1. Conducts onsite safety and health inspections and investigations of surface mining operations.
2. Prepares written reports of inspections and investigations.
3. Issues citations and orders for violations found during examinations.

1. Assists with investigations of accidents to determine the root cause, how to prevent them, and if Federal laws and/or regulations were violated.
2. Assists with conducting special investigations of complaints filed by mine workers and/or their representatives concerning safety and health problems or issues.

1. Serves as the MSHA spokesperson and authority on mine safety and health for surface mining operations as applicable.
2. Provides technical advice and guidance to mine operators to help them solve problems and comply with mine safety and health requirements.
3. Assists mine operators in the planning of modifications to improve and/or correct deficiencies in the operation.
4. Promotes safety and health among mine operators and workers by directing and participating in safety and health training programs, meetings, demonstrations, mine rescue competitions, and related activities.
5. Counsels and instructs mine operators and workers on appropriate safety and health procedures, practices, and techniques.
6. Testifies at judicial hearings regarding notices of violations and orders of withdrawal.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Course Description: This orientation provides an introduction to MSHA and the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. Instructional Objective: Upon successful completion of the course, students will possess an understanding of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy and the safety and health resources available to them. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Recognize Academy Management and Headquarters staff. 2. Utilize the Academy Student Handbook. 3. Complete and submit fillable course evaluations. 4. Understand and complete Online Course requirements. 5. Locate and utilize online CFR 30 resources. 6. Understand and complete Module Scheduling Requirements. 7. Follow established procedures for student absences and make-up classes. 8. Utilize Academy amenities and services including: Wellness, Cafeteria, Library, and Student Services.

Course Description: This course is designed to familiarize the students with the Surface Pro tablet and its software. The course will cover the fundamentals of the Windows operating environment, word processing techniques, basic troubleshooting and maintenance, email basics, internet/intranet, Cisco AnyConnect, SIS system, and Endpoint Security. This course will stress hands-on experience. Instructional Objective: To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make them comfortable with computer technology and to be able to use the basic functions of a tablet computer. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Correctly set up a working tablet and identify Surface Pro features and ports. 2. Correctly use the stylus pen. 3. Navigate Windows and use Windows File Explorer to create folders and move files. 4. Build proficiency on the basic functions of Microsoft Word. 5. Create, open, and delete email from Microsoft Outlook. 6. Access and use the Internet and MSHA Intranet. 7. Gain proficient keyboarding skills (Typing Test). 8. Use Cloud storage and “One Drive.”

Course Description: This entry-level course examines aspects of on-the-job professional conduct and communications skills inspectors need to perform their duties effectively. Instructional Objective: The inspector will be able to identify, recognize, assess, and manage concerns related to on-the-job professional conduct and communications with clients and stakeholders. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Evaluate issues and problems relating to on-the-job professional conduct and communications. 2. Apply appropriate techniques to effectively resolve problems related to on-the-job professional conduct and communication issues.

Course Description: This entry-level course provides an overview of surface and underground metal/nonmetal mining. It also covers some of the hazards and violations that may be encountered at each type of operation. Instructional Objective: Upon successful completion of the course, students will possess a fundamental understanding of surface and underground mining operations. Students will also be able to better recognize hazards at each type of operation. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Recognize the differences in equipment, methods, and practices used at surface and underground metal and nonmetal and coal mining operations. 2. Recognize hazards and safety violations that may be encountered during regular inspections at surface and underground metal and nonmetal mining operations and coal mining operations. 3. Use correct terminology to describe equipment during regular inspections at metal and nonmetal surface and underground mining operations and coal mining operations.

Course Description: This is an entry level course to provide students with an overview of MSHA’s jurisdiction and reference materials to avoid conflicts in the field and to ensure students understand what actions they must take within the district when a jurisdictional question arises. Instructional Objective: To make inspectors aware of the procedures for jurisdictional determinations. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Define mine and milling according to the Mine Act of 1977. 2. Research and apply the MNM Program Policy Manual regarding jurisdictional issues. 3. Apply liaison agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with other Federal and State agencies in order to clearly delineate areas of jurisdiction or scopes of inspection authority. 4. Utilize criteria for determining MSHA’s authority to assume jurisdiction of mine roads. 5. Recognize the procedures to address and resolve questions of jurisdiction between MSHA and the FRA. 6. Apply the determination factors for what constitutes mineral milling and whether a physical establishment is subject to authority either by MSHA or OSHA. 7. Demonstrate the relevant information to be gathered and documented for a jurisdiction review and the process necessary for Headquarters and Solicitor review.

Course Description: This course introduces the provisions of the 1977 Mine Act and the 2006 Miner Act that pertain to mine operator responsibilities, Authorized Representatives’ authority, the issuance of notices, citations and orders, and how the Act is supplemented by 30 CFR and the Program Policy Manual. Applicable parts of Sections 103(6 parts), 104(8 parts), 105(1 part), 107(3 parts), 108(2 parts), 110(7 parts), 314(1 part) of the Act which provide for notices, citations and orders are covered in detail with examples. Significant and Substantial, Unwarrantable Failure, and Imminent Danger are among the terms defined and illustrated. Other miscellaneous actions are discussed. Instructional Objective: The goals of this course are to train new mine inspectors to be able to effectively use the Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977 (the Act) (Law); to understand the responsibilities of mine operators and agents of operators under The Act; the authority of Authorized Representatives of the Secretary of Labor under The Act; to correctly research and apply relevant provisions of The Act, mandatory safety and health standards and regulations in Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) (Regulation); and to use and apply appropriate materials in MSHA's Program Policy Manual (PPM) (Policy). Student Objectives: The student will be able to: - Apply the relationship between the Mine Act (Law), 30 CFR (Regulation), Program Policy Manual (Policy), and deference as defined by the Courts.

Course Description: This is an entry level course designed to provide the foundation for conducting inspections. An overview of the handbook will be conducted, with intermittent quizzing to ensure students understand critical topics. A focus shall be maintained on the primary paperwork requirements for inspections. The second day is practical application of the concepts in a laboratory setting. It is understood the students will need to reference a paper copy of the handbook throughout the laboratory scenarios. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will be able to generally describe the requirements for mandatory inspections, and utilize the handbook to ensure MSHA policies and procedures are followed during scenarios. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Explain how to conduct inspection(s). 2. Recognize policies concerning matters under investigation by the agency. 3. Explain how an inspector is expected to utilize their time efficiently and effectively. 4. Describe how an inspector evaluates the mine’s safety and health programs. 5. Explain the procedures to follow when an assault seems possible. 6. Identify policy concerning appearances in hearings or court trials. 7. Know the required mine inspection or investigation supplies and equipment as well as how to maintain it, when to use it, etc. 8. State the rules for use of government owned or leased vehicles. 9. Describe the regulations applying to dangerous weapons on government property. 10. Explain the proper procedures for using cameras during inspections, provide the types of mines where cameras are prohibited, and how to preserve photographs. 11. Know what specialized equipment is available as well as how and when to use it. 12. Understand inspection assignment, rotation procedures, and required communications with previous inspectors. 13. Recall MSHA Act requirements about giving advance notice of an inspection. 14. Describe the Act requirements and actions to be taken in accordance with the PPM and C/O writing handbook when an inspector is refused entry to a mine, or is threatened or harassed. 15. Retain policy concerning the compliance with state and company rules. 16. Apply policy concerning the signing of company liability release forms. 17. Know procedures for timely submission of inspection reports, submission of possible knowing and willful review forms, issuance of citations/orders and determining termination times. 18. Describe the regular inspection procedures, the three phases of an inspection, what constitutes a physical inspection of the mine, areas to be inspected, and activities required to be conducted prior to an inspection. 19. Distinguish when it’s acceptable to inspect an idle mine according to policy. 20. Determine procedures for reporting ATF violations.

Course Description: This course focuses on the process by which the agency conducts accountability audits within the Accountability Program and information on accountability issues found during previous accountability audits. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to conduct a successful inspection using effective interview techniques. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Verbalize the purpose of the Accountability Program. 2. Read and understand an accountability audit report and deficiencies found by the audit team. 3. Have familiarity with the methods of review used by the Office of Accountability and Districts when conducting their audits. 4. Display an ability to locate in an inspection report/notes/citation a deficiency and how it’s listed in an accountability report to better understand why it is critical for MSHA inspectors to ensure they are conducting complete and through inspections activities.

Inspection Application System (IAS) Course Description: This entry-level course will prepare MSHA’s inspectors to use the Inspection Application System (IAS), for the purposes of documenting mine inspection activities and issuing citations and orders as appropriate. The course covers the basic aspects of application navigation, menu functionality, mine lookup, citation and order issuance, subsequent actions, time and activity entry, search features, help feature, as well as use of applicable forms and reports. The course will emphasize hands-on training with the IAS. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to successfully navigate and utilize IAS for inspection procedures. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Set up/update user preferences. 2. Download and import IAS district data. 3. Add event numbers. 4. Add citation numbers. 5. Search for mines. 6. Start Events. 7. Create and Issue Citations and Orders. 8. Create and Issue Subsequent Actions. 9. Enter time and activity for respective events. 10. Utilize applicable forms and reports. 11. Navigate from training mode to production mode and back.

Course Description: This course provides the foundational knowledge for writing citations and orders and the practical application process of producing real world examples of citations and orders to be served to agents of the operator in the mining industry. Instructional Objective: To make inspectors apply the principles of the Citation and Order Writing Handbook and produce acceptable citations and orders. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Discuss the 28 Parts of the 7 Sections of the Mine Act and demonstrate the knowledge necessary for writing citations and orders. 2. Apply the procedures outlined in the Citation and Order Writing Handbook and cross reference the 30CFR, PPM, and General Inspection Procedures Handbook for inclusion in citations and orders. 3. Create and use MSHA inspection notes, forms, photographic evidence, and issue appropriate citations and orders. 4. Use the Inspector Application System (IAS) software to write an effective citation/order, including: creating inspection events, citations and orders, subsequent actions, and generate, sort, and print required inspection reports.

Course Description: The course is used to verify the current IAS version ID and verify the student is in training or production mode. The student will also backup all data to ensure no data is lost during the training module. Instructional Objective: Students will successfully switch between IAS database modes, back up production data to ensure the student has no data loss while in training mode, and learn how to backup field work onto multiple drives. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Backup training and production data. 2. Switch from production mode to training mode. 3. Switch from training mode to production mode. 4. Identify any administrative issues when working within IAS.

Course Description: The course is used to verify the current IAS version ID and verify the student is in training or production mode. The student will also backup all data to ensure no data is lost during the training module. Instructional Objective: Students will successfully switch between IAS database modes, back up production data to ensure the student has no data loss while in training mode, and learn how to backup field work onto multiple drives. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Backup training and production data. 2. Switch from production mode to training mode. 3. Switch from training mode to production mode. 4. Identify any administrative issues when working within IAS.

Course Description: Students will be able to apply all criteria and properly evaluate violations for Significant and Substantial findings. Students will be able to classify the selections for gravity and determine the proper selection based on the facts of the condition. Students will be able to properly evaluate the negligence of violations of standards for the Unwarrantable Failure determination. Introduction to Part 45, Contractor responsibilities of informing Production Operators of required information, Contractor Register requirements, and Dual Compliance responsibilities, and other reporting requirements. Instructional Objective: Students will be able to properly evaluate the gravity of violations of standards as either S&S or non S&S meeting the requirements of MSHA policies. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Apply Significant & Substantial (S&S) per agency policies. 2. Apply 104(d) per agency policies. 3. Conclude the types of contractors who must have a contractor’s number. 4. Determine when a Production Operator will be issued a citation for failing to maintain the information required by Part 45. 5. Determine when to cite and when not to cite Production Operators when the Contractor is in violation of 30 CFR or The Act.

Course Description: During this course students will develop the skills and knowledge to evaluate if an imminent danger is present. This course provides the knowledge and resources needed by a mine inspector to conduct a hazardous conditions complaints. Instructional Objective: Students will be able to properly determine when an imminent danger is present and the procedures to follow. Students will be able to apply the procedures to conduct a hazardous condition complaint. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Apply 107(a) of the Mine Act and PPM. 2. Apply 103(g) of the Mine Act and PPM, utilizing the Hazard Condition Complaint Handbook.

Course Description: This entry-level course focuses on an Entry Level Inspector’s ability to conduct inspections in an efficient and timely manner. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to conduct an inspection of a mine in an efficient and timely manner. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Review a mine’s Electronic Mine File and conduct the required activities prior to conducting a regular inspection. Gather information from other sources such as the Specialist Groups, Supervisors, and other Inspectors. 2. Review requirements listed in the Mine Safety and Health Enforcement General Inspection Procedures Handbook. 3. Review the Mine Map and develop a plan for the efficient and timely completion of the inspection. 4. Inspect all areas of the Mine. 5. Apply inspection documentation requirements (note taking). 6. Evaluate all deficiencies encountered during the inspection. 7. Evaluate any mitigating circumstances pertaining to the deficiencies encountered during the inspection. 8. Apply the correct 30 CFR standards to any deficiencies encountered during the inspection. (Citation and Order Writing) 9. Follow established procedures for correcting deficiencies encountered during the inspection. (Citation and Order Writing) 10. Communicate effectively all concerns and findings to Mine Operator, Miners’ Representative, if applicable. 11. Apply the skills needed to prepare, conduct and conclude an interview.

Course Description: This course focuses on pre-inspection and post-inspection activities and conferences. It is designed to help students develop the technical and communication skills needed to successfully conduct these inspection activities, including inspection conferences with mine operators and other parties at the mine. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, the student will be able to develop a pre-inspection or post-inspection conference using mine-specific information found in the Mine Profile Database, Inspection Application System (IAS) and Mine Data Retrieval System (MDRS). Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Develop a PowerPoint presentation needed to properly conduct conferences. 2. Effectively utilize the Mine Profile Database, IAS and MDRS. 3. Discuss trends of violations and accidents. 4. Discuss Root Cause analysis of problems at the mine for violations and accidents. 5. Review the nine steps of managing health and safety at the mi.ne. 6. Inform the mine operator about his/her inspection procedures. 7. Discuss the mine operator’s programs. 8. Discuss inspection results and review violations. 9. In a role-play exercise, present the PowerPoint presentation for a pre-inspection or post-inspection conference.

Course Description: This course covers the requirements under the 56.18002 workplace examination regulation that requires all work areas of a mine to be examined as well as Safety Programs outlined in 30 CFR 56/57.18000 Subpart Q (Safety Programs) and 30 CFR 56/57.20000 Subpart S (Miscellaneous). Instructional Objective: Provide the inspector an exceptional understanding of the requirements under the regulations and how they apply to different work environments as well as recognize and cite the correct standard when applicable given scenarios in class. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Identify 30 CFR standards pertaining to workplace examinations and Safety Programs. 2. Inspect all components of workplace examination requirements and Safety Programs/Miscellaneous regulations as outline in parts 56.18000 and 56.20000. 3. Apply inspection documentation requirements. 4. Evaluate hazards or dangerous conditions during the inspection. 5. Evaluate any mitigating circumstances pertaining to the hazards. 6. Apply the correct 30 CFR standards to any hazards encountered during the inspection. 7. Follow established procedures for issuing citations or orders. 8. Communicate effectively all concerns and findings to the operator.

Course Description: This course focuses on the training requirements under 30 CFR Parts 46 and 48. It will address the inspector’s activities at the mine operation in relation to enforcement of the standards. Instructional Objective: Students will learn how to apply MSHA standards, policies, and procedures for the training and retraining of miners at both coal and metal and nonmetal operations. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Describe the action to take if miners are not trained according to the training regulations. 2. List the commodities regulated by Parts 46 and 48. 3. Describe the requirements to be an instructor for Part 48. 4. Describe the factors necessary to be named a competent person under Part 46. 5. Give the definition of a miner for each regulation. a. Define an (a) (1) miner and an (a) (2) miner (Part 48). b. Define a miner under Part 46. 6. Determine the degree of training required for an individual exposed to mine hazards. 7. Evaluate training plans for compliance. 8. List the training requirements for a new miner. 9. List the training requirements for an experienced miner. 10. List the training requirements for new tasks. 11. List the training requirements for annual refresher. 12. List the training requirements for hazard awareness. 13. Evaluate training records for compliance. 14. Communicate the training requirements when given a scenario. 15. Describe how miners are to be compensated during training. 16. Describe the training requirements for contractors.

Course Description: This entry-level course provides an overview of the hazard communication standard, Part 47. Instructional Objective: Upon successful completion of the course, students will possess a fundamental understanding of Part 47, HAZCOM. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Determine and use the correct standard for when creating HAZCOM citations. 2. Recognize HAZCOM violations that may be encountered during regular inspections at surface and underground metal and nonmetal mining operations and coal mining operations. 3. Use correct terminology to describe HAZCOM requirements during regular inspections at metal and nonmetal surface and underground mining operations and coal mining operations.

Course Description: This course covers the basic principles of health sampling at Metal and Non Metal mining operations, including Industrial Hygiene. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to conduct an inspection of hoists and elevators in accordance with appropriate standards and codes. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Apply the standards related to Health Sampling at metal and nonmetal mines (see specific session objectives). Inspection Application System (IAS) Course Description: This entry-level course will prepare MSHA’s inspectors to use the Inspection Application System (IAS), for the purposes of documenting mine inspection activities and issuing citations and orders as appropriate. The course covers the basic aspects of application navigation, menu functionality, mine lookup, citation and order issuance, subsequent actions, time and activity entry, search features, help feature, as well as use of applicable forms and reports. The course will emphasize hands-on training with the IAS. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to successfully navigate and utilize IAS for inspection procedures. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Set up/update user preferences. 2. Download and import IAS district data. 3. Add event numbers. 4. Add citation numbers. 5. Search for mines. 6. Start Events. 7. Create and Issue Citations and Orders. 8. Create and Issue Subsequent Actions. 9. Enter time and activity for respective events. 10. Utilize applicable forms and reports. 11. Navigate from training mode to production mode and back.

Course Description: This course is designed to teach the ELT the skills needed to identify ventilation problems, detect hazardous gases, and apply applicable regulations. Instructional Objective: Students will be able to determine when and how to measure air flow, identify ventilation problems, detect mine gases, and apply knowledge needed to enforce MSHA regulations. Course Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Identify 30 CFR standards pertaining to gas detecting devices. 2. Operate a MX6, anemometer, and smoke tube correctly. 3. Compile results of the MX6, anemometer and smoke tubes. 4. Identify how to properly care and maintain the MX6. 5. Recognize hazards and other dangerous conditions associated with mine gases and poor ventilation. 6. Evaluate any mitigating circumstances pertaining to the hazards. 7. Apply the correct 30 CFR standards to any hazards encountered during the inspection. 8. Examine mine maps. 9. Compose notes that adequately validate a citation based on scenarios related to ventilation controls. 10. Determine where and when air contaminants need monitored. 11. Analyze ventilation plans and identify deficiencies. 12. Compare current airflow with recorded airflow to help determine compliance. 13. Produce a citation for selected scenario(s).

Course Description: This entry-level course reviews and explains the requirements in Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) relating to ground control at surface mines. Course material addresses recognition, assessment, and correction of surface ground control hazards. It also examines inspection techniques and procedures used to recognize, inspect, and correct ground control hazards at surface mines. Instructional Objectives: Provide students with the ability to identify ground control hazards and understand both hazard mitigation and accident prevention. Students will be able to apply examination procedures and issue appropriate citations and orders regarding ground control deficiencies. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the inspector will be able during an inspection to: 1. Recognize, identify, and assess ground control hazards at surface mining operations. 2. Evaluate problems and issues related to ground control at surface mining operations. 3. Select and correctly apply, relevant sections of the Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) to correct and resolve ground control issues at surface mining operations.

Course Description: The course is used to verify the current IAS version ID and verify the student is in training or production mode. The student will also backup all data to ensure no data is lost during the training module. Instructional Objective: Students will successfully switch between IAS database modes, back up production data to ensure the student has no data loss while in training mode, and learn how to backup field work onto multiple drives. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Backup training and production data. 2. Switch from production mode to training mode. 3. Switch from training mode to production mode. 4. Identify any administrative issues when working within IAS.

Course Description: The course is used to verify the current IAS version ID and verify the student is in training or production mode. The student will also backup all data to ensure no data is lost during the training module. Instructional Objective: Students will successfully switch between IAS database modes, back up production data to ensure the student has no data loss while in training mode, and learn how to backup field work onto multiple drives. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Backup training and production data. 2. Switch from production mode to training mode. 3. Switch from training mode to production mode. 4. Identify any administrative issues when working within IAS.

Course Description: This course focuses on inspections at surface metal and nonmetal mines, with emphasis on loading, hauling, and dumping, as well as machinery and equipment. The course covers hazard recognition, MSHA standards, policies, and procedures for conducting inspections. Instructor Objective: The goal for this course is to provide the student current, up-to-date knowledge on the inspecting surface haulage operations and haulage equipment. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Apply 30 CFR Subparts H and M and MSHA’s Program Policy Manual during the inspection process. 2. Apply 30 CFR standards for examining shop area including tools, grinders, mechanical practices, and welding/cutting ventilation and shielding practices. 3. Reference 30 CFR Part 56 section relating to pre-shift inspections. 4. Reference the proper 30 CFR Standard concerning the prevention of flying or falling materials. 5. Identify unsafe parking practices, procedures for safe repair/maintenance, and proper procedures for examinations for belt dressings. 6. Apply 30 CFR Part 56 Subpart H regulations relating to traffic safety, transport of persons and materials, safety devices, provisions, and procedures for roadways, railroads, and loading/dumping Sites. 7. Reference 30CFR standards concerning life jackets and understand different methods of preventing falls into the water. [56/57.15020)]

Course Description: This course covers the basic principles of health sampling at coal mining operations, including Industrial Hygiene. Instructional Objective: At the completion of this course, students will possess the ability to conduct a health inspection at a coal mine in accordance with appropriate standards and codes. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: - Apply the standards related to Health Sampling at coal mines (see specific session objectives).

Course Description: This course will focus on the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) related to electricity. It also provides techniques for identifying electrical hazards. Instructional Objective: The goal of this course is to train entry-level inspectors to identify hazards related to the use of electrical power and to apply the electrical regulations to reduce or eliminate these hazards in mining. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Pass Quiz based on Online Training. 2. Discuss and apply the laws, regulations, and policies. 3. Use an electrical inspection procedure handout while inspecting equipment. 4. Demonstrate proper inspection procedures. 5. Inspect Pump Station in electrical lab. 6. Recognize hazards in the provided scenarios. 7. Review records involving complaints, investigate complaints, and take all appropriate actions including completing a 103(g) complaint on an electrical condition. 8. Issue and upload citations in IAS while inspecting. 9. Use this knowledge in other inspections as well as EO1s.

Course Description: The course is used to verify the current IAS version ID and verify the student is in training or production mode. The student will also backup all data to ensure no data is lost during the training module. Instructional Objective: Students will successfully switch between IAS database modes, back up production data to ensure the student has no data loss while in training mode, and learn how to backup field work onto multiple drives. Student Objectives: As a result of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Backup training and production data. 2. Switch from production mode to training mode. 3. Switch from training mode to production mode. 4. Identify any administrative issues when working within IAS.