INNOVATION-July-August-2020

use of mine rescue equipment, gas detection instruments, respiratory protection, and rope rescue. They must also understand how to safely deal with a variety of environmental conditions, electrical hazards, and hazardous atmospheres, in addition to understanding the dynamics of fires and explosions. COMPETITION The Canadian International Student Mine Rescue Competition adds to the ongoing story of BC’s mining industry. Student-led initiatives like this are important, not only because they add to the colour and culture of our industries, but because they emphasize a dedication to our paramount professional obligation towards public and workplace safety. It will be exciting to see how this competition evolves as more schools establish and develop teams of their own. The inaugural Canadian International Student Mine Rescue Competition welcomed competitors from the Colorado School of Mines, Laurentian University, the University of Alberta, and UBC. Laurentian University claimed first place in the underground mine rescue simulation, besting the other competitors including UBC’s team. UBC won several of the other events, and ultimately placed first overall in the competition. Allen Heinrichs, P.Eng., is an engineer focused on workplace health and safety. He volunteers to promote both professional engineering and health and safety to students in BC.

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