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mine safety continued and retain information better when it is presented visually, while others learn better through listening. Motor skills, such as operating a refuge chamber or donning an SCSR, are usually best acquired through demonstrations and hands-on practice. Just as different people learn better through different teaching methods, different competency assessment methods work better for assessing different people or different skills. Just as different people learn better through different teaching methods, different competency assessment methods work better for assessing different people or different skills. Trainers should not solely rely on one evaluation method such as written tests for assessing mine emergency response competencies. For various reasons (e.g., test-taking anxiety or low literacy), some people have trouble performing well on written tests—even though they may be capable of performing appropriately during an emergency. Alternatives to written exams can include oral question and answer sessions, simulations, and hands-on demonstrations by the trainee. The best method(s) of assessing competencies and conducting remedial instruction will vary depending upon characteristics of the individual miner, and upon the particular type of knowledge, skill or ability needed for a particular emergency. For an example of how multiple techniques could be used to assess a miner's ability to recognize mine lifeline tactile shapes, see Coal Age, September 2011, p. 40. Conclusion The primary purpose of self-escape competencies assessment is to identify the specific knowledge, skills and abilities miners have not yet mastered, and to provide them with enough remedial training to enable them to escape if escape is humanly possible. The best way to establish that every miner possesses the necessary emergency response knowledge, skills and abilities is by periodically assessing each individual's self-escape competencies, and—for those who have deficiencies—providing as much remedial instruction and/or opportunities for practice 28 www.coalage.com as is necessary to make them competent. Fortunately, mine emergencies do not happen very often. However, knowledge and skills that are rarely used or needed tend to be forgotten. It is important that self-escape knowledge, skills and abilities be assessed on a regular basis. Admittedly, such a system of assessment and remediation will require more ingenuity and effort on the part of our nation's mine safety trainers. However, given the tragic history of failed attempts by coal miners to escape from mine emergencies, such efforts are warranted. Disclaimer The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Mentioning any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH. About the Authors Robert Peters is a manager in the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research at NIOSH. He can be reached at rpeters@cdc.gov or 412386-6895. Dr. Carin Kosmoski is a health communications research fellow in the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research at NIOSH. She can be reached at ckosmoski@cdc.gov or 412-386-6649. References Ennis M [2008]. Competency Models: A Review of the Literature and the Role of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Employment and Training Administration, U. S. Department of Labor. Galvin JM [2008]. Review of best practices for escape and rescue from underground coal mines in Australia. Galvin and Associates Pty Ltd, St Ives NSW, Australia: CDC contract no. 200-2008-M-24524 for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. GAO [2007]. Mine safety: better oversight and coordination by MSHA and other federal agencies could improve safety for underground coal miners. Report GAO-07-622. Washington, DC: U.S. General Accountability Office. Available at: [http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07622.pdf] Gates RA, Phillips RL, Urosek JE, Stephan CR, Stoltz RT, Swentosky DJ, Harris GW, O'Donnell JR, Dresch RA [2007]. Report of investigation, fatal underground coal mine explosion, January 2, 2006. Sago Mine, Wolf Run Mining Company, Tallmansville, Upshur County, West Virginia, ID No. 46-08791. Arlington, VA: U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration. Kingsley Westerman C, Peters R [2011]. Improved Recognition of Lifeline Tactile Signals by Miners. Published in Coal Age, Sept., pp. 40-43. Light TE, Herndon RC, Guley AR, Cook GL, Odum MA, Bates RM, Schroeder ME, Campbell CD, Pruitt ME [2007]. Report of investigation, fatal underground coal mine explosion, May 20, 2006. Darby No. 1 Mine, Kentucky Darby LLC, Holmes Mill, Harlan County, Kentucky, ID No. 15-18185. Arlington, VA: U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration. McAteer JD, Bethell TN, Monforton C, Pavlovich JW, Roberts D, Spence B [2006a]. The Sago Mine Disaster: A preliminary report to Governor Joe Manchin III. available at: www.wvgov.org and www.wju.edu McAteer JD, Bethell TN, Monforton C, Pavlovich JW, Roberts D, Spence B [2006b]. The Fire at Aracoma Alma Mine #1: A preliminary report to Governor Joe Manchin III. available at: www.wvgov.org and www.wju.edu Mine Safety Technology and Training Commission [2006]. "Improving Mine Safety Technology and Training: Establishing US Global Leadership". December 2006. http://www.coalminingsafety.org/documents/msttc_report.pdf Ounanion D [2007]. "Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines". Phase I Report NSH-080020-1839, Foster-Miller Inc., NIOSH Contract Number 200-2007-20276, Pittsburgh, PA Radomsky M, Flick J, DeSalvo J, Grayson L, Ramani R [2009]. Escape & Evacuation: A Miners' Education and Training Toolbox. Instructors' Handbook. Developed by the Penn State University Miner Training Program through funding from Dept. of Labor MSHA Grant # BS-17826-08-60-R-42 http://www.eme.psu.edu/minerstownhall_tr aining/bsg2.html West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force [2006]. Mine safety recommendations: report to the Director of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training: as required by West Virginia Code §56-4-4. Available at: [http://www.wvminesafety.org/PDFs/MSTTF Report Final.pdf] January 2013