MRS Training & Rescue Partners with British Gypsum for Mines Rescue Training at Marblaegis Mine

MRS Training & Rescue has worked alongside British Gypsum to deliver an intensive and highly realistic mines rescue training exercise at Marblaegis Mine. 

These emergency response training sessions ensure both our Mines Rescue operatives and mine personnel are prepared for real-life emergency situations underground.

The training programme was meticulously planned in collaboration with British Gypsum to ensure it met both National Occupational Standards and the specific emergency response needs of the mine. 

The exercise tested the skills and knowledge of all rescue personnel. It also enhanced the mine's emergency response arrangements.

One of the key principles of this mines rescue training is to ensure that all rescue operatives can seamlessly integrate into mixed teams, allowing them to operate safely and effectively in any real-world rescue scenario.

The session consisted of both theoretical and practical components, covering essential aspects of mine rescue operations:

Theoretical Session

• Mine Ventilation – Understanding airflow and how it affects emergency response.
• Knowledge Test – Ensuring all operatives had a strong grasp of fundamental rescue principles.

Practical Skills-Based Training

Rescue operatives engaged in hands-on training focused on:

• Hazard awareness and dynamic risk assessment
• Information gathering during an incident
• Inspection and use of breathing apparatus and PPE
• Checking and utilising ancillary rescue equipment
• Establishing a fresh air base for rescue operations
• Navigating and interpreting mine plans effectively
• Communicating with all relevant personnel
• Safe movement through the mine
• Undertaking environmental monitoring
• Measuring airflow using smoke tubes, tape measures, and stopwatches
• Re-ventilating an irrespirable mine roadway using hurdles and brattice curtains

To put these skills to the test, the teams faced a realistic mines emergency scenario:

A miner deployed to C3 district was uncontactable for two hours following high carbon monoxide readings on the mine’s fixed gas monitoring system. An emergency evacuation was initiated, but five individuals remained unaccounted for, triggering the Mines Rescue alert system.

The simulated incident site included:

• A mannequin representing a miner who had fallen from a step ladder, suffering a suspected broken leg and unconsciousness due to smoke inhalation.
• A vehicle fire nearby, causing significant ventilation issues that threatened the safety of the entire mine.
• A directive to reroute ventilation using brattice cloth to slow mine contamination and restore safe airflow.
• Airflow measurement exercises before and after ventilation adjustments to confirm the effectiveness of the intervention.

Nigel Bartholomew, Rescue Officer at MRS Training & Rescue, who oversaw and assessed the exercise, commented:

"This training is vital for both our operatives and the mine's safety protocols. The realistic scenarios we implement ensure that our teams are well-prepared for any eventuality."

Colin Gay, Mine Compliance Manager at British Gypsum added:

"Collaborating with MRS Training & Rescue allows us to rigorously test and improve our emergency response procedures, ensuring the highest safety standards for our personnel."

“Training is always enjoyable and physically demanding, this is paramount to the Mines Rescue Team operatives, but also it challenges the Mines response, procedures and facilities in the event of an emergency incident.”

This rigorous emergency response training provided invaluable hands-on experience for all participants, reinforcing essential rescue skills and improving emergency response coordination. The collaboration between MRS Training & Rescue and British Gypsum ensures that Marblaegis Mine remains prepared for any potential underground emergency.

Read more about our realistic mock emergency exercises in our case studies.

MRS Training & Rescue remains committed to delivering the highest standard of rescue training across the UK. To learn more about our specialist mining and confined space training programmes, visit our website or contact our team today.