MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES - PH13-V-1 - Mine Safety and Health ...

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 3
D. Surface Areas of Underground Mines, Surface Facilities, or Surface Mines.
1. Aerial Tramways. An inspection shall be conducted of all aerial tramways for
existing and potential hazards, including structure condition, guarding,
accumulations, lighting, electrical installation, and fire protection.
2. Auger Openings and Highwall Mining. Auger openings and highwall mining
shall be inspected for compliance with applicable standards.
3. Coal Stock Pile. Coal stockpiles shall be inspected for compliance with
applicable standards including inspection for potential hazards such as fires,
slope instability, or persons working in close proximity to active underground
feeders.
4. Communications Installations. An inspection shall be conducted of all
communication installations for compliance with applicable standards,
including attention to the knowledge level of responsible persons when such
persons are required by regulation or approved mine plans. The inspection
should include attention to grounding, insulation, lightning protection, proper
operation, compliance with the ERP and safe access.
5. Draw-Off Tunnels. An inspection shall be conducted of draw-off tunnels
(including fire hazards, combustible accumulations, inadequate escapeways, air
quality, guarding, and ventilation) for compliance with applicable standards.
6. Drilling and Blasting. An inspection shall be conducted of any and all
drilling or blasting operations on mine property for compliance with
applicable standards and approved plans. The inspector should observe a
complete drilling and blasting cycle to evaluate work practices if drilling or
blasting is being conducted during the inspection. Attention should be given
to maintenance of equipment, dust control practices, handling and use of
explosives, and examinations.
Documentation Required: Locations of inspections and observations of drilling and
blasting practices shall be inspected and documented including the area(s) inspected.
7. Dumping Facilities. An inspection shall be conducted of conditions and
practices at all dumping facilities including the adequacy of illumination, safe
access, stop blocks, berms, access road grades, warning signs, posted speed
limits, and the presence of surface stress cracks for compliance with applicable
standards and in accordance with guidance provided in the Dump Point
Inspection Handbook.
Release 1 (February 2013) 3-30