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

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 3
l. Methods used for stripping loose material and for sloping loose
unconsolidated material as required by § 77.1001 (Filing of ground control
plan).
Highwall and Pit Area Inspection
During an inspection of a highwall and pit area, the inspector shall inspect for
and consider the items below. Appropriate enforcement action must be taken
for any violative condition or practice or any condition posing an imminent
danger.
a. Inspect for fallen material and fresh rubble in the pit as this may indicate
highwall movement and instability.
b. Inspect for evidence of flyrock as this may be indicative of poor blasting
practices.
c. Inspect highwalls and work activities for violative and potentially unstable
and hazardous conditions that may be related to the following:
1) Excessive fracturing;
2) Overhangs;
3) Loose rocks;
4) Discontinuities such as joints, faults, and bedding planes;
5) Cracks on the highwall face and on tops of highwalls and benches,
when safely accessible;
6) Old underground mine workings;
7) Inadequate webs for auger/highwall mining;
8) Water from the highwall;
9) Highwall points and corners;
10) Scaling methods; and Undercutting.
d. Inspect benches for stability and compliance with ground plan control
provisions from a safe location.
e. Measure heights and slopes of highwalls, benches, and spoil piles, where
safe to do so, for compliance with the ground control plan. Electronic
measuring devices may be used to accomplish this.
f. Inspect for the safe operation of equipment in the pit area.
g. Inspect for safety of any person working near a highwall or bench.
h. Inspect for safe drilling and blasting work practices and coordination and
communication prior to blasting.
Release 1 (February 2013) 3-36