---
title: "What self-contained self-rescue device must an underground coal mine operator provide to miners, and how long must it protect them under 30 CFR 75.1714? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/mining-safety/self-contained-self-rescue-device-must-underground-coal-mine-operator-provide
jurisdiction: "US Federal · MSHA · 30 CFR Part 75"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What self-contained self-rescue device must an underground coal mine operator provide to miners, and how long must it protect them under 30 CFR 75.1714? Answer in under 100 words.

Under 30 CFR 75.1714, each underground coal mine operator must make available to each miner who goes underground an approved self-rescue device — specifically an MSHA-approved self-contained self-rescue device (SCSR). The device must be adequate to protect the person for at least one hour (60 minutes) or longer against dangerous air conditions. The same obligation covers visitors authorized by the mine operator to enter underground areas.

## How it works

**Provision of devices.** Each underground coal mine operator shall make available an approved self-rescue device — defined as an MSHA-approved self-contained self-rescue device (SCSR) — to every miner who goes underground.

**Training prerequisite.** Before any person authorized by the mine operator goes underground, the operator must instruct and train that person in accordance with the training provisions set forth in Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 48 (training and retraining of miners and other persons at mining operations).

**Regulatory history.** The rule was established on November 21, 1978 (43 FR 54246) and subsequently amended on March 30, 1988 (53 FR 10336), June 8, 1995 (60 FR 30401), and December 8, 2006 (71 FR 71454).

## Key requirements at a glance

| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Device type | MSHA-approved self-contained self-rescue device (SCSR) |
| Minimum protection duration | At least 1 hour (60 minutes) or longer |
| Covered persons | Each miner going underground; visitors (authorized non-miners) |
| Training | Instruction per 30 CFR Part 48 before any underground entry |
| Responsible party | Underground coal mine operator |

## Exceptions & edge cases

- **Visitors are included:** Non-miner individuals who are authorized by the mine operator to enter the underground areas of the mine must also be provided an approved SCSR protecting for at least one hour.

- **'At least one hour or longer':** Devices providing protection beyond 60 minutes satisfy the standard; anything less does not.

- **No underground entry without training:** No person authorized by the mine operator may go underground until instruction and training per 30 CFR Part 48 has been completed.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 30 CFR 75.1714 — Availability of approved self-rescue devices; instruction in use and location · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-30/section-75.1714 · as of 2026-08-26