PA Coal Miner Black Hat Study Guide
Exam with Actual Answers.
How do you examine your workplace? - Answer A.) Note if the adopted roof control plan was
complied with.
B.) Visually look for loose rock, cracks, slips, clay veins, cutters, pots, or kettle bottoms in the
roof.
C.) Note if the timbers are taking weight by cap pieces squeezing, posts, or cross bars bent or
broken.
D.) Note if the bottom is heaving and ribs spalling.
E.) While examining the place, note if the mine examiner's initials and dates are marked in the
face area.
F.) If no dangers are visually noted, test the roof by holding the fingers of hand against the roof
and striking the roof with a bar or hammer. If a vibration or a dull sound, that is indication of a
bad roof.
G.) Note if the line curtain is properly hung and the ventilation is conducted to the face.
H.) Note if the place is properly cleaned up and rock dusted.
If any danger existed, what action would you take? - Answer A.) Remove the danger without
endangering self.
B.) If not, you must danger the area off and report it to the foreman.
How often should you test the roof? - Answer Frequently, as often as necessary, especially
when setting or changing timbers.
What is the maximum roof support spacing in the mine's approved roof control plan? - Answer
This response varies by each mine.
, Are you permitted by law to enter old workings or leave the working place assigned to you
without permission? Why or why not? - Answer No because if you become injured or lost, no
one would know where you were. It is also the law.
Who must use eye protection? - Answer Everyone doing work that could be hazardous to
their eyes. This includes digging coal or rock, setting posts, using hammers, chisels, and anyone
riding in an open mantrip.
Why must you check in and out of the mine when entering and leaving? - Answer So, in the
event of an emergency, rescue teams know whether you are in or out of the mine.
If a person is intoxicated, is he permitted in or around the mine? Why or why not? - Answer
No. It is the law and they could be a danger to themselves or fellow coworkers.
What kind of clothing should a person wear who works around machinery or haulage
equipment? - Answer Snug fitting clothing.
Are you permitted to charge, tamp, or fire shots in the mine? Why or why not? - Answer No.
Must be certified and qualified to perform those jobs.
Name five (5) things you should know the locations of in case of an emergency - Answer A.)
Emergency Shelters
B.) First Aid Equipment
C.) Power Center and Nips or Plugs
D.) Fire Extinguishers, water, and rock dust
E.) Escapeways, self-rescuer (SCSR)
F.) Transportation, drinking water
G.) Lifeline Location
What is a manhole? - Answer A shelter hole cut in the coal and/or rock strata for a person to
get into when moving trips are passing by.
What tool should be used for pulling down rock? - Answer A bar of suitable length so that
one can stay out of danger while pulling rock.
What is first aid? - Answer First aid is the temporary but immediate treatment to anyone sick
or injured until the arrival of a doctor or physician.
What are the fundamentals of first aid? - Answer A.) Artificial respiration
Exam with Actual Answers.
How do you examine your workplace? - Answer A.) Note if the adopted roof control plan was
complied with.
B.) Visually look for loose rock, cracks, slips, clay veins, cutters, pots, or kettle bottoms in the
roof.
C.) Note if the timbers are taking weight by cap pieces squeezing, posts, or cross bars bent or
broken.
D.) Note if the bottom is heaving and ribs spalling.
E.) While examining the place, note if the mine examiner's initials and dates are marked in the
face area.
F.) If no dangers are visually noted, test the roof by holding the fingers of hand against the roof
and striking the roof with a bar or hammer. If a vibration or a dull sound, that is indication of a
bad roof.
G.) Note if the line curtain is properly hung and the ventilation is conducted to the face.
H.) Note if the place is properly cleaned up and rock dusted.
If any danger existed, what action would you take? - Answer A.) Remove the danger without
endangering self.
B.) If not, you must danger the area off and report it to the foreman.
How often should you test the roof? - Answer Frequently, as often as necessary, especially
when setting or changing timbers.
What is the maximum roof support spacing in the mine's approved roof control plan? - Answer
This response varies by each mine.
, Are you permitted by law to enter old workings or leave the working place assigned to you
without permission? Why or why not? - Answer No because if you become injured or lost, no
one would know where you were. It is also the law.
Who must use eye protection? - Answer Everyone doing work that could be hazardous to
their eyes. This includes digging coal or rock, setting posts, using hammers, chisels, and anyone
riding in an open mantrip.
Why must you check in and out of the mine when entering and leaving? - Answer So, in the
event of an emergency, rescue teams know whether you are in or out of the mine.
If a person is intoxicated, is he permitted in or around the mine? Why or why not? - Answer
No. It is the law and they could be a danger to themselves or fellow coworkers.
What kind of clothing should a person wear who works around machinery or haulage
equipment? - Answer Snug fitting clothing.
Are you permitted to charge, tamp, or fire shots in the mine? Why or why not? - Answer No.
Must be certified and qualified to perform those jobs.
Name five (5) things you should know the locations of in case of an emergency - Answer A.)
Emergency Shelters
B.) First Aid Equipment
C.) Power Center and Nips or Plugs
D.) Fire Extinguishers, water, and rock dust
E.) Escapeways, self-rescuer (SCSR)
F.) Transportation, drinking water
G.) Lifeline Location
What is a manhole? - Answer A shelter hole cut in the coal and/or rock strata for a person to
get into when moving trips are passing by.
What tool should be used for pulling down rock? - Answer A bar of suitable length so that
one can stay out of danger while pulling rock.
What is first aid? - Answer First aid is the temporary but immediate treatment to anyone sick
or injured until the arrival of a doctor or physician.
What are the fundamentals of first aid? - Answer A.) Artificial respiration
