Mining Publication: Mine Emergency Response Command Center Training Using Computer Simulation
Original creation date: August 2002
As mines become safer and major disasters fewer, the number of experienced emergency responders is decreasing. This decrease will create a gap in response expertise, which could have serious ramifications during future mine disasters. While working toward safety goals, which may make emergency response obsolete, it would be reckless not to acknowledge that the potential for disaster still exists and that the protection of miners in such circumstances must remain a priority. The Mine Emergency Response Interactive Training Simulation (MERITS) is a computerized mine emergency simulation that meets a variety of needs. It allows personnel in leadership positions to test their knowledge and skill. Groups of individuals composed of representatives from mining companies, labor, and government agencies can practice working together during the simulated mine emergency much in the same way that an actual emergency would require. An individual could also run the program to enhance his or her response skills. With this training tool, responders will be able to learn from their mistakes before facing situations with potentially catastrophic consequences. This paper discusses MERITS and its use in providing command center training.
Authors: MJ Brnich, LG Mallett, DC Reinke, C Vaught
Conference Paper - August 2002
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20024973
Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Institute on Mining Health, Safety and Research, Roanoke, Virginia, August 27-30, 2002. Bockosh GR, Kohler JL, Langton JF, Novak T, McCarter MK, Biviano A,. eds., Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Tech, 2002 Aug; :131-141
See Also
- Communicating the Same Message with Different Media: An Example from Hearing Loss Prevention
- Drill Rig Incident
- Emergency Management
- Modernization and Further Development of the NIOSH Mine Emergency Response Training System (MERITS), Phase 1
- New Simulated Gas Detector Offers Realistic Training for Mine Rescue Teams
- Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
- Safety Aspects of Mine Ventilation Through Technical Development and Training
- Technology News 496 - NIOSH Releases New Computer-Based Training Exercise Called MERITS
- Virtual Reality to Train and Assess Emergency Responders
- Wearing Hearing Protection Properly: A 3-D Training Aid for Drillers
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program