Escape & Emergency Evacuation Plans

Certain emergencies may require miners to escape a hazard or evacuate the area. Some examples may include fires, cave-ins, or extreme weather. Every miner should know the warning signals that initiate escape and evacuation plans. They need to know how to activate these systems themselves, and they need to know what to do and where to go if an evacuation plan is activated.

Know which machines need to be turned off or secured before evacuating. Know where all the emergency shutdown switches are located.

Escape and evacuation plans typically specify the route miners should take to reach a safe location. Study the preferred route, as well as any alternate routes that could be used if needed. Know where to meet other miners and obtain a head count for missing personnel.

Sometimes circumstances may require miners to use self-rescue equipment to escape a hazardous condition under their own power. Keep these devices clean and in working order. Know how to use them, understanding that devices often work a little differently.

To learn more about Surface Mining Refresher visit our MSHA Part 46 Surface Mining Refresher Online Training web page.