“I urge MSHA to initiate a comprehensive review of the reliability of self-contained self-rescue breathing devices, and to enhance the training for their use,” began Roberts’ letter to MSHA acting director David Dye, of which International Longwall News obtained a copy.

Roberts noted that, especially in light of the fact that Sago survivor Randal McCloy noted four SCSR failures in his letter to the fallen victims’ families, the checking of all SCSRs is imperative.

“Whether it was because the trapped miners could not properly don their SCSRs or some other reason, miners working in 2006 have reason to be concerned about whether they will be able to use [one] if an emergency confronts them.”

Roberts added in a statement to Reuters, “It’s MSHA’s job to provide miners with that security, and we call on MSHA to do its job.”

According to the letter, SCSR rulemaking activity was removed from the federal agency’s regulatory schedule in the autumn of 2001 after having considered implementing rules for them since 1999 – in fact, MSHA and NIOSH held a joint conference to discuss and study the devices.

Questions were raised at that time, he said, about the availability of extra supplies of the apparatus at active operations, shortening usage life spans and possible inadequate training procedures.

“Nevertheless, nothing has changed to improve SCSRs or their use and the very same concern remains today,” Roberts added.

Noting the fact that miners must be confident in the working condition of all SCSRs all of the time, Robert urged the agency to take action quickly.

“MSHA has known about these concerns for many years. This year’s coal mining tragedies only serve to prove that MSHA must take a more aggressive posture to protect and enhance miners’ health and safety.”