03/29/2001 71700

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS UNDERGROUND MINE INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is technical inspection work enforcing the state underground industrial minerals mining laws in an assigned district of the state.

An employee in this class enforces and promotes compliance with the underground industrial minerals mining laws through regular technical inspections. The enforcement duties include the discretionary authority to order the withdrawal of mine employees if threatened with imminent physical danger and to close the mine until these conditions are corrected. Work includes conducting investigations of all serious mining accidents to determine causes and preventive action, and directing mine rescue and recovery operations. Duties include establishing and maintaining good relationships with all mining personnel in promoting compliance with underground industrial minerals mining laws. Work involves an element of physical danger when inspecting mines or directing mine rescue operations. Technical work is performed independently although consultation with the regional director may be held on especially difficult or unusual problems.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Inspects underground industrial minerals mines and underground commercial operations to enforce and promote compliance with the provisions of the laws for underground industrial minerals mines.

Measures the velocity and oxygen content of the air and tests for the presence of explosive or noxious gases during mine inspections.

Explains unsafe conditions to mine officials and orders corrective action.

Investigates all serious mining accidents to determine causes and responsibility and recommends measures to prevent similar accidents.

Directs mine rescue operations.

Prepares detailed reports of inspections and investigations.

Advises mine officials and employees of provisions of the laws for underground industrial minerals mines.

Conducts and participates in formal and informal training sessions and courses.

Keeps abreast of developments in equipment, techniques and procedures in the mining industry.

Serves on mine commissions for the purpose of investigating and reporting on any problems or questions of compliance with the provisions of the laws for underground industrial minerals mines.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of underground industrial minerals mining operations and the occupational hazards involved.

Knowledge of the underground industrial minerals mining laws and regulations.

Knowledge of the operating characteristics of mining machinery.

Knowledge of the construction and operation of mine electrical installations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of mining engineering.

Knowledge of the chemistry of gases found in underground industrial minerals mines.

Knowledge of the use and handling of explosives.

Ability to detect hazardous conditions and unsafe methods of operation.

Ability to enforce laws and regulations with firmness and tact.

Ability to read and understand maps of mines and to make cross sections of mines from these maps.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with mine officials and workers.

Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of technical mining experience in underground industrial minerals mines;

                                                                                                                                                                    or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes a minimum of one year of technical mining experience in underground industrial minerals mines.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Possession of a Class A "General" blaster's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or possession of any valid blaster's license or certificate that meets the approval of the Department of Environmental Protection.