Which aspect does a ground control plan primarily address?

• A. Emergency evacuation routes.
• B. Ventilation and air quality control.
• C. Roof stability and ground support.
• D. Personnel recruitment.

Answer: (C)

Ground control planning centers on keeping the underground rock mass stable by designing and implementing supports for the roof and surrounding ground. It covers the selection and placement of supports (such as roof bolts, steel sets, mesh, and shotcrete), the expected ground conditions and support spacing, and the monitoring and response procedures needed if conditions change. This focus on roof stability and ground reinforcement is what makes the plan crucial for preventing collapses and keeping work areas safe.

Emergency evacuation routes belong to emergency response planning, not how the ground is supported. Ventilation and air quality are handled by ventilation planning, not ground support design. Personnel recruitment isn’t related to maintaining ground stability.