FAQs for Operators
- Q. I operate a small sand and gravel mine that has been closed for a year and a half. I would like to know if my training plan is still valid, and what type of training do I need to provide my employees before we commence work? If it helps, all of my employees have worked at this operation four or more years prior to its closure.
- A. Review the training plan to ensure it addresses the current conditions at the mine. Additionally, you will need to provide experienced miner training. Please contact EFSMS if you would like assistance with evaluating your training plan or have additional questions pertaining to the type of training that will be required.
- Q - We consider our scale house employees clerical staff. They do not go into the mine. They maintain the computer with updates from customers, orders and haulers and other paperwork. Do they need "new miner" and "annual refresher" training?
- A - 30 CFR Part 46 defines a miner as any person who is engaged in "mining operations," which is: mine development, drilling, blasting, extraction, milling, crushing, screening, or sizing of minerals at a mine; maintenance and repair of mining equipment; and associated haulage of materials within the mine from these activities. Employees who only work in the scale house are not considered miners under 30 CFR Part 46. They are not required to receive new miner or annual refresher training, however, they should receive appropriate site-specific hazard awareness training (30 CFR Section 46.11) for their job.
- Q - We operate a gravel pit. Do we need someone on the property at all times who is trained and certified in first-aid?
- A - The Mine Safety and Health Administration's regulation requires that an individual capable of providing first aid be available on all shifts. The person must be currently trained and able to perform patient assessment and artificial respiration, control bleeding, and treat shock, wounds, burns, and musculoskeletal injuries. (30 CFR Section 56.18010)
- Q - Can first-aid training be included in our training as defined in 30 CFR Part 46 (Part 46 Training)?
- A - Yes, it may be incorporated into your Part 46 training program. It should be listed in your training plan, along with the name of the competent person who will conduct the training. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) encourages mine operators to revisit their training plans on an annual basis and make changes to meet the needs of your employees. One year, for example, you may want to use six of the eight hours of annual refresher training to provide first aid training for all of your employees. The following year, it might be more appropriate to have one hour recap on first aid training and use the remaining hours for other topics, such as accident prevention, hazard recognition, or health hazards.
- Q - Does a person need a valid drivers' license to drive equipment on mine property?
- A - The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) does not have a regulation requiring that an equipment operator have a valid state driver's license to operate mobile equipment on mine property. MSHA does, however, require that the equipment operator be properly trained in the safe operation of the piece of equipment and that the training be documented.
- Q - What is a PIB? PIL? PPL? Where can I find copies?
A - PIB: Program Information Bulletin. Information bulletins provide information of a temporary nature; they do not provide policy or procedural instructions. Information bulletins do not have an effective date or an expiration date; a bulletin is intended to be kept as long as each recipient needs it. When it is no longer needed, it may be destroyed.
PIL and PPL: Procedure Instruction Letter and Program Policy Letter. Policy letters state agency policy, meaning an interpretation or clarification of a regulation. Policy letters are temporary supplements to the Program Policy Manual (PPM).
PILs and PPLs are intended for the mining community as well as MSHA enforcement personnel and, therefore, are distributed to both groups.
Copies of PIBs, PILs, PPLs and PPM are located on the MSHA Compliance Information page.