Busy Month

May has been a busy month.  Updating some of my skills and preparing for future contracts.  Off to the north again in a few days, assisting a Mine Rescue team in their preparations for competition.  I am a firm believer in: 'how you train, is how you will perform when the chips fall'.  
I will keep you posted.  js

Update and May Safety Tip

Three man exploratory team working its way through the mine.  Very small amount of underground area available here and because operations are going on in all area's.  There is nothing that can beat training in the environment that you will operate in.
Used garbage bags over the head instead of 'real' smoke to simulate limited visibility, this is much harder than 'real' smoke as with the bag, you cannot see anything.  
Smoke sometimes breaks, clears or is thin enough due to air currents that you may be able to see your hands or even just in front of your face.  With double bags and tied on there is no visibility, period.  Most UG fires, you will not be able to see anything if in smoke.
Garbage bags have one other major drawback, your body heat does not dissipate.  Even with the cool temperatures of this site and ice blocks of the BG4, you 'warm up'.  
This can and will add stress from heat which could be present in underground fire conditions.  The team must be closely monitored by the trainer to ensure safety, this is very tiring.
Guys worked really hard, good training.

May Safety Tip: Check all of your equipment before starting the job, make sure it is in good shape, serviceable and that all safety devices and guards are operational, if it is not safe, replace or repair.  A couple of seconds can prevent a lifetime of regret.

Have a safe day.  js