A fire boss is a designation made by MSHA as a person who is to examine a mine for gas or other dangers; in some cases, the term is loosely applied to a section foreman's assistant also. A fire boss may be certified as a mine examiner in some states. A fire boss usually examines mines for firedamp (i.e., hazardous gases) or other damages. These examinations should be done at the beginning of every shift, and usually at a second point during the shift.