Mine Rescue Courses for Surface and Underground Mines
The primary focus of mine rescue training is on mine rescue team members, who require an ongoing training program to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge of techniques and procedures. Training for support and supervisory roles, as well as post-secondary students in mining-related programs, is also an important component of mine rescue.
Ontario Mine Rescue also offers a range of emergency response courses for volunteer first responders working in surface mines and mining plants, including mills, smelters, and refineries. Materials and presentation can be adapted to deliver customized, site-specific training in closed sessions.
All courses consist of a significant practical component to ensure that successful trainees are able to perform rescue work to the highest standard. Upon successful completion, all trainees receive a certificate. For more information on mine rescue courses, contact Ontario Mine Rescue Program Administration Coordinator Faheema Velji-Shears.
Underground Mine Rescue Training Courses
Introductory Mine Rescue Certification
Management of Mine Emergencies Training (alt. Supervisory Awareness Level Training)
Mine Rescue Equipment Technician Program
Surface Mine Rescue Training Courses
Introductory Surface Mine Rescue Training
Compliance Refresher Training including confined space rescue, hazardous material spill response, high-angle rope rescue, and industrial fire brigade
Introductory Underground Mine Rescue Certification
This is a five-day, 40-hour, hands-on, competency-based program that introduces participants to the fundamental principles of mine rescue, and standard mine rescue procedures and equipment. Topics include legislated requirements governing mine rescue, medical requirements of volunteers, mine gasses, respiratory protection for working in IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) situations, and care, use, maintenance, testing and servicing of the primary breathing apparatus (Drager BG4). Successful completion of the program results in applicants being granted a certificate.
Compliance Refresher Training
For mine rescue volunteers to remain active, they are required to attend six refresher training sessions each year to cover basic and advanced topics. Refresher training consists of custom-prepared on-site training and is delivered by Mine Rescue Officers. These sessions, including simulated emergencies, are conducted in an underground environment and apply standardized competency-based mine rescue practices and procedures.
Advanced Certification
Any individual who has been active in Ontario Mine Rescue for two years or more may attain Advanced Certification. Participants must learn and demonstrate the use of primary and secondary breathing apparatuses, standard equipment, and special rescue and extrication equipment. A written test must be completed at the end of the course regarding Ontario Mine Rescue functions and procedures. Upon successful completion, participants are provided with a seal to attach to their Ontario Mine Rescue certificate.
Management of Mine Emergencies Training (alt. Supervisory Awareness Level Training)
This course is specifically designed for those individuals likely to oversee mine emergencies.
Supervisory mine rescue training, or Day 1 of the Supervisory/Management course, is designed for underground supervisors who have no training in mine rescue. Training covers the history of mine rescue, mine gases, breathing apparatus, and underground emergencies. A written examination with a passing mark of at least 70 percent is required.
Management mine rescue training, or Day 2 of the Supervisor/Management course, is designed to give managers a thorough understanding of management's roles and responsibilities during a mine emergency. It consists of case study analysis, Control Group training, and a mine emergency response workshop. Refresher training should occur every three to five years.
Mine Rescue Equipment Technician Program
The technician program is a comprehensive introductory three-day session that trains individuals in procedures for maintaining and repairing key equipment used by Ontario Mine Rescue. Topics include Drager BG4 apparatus troubleshooting and repair, Panorama Nova facemask rebuild, oxygen booster pump operation, and SSR 90M servicing. To remain competent, a one-day refresher session as determined by needs is delivered by Mine Rescue Officers.
Surface Mine Rescue Training Courses
Introductory Surface Mine Rescue Training
This is a five-day, 40-hour, hands-on, competency-based program that introduces participants to the fundamental principles of mine rescue pertaining specifically to mine rescue procedures and equipment used for surface emergencies only. Topics include legislated requirements, medical requirements of volunteers, hazards and detection, respiratory protection, hazardous materials spill response, fire response, first aid, and basic technical rescue introduction. Successful completion of the program results in applicants being granted a certificate.
Compliance Refresher Training
For mine rescue volunteers to remain active, they are required to attend refresher training sessions each year to cover basic and advanced topics. Refresher training consists of custom-prepared on-site training and is delivered by Mine Rescue Officers. These sessions, including simulated emergencies, are conducted in an underground environment and apply standardized competency-based mine rescue practices and procedures. Refresher training may include the following topics.
- Industrial Fire Brigade Training covers firefighting in-depth – fire behaviour, suppression techniques, and more, as well as associated emergency response tasks including self-contained breathing apparatus, search and rescue, and rope rescue. This course is NFPA 1081 Industrial Fire Brigade compliant.
- Hazardous Material Spill Response training offers classroom presentations and course materials that cover the basics of material identification systems, while practical exercises focus on containment, detection, and decontamination activities.
- Confined Space Rescue training may be presented on-site if suitable facilities are available, and covers legislation imposing rescue requirements, suspension trauma, rope rescue equipment, and techniques, as well as rigging configurations, rescue knots, and anchorages.
For more information on mine rescue courses, contact Ontario Mine Rescue Program Administration Coordinator Faheema Velji-Shears.