Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act?
It is a piece of legislation that was created in 1977 with the purpose of strengthening and expanding miners' rights and protections beyond coal mining and into nonmetal mining operations.
How often does MSHA inspect surface and underground mines?
Surface mines are inspected two times per year and underground mines are inspected four times per year.
What do MSHA inspectors evaluate during a mine inspection?
Inspectors evaluate compliance with established health and safety standards, determine whether imminent danger exists, and issue citations if violations are found.
What is Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations?
Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations is a regulatory document comprised of 104 parts outlining governmental involvement in and oversight of several areas of the mining industry.
Who must receive training according to Part 46 of Title 30?
According to Part 46 of Title 30, new miners, newly hired experienced miners, miners assigned to new tasks, miners receiving annual refresher training, and others in need of site-specific hazard awareness are all required to receive training.
How much training are miners expected to receive?
New miners must receive no less than 24 hours of training within 90 days of a miner beginning work at a mine. Additionally, miners must receive no less than 8 hours of annual refresher training no later than 12 months after a miner begins work at a mine.