MSHA Part 46: Everything You Need To Know

The term 'miners' includes anyone engaged in or associated with mining activities, including those employed directly at mining sites and independent contractors, along with their supervised employees. It also covers construction workers who face mining-related hazards. 

In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about MSHA Part 46, including the purpose and scope of MSHA 46, requirements, who needs training, and more. 

WHAT IS MSHA PART 46? 

MSHA Part 46 is a section of the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s regulations that focuses on the training of miners working in non-metal and non-coal mining operations, such as those involved in sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, and surface limestone mining. It outlines the training requirements to help minimize health and safety hazards in these mining environments.

Under Part 46, mining operators must develop and implement a comprehensive training program that includes new miner training, newly hired experienced miner training, annual refresher training, and site-specific hazard awareness training. The objective is to ensure that miners are well-informed about safety procedures and the specific hazards they may encounter at their work sites.

What Are the Benefits of MSHA Part 46 Compliance? 

Compliance with surface mine training regulations primarily enhances workplace safety and health in mining operations, significantly reducing the incidence of accidents and injuries. This adherence not only equips miners with essential safety knowledge and skills, including proper equipment handling and hazard recognition, but also boosts overall productivity by minimizing accidents and associated downtime. 

Moreover, adherence to these safety regulations reduces legal liabilities and can lead to lower insurance costs, reflecting a commitment to safety that can enhance the mining company's reputation and aid in employee retention. 

Part 46 compliance supports both the operational efficiency and economic stability of mining operations, making it a critical component for maintaining industry standards and protecting worker welfare. 

Who Needs MSHA Part 46 Training? 

Under MSHA Part 46, various individuals associated with non-metal and non-coal surface mining operations require training to ensure their safety and compliance with regulations. 

Here’s a breakdown of who needs training:

New Miners 

Individuals who are newly employed in the mining industry must undergo comprehensive training before they start work at the mine. This includes 24 hours of new miner training covering basic safety and operational procedures.

Newly Hired, Experienced Miners

Miners who have experience in mining but are new to a specific mine site must receive training that addresses the specific operations and hazards of the new mine. This is distinct from the training for brand-new miners as it considers their previous mining experience.

Current Miners 

All active miners need annual refresher training to stay updated on any changes in mining operations, safety procedures, or regulatory requirements. This ensures ongoing education and safety compliance.

Miners Assigned to New Tasks 

Miners taking on tasks or roles they have not previously performed need task-specific training to prepare them for new hazards or responsibilities associated with these tasks.

Contractors 

Independent contractors and their employees who work at the mine site are required to receive training relevant to the specific mine environment where they will be working. This includes understanding site-specific hazards.

Site Visitors 

Any person who is on the mine site but does not work as a miner, such as delivery personnel, office staff, or other visitors, must receive site-specific hazard awareness training to ensure they understand the potential dangers they could encounter while on site.

Mine Safety Training Requirements 

MSHA Part 46 outlines specific training requirements to ensure that miners working in certain types of surface mines receive the education and skills necessary to operate safely. 

Here are the key requirements under MSHA Part 46: 

Training Plan 

Mine operators must develop and implement a written training plan that is approved by MSHA. This plan should include the names of persons responsible for training, the types of training miners will receive, and how the training will be conducted.

New Miner Training 

New miners must receive no less than 24 hours of training before they are allowed to work in the mine. This training must cover topics such as statutory rights of miners and their representatives, the mine environment, emergency procedures, health and safety aspects of the tasks to which they will be assigned, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Newly Hired Experienced Miner Training 

Miners with experience who are new to the mine site must receive experienced miner training that addresses the specific mine’s operations and any differences in hazards and policies.

Annual Refresher Training 

All miners must receive at least 8 hours of refresher training annually. This training must include instruction on changes at the mine that could affect the miners' health or safety and other relevant health and safety subjects specific to the mine.

Site-Specific Hazard Awareness Training 

This is required for any person who is present at a mine site but is not a miner, such as office or delivery personnel. This training addresses hazards they may encounter while at the mine.

Training of Miners Assigned to New Tasks 

Miners who are reassigned to new tasks in which they have no previous work experience must receive training specific to the new tasks before they begin.

Records of Training 

Operators must maintain records of all training provided under Part 46 for at least two years. These records should include the name of the person trained, the type of training, the date of training, and the name of the person who provided the training.

Certificates of Training 

Upon completion of each training session, miners must receive a certificate that includes the miner's name, the name of the instructor, the date of training, and the subject matter covered. 

How to Implement MSHA Part 46 Training With OSHA.com 

Whether you work as a surface miner or a contractor, receiving the proper safety training is crucial to prevent injuries or more severe accidents at work. Every new miner is required to undergo at least 24 hours of training within their first 90 days of employment. 

Our comprehensive MSHA Part 46 Surface Miner training packages provide surface miners with the necessary courses and knowledge to stay safe and meet regulatory requirements while on the job. 

Part 46 mandates specific topics that must be taught to workers at various times. The following are some of the key subjects included in MSHA Part 46 Mine Safety Training: 

• General Safety and Health Provisions
• Health Hazards and Hazard Communications
• Cranes and Rigging
• Electrical Safety
• Fall Protection
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Topics for New Miner Training
• Stairways and Ladders

Upon completing the training, surface miners can print a certificate of completion to show their supervisor, demonstrating that they are qualified to work in a mine safely without endangering their own life or the lives of others. Head to our website to get started today!