The mines then have 60 days following receipt of the units to hold expectations training. “Expectations training requires the miner to breathe through a realistic SCSR training unit or an equivalent device that provides the sensation of airflow resistance and heat that the miner would experience when using an SCSR during an emergency,” the agency noted.

“MSHA has determined that realistic SCSR training units are now available.”

The agency provided contact information for the nation’s three SCSR suppliers: CSE, Ocenco and Draeger. The models outlined by the announcement are:

CSE: Complete SR-T Live Training Unit, Canister Assembly with Cap in Storage, SR-T mouthpiece with plug, SR-T Parts Kit

Ocenco: Expectations Mouthpiece, Expectations Trainer Cartridge

Draeger Safety: Practice Simulator for OXY K Plus Training Unit

The SCSR outline, formally called RIN 1219-AB46, is a supplement to the final rule on Emergency Mine Evacuation that was published December 8, 2006, and specifically to Section 75.1504(c) of the document that requires operators to provide annual SCSR expectations training.

MSHA spokesman Dirk Fillpot said that any operator found not to be in compliance with the 60-day deadline would be issued a violation under Section 75.1504(c) of the final rule.

To ensure all mines obtained the required training units, Fillpot said federal inspectors would follow up on the matter as part of their upcoming routine inspections.

The complete announcement, including the agency’s contact information for any questions from operators, parts numbers for training units and addresses of the SCSR manufacturers, can be found at http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/NOTICES/2007MISC/E7-5920.asp.