MINE 111B, INTRODUCTION TO UNDERGROUND MINING AND SAFETY
Great Basin College
Proposed Course Syllabus
Fall 2006
Instructor Information: (preparer: Mike McFarlane, in consultation with Ed Jucevic’, Ph.D., and the Underground Miner Training advisory group)
Office: TBA Office hours: TBA
Phone: 753-2266 Email:
Class Meeting Time:
TBA, 80 hours (typically condensed into two weeks) combination of classroom time and activities in active underground mining sites.
Catalog Description:
MINE 111B, Introduction to Underground Mining and Safety 5 credits
An introduction to the underground mining work environment including completion of certified MSHA 40-hour underground miner safety training. Introductory ideas include underground mining methods and terminology, hazard awareness, communication, ground control principles, ventilation, escape, explosives awareness, and introduction to scaling, among other topics. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Underground Miner Training program.
Texts:
MSHA safety booklets, brochures, and handouts; texts and handouts detailing underground mining methods and terminology; company policy booklets, brochures, and handouts.
Course Description and Objectives:
This course introduces the prospective underground miner to the conditions, hazards, and safety considerations present in operating underground mines. The course is oriented primarily toward hardrock underground mining (as opposed to coal mining). Certification of completion of 40-hour Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) underground miner safety training is a foundation objective of this course. There will be a combination of classroom work and underground observation in working conditions to train and certify each student in underground mine safety. A second foundation of this course is to expose students to the conditions and expectations of the underground work environment. Each student will observe and be able to perform basic mining tasks, and understand the flow of work and duties in a safely and efficiently operating underground mine. This will include understanding basic mining methods, appropriate terminology, and communications needed to work in this setting.
Expected course outcomes (objectives):
Upon completion of the course, students should meet the broad categories of expectations listed below. In addition, there is an attached document containing many specific outcomes (“performance objectives” 01 and 02) that each student must meet to pass the course.
1. Be certified as having completed MSHA Underground Miner Safety Training.
2. Have a basic working knowledge of underground mining methods and appropriately use the terminology that is applied.
3. Recognize and appropriately react to common safety hazards in the underground mine setting.
4. Clearly communicate with coworkers, including proper recognition and observance of signage.
5. Recognize explosive materials and know proper safety measures when in their proximity.
6. Correctly perform specific basic tasks to underground mining as detailed in the performance objectives. These tasks include such things as basic scaling practice, cage loading, self-rescuer operation, and many others.
7. Recognize the importance of underground ventilation and how it is achieved.
8. Recognize escape routes and be able to follow basic escape procedures.
Assessment:
Assessment will be achieved by a combination of written quizzes and demonstrations of proficiencies directly to the instructor. A set of “performance objectives” will be given each student, and each objective (sections 01 and 02) must be passed by each student, and the objective signed by both the student and the instructor. Examples of performance objectives and their assessment are included in the packet accompanying the syllabus. The main assessment areas for this course are as follows:
1. Students must pass the MSHA written exam and fulfill the minimum required hours of introduction to actual underground working situations and conditions.
2. Students will explain and demonstrate to the instructor different mining methods, and written quizzes will evaluate knowledge of terminology.
3. Students must demonstrate to the instructor their knowledge, ability and skills in the many areas identified in the performance objectives
4. Students must demonstrate their ability to work effectively, cooperatively and safely with fellow workers, as evaluated by the instructor.
Method of Instruction:
MSHA safety training includes a combination of classroom instruction (including appropriate demonstrations, presentations, and first aid) and exposure to actual underground working conditions and recognition of the safety hazards that may be present. Safety instruction will also be integrated with learning basic underground tasks and skills that are taught in the underground setting. Many of the skills may be introduced on the surface, but must be demonstrated in the actual underground environment.
Grading:
Grading will be based on the student’s demonstration of the ability to work safely, effectively, productively and cooperatively with others. Mandatory attendance of all sessions is required to pass this course. Also, students must pass all phases of the course (performance objectives) to pass the course at all. The grades will be determined by scores on quizzes and on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s ability to perform various tasks with the demonstration of skill. Cooperativeness and general attitude are factors in grading for this course.
At the end of the semester, the percentage of the points will be calculated, and grades given based on the following categories:
A - 90-100%
B - 80-89%
C - 70-79%
D - 60-69%
W - <60%
The lower end of each grade category is guaranteed to go no higher. If it seems appropriate, the instructor may lower the break points slightly. Pluses or minuses may be attached to grades in “borderline” cases.
An “I” grade for "incomplete" will generally not be given for this course. This grade will be considered only under the most extenuating circumstances, and only if it can be shown that there is a way for the incomplete to be absolved. Prior approval of the instructor is required.
Extra credit is not given in this course.
Attendance:
Attendance of all sessions is mandatory to pass this course. A student missing any sessions may be dropped at any time by the instructor. This policy reflects the concentrated presentation of the course, and the high safety risk potential for those missing any time. Any absences must be approved by the instructor, and must reflect extreme situations that can be made up.
Not a Contract:
This document does not in any way represent a contract. It is only a summary of how the instructor expects the course to proceed. It may be reasonably changed by the instructor at any time.
MINE 110B, INTRODUCTION TO UNDERGROUND MINING AND SAFETY
Great Basin College
Outline and Schedule
This is a two-week, 40 hours per week intensive course. 40 hours of this time will be dedicated to MSHA training, though some of the time for MSHA will be included in learning basic underground mining procedures and skills.
The performance objectives for the course will not be covered in the same order by all students. There will be a rotation between instructors, sites, and objectives being covered due to the availability of space and equipment in any one place.