Making Synapses · Bringing Knowledge to Mankind
Mining & ExplosivesSetting roof supports through unsafe ground
When a placard says the roof is unsafe, the team does not go under it: it sets temporary roof supports first. At most 5 feet apart, the first one no more than 1 foot from the unsafe area, and none ever removed once set. If a miner lies under the bad roof, the supports go in to reach, assess and pull that miner out.
Free to startScenarios
- Unsafe roof between two safe ribs.
- Unsafe roof with ribs marked unsafe too.
- An unsafe intersection the team has to cross or ventilate through.
- A miner lying under unsafe roof.
The steps
- The captain checks the roof out loud before the team sets anything.
- Set the first temporary support no more than 1 foot from the area marked unsafe.
- Space the supports no more than 5 feet apart through the whole unsafe area.
- Use a rib as support only if it is not marked unsafe.
- If the unsafe roof is less than 5 feet long, set at least three supports: one at each end and one under it.
- At an unsafe intersection, support the whole area the team travels; to ventilate through it, make the sides of the intersection in the air path first.
- Simulate setting each support and place the placard or material on the floor at its spot.
- For a miner under unsafe roof, set enough supports to assess the miner and pull them out, and more where first aid has to be given in place.
- Map what is found under elongated unsafe roof, unsafe rib or an overhanging brow that the team passes.
Safety rules that stop the station
- Never travel under bad roof.
- Never remove a post once it is set to support unsafe roof.
- With a miner visible under unsafe roof and supports available, never explore beyond: stop and recover the miner.
To pass
- Removing a post set for unsafe roof endangers the whole team: 75 points.
- Each member who travels under bad roof costs 15; going past a visible miner under unsafe roof once supports are available costs 50.
- Every support within 5 feet of the next, the first within 1 foot, all placed on the floor.
Official source
Federal · MSHA Mine Rescue Contest Rules 2026
2026 Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest Rules
MSHA's mine rescue contest rules show how to set roof supports, with a figure for each situation, and the discounts.
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