ASTM F3315-18

4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training of abandoned or inactive mine SAR team members as it relates to their general, field, and abandoned or inactive mine search and rescue specific knowledge. No other advanced skills are included or implied.

4.2 Every person who is identified as an abandoned or inactive mine SAR team member shall have met the requirements of this guide.

4.3 Certain specialized environments may require other capabilities or endorsements or further training depending on the regulations and policies of the AHJ.

4.4 Abandoned or inactive mine SAR team members trained as defined in this guide shall not be assumed to possess adequate field skills or knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. Abandoned or inactive mine SAR team members are qualified to perform SAR operations in abandoned or inactive mines under qualified supervision designated by the incident commander in accordance with AHJ policies.

4.5 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating abandoned or inactive mine SAR Team Members. It may, however, be used to assist in the development of, or to complement, a complete training document or program.

4.6 This guide can be used to evaluate a training document or program to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training an abandoned or inactive mine SAR team member.

4.7 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with the referenced documents to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of an abandoned or inactive mine SAR team member.

4.8 Because SAR operations in and around abandoned or inactive underground mines are inherently hazardous, regional and national safety standards shall be included in the policies and procedures of the AHJ.

4.9 Practitioners shall complete all activities based on a sound analysis of risk versus benefit, and shall follow all federal, tribal, state, provincial, local, regional, and other safety standards which apply to SAR operations in abandoned or inactive mines.

4.10 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating an abandoned or inactive mine SAR team member.

4.11 The training requirements defined in this guide are not presented in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence.

4.12 Except where a physical skill must be shown, the AHJ shall determine the best way to evaluate a person’s knowledge. This may be by written exam, oral exam, demonstration, or other means specified by the AHJ.

4.13 Certification or qualification renewal periods shall be determined by the AHJ.

4.14 Where uncommon hazards are known to exist in abandoned or inactive mines in the normal area of operations, the AHJ shall consider requiring further training to meet these technical challenges.

4.15 Use of this guide is based on the expectation that the AHJ provides, maintains, and inspects PPE for mine search and rescue in accordance with the provisions of 30 CFR, Chapter I, Subchapter H, Part 49, Subparts A and B.

1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training required for personnel who take part in search and rescue (SAR) operations in abandoned or inactive mines.

1.2 An abandoned or inactive mine search and rescue team member will be able to perform all general land search and rescue functions.

1.3 An abandoned or inactive mine search and rescue team member is not trained for SAR operations in surface mines, tunnels, or caves.

1.4 This guide applies to underground mines only. It does not apply to surface mines, tunnels, or caves.

1.5 This guide does not apply to search and rescue operations on, or in, bodies of water within abandoned or inactive mines.

1.6 In accordance with Classification F1993, an abandoned or inactive mine search and rescue team member shall be classified as part of any of the following resources:

1.7 Other training may be required before an endorsed abandoned or inactive mine search and rescue team member can fully participate as part of a particular category and kind of team or crew, based on specific local needs, regulations, or policies.

1.8 This guide has references specific to use in the United States of America, but it may be adapted for use in other countries.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.