ISSUE DATE: 06/30/2011

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-48

FROM: NEAL H. MERRIFIELD 

Administrator for Metal and Nonmetal

Mine Safety and Health

KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

Administrator for

Coal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT: Reissue of PIB No. P07-21, Clarification of Requirements for Conveyor Belt 

System Start-Up Warnings on Conveyor Belt Systems which Start Automatically

Scope

Metal and Nonmetal mine operators, coal mine operators, miners and miners’ representatives, 

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel, and other interested 

parties should have this information. 

Purpose

The purpose of this Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is to reissue PIB No. P07-21

previously issued on August 10, 2007. This PIB applied only to metal and nonmetal mines. 

The PIB provided information on MSHA’s requirements for start-up warnings for both manually

operated and automatically operated conveyor belt systems at metal and nonmetal surface and 

underground mining locations. This reissued PIB would be applicable to metal and nonmetal 

and surface coal mines. The reissued PIB provides additional information on the visual checks,

or visible or audible warnings required prior to starting a conveyor and also include information 

regarding conveyor systems at surface locations of coal mines.

Information

Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 C.F.R.) § 56.14201 applies to conveyor systems at all 

surface metal and nonmetal mines, and 30 C.F.R. § 57.14201 applies to conveyor systems at all 

underground metal and nonmetal mines and 30 C.F.R. §77.1607(bb) applies to conveyor systems 

at surface locations of coal mines. When the entire length of a conveyor is visible from the 

starting switch, these standards require that the conveyor operator visually check to make certain 

that all miners are in the clear before starting the conveyor. However, when the entire length of 

the conveyor is not visible from the starting switch, these standards require that a system which 

provides a visible or audible warning be installed and used to warn miners that the conveyor will 

be started. Sections 56.14201(b) and 57.14201(b) also require that within 30 seconds after the 

warning is given, the conveyor belt must be started or a second warning must be given.
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Sections 56.14201, 57.14201 and 77.1607(bb) apply to conveyor belt systems that are operated 

manually and to conveyor systems that are operated automatically, including conveyors, that 

once started, are capable of automatic intermittent operations. MSHA enforcement personnel 

inspect all conveyor systems to determine compliance with 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.14201, 57.14201

and 77.1607(bb). 

Conveyors capable of automatic start-up and/or automatic intermittent operations can present 

hazards to miners working in the area. Therefore, conveyors capable of automatic start-up 

and/or automatic intermittent operations that have ceased motion must have a visual check or 

provide a visible or audible warning prior to restarting the conveyor to meet the intent of the 

standard.

Conveyors that may be operated independently from other conveyors must meet the same 

requirements. When the entire length of a conveyor is visible from the starting switch, the 

conveyor operator must visually check to make certain that all persons are in the clear before 

starting the conveyor. When the entire length of the conveyor is not visible from the starting 

switch, the system must provide a visible or audible warning prior to starting. Where a conveyor 

has multiple start switches, the requirements apply to each location where there is a start switch 

capable of starting the conveyor. 

Conveyor belt systems with automatic start-up and/or automatic intermittent operations can also

present hazards to miners working in underground coal mines. Therefore, training to miners

working in these areas should be given to stress the importance of staying clear of the conveyor 

belt system or locking and tagging out when staying clear is not possible.

Additional questions on 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.14201, 57.14201 or 77.1607(bb) regarding manually or 

automatically operated conveyor belt systems should be directed to the appropriate MSHA 

District Manager for clarification.

Background

As a result of technological advancements in conveyor belt systems, questions were raised as to 

whether conveyor belt systems that start automatically are required to comply with 30 C.F.R. 

§§ 56.14201, 57.14201 or 77.1607(bb).

Authority

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. and 30 C.F.R.

§§ 56.14201, 57.14201 or 77.1607(bb), Conveyor start-up warnings.

Contact Person(s)

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

Marvin Lichtenfels, (202) 693-9640

E-mail: lichtenfels.marvin@dol.gov

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Division of Safety

Johnny P. Calhoun, (202) 693-9507
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E-mail: calhoun.johnny@dol.gov

Internet Availability

This PIB may be viewed on MSHA's home page (www.msha.gov) by choosing "Compliance 

Info" and "Program Information Bulletin." 

Distribution

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders

Miners' Representatives

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Operators

Special Interest Groups