Underground Coal Mining Test | Free Skills Assessment

Q1. What is the primary purpose of ventilation in an underground coal mine?

Select one answer � 1 pt

To reduce noise levels To dilute and remove explosive and harmful gases To cool mining equipment To provide light in working areas

Q2. Methane becomes explosive when its concentration in air is between:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Above 20% 15% and 20% 5% and 15% 1% and 3%

Q3. At what methane concentration must electrical equipment be de-energized in the working place?

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0.5% 1.0% 2.0% 1.5%

Q4. What is the most important initial action during an underground mine fire?

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Shut down all ventilation Immediately evacuate non-essential personnel using self-rescuers if needed Fight the fire with extinguishers Continue production in unaffected areas

Q5. Roof bolts are primarily installed to:

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Hang electrical cables Support the mine roof and prevent falls Improve airflow Mark escape routes

Q6. How often must the mine's emergency response plan be reviewed and updated?

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Every 2 years Every 6 months Only when changes occur Annually

Q7. Explosives and detonators in underground coal mines must be stored:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Together in the same magazine Only on the surface In separate, substantially constructed magazines Anywhere convenient near the face

Q8. During blasting, personnel must be withdrawn to a safe location at least:

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No specific distance required 50 feet away in the open In the same entry Around one corner from the blast site

Q9. Compressed gas cylinders underground must be:

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Left with valves open when not in use Stored near power sources Secured to prevent falling and stored outby the last open crosscut Stored inby the last open crosscut

Q10. What is blackdamp?

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Methane gas Coal dust in suspension Carbon monoxide A mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen that displaces oxygen

Q11. How often must MSHA conduct regular inspections at underground coal mines?

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Four times per year Annually Only after accidents Twice per year

Q12. The purpose of rock dusting in underground coal mines is to:

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Prevent coal dust explosions by inerting the dust Improve traction on haulage roads Reduce methane levels Mark dangerous areas

Q13. Self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) must provide at least:

Select one answer � 1 pt

30 minutes of oxygen 1 hour of oxygen 2 hours of oxygen No minimum specified

Q14. Who is responsible for conducting pre-shift examinations in underground coal mines?

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Any miner A certified mine foreman or fire boss The shift supervisor Only MSHA inspectors

Q15. Permissible equipment in gassy mines must be:

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Operated only during daylight shifts Painted red for identification Approved by MSHA and maintained in permissible condition Used only on the surface

Q16. In room-and-pillar mining, pillars are left to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Collect water drainage Store equipment Support the roof and overburden Channel ventilation

Q17. What must be done if methane reaches 1.5% in the return air?

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No action required Increase ventilation speed only Continue operations with caution Immediately withdraw miners from the affected area

Q18. Lifelines in escapeways must be:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Made of rope only Installed only in primary escapeways Continuous, directional, and marked for escape Optional in low-seam mines

Q19. How far must fire extinguishers or waterlines be spaced along belt conveyors?

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Every 50 feet Every 100 feet No specific requirement along the belt Waterlines with outlets every 300 feet

Q20. Apprentice (red hat) miners in many states must work under direct supervision for:

Select one answer � 1 pt

6 months before testing for full certification 1 year 1 month No supervision required