Miner Safety Training

Mine work is inherently dangerous. Health risks are associated with operating heavy earth moving equipment and exposure to hazardous contaminants. To promote health and safety, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA) requires all mine employees to undergo training and obtain certification on basic safety procedures before beginning work.

Identification

• Each type of mine job requires specialized training. Before beginning underground mine work, new employees must undergo 40 hours of basic safety and health training. Before beginning surface work, new employees must undergo 24 hours of training. Every year, mine employees must take an eight-hour refresher course. All courses cover chain-of-command responsibilities; hands-on training for rescue; details on transportation within and around mines; emergency warning systems evacuations procedures; and safety precautions.

Function

• MSHA training courses introduce new employees to the hazards of mine work and give them techniques to prevent problems. More importantly, courses teach mine employees how to protect themselves during emergencies. Hands-on training is provided on how to barricade into a safe haven if there is a mine explosion with associated structural collapse, and how to use a respirator to filter out contaminants when working in enclosed areas. Prevention is given a high priority by training workers on how to control roof and ground structure stability, as well as the proper workings of ventilation equipment and gas monitors. For surface mines, recognizing, avoiding and controlling rock dust are key concepts covered in training.

Prevention/Solution

• Mine shaft outlet at the surface

  MSHA training emphasizes prevention systems for continued safety. Prevention systems include a mandatory check-in, check-out system to keep track of employees' locations within the mine; proper use of transportation and conveyances within the mine; how to communicate during an emergency; familiarity with the method of mining taking place at the site (i.e., open pit, slope or shaft); easy access to mine maps; respirator maintenance, including fit checks (respirators must fit snugly to filter out contaminants); information about mine hazards (chemicals and explosives); and general instructions on how to handle, store and use hazardous chemicals necessary for mining (also known as the company's "HazCom" program).

Warning

• "HazCom" programs are short for hazardous communication programs, and are required for all industries that use hazardous chemicals. As required by the EPA, clear labeling of chemicals, along with appropriate warnings on how to handle, store and use the chemicals, are contained on material safety data sheets (MSDS). HazCom programs mandate that employees have easy access to MSDS and are trained accordingly.

  MSHA training outlines HazCom in general, and incorporates information about standard emergency plans, including suitable barricade materials, escape routes and immediate treatment protocols for common accidents.

Expert Insight

• While all mine employees must undergo MSHA training and obtain certification, each company and facility operates differently. Just because employees receive certification does not necessarily make a mine safe. To accurately ascertain mine safety, review individual health and safety plans for each mine facility. Check the Mine Safety and Health Administration website for violations, and confirm if the company made strong corrections. A company that takes health and safety seriously increases the value of its employees.