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Intermediate ~5 min

Underground Coal Ventilation & Gas Control

This intermediate-level assessment evaluates practical knowledge of underground coal mine ventilation and gas control. Topics include airflow principles, ventilation controls, methane and oxygen limits, gas detection, examinations, and corrective actions required to maintain safe working conditions. The test is designed for experienced underground miners and aligns with federal underground coal mine safety requirements and real-world operating practices.

Progress: 0/35

Intermediate � ~5 min

Q1. The primary purpose of mine ventilation is to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Increase production speed Cool equipment Provide lighting Dilute and remove hazardous gases

Q2. Methane is considered explosive in air when concentrations are between:

Select one answer � 1 pt

1% and 3% 3% and 5% 5% and 15% 15% and 25%

Q3. The minimum oxygen concentration allowed in a mine atmosphere is:

Select one answer � 1 pt

20.9% 19.5% 21.5% 18%

Q4. Ventilation controls such as stoppings are used to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Control direction of airflow Support the roof Measure air quantity Prevent fires

Q5. A regulator in a ventilation system is used to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Support stoppings Adjust air quantity Measure methane Block air completely

Q6. Who is responsible for correcting hazardous ventilation conditions found during an exam?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Equipment operator Any miner Mine operator or management MSHA inspector

Q7. Methane monitors on continuous mining machines are designed to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Detect methane and cut power Measure oxygen levels Warn of roof falls Increase airflow

Q8. At what methane concentration must miners be withdrawn from the affected area?

Select one answer � 1 pt

2.0% 1.0% 1.5% 1.25%

Q9. Air measured at the last open crosscut nearest the face is known as:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Bleeder air Intake air Return air Neutral air

Q10. What device is commonly used to measure air velocity in a mine?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Anemometer Barometer Methane detector Dosimeter

Q11. The product of air velocity and cross-sectional area equals:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Air resistance Air pressure Gas concentration Air quantity

Q12. Bleeder systems are designed to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Cool equipment Increase belt airflow Supply fresh air to faces Remove methane from gob areas

Q13. Which gas is colorless, odorless, and lighter than air?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Carbon dioxide Carbon monoxide Hydrogen sulfide Methane

Q14. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Prevents oxygen transport in blood Smells strongly Irritates the lungs only Causes roof falls

Q15. The presence of blackdamp indicates:

Select one answer � 1 pt

High methane levels Excess ventilation Oxygen-deficient air Explosive atmosphere

Q16. Auxiliary ventilation is commonly used to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Ventilate belt lines Provide air to dead-end headings Ventilate longwall returns Replace main fans

Q17. The main mine fan should be examined and tested:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Monthly Daily Annually Quarterly

Q18. A sudden drop in air quantity at the face may indicate:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Blocked intake Damaged or missing ventilation controls Improved ventilation Excess methane

Q19. What type of air flows toward the working face?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Neutral air Bleeder air Return air Intake air

Q20. Examinations for methane and oxygen must be conducted:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Only when problems occur At the start of each shift Once per week Only after blasting

Q21. Which gas monitor is typically worn by miners for personal protection?

Select one answer � 1 pt

CO monitor Barometer Dust sampler Anemometer

Q22. Ventilation plans must be:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Approved and followed Posted only Changed daily Optional

Q23. What happens when air velocity increases while cross-sectional area stays constant?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Air quantity decreases Gas levels increase Air quantity increases Air quantity stays the same

Q24. Methane layering is most likely to occur when:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Air velocity is high Airflow is turbulent Ventilation controls are intact Air velocity is low

Q25. The primary purpose of ventilation curtains is to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Block methane Direct air to the working face Support the roof Measure airflow

Q26. Which gas has a rotten egg odor?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Hydrogen sulfide Methane Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide

Q27. When methane levels rise unexpectedly, the FIRST action should be to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Continue production Shut down the entire mine Increase dusting Notify management and correct ventilation

Q28. What effect does poor ventilation have on diesel equipment?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Improves efficiency Reduces fuel use Causes overheating only Allows harmful exhaust buildup

Q29. Which area of the mine typically contains the highest methane concentrations?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Near the roof in poorly ventilated areas Near intake entries Near the floor In return air only

Q30. A mine ventilation survey is conducted to:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Evaluate airflow distribution Train new miners Inspect equipment Measure production rates

Q31. Which condition requires immediate corrective action?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Low dust levels Slight airflow increase Oxygen below 19.5% High humidity

Q32. If a main fan stops, miners should:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Be withdrawn according to the emergency plan Open all stoppings Wait for instructions underground Continue working

Q33. Gas testing equipment should be:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Used without calibration Used only by inspectors Stored underground permanently Calibrated and maintained

Q34. Who must be trained to recognize hazardous gas conditions?

Select one answer � 1 pt

Only supervisors Only electricians Only examiners All miners

Q35. Proper ventilation ultimately helps prevent:

Select one answer � 1 pt

Roof failures Equipment wear only Explosions and health hazards Production delays

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