Conducts on-site inspections or investigations of underground and surface mines in order to: Identify potential hazardous conditions to the safety and health of workers; ensure proper mining equipment maintenance and use; check mining practices for conformance with safety and health laws and regulations; issue citations when violations and hazards are identified; determine how accidents and disasters are caused and prevented; and help direct rescue and fire fighting operations after fires or explosions; investigate safety and health complaints from mine personnel; and discuss inspection/investigation findings and provide technical advice and assistance to mine management and personnel. Reviews and recommends for approval or disapproval of roof control and ground control plans submitted periodically by coal mine operators. Evaluates roof control plans to determine whether the roof support system which the operator proposes wil provide adequate protection to the miners from falls of roof and rib as mining progresses. Personally conducts on-site investigations or inspections of the mine to determine whether conditions at the mine are actually the same as portrayrd in the plan, to acquire information that may not be clear from the plan, or to discuss the technical problems causing the plan to be unacceptable. Participates as a roof control specialist, investigating roof fall accidents individually or as a member of a team. Advises operators and other federal and state inspectors about new or unusual roof and ground control systems and methods. Informs industry, labor groups, and other inspectors of major safety problems relating to roof and ground control and which safety standards may be immpacted by the problems. Evaluates and recommends for approval or disapproval of requests for modifications of roof and ground control standards. Evaluates and discusses the acceptability of new roof and ground control methods and equipment with manufacturers and mine operators. Assists in developing new or modified roof and groud control regulations, standards and inspection procedures. Particiaptes in Petition for Modification investigations. Testifies at judicial hearings regarding citations and orders of withdrawal. Conducts on- site inspections of mines to maintain an in-depth knowledge of mining methods and systems and their inter-relationships with roof and ground control. Prepares reports on inspections, investigations and surveys and participates in mine rescue operations.