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Mining & ExplosivesFirst team stop within 50 feet of the portal or cage

As soon as the whole team is inside the mine, the captain stops it to check every member and apparatus again, before anyone goes deeper. The same check repeats at least every 20 minutes for the whole problem, and again after anyone takes the apparatus off or it takes a hit.

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Scenarios

  • Walking in through the portal.
  • Riding the cage down the shaft to the level.
  • A member takes the apparatus off to pass a restricted clearance.

The steps

  1. With every member past the portal or off the cage, the captain signals the stop before going more than 50 feet in.
  2. The co-captain takes no more than two steps after the signal before stopping.
  3. At a shaft station, close the cage door and signal to release the cage to standby once it is unloaded.
  4. The captain checks each member: looks over the apparatus, reads the pressure gauge and asks if they can continue.
  5. A team member checks the captain and the captain's apparatus.
  6. Continue into the mine only if every apparatus works and every member is in good condition.
  7. Repeat the check at no more than 20-minute intervals while working the problem.
  8. Check again as soon as everyone is through a restricted clearance where an apparatus came off, or after an apparatus takes a damaging blow, before any other work.

Safety rules that stop the station

  • The 50-foot check is never made on the cage.
  • If an apparatus fails, the team follows its procedure and goes straight to the fresh air base.
  • At shaft stations, use the posted hoist signals; with none posted, say out loud calling or releasing the cage.

To pass

  • Not stopping within 50 feet on the first entry costs 4 points; each check past 20 minutes costs 5.
  • No check after taking off or damaging an apparatus costs 4 per person; a missed hoist signal 1; a shaft station gate left open 5.
  • Every member and apparatus checked at the first stop and at every interval.

Official source

Federal · MSHA Mine Rescue Contest Rules 2026

2026 Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest Rules

MSHA's mine rescue contest rules set the first team stop, the 20-minute checks and the discount for each miss.

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by MSHA, NASA or any mine rescue association. Agency names are named only to describe the content.

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