transportation Resources Same as Type II Transportation for all personnel and equipment to mine site      

Comments:
National Mutual Aid & Resource Management Initiative
Search and Rescue