Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Mining Product: Harry’s Hard Choices: Mine Refuge Chamber Training

Original creation date: March 2009

Harry's Hard Choices

This paper-and-pencil simulation is an interactive story that presents a scenario in which Harry Hamilton, a section foreman on a longwall setup section, must decide what to do when he learns there is a fire in his mine. As time goes on, Harry must face a series of choices about how best to increase his and his crew's chances for survival. The story is taken in part from real-life incidents.

The completion of this exercise can help new miners, experienced miners, trainers, and others who must deal with issues of self-rescue and escape become more aware of:

  • The need to gather as much information as possible as early as possible
  • The value of knowing one's escapeways
  • The need to use self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) properly
  • The value of a multigas detector in an emergency
  • When, and under what circumstances, to enter a refuge alternative

Materials included in the file download (a ZIP archive):

  • Instructor Copy - 1 copy needed for the trainer
  • Problem Booklet - 1 copy needed for each trainee or group of trainees

Authors: C Vaught, EE Hall, KA Klein

Audience: Miners in annual refresher classes, trainers, responsible persons, command center personnel, original equipment manufacturers, researchers

Information Circular - March 2009

  • Download
  • Order IC

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20035141

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-122, Information Circular 9511, 2009 Mar.


TOP