A ground control inspection is a documented, in-person examination of on-site terrain formations and locations that slope into working areas at a mine. As part of an ongoing ground control plan, these inspections help establish and reinforce prudent engineering design, reduce ground instability, and contribute to safer working conditions for miners and others on-site. This course covers the definition and purpose of a ground control inspection and includes examples of ground instability hazards, the definition of "angle of repose," descriptions and examples of slope failures, and common ground control corrective actions.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- State the definition and purpose of a ground control inspection
- List two primary hazards of ground instability
- Define the term "angle of repose"
- Identify and describe slope failure signs, types, and causes
- List components of an effective ground control plan
- List best practices for the preparation and performance of a ground control inspection for highwalls, benches, the pit, and spoil banks
- Describe preventive measures to reduce ground instability hazards
- List common ground control hazard corrective actions
- List best practices for inspection and corrective action reports