The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and the Nevada Mining Association are co-hosting the 2016 Metal and Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest this week in Reno, Nev. Thirty-seven mine rescue teams from 18 states are participating in the competition.
According to MSHA, the contest includes a field competition, where five-member teams search and account for missing miners following standard mine rescue procedures. Another competition tests the ability of two-man technician teams to ensure multi-gas and self-contained breathing apparatuses are in proper working condition. Finally, a first-aid competition challenges teams to be prepared to deal with medical emergencies, while a team trainer test consists of a series of written questions.
The contests will sharpen the skills and test the knowledge of the teams of miners, MSHA reports. They will also challenge the teams to rescue trapped, injured or missing miners.
MSHA will provide the field, written and technical problems. The administration will also judge the competition events and determine the contest winners.
