Firefighting

Firefighting duties often include accounting for missing persons, starting rescue operations, contacting firefighting authorities, and beginning fire suppression activities.

Each mine must have firefighting equipment to fight fires in their early stages, and potentially beyond if arrangements have not been made with a local fire department. Onsite equipment must be strategically located, readily accessible, plainly marked, and well-maintained.

Additionally, onsite equipment must be available to handle every class of fire that could occur. Use the correct fire suppression system for the material that is burning. Traditionally, wood products are extinguished with water. However, materials like petroleum and certain metals should not be extinguished with water. Special chemical agents are not only more effective, but are actually safer for the firefighter if used correctly. Fire extinguishers and similar apparatus usually have instructions on them explaining appropriate use.

There are a number of regulations about firefighting at surface mines. For example, 30 CFR §6.4331 requires that emergency firefighting drills be held at least once every six months for persons assigned firefighting responsibilities. Miners and mine operators should review 30 CFR §56 periodically to make sure that firefighting procedures are adequate.

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