MSHA Part 46 Surface Miner Training

According to federal law, all mine operators need to maintain an effective training plan, and all “miners” must get MSHA New Miner Training, followed by annual refreshers.

It may seem odd that we’re putting miners in quotes there, but the MSHA actually specifies that New Miner Training isn’t just for people with the job duties of an underground or surface miner. It’s also required for any person who will be “regularly exposed” to mine hazards, which the MSHA defines as exposure on a frequent, recurring basis or for more than 5 consecutive days.

There are a few categories that are exempt from MSHA training, including people who come on-site but never leave their vehicles or fall short of the 5 consecutive-day threshold. However, the latter category must be escorted and supervised by a trained professional at all times.

Mine operators and miners often use the phrase “MSHA certified” as shorthand for being up-to-date on mandatory MSHA training.

If you need MSHA Part 48 training, you need to follow your company’s MSHA-approved training plan. The training needs to come from someone with instructor certification on file with the MSHA.

If you need MSHA Part 46 training, it’s a little more flexible. You can get your required MSHA certification online with an established provider like us. We offer 8 hours of MSHA online training that must be followed by 24 hours of on-site New Miner Training with your employer.

The MSHA requires annual refresher training for people who are continuously employed at a mining operation. Typically, you’ll have a little over 12 months from your last training to complete your refresher – the deadline will be at the end of your anniversary month.

If you work as a miner sporadically, you may be able to take training less frequently.

For surface miner training (Part 46 or Part 48), your certification won’t fully expire until two years after your last training. If you don’t get your refresher before the two-year deadline, you’ll need to repeat New Miner Training.

For underground mining operations, the expiration rules for re-entering work will depend on whether you qualify as “experienced.” The details are laid out under Part 48.