Certification of coal mine rescue teams.

§ 49.50 Certification of coal mine rescue teams. (a) For each mine rescue team designated to provide mine rescue coverage at an underground coal mine, the mine operator shall send the District Manager an annual statement certifying that each team meets the requirements of this subpart as listed in the following Table 49.50–A and Table 49.50–B. (b) The operator shall notify the District Manager within 60 days of any change in team membership. Table 49.50–A—Initial Criteria To Certify the Qualifications of Mine Rescue Teams Qualification Criteria (30 CFR) (1) Team is available at all times when miners are underground 49.12(a); 49.12(g) (2) Except where alternative compliance is permitted, team has five members and one alternate 49.12(b) (3) Members have experience working in an underground coal mine 49.12(c) (4) Team is available within 1-hour ground travel time from the mine rescue station to the mine 49.12(f) (5) Appropriate mine rescue equipment is provided, inspected, tested, and maintained 49.16 (6) Members are physically fit 49.17 (7) Members have completed initial training 49.18(a) Table 49.50–B—Annual Criteria To Maintain Mine Rescue Team Certification Qualification Criteria (30 CFR) (1) Members are properly trained annually 49.18(b) (2) Members are familiar with the operations of each covered mine 49.20(a)(1) (3) Members participate in at least two local mine rescue contests annually. Judges certify results 49.20(a)(2) (4) Members participate in mine rescue training at each covered mine 49.20(b)(1); 49.20(b)(2)(iii); 49.20(b)(3)(ii); 49.20(b)(4) (5) Members are knowledgeable about the operations and ventilation of each covered mine 49.20(b)(2)(ii); 49.20(b)(3)(i); 49.30