1. Mine Emergency Response Interactive Training Simulation August Kwitowski Pittsburgh Research Laboratory/NIOSH

2. New Way To Train Command Center Leaders Internet-based computer simulation Passes on “lessons learned” from past mine emergencies Past research: interviews; literature analysis; investigations of mine emergencies; merds/mocks

3. Training Command Center Leaders Teaches the importance of planning and preparation Allows learning, no-risk practicing, and testing of mine emergency decision- making and leadership skills Emergencies rare; workforce aging

4. MERITS Trainer’s Role Plan the Session Present Introduction Observe Simulation Conduct Debriefing

5. Trainee’s Role Superintendent of Bottleneck #1 Mine Work together The Superintendent’s Office

6. Web Based Interface

7. Documents Trainees can learn about the mine by reviewing mine background information and plans

8. Logs Trainees can learn more about usual conditions and be updated on changing conditions by reviewing mine logs

9. Communication Tools Telephone Co-workers Mine maps Supply inventory Shift reports Roof control plans Mine phone Notebook Personnel Roster Tag in/out board Fan charts ERP Trainees can take actions such as issuing orders, requesting information, and viewing the mine map

10. Bottleneck #1 Map

11. Mine Map Views Displays mine systems such as escapeways, SCSR caches, and mine phones Records locations relevant to simulation problem

12. Preparedness Starts with Planning

13. Required Planning Posted arrangements with mine rescue team Posted arrangements for medical assistance

14. Response Plan Details

15. MERITS Field Tests State of Pennsylvania Inspectors Mine Rescue Teams State of Colorado Trainers United Mine Workers of America Mine Company Personnel

16. Trainee Evaluation Results Most believed it helped them to know how to prepare for real emergency Most believed storyline was “realistic” or “very realistic” All believed it helped them learn how to better handle real emergency None were bored during simulation

17. What’s Next? Press release; CD; free Train-the-Trainer Workshops Grand Junction, CO, June 21, 2002 Beckley, WV, October 2002

18. For More Information Contact Launa Mallett: 412-386-6658 lmallett@cdc.gov Contact Augie Kwitowski: 412-386-6474 akwitowski@cdc.gov