ISSUE DATE: 06/16/10 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P10-04 

FROM: NEAL H. MERRIFIELD 

Acting Administrator for 

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health 

SUBJECT: Safe Access, Fall Prevention and Fall Protection involving Self-Propelled Mobile 

Equipment 

Scope

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 

enforcement personnel, underground and surface mine operators, and independent contractors. 

Purpose

This PIB provides information on providing safe means of access, fall prevention, and fall 

protection to miners operating, conducting maintenance or service activities, or accessing work 

platforms of self-propelled mobile equipment. 

Information

Accessing, operating or maintaining self-propelled mobile equipment often requires activities 

such as climbing ladders, or walking on machinery surfaces which expose miners to hazard such 

as falls during all types of weather conditions. Modern mobile equipment is designed to 

minimize slip and fall hazards; but, large machinery, new and old, can require access at heights 

with a fall potential that can cause serious injury. The following precautions can reduce slip and 

fall accidents from mobile equipment. 

• Equipment should be inspected for icy, wet, or oily areas at the start of each shift and 

whenever conditions dictate. Before climbing on, off or around mobile equipment, 

footwear should be free of mud or other substances that could cause slipping. 

• Persons climbing on or off mobile equipment should face the machine. Both hands 

should be free for gripping the ladder, handrail, or handhold. When necessary, a cord, 

rope, or other line should be used to lift and lower lunch pails, thermos bottles, or tools. 

• Walkways should be no narrower than their original manufactured widths, constructed 

with slip-resistant surfaces, and securely attached. Unobstructed access should be 

provided to all areas of the machine where a person might travel. 
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• Handholds or handrails should be within easy reach at critical locations. 

In addition, equipment manufacturers may be providing safe access, fall prevention and fall 

protection by complying with ISO 2867, “Earthmoving Machinery – Access Systems” or SAE 

J185, “Recommended Practice for Access Systems for Off-Road Machines.” Any modifications 

to mobile equipment should generally not be made without an engineering evaluation and 

concurrence by the manufacturer of the equipment. Unsafe access and fall hazards from mobile 

equipment can be reduced by the use of: 

• portable ladders and work platforms, 

• safety belts or harnesses and lanyards utilizing suitable anchor points, 

• man-lifts, 

• mobile work stations, 

• docking stations, and 

• relocating service points to safe areas, e.g., installing extended grease lines. 

Operators are responsible for providing documentation to verify that their equipment is 

ISO 2867 certified. Inspectors may use the certification documents in considering if safe 

access, fall prevention and fall protection is being provided. 

What is the background of this bulletin? 

Equipment manufacturers have asked for clarification of MSHA’s requirements for fall 

protection on mobile equipment. 

What is the authority for this bulletin?

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

30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11001; 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11002; 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.11027; 30 C.F.R. §§ 

56/57.15005 

Who are the MSHA contact persons for this program information bulletin?

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health 

Safety and Health Division 

Lawrence J. Trainor Jr. P.E., (202) 693-9644 

E-mail: trainor.lawrence@dol.gov

Is this program information bulletin available on the Internet?

This bulletin may be viewed on the World Wide Web by accessing the MSHA home page 

(http://www.msha.gov) and choosing “Compliance Info” and “Program Information Bulletins.” 

Who will receive the program information bulletin?

MSHA Program Policy Holders 

Underground and Surface Mine Operators 

Underground and Surface Independent Contractors 

Special Interest Groups 

Miners’ Representatives