SECTION 460:15-1-14. Mine rescue teams

(a)   Teams. Every mine shall have or have access to two (2) mine rescue teams.

(1)   Each team shall consist of five (5) members and one alternate.

(2)   Each rescue team shall be fully qualified, trained and equipped.

(3)   Each member of the team must be an underground miner with a minimum of one year experience in the past five (5) years. Miners who are employed on the surface, but work regularly underground shall be considered qualified.

(4)   Each member of a rescue team shall have a physical examination by a licensed medical doctor within sixty (60) days prior to training. Each member must be physically fit to perform strenuous work under abnormal conditions. Additional physical examinations must be taken annually. The examination physician must fill out form MSHA 5000-3.

(b)   Physical requirements.

(1)   Corrective eyeglasses may be worn provided a secure seal may be obtained with a face piece.

(2)   If any physical or health problem exists which could cause harm to the rescue team member or the team while doing rescue work, the physician shall notify the team member and the mine operator in writing of his findings.

(c)   Alternative teams.

(1)   The operator of an underground mine may contract with another operator to do their rescue work providing the mine is small - the total underground employment of the operator's mine and surrounding mines within two (2) hours ground travel time is less than thirty-six (36).

(2)   The operator shall submit the following information to the Oklahoma Department of Mines and for the alternate rescue team:

(A)   The number of miners employed underground on each shift.

(B)   The distance from the two nearest miner rescue stations.

(C)   The total underground employment of all mines within two hours ground travel time.

(D)   The operators mine fire, ground and roof control history.

(E)   The operator's established escape and evacuation plan.

(F)   The name and availability of the nearest airport.

(G)   A map or plan showing nearest town, all highways, and the routes to the mine.

(H)   Transportation from the airport to the mine.

(d)   Equipment and maintenance. Each mine rescue station shall be equipped with the following:

(1)   Twelve (12) self-contained breathing apparatuses with a minimum of two (2) hour capacity.

(2)   Adequate supply of oxygen or compressed liquid air that will sustain each team for a minimum of six (6) hours while doing rescue work.

(3)   Twelve (12) cap lamps and a charging rack.

(4)   Two (2) gas detectors appropriate to the kinds of gases at the mine.

(5)   A portable approved communication system at least 1000 feet in length.

(6)   Two (2) flame safety lamps or oxygen detectors.

(7)   Adequate spare parts for repairs and a method of checking each unit.

(e)   Equipment check. All rescue equipment must be checked, at least monthly but not to exceed thirty (30) days by a qualified person.