W. Va. Code R. § 48-4-2 - Criteria for the Initial Mine Rescue Team Member Training Program for Prospective Mine Rescue Team Members in West Virginia

2.1. Physical Requirements.

2.1.1 Any person making application to participate in initial mine rescue training shall have had an examination by a physician, who shall certify that such applicant is physically fit to perform mine rescue and recovery work while wearing a self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus. The physical examination shall be completed within thirty (30) days prior to scheduled initial training. A team member requiring corrective eyeglasses will not be disqualified provided the eyeglasses can be worn securely within an approved facepiece.

2.1.2. A physician shall fill out a West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training physical form, and such form shall be presented to the mine rescue training instructor not less than five (5) days prior to scheduled initial training. These forms shall be kept on file at the mine rescue station for a period of one (1) year. In determining whether a miner is physically capable of performing mine rescue duties, the physician shall take the following conditions into consideration:

2.1.2.a. Seizure disorder;

2.1.2.b. Perforated eardrum;

2.1.2.c. Hearing loss without a hearing aid greater than 40 decibels at 400, 1000, and 2000 Hz;

2.1.2.d. Repeated blood pressure reading (controlled or uncontrolled by medication) which exceeds 160 systolic, or 100 diastolic, or which is less than 105 systolic, or 60 diastolic;

2.1.2.e. Distant visual acuity (without glasses) less than 20/50 Snellen scale in one eye, and 20/70 in the other;

2.1.2.f. Heart disease;

2.1.2.g. Hernia;

2.1.2.h. Absence of a limb or hand; or

2.1.2.i. Any other condition which the examining physician determines is relevant to the question of whether the miner is fit for rescue team service.

2.1.3. Each member of a mine rescue team shall be examined annually by a physician who shall certify that each person is physically fit to perform mine rescue and recovery work for prolonged periods under strenuous conditions.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 48-4-2