PURPOSE:  To enhance SCSR care, maintenance, and inspection protocol so that miners keep SCSRs in good condition and all units that fail inspections are removed from service.

RESEARCH SUMMARY:  SCSRs are used by approximately 50,000 underground mine employees. Training in care, maintenance and inspection is paramount to ensure that the device functions properly when donned by a mine worker during an emergency. The modules will be available from the NIOSH and MSHA Internet sites. NIOSH, in joint participation with MSHA, will initiate an intervention strategy for introducing these modules to the mining industry through their Educational Field Specialists. In addition, the agencies are collaborating on the effectiveness that these training modules have on SCSR user readiness.

The intent of the project is to continue the development of specific SCSR care and maintenance training modules for each NIOSH certified SCSR. Each module will have information and training content specific to the type of SCSR. The objective of this intervention is to improve workers' understanding of the care, maintenance, and inspection procedures to ensure that SCSRs are kept in good condition and to remove all units that fail inspection from service. The modules use the previously approved ACSE SR100 Care and Maintenance Training Module as a template to develop SCSR specific training modules representing the three remaining manufacturers' units. The training module components include a 16-minute video, a CBT training exercise, an instructor's guide and a sticker. Each module contains five elements, which include daily inspection, 90-day inspection, donning sequence, use/care/maintenance, and sensory expectations.

All materials are developed in cooperation with the specific manufacturer to ensure content validity. MSHA is participating in an Interagency Agreement to produce the training modules at their training academy, Beckley West Virginia. Development and distribution of the modules is supported by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), Bituminous Coal Operators Association (BCOA), and MSHA.