CMSP Mine Ventilation & Atmospheric Monitoring

Question 1

According to MSHA regulations (30 CFR 75.323), at what methane concentration must all miners be withdrawn from an underground coal mine working section?

Accepted Answer

2.0%

Answer

1.0%

Answer

1.5%

Answer

2.5%

Question 2

What is 'blackdamp' as encountered in underground mining?

Accepted Answer

A mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen that displaces oxygen

Answer

A mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen

Answer

Pure methane gas that accumulates near the roof

Answer

Sulfur dioxide released from blasting operations

Question 3

Which instrument is most commonly used to measure air velocity in underground mine airways?

Accepted Answer

Vane anemometer

Answer

Barometer

Answer

Manometer

Answer

Psychrometer

Question 4

What is the minimum required oxygen percentage in the atmosphere of an underground metal/nonmetal mine according to MSHA (30 CFR 57.5005)?

Accepted Answer

19.5%

Answer

16%

Answer

18%

Answer

21%

Question 5

What is the primary function of a main mine fan installed on the surface?

Accepted Answer

Circulating air throughout the entire mine to dilute and remove contaminants

Answer

Controlling methane ignition sources

Answer

Supplying compressed air to pneumatic tools

Answer

Generating electricity for underground lighting

Question 6

In mine ventilation terminology, what is 'afterdamp'?

Accepted Answer

The toxic gas mixture (including CO and CO2) remaining after a mine explosion or fire

Answer

Moisture-laden air entering from surface during rain

Answer

Methane released after a coal pillar is extracted

Answer

Cool air that enters through downcast shafts

Question 7

A ventilation 'regulator' in an underground mine is used to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce airflow in a specific airway to control distribution across the mine

Answer

Increase total airflow produced by the main fan

Answer

Detect and alarm on hazardous gas concentrations

Answer

Seal off abandoned sections permanently