For Your Information
Part 46 training regulations only cover the mine types listed above. If
you work at any other type of mining operation, you may need Part 48
training. for assistance with these two regulations, contact Educational
Field Assistance (EFS). (See the Assistance section below.)
Part 46 Training Regulation
The purpose of this brochure is to provide you with some
general information about the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA)
part 46 training regulation. We want to make sure that you, as an independent
contractor, are aware of your training responsibilities while working on part 46
mine properties.
To further assist you, we have helpful materials that you can
get through the Internet, mail, and directly through MSHA's Educational Field
Services. Also, EFS personnel are available throughout the country to answer
questions and assist in complying with this rule. (See the Assistance section of
this brochure.)
This brochure was developed to make you aware that as an
independent contractor you may have training responsibilities while working at
mines covered by part 46. You should read the part 46 rule to understand your
complete training responsibilities.
As an independent contractor, you fall in one of the following
two training categories which have different
requirements:
New Miner Training or Newly Hired Experienced Miner Training
This training is required if you are:
- engaged in mining operations, including developing, drilling, blasting, extracting, milling, crushing, screening or sizing materials, or hauling materials within the mine;
- a maintenance or service worker, working on mining equipment for frequent (a pattern of recurring exposure) or extended periods (more than five consecutive work days); or
- a construction worker who is exposed to hazards of
mining operations for frequent or extended
periods.
Site-Specific Hazard Awareness Training
The production-operator is primarily responsible for providing you this training. It must be given before you start work at each mine site.
This training is required for persons who may come on a mine site but who are not miners. Examples include:
office or staff employees;
scientific workers;
delivery workers;
customers, including commercial over-the-road truck drivers;
construction workers who are not exposed to mine hazards;
vendors or visitors;
maintenance or service workers who are not at a mine for frequent or extended periods;
maintenance or service workers who are working on non-mining equipment;
or miners (such as drillers or blasters) who move from one mine to another while remaining employed by the same independent contractor.