Page 4 Congratulations Eassiar On June 4, 1976 the Central B.C. Mine Safety Association held its 5th Annual Northern Open Pit Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition in Smithers, B.C. which was hosted by Canex Placer Ltd., Endako Mines Division. The Cassiar Asbestos Corp. team members are: Captain - John Forbes #2 - Don Stump # 3 - Paul Clark ff - John Inch 4 # 5 - Jim Baker Vice Captain - Cesar Isidoro 7. - Don Nuttall The Cassiar Team did not place in the winning circle this year, but we can be proud of a fine, and well trained group of rescue men, whose work and rescue style is closely observed by all team coaches and instructors in the Northern Mining Area. They are the most colourful in red hard hats and red coveralls and are known in Rescue Circles as the team with the best team- work qualifications, and the team to beat in all competitions. This year, we heartily congratulate the team from Westfrob Mines from Tasu, B.C. in their excellent job, which placed them first with the second honours going to Granisle Copper from Granisle, B.C. The competition consisted of 5 teams and demonstrated their abilities in the following order: ENDAKO CASSTAR , ; BELL COPPER ‘WESTFROB GRANISLE We realize that we made some mistakes, and next year we will train a little harder in the hope that we can be number one in Northern B.C. A. Borsato Safety Sup. CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MINE SAFETY ASSOCIATION SURFACE MINE RESCUE COMPETITION Smithers June 4, 1976 PROBLEM You are employed at an open pit mine and your team has just received a message that an accident has occurr- ed at the concentrator--DRYER. The plant is shut down for repairs and two (2) mechanics and a helper are working on the plant. The helper phoned for assistance but he was quite excited and gave very little information. He should still be at the scene when you arrive. All rescue equipment that is required will be at the scene of the accident. Your task will be to rescue any men involved in the mishap and to prevent further damage to the equipment. You will be judged on the basis of the teams efficiency in the rescue operation and your compliance with,the principles of surface mine rescue. Time limit is 45 minutes and time will commence when your team emerges from the rescue van at the accident scene. Time will end when patients are turned over to medical aid and all rescue equipment has been returned to the van. SPECTATOR INFORMATION Todays problem occurred by workman not being aware of a hazard that can exist on mining property. Three workmen are sent to do maintenance on a section of the.concentrator dryer, A mechanic and helper are working on a screen on top of the bin and the other mechanic is working at the burners. The automatic shut off to the pilot burner is damaged. The pilot burner is out and leaking gas. He should have been aware of a hazard by a stench additive to the gas (smell of rotton onions). He lit his welding torch and immediately ignited the accumulation of gas causing an explosion. A ball of fire resulted and caused severe burns to the workman's hands, face and respiratory tract. He is unconscious. The helper hearing the noise, investigated and found the mechanic. He excitedly phoned the rescue team for help. The mechanic standing on top of the bin watching what is going on, looses his balance, falls backwards across a brace and injures his back. This requires more team effort. If the team is not alert enough to turn off the gas leaking from the pilot in the initial stage it will continue to accumulate. The helper who is putting away the welding torch lights a cigarette and causes another explosion and is injured.