DOP Home

8513
MINE SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, coordinates training of mine rescue teams in health and safety practices and mine rescue procedures involving mine explosions and fires. Work requires some travel. Duties may involve moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds) and exposure to common hazards of underground mining. Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK
Trains mine rescue personnel in the techniques of rescue involving mine explosions and fires;
trains in the use of rescue involving mine explosions and fires;
trains in the use of rescue equipment and safety procedures.
Inspects mine rescue stations to ensure they are properly maintained and equipped.
Collaborates on the review and update of mine certification examinations.
Reviews and issues miners certificates and/or rescue training cards as appropriate.
Records, updates and retrieves data on examinations, contests and other activities as required;
writes reports and writes recommendations for training content.
Selects mine rescue and first aide problems for contests.
Represents the division at various meetings of state, federal and industry officials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of mine rescue techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of mine gases and ventilation methods.
Knowledge of roof support methods
Knowledge of state and federal mine safety laws.
Ability to operate mine rescue apparatus.
Ability to teach and administer proper first aid.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training:
Graduation from a four year high school or the equivalent.
Experience:
Five years of full-time or part-time paid practical experience in coal mines, at least two years of which must have been in mines of this state, PROVIDED, that graduation from an accredited college of mining engineering may be considered the equivalent of two years of practical experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
West Virginia driver's license and mine rescue instructor certificate.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS PER HOUSE BILL 4491:
(1) a citizen of West Virginia, in good health, not less than twenty-four years of age, of good character and reputation and of temperate habits; (2) a person who has had practical experience with dangerous gases found in coal mines; and who has a good theoretical and practical knowledge of mines, mining methods, mine ventilation, sound safety practices and applicable mining laws and rules; and (3) a person who possesses a WV foreman-fireboss certification; or a person who has had at least three years of experience as an actual working team member of a mine rescue team, or at least three years of experience as a member of a first aid team or emergency
medical technician team; or a person who has had at least three years of experience as the safety director, or the equivalent as approved by the MIEB of a mine; or a person who has had at least three years of experience as an active member of a mine safety committee.

Must pass the required examination with a grade of at least 75%, or an overall combined average score of 80%. Examination administered by the Mine Inspectors' Examining Board.

Established: 9/16/1993
Revised:      4/11/2005
Effective:     4/11/2005

[Top of Page]