What procedure should be followed to indicate a room has been thoroughly searched?

• A. Leave the room open and mark it on a checklist
• B. Shut the door after the search is completed
• C. Turn on the light inside the room
• D. Post a notice outside the room

Answer: (B)

When signaling that a room has been thoroughly searched, the appropriate procedure is to shut the door after completing the search. This method provides a clear and immediate visual indicator to others that the room has been inspected, and it is no longer an area of concern. This practice helps maintain safety and order in the workspace, as it prevents individuals from inadvertently entering a room that may have pending inspections or potential hazards that were identified during the search.

In a mining context, ensuring that rooms are marked correctly after a search is crucial for the safety of personnel. Other methods, such as leaving the door open or simply marking it on a checklist, may not effectively communicate the status of the search to others. They can cause confusion or lead to someone entering the room without being aware that it has already been inspected. Turning on a light inside the room or posting a notice outside may serve as supplementary indicators, but shutting the door serves as the most definitive action to indicate that the search is complete and that the room is secure.