When should the Self Contained Self Rescuer (SCSR) be used?

The Self Contained Self Rescuer (SCSR) is specifically designed to provide miners with a breathable atmosphere in the event of a dangerous situation such as a fire or explosion. In these emergencies, hazardous conditions can rapidly arise, reducing the oxygen levels or increasing the presence of toxic gases in the mine environment. The SCSR allows miners to escape safely by supplying them with a clean air source until they can reach a safe area.

While it's true that SCSRs may be demonstrated during training, those instances serve to familiarize miners with the equipment rather than to utilize it in a real emergency. Regular checks are essential for ensuring the SCSR is functional but do not warrant actual use of the device. Furthermore, while the SCSR is an emergency tool, its primary purpose is to be used during specific hazardous situations, rather than solely for emergencies in general. Hence, using the SCSR during a fire or explosion is the appropriate context for its operation, underscoring the importance of being prepared for such critical incidents in a mine.