California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 17 - Mine Safety Orders
Article 30 - Rescue Stations and Equipment Underground
Section 7086 - (4-70). Use of Mine Rescue Equipment

(a) As used in these Orders, "breathing apparatus" means a device which supplies the wearer with oxygen or air under low pressure for breathing purposes. By use of this device, the wearer carries his air with him and is independent of the atmosphere around him.

"Gas mask" is a device which is equipped with a canister containing chemicals. The wearer draws his air through the chemicals, which remove small amounts of poisonous gases by filtering or chemical action. As the gas mask does not provide oxygen for the wearer, it cannot be worn safely in an atmosphere containing a high concentration of gases or so low in oxygen that a flame safety lamp will not burn.

There are many types of gas mask canisters which are permissible for use as protection against certain gases or combinations of gases. However, there is only one type of canister that affords protection against carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas which is always present during mine fires and after mine explosions. This is the Type N canister, which is easily recognizable because of its red color.

No gas mask shall be used in a mine unless such gas mask is of a type designated as "permissible" by the U. S. Bureau of Mines and used only with a permissible Type N canister.

(b) No man shall be permitted to wear breathing apparatus in irrespirable mine air unless he is physically fit and has had the required training.

(c) Every rescue crew shall be composed of at least five men. A crew composed of six men is preferable.

(d) No breathing apparatus shall be used in irrespirable mine air unless such apparatus is of a type designated as "permissible" by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

(e) Each apparatus shall be carefully inspected and tested before it is worn in irrespirable air.

The test shall be sufficient in scope to assure that the apparatus is air tight, and that its various parts are in good condition, functioning properly, and in safe condition to wear.

(f) Except in extreme emergency, only a full rescue crew of not less than five men shall be permitted to wear breathing apparatus in irrespirable air in any mine during a mine fire or for recovery work following a mine explosion.

(g) Except in extreme emergency, no rescue crew shall be permitted to wear breathing apparatus in irrespirable air unless a fully equipped reserve rescue crew is standing by, ready for service, in the most advanced fresh air station.

(h) Communication shall be maintained between the reserve rescue crew and the rescue crew in irrespirable air by means of a signal line.

(i) Care shall be used that the rescue crew does not proceed farther from its fresh air base than it can return safely to such base.

It is recommended that, except in extreme emergency, the rescue crew does not travel farther than 1,000 feet from its fresh air base over a level, unobstructed traveling way where visibility is good. Where necessary to climb ladders or other obstructions, or travel in dense smoke, the distance traveled should be shortened accordingly.

(j) Breathing apparatus should not be used to explore inactive mines or parts of mines because of the many dangers in addition to irrespirable air. Instead, it is recommended that a temporary ventilation system be installed and the exploration be made in fresh air.

If such exploration is undertaken, it shall be done only with a full rescue crew of not less than five men, with a second full rescue crew acting as a reserve in fresh air. Such crews shall be equipped with permissible breathing apparatus. Gas masks shall not be used for such exploration.

(k) Every rescue crew equipped with permissible gas masks shall be provided with a permissible flame safety lamp in good condition.

(l) No rescue crew using gas masks shall remain in an atmosphere where the permissible flame safety lamp will not burn.