Refuge Stations, Emergency Shelters

Question 1

What is the purpose of refuge stations in mines?

Answer 1

To provide shelter for miners during emergencies

Refuge stations are permanent or portable and designed for safety.

Question 2

What is the minimum fire resistance rating for materials used in refuge stations?

Answer 2

At least one hour

This rating is crucial for the safety of miners.

Question 3

What features must a refuge station have according to Reg. 854?

Answer 3

• Large enough to accommodate workers
• Capable of being sealed
• Means of voice communication with the surface
• Supply of compressed air and potable water
• Doors that open outwards

These features ensure the safety and communication of miners.

Question 4

What factors determine the occupancy and duration of stay in a refuge station?

Answer 4

The volume of air in the station

Additional supplies like compressed air or oxygen can extend this duration.

Question 5

What should a team do before passing a refuge station?

Answer 5

Contact the briefing officer and check for occupants

This ensures accountability and safety.

Question 6

True or False: Temporary emergency shelters are covered under Regulation 854.

Answer 6

False

These shelters are considered shelters of last resort.

Question 7

What are temporary emergency shelters typically used for?

Answer 7

As shelters of last resort for limited duration

They may not have access to compressed air or secure airline.

Question 8

What are some examples of temporary emergency shelters?

Answer 8

• Do-it-yourself shelters
• Barricaded areas
• Manufactured emergency shelter devices
• Emergency fresh air stations
• Drop down tents

These options provide temporary refuge but are not substitutes for refuge stations.

Question 9

What is a key distinction between refuge stations and temporary emergency shelters?

Answer 9

Temporary emergency shelters cannot be used as a substitute for refuge stations

Refuge stations are more secure and properly equipped.

Question 10

What is the first step in checking a refuge station?

Answer 10

Knock on the door

Question 11

How should you identify yourself when checking a refuge station?

Answer 11

Identify as mine rescue

Question 12

What information should be determined about the people inside a refuge station?

Answer 12

The number of people inside

Question 13

What should you ask if people are not in communication with the surface?

Answer 13

If any are trained in first aid or mine rescue

Question 14

What should you inquire about concerning the occupants’ conditions?

Answer 14

If people are OK or there are any injuries

Question 15

What should you ask regarding self-rescuers?

Answer 15

If they have self-rescuers and if they were used to get to the refuge station

Question 16

What information should be gathered about personnel?

Answer 16

About missing personnel

Question 17

What type of information should be obtained about the fire or emergency?

Answer 17

About information on the fire/emergency

Question 18

What should be confirmed regarding the air supply in a refuge station?

Answer 18

If air supply is flowing and the door is sealed

Question 19

What should you check about communication equipment in the refuge station?

Answer 19

If the phone is working

Question 20

What instruction should be given to the people inside the refuge station?

Answer 20

Tell the people to stay inside

Question 21

What should teams avoid when dealing with occupied refuge stations?

Answer 21

Entering if the exterior air is contaminated

Question 22

What should teams and occupants do if they need to relay messages?

Answer 22

Work together to contact the surface and relay each other’s messages

Question 23

What is the protocol if it is necessary to enter an occupied refuge station?

Answer 23

Occupants should move to the back and turn on the air supply fully while the team enters quickly

Question 24

What should a team do if there is no response from the refuge station?

Answer 24

Enter immediately and perform the following actions:
* Turn on and off air supply to ensure operation
* Check air quality
* Contact the briefing officer
* Establish it as a refuge station

These actions are critical for ensuring safety and operational readiness in emergency situations.

Question 25

What are the objectives of the standard province-wide operations and procedures?

Answer 25

To help mine rescuers achieve their multiple objectives

These objectives include maintaining the effectiveness of mine rescue teams and ensuring safety during operations.

Question 26

What do minimum standards cover in mine rescue operations?

Answer 26

Measures to maintain mine rescue teams, the number of personnel available, and facilities and equipment at mine rescue substations and fresh air bases

These standards are essential for effective mine rescue operations.

Question 27

Who should brief the rescue team before operations?

Answer 27

The designated briefing officer

Briefing ensures that all decisions related to the team’s assignment are clear and understood.

Question 28

Who is responsible for the discipline, safety, and work performed by the rescue team?

Answer 28

The rescue team captain

The captain is responsible both before the team goes underground and while the team is underground.

Question 29

From whom should the rescue team captain take orders?

Answer 29

Only from the briefing officer

This chain of command is crucial for maintaining order and safety during rescue operations.

Question 30

What procedures are covered while traveling or working underground?

Answer 30

Going through doors, team communications, marking the route of travel, conducting team checks, and refuge stations

These procedures are important for ensuring the safety and efficiency of underground operations.