East Region 

Norton District 

Stakeholder’s Meeting 

Benjamin S. Harding

District Manager 

U.S. Dept. of Labor 

Mine Safety & Health Administration 

Norton District 

276-679-0230

Harding.benjamin@dol.gov 

https://www.msha.gov/
Since January 1, 2022, twelve miners 

have lost their lives due to accidents 

that occurred at our mines. Six 

occurred underground and Six 

occurred on the surface. 
Please note that Powered Haulage and Machinery account for six of the twelve

fatal accidents for 2022. One accident was classified as other.
January 7, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Machinery

• Mine Type: Underground Coal

• Job Title: Continuous Miner Machine Operator

• Experience: 9 years 8 weeks

• Summary: A continuous mining machine

operator died when he was pinned between the

continuous mining machine and a coal rib.
January 7, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Fall of Roof or Back

• Mine Type: Underground MNM

• Job Title: Loader Operator

• Experience: 15 years 27 weeks 6 days

• Summary: A miner was killed when a large

portion of the roof collapsed on

the front-end loader he was operating.
January 11, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Falling, Rolling or Sliding

Rock/Material

• Mine Type: Surface Coal

• Job Title: Blaster and Equipment Operator

• Experience: 11 Years

• Summary: A large tree fell from a highwall

striking the cab of a pick-up truck, resulting in a

fatal injury to the truck driver and a serious

injury to the passenger.
January 14, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Slip or Fall of Person

• Mine Type: Underground Coal

• Job Title: Laborer

• Experience: 13 Years 4 Weeks 1 Days

• Summary: While replacing a belt conveyor roller

inside a preparation plant, a contractor fell

approximately 27 feet onto a concrete floor.
January 26, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Powered Haulage

• Mine Type: Surface MNM

• Job Title: Front End Loader Operator

• Experience: 2 Years 39 Weeks

• Summary: A front end loader operator went

under a dump truck to resolve a park brake

issue and was fatally injured when the tire of

the dump truck rolled onto him.
January 28, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Powered Haulage

• Mine Type: Surface MNM

• Job Title: Truck Driver

• Experience: Three Years 8 Weeks

• Summary: A Concrete Mixer Driver was fatally

injured when the truck he was operating

overturned, and he was ejected from the truck.

Another miner, who was in the truck, suffered

serious injuries.
February 14, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Powered Haulage

• Mine Type: Underground MNM

• Job Title: Maintenance

• Experience: 10 Years 12 Weeks

• Summary: A miner died when the lube

truck she was driving fell approximately 60

feet down a stope to the mine floor below.
February 28, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Machinery

• Mine Type: Underground Coal

• Job Title: Project Manager

• Experience: 20 Years

• Summary: A contract miner was

tramming a single boom face drill to the

surface when he became pinned between

the drill and the coal rib.
March 2, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Fall of Face, Rib,

Pillar or Highwall

• Mine Type: Underground Coal

• Job Title: Scoop Operator

• Experience: 15 Years

• Summary: A miner was fatally injured

when a piece of rock from a brow along

the mine rib fell and struck him.
March 4, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Machinery

• Mine Type: Surface MNM

• Job Title: Bulldozer Operator

• Experience: 8 Years 3 Weeks

• Summary: A miner was fatally injured

when the bulldozer he was operating

rolled down a steep slope and came to

rest on the cab.
March 20, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Fall of Roof or

Back

• Mine Type: Underground Coal

• Job Title: Roof Bolter

• Experience: 13 Years

• Summary: A miner died when the roof fell

in the area where he was moving a water

line out by the retreat mining section.
March 22, 2022 

• Accident Classification: Other (Drowning)

• Mine Type: Surface MNM

• Job Title:

• Experience:

• Summary:
Machinery Best Practices Examples 

Operate equipment from a safe location. Stay out of “Red Zone” areas including

pinch points, the CMM turning radius, and areas close to the ribs.

Maintain proximity detection systems (PDS) in the approved operating condition.

Perform the manufacturer’s recommended static and dynamic tests to assure the

PDS is functioning properly. Verify that the shutdown zones are at sufficient

distances to stop the CMM before contacting a miner.

Wear miner wearable components in accordance with PDS manufacturer’s

recommendations so warning lights and sounds can be seen and heard.

Develop and implement procedures for tramming, repositioning, cable handling and

moving remote controlled CMMs safely.

Train miners on the function of PDS.
Powered Haulage Best Practices Examples 

Immediately remove equipment from service when defects affecting safety are found.

Conduct adequate preoperational checks and weekly examinations of mobile electrical

equipment. Correct any defects affecting safety before operating mobile equipment.

Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.

Maintain roadways free of excessive water, mud, and other conditions that impact an

equipment operator’s ability to control mobile equipment.

Operate mobile equipment at speeds consistent with the conditions of roadways,

grades, clearance, and visibility.

Never rely on Regenerative Braking as a substitute for keeping brakes properly

maintained.
Part 46 Training Plans 

Jason Lane

Supervisor Electrical Engineer

U.S. Dept. of Labor 

Mine Safety & Health Administration 

Norton District 

Norton, A 

276-321-6632

Lane.jason@dol.gov 
Purpose of this Presentation 

Inform the Norton district mines that there is a Part 46 

training plan template available from the MSHA district

office to assist mine operators in the development of a

part 46 training plan. 
Jason Lane 

Lane.Jason@dol.gov 

276-321-6632 

Fred Martin EFS 

Martin.Fred@dol.gov 

865-456-6605 
 

 

 

3WaysMSHAcanassistoperatorsindevelopingaPart46TrainingPlan 

Examples 

https://www.msha.gov/training-education/developing-training-plan

This link includes a 67 page “Part 46 Training Plan Starter Kit” to develop a Part 46 training plan.

It is located under the “Training & Development” drop down menu, then click on “Developing a Training 

Plan.”

https://www.msha.gov/sites/default/files/Training_Education/OT%2056%20-%20Parts%2046%20%26%

2048%20Reference%20Guide.pdf

This link is to a 288 page training compliance guide that includes a training plan template beginning on 

page 215. It is very similar to the 67 page “starter kit” mentioned above. 

The easiest way to locate this is with a Google search for “MSHA Part 46 and Part 48 Compliance Guide.” 

The Norton District developed Part 46 Training Plan Template. Contact Jason Lane at Lane.Jason@dol.gov

The is a 20 page template that provides mine operator with a MS Word template that contains the topics 

that every Part 46 training plan must include in a format that can be easily modified and it includes sample 

training certificates. 
Part 48 verses Part 46 

The 30 CFR Part 48 dictates the topics that must be covered in New Miner Training,

Experienced Miner Training, and Annual Refresher. The operator has the discretion on the

amount of time spend on the topics, but no discretion to independently add or remove topics.

The District Manager must approve any additional topics in the approved training plan.

The 30 CFR Part 46 dictates the 9 topics that must be covered in New Miner Training, but gives

the operator latitude to add additional topics that promotes occupational health and safety.

The 30 CFR Part 46 dictates the 8 topics that must be covered in Experienced Miner Training,

but gives the operator latitude to add additional topics that promotes occupational health and

safety.

The 30 CFR Part 46 gives full latitude to the operator on topics that are covered in Annual 

Refresher Training. Refresher training must include instruction on changes at the mine that 

could adversely affect the miner’s health or safety. It must also address other health and 

safety subjects that are relevant to mining operations at the mine. The 30 CFR 46.8 does give

recommendations for topics. 
The Norton District’s

Part 46 Template
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 46 Training Plan Instructions 

All mining operations and each independent contractor who employs a miner must develop and 

implement a written training plan. The following pages provide a template for developing such a 

plan. 

A training plan can be used for more than one mine. The plan must list all mine names and 

MSHA mine identification numbers and must cover all the appropriate training requirements, 

including Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training, at each mine listed on the plan. 

A training plan is considered approved by MSHA if it contains, at a minimum, the following 

information: 

1. The name of the production-operator or independent contractor, mine name(s), and MSHA 

mine identification number(s) or independent contractor identification number(s). 

(Complete the blanks on page 1.) 

2. The name and position of the person designated by the operator who is responsible for the 

health and safety training at the mine. This person may be the production-operator or 

independent contractor. 

Some operators, particularly those that operate large facilities, may want the flexibility of having 

more than one person who can certify that training has been completed. These operators may list 

more than one person as being responsible for training. 

(Complete the blanks on page 1.) 

3. A list of the persons and/or organizations that will provide the training, and the subject areas 

in which each person and/or organization is competent to instruct. The training plan must 

include all “competent persons” who will instruct in all subjects, including the name of the 

person who will provide only one type of task training. It is acceptable to indicate the names of 

several potential instructors for one subject or course, where the operator may call on one of 

several competent persons to provide the training. While it is acceptable to list the organizations 

who will instruct on the training plan, the certificates of training must list the specific competent 

person’s name who provides the training. 

(Complete the table on page 1.) 

4. The evaluation procedures used to determine the effectiveness of training. Part 46 does not 

require a specific evaluation method. Instead the rule allows you to select the method that will 

best determine if training has been effective. Possible evaluation methods include administering 

written or oral tests, or a demonstration by the miner that he or she can perform all required 

duties or tasks in a safe and healthful manner. In addition, periodic work observations can be 

used to identify areas where additional training may be needed and such observations, along with 

feedback from the miners, could be used to modify and enhance the training program. 

(Evaluation methods are listed on pages 3 and 9. Please review and modify as necessary.) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Section 46.5 lists the topics that must be covered in New Miner Training and the total hours. 

However, the mine operator has the responsibility to tailor the number of hours required for the 

individual topics. 

(Modify the New Miner Training times listed on page 4.) 

6. Section 46.6 lists the topics that must be covered in Newly Hired Experienced Miner Training. 

However, the mine operator has the responsibility to tailor the number of hours required for the 

individual topics. 

(Modify the Newly Hired Experienced Miner Training times listed on page 5.) 

7. Section 46.8 requires that annual refresher training include instruction on changes at the mine 

that could adversely affect the miners’ health or safety. Section 46.8 includes an extensive list of 

recommended subjects for refresher training. The flexibility of the performance-based approach 

of Part 46 allows production-operators and independent contractors to determine the subjects to 

be covered in annual refresher training based on the needs of their workforce and their 

operations. 

In the regulation, the section on annual refresher training lists recommended subjects that could 

be included in the training. It is not acceptable to list all these subjects on the training plan 

and choose different subjects from year-to-year. The training plan needs to accurately 

represent each subject which you plan to cover during annual refresher training. 

(Modify the annual refresher topics and times listed on page 6.) 

8. Section 46.7 requires the written training plan to list each task for which training will be 

conducted. The training plan must include a general description of the teaching methods, course 

materials, evaluation methods and competent person(s) who will conduct the training. 

Additionally, the plan must list the approximate time or range of time to be spent on each task 

training. 

(Modify the Task Training listing and times listed on page 8.) 

A plan may also be voluntarily submitted to one of the Regional Managers for approval. 

Two weeks prior to implementing a new or revised plan, a copy of the plan must be provided to 

the miners’ representative, if any. At mines where no miners’ representative has been 

designated, the plan must be posted or provided to each miner at least 2 weeks before you 

implement the plan or submit it to the Regional Manager for approval. If the competent person 

listed in the approved training plan cannot provide the training, and the training is scheduled 

within 2 weeks, the operator may substitute an unlisted competent person for the listed 

competent person without the 2 week advance notice, provided that the operator informs all 

miners to be trained and their representatives prior to substituting the competent person, and 

provided that no miners or their representatives object to the substitution. 
 

 

 

TRAINING PLAN 

for 30 C.F.R. Part 46 

SURFACE MINES 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date 

Eastern Regional Manager 

Educational Field Services 

National Mine Health and Safety Academy 

1301 Airport Road 

Beaver, WV 25813-9426 

RE: Request for Approval, Proposed Part 46 Training Plan 

 (Company or Corporate Name) 

(Name of Mine) 

(MSHA ID No.) 

Dear Regional EFS Manager: 

The enclosed Part 46 Training Plan is hereby submitted for your approval. Should changes be 

needed, notify me at the following address: 

Sincerely, 

 (Signature – Operator or an Agent of the Operator) 

(Title) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAINING PLAN FOR A SURFACE MINE 

Company Name: 

Mine Name: 

MSHA ID: 

Person(s) responsible for health and safety: 

Name Position Telephone 

Name Position Telephone 

Name Position Telephone 

INSTRUCTOR(S) SUBJECT(S) COMPETENT TO INSTRUCT 

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General Descriptions 

TRAINING CONDUCTED BY: Training will be conducted by a mine-operator designated 

competent person. A competent person is one has the ability, training, knowledge, and/or 

experience to provide training to miners in his or her area of expertise. The competent person 

must be able both to effectively communicate the training subject to miners and to evaluate 

whether the training given to miners is effective. 

Training received by miners in Part 46 must be presented in a language they understand. In 

addition, if warning signs at the mine serve as a component of the Site-specific Hazard 

Awareness Training, the signs must be in a language or languages that are understood by the 

person(s) who come onto the mine site. 

If a competent person is providing training to a group, and some individuals are not fluent in 

English, it is permissible to use a person who is not a competent person as a translator. When 

using a translator, the operator or contractor should ensure the translator has the ability to 

translate the information accurately and completely. Further, the translator should be familiar 

with the subject and terminology in the language being translated, not just in English. 

TRAINING TYPE: The training type given will be based on the definition of a miner. 

Miner: An individual who has gained 12 months of mining experience within 36 months. 

(A new miner who has less than 12 cumulative months of surface mining or equivalent 

experience and has completed new miner training under § 46.5 or under § 48.25 within 

36 months before beginning work at the mine does not have to repeat new miner training. 

However, you must provide the miner with 4 hours of training specified in paragraph 

46.5(b) before the miner begins work at the mine.) 

Once a miner has received new miner training under Part 46 or Part 48 and has 

accumulated 12 months of mining experience within 36 months of receiving new miner 

training, MSHA considers that miner to be experienced for life for training purposes at all 

Part 46 mines. 

New Miner Training will be given to individuals with no mining experience or those who 

have received New Miner Training but failed to gain 12 month’s experience within 36 

months. 

Annual Refresher Training will be given to employed miners annually by the end of their 

“anniversary” month. There is no federal requirement for out-of-work miners to maintain 

their annual refresher training. 

Experienced Miner Training will be given to miners newly employed at a mine. There is 

no requirement that the miner’s annual refresher from their previous employer to be 

current. 

Task Training will be given to any miner who is reassigned to a new task in which he or 

she has no previous work experience. 

Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training will be given to any person who is not a miner 

as defined by §46.2 but is present at a mine site, including: 

1. Office or staff personnel;

2. Scientific workers;

3. Delivery workers;

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Customers, including commercial over-the-road truck drivers;

5. Construction workers or employees of independent contractors who are not

miners under §46.2 of this part;

6. Maintenance or service workers who do not work at the mine site for frequent or

extended periods; and

7. Vendors or visitors.

TRAINING ENVIRONMENTS: Training will be conducted in the field at the mine site and/or 

in a classroom location. 

A portion, if not all, of Task, Hazard, and Experienced Miner training will be given in the field. 

Some parts of Task, Hazard, and Experienced Miner may be given in a classroom environment. 

Annual Refresher will be given in a classroom environment. 

New Miner training will be a combination of classroom and field training. 

TEACHING METHODS: Teaching methods will include any combination of lectures, 

discussions, questions and answer sessions, tours (when applicable), walk-around discussions, 

demonstrations, hands-on, observation periods, and testing (if deemed necessary). 

Media used can include, but not limited to, TV/computer showing VHS, DVD, blue-ray; 

computer generated material showing PowerPoint presentations, digital photographs, online 

videos, and interactive presentations. 

The teaching method and media used will be determined by the training environment and the 

needs of the trainees. 

COURSE MATERIALS: Course materials may consist of any or all of the following, as 

applicable: Appropriate MSHA modules, or materials and information derived from them, mine 

equipment, apparatus, instruments, mine supplies, devices at the mine site, books, MSDS, 

manuals, hand tools, films, transparencies, slides, charts, checklists, training models, regulation 

manuals, company policies plans and rules, and training models of the same type(s) and model(s) 

of SCSR’s in use at the mine, and other such materials. 

The course materials used will be determined by the needs of the trainees based on prior 

education and/or experiences and the best materials for the needs of the trainees. 

EVALUATION PROCEDURES: Miners will be observed during mock and actual performance, 

asked questions or given written exams covering all training topics, practical hands-on exams, 

and miner will perform applicable procedures properly, safely and efficiently in the presence of 

the competent person. 

Where required, training in the use of self-rescue devices will include a demonstration and hands-on 

training of all rescue devices used at the mine or facility. This will include assuming a donning 

position, opening the device, activating the device, inserting the mouthpiece and putting on the nose 

clip and hands-on training in transferring from one self-rescue device to another self-rescue device. 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Miner Training (§46.5) 

Each New Miner will be provided a total of 24 hours of training, but it may be given in segments as prescribed in the table 

below. The training times are approximate, but total training must total to 4 hours before any work is done and 24 hours before 

the training is complete. 

Miners that have not received the full 24 hours of new miner training must work where an experienced miner can closely 

observe that the new miner is performing his or her work in a safe and healthful manner. 

Before a new miner begins work at the mine, they must receive no less than 4 hours of training in the following subjects, 

which must also address site-specific hazards: 

(1) An introduction to the work environment, including a visit and tour of the mine, or portions of the mine that are

representative of the entire mine (walk-around training). The method of mining or operation utilized must be explained and

observed (1 hour initial/8 hours total);

(2) Instruction on the recognition and avoidance of electrical hazards and other hazards present at the mine, such as traffic

patterns and control, mobile equipment (e.g., haul trucks and front-end loaders), and loose or unstable ground conditions

(30 minutes initial/2 hours total);

(3) A review of the emergency medical procedures, escape and emergency evacuation plans, in effect at the mine, and

instruction on the fire-warning signals and firefighting procedures (30 minutes initial/2 hour total);

(4) Instruction on the health and safety aspects of the tasks to be assigned, including the safe work procedures of such tasks, the

mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to such tasks, information about the physical and health hazards of chemicals

in the miner's work area, the protective measures a miner can take against these hazards, and the contents of the mine's

HazCom program (Practice under the close observation of a competent person may be used to fulfill this section, if hazard

recognition training specific to the assigned task is given before the miner performs the task.) (1 hour initial/2 hours total);

(5) Instruction on the statutory rights of miners and their representatives under the Act (15 minutes initial/1 hour total);

(6) A review and description of the line of authority of supervisors and miners' representatives and the responsibilities of such

supervisors and miners' representatives (15 minutes initial/1 hour total); and

(7) An introduction to mine rules and procedures for reporting hazards (30 minutes initial/1 hour total).

No later than 60 calendar days after a New Miner begins work at the mine they must receive training in the following subjects: 

(1) Instruction and demonstration on the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue and respiratory devices, if used at the mine

(1 hour); and

(2) A review of first aid methods (6 hours).

No later than 90 calendar days after a New Miner begins work at the mine they must receive the balance, if any, of the 24 

hours of training on any other subjects that promote occupational health and safety for miners at the mine. 

EXCEPTIONS TO NEW MINER TRAINING RERQUIREMENTS: 

1. A new miner who has less than 12 cumulative months of surface mining or equivalent experience and has completed

new miner training under §46.5 or under §48.25 within 36 months before beginning work at the mine does not have to

repeat new miner training. However, they must be provided with training specified in §46.5(b) before the miner begins

work at the mine.

2. A new miner training course completed under §48.5 or §48.25 may be used to satisfy the requirements of §46.5(a), (b),

and (c), if the course was completed by the miner within 36 months before beginning work at the mine; and the course

is relevant to the subjects specified §46.5(b) and (c).

4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newly Hired Experienced Miner Training (§46.6) 

Newly hired Experienced Miners must be provided with training as prescribed in the table below. 

The duration of the training needed by a newly hired experienced miner depends on the occupational experience of the 

miner, the work duties that the miner will perform, and the methods of mining and workplace conditions at the mine 

where the miner will be working. Except as explained at the bottom of the page, the seven subjects listed in the table must 

be covered before assigning the miner to work. The training times are given as a range. 

Before a newly hired experienced miner begins work at the mine, they must receive training in the following subjects, 

which must also address site-specific hazards: 

(1) An introduction to the work environment, including a visit and tour of the mine, or portions of the mine that are 

representative of the entire mine (walk-around training). The method of mining or operation utilized must be explained 

and observed (30 minutes – 3.5 hours); 

(2) Instruction on the recognition and avoidance of electrical hazards and other hazards present at the mine, such as traffic 

patterns and control, mobile equipment (e.g., haul trucks and front-end loaders), and loose or unstable ground conditions 

(15 minutes – 1 hour); 

(3) A review of the emergency medical procedures, escape and emergency evacuation plans, in effect at the mine, and 

instruction on the fire-warning signals and firefighting procedures (15 minutes – 1 hour); 

(4) Instruction on the health and safety aspects of the tasks to be assigned, including the safe work procedures of such 

tasks, the mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to such tasks, information about the physical and health 

hazards of chemicals in the miner's work area, the protective measures a miner can take against these hazards, and the 

contents of the mine's HazCom program (Practice under the close observation of a competent person may be used to 

fulfill this section, if hazard recognition training specific to the assigned task is given before the miner performs the task.) 

(30 minutes – 1 hour); 

(5) Instruction on the statutory rights of miners and their representatives under the Act (5 minutes – 30 minutes); 

(6) A review and description of the line of authority of supervisors and miners' representatives and the responsibilities of 

such supervisors and miners' representatives (5 minutes – 30 minutes); and 

(7) An introduction to your rules and procedures for reporting hazards (5 minutes – 30 minutes). 

No later than 60 calendar days after a newly hired experienced miner begins work at the mine they must receive training 

and demonstration on the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue and respiratory devices, if used at the mine (1 hour). 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING TOPICS: In addition to subjects specified in the table above, Experienced Miners may 

receive training on any other subjects that promote occupational health and safety for miners at this mine. Such subjects 

must be added to the list in the table above. 

EXCEPTIONS TO EXPERIENCED MINER TRAINING RERQUIREMENTS: A newly hired Experienced Miner who 

returns to the same mine, following an absence of 12 months or less, is not required to be provided with the training 

specified in the table above. Instead they must be provided with training on any changes at the mine that occurred during 

the miner's absence that could adversely affect the miner's health or safety. This training must be given before the miner 

begins work at the mine. If the miner missed any part of annual refresher training under §46.8 during the absence, they 

must be provided the missed training no later than 90 calendar days after the miner begins work at the mine. 

5 
Annual Refresher Training (§46.8) 

Each miner will be provided with no less than 8 hours of annual refresher training: 

1. No later than 12 months after the miner begins work at the mine; and 

2. Thereafter, no later than 12 months after the previous annual refresher training was completed. 

The refresher training must include instruction on changes at the mine that could adversely affect the miner's health or 

safety (30 minutes). The training times are approximate, but training must total to 8 hours before the training is complete. 

Refresher training must also address other health and safety subjects that are relevant to mining operations at the mine. 

Recommended subjects include, but are not limited to: 

1. Applicable health and safety requirements, including mandatory health and safety standards (30 minutes) 

2. Information about the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the miner's work area, the protective 

measures a miner can take against these hazards, and the contents of the mine's HazCom program (30 minutes) 

3. Transportation controls and communication systems (30 minutes) 

4. Escape and emergency evacuation plans, fire-warning and firefighting (30 minutes) 

5. Ground conditions and control; traffic patterns and control (30 minutes) 

6. Working in areas of highwalls (30 minutes) 

7. Water hazards, pits, and spoil banks (30 minutes) 

8. Illumination and night work (15 minutes) 

9. First aid (1 hour) 

10. Electrical hazards (15 minutes) 

11. Prevention of accidents (30 minutes) 

12. Health (30 minutes) 

13. Explosives (30 minutes, if explosives are used) 

14. Respiratory devices (30 minutes) 

Training is also recommended on the hazards associated with the equipment that has accounted for the most mining 

industry fatalities and serious injuries in use at this mine such as (30 minutes): 

1. Mobile equipment (haulage and service trucks, front-end loaders and tractors) 

2. Conveyor systems 

3. Cranes 

4. Crushers 

5. Excavators 

6. Dredges 

Other recommended subjects include (30 minutes): 

1. Maintenance and repair (use of hand tools and welding equipment) 

2. Material handling 

3. Fall prevention and protection 

4. Working around moving objects (machine guarding) 

The flexibility of the performance-based approach of Part 46 allows production-operators and independent contractors to 

determine the subjects to be covered in annual refresher training based on the needs of their workforce and their 

operations. 

In §46.8 it lists recommended subjects that could be included in annual retraining. It is not acceptable to list all these 

subjects on the training plan and then choose different subjects from year-to-year. The training plan will need to be 

updated as training topics change to accurately represent each subject that is covered during annual refresher training. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Task Training (§46.7) 

Any miner who is reassigned to a new task in which he or she has no previous work experience 

must be provided with training in the health and safety aspects of the task to be assigned, 

including the safe work procedures of such task, information about the physical and health 

hazards of chemicals in the miner's work area, the protective measures a miner can take against 

these hazards, and the contents of the mine's HAZCOM Program. This training must be provided 

before the miner performs the new task. 

HAZCOM PROGRAM: Information about the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the 

miner's work area will be covered during training. Training will include: the protective measures 

a miner can take against these hazards, the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 

and the contents of the mine's HazCom program. Course material for this training can include 

MSHA training modules, company safety rules, and MSDSs used at the mine. 

If a change occurs in a miner's assigned task that affects the health and safety risks encountered 

by the miner, training must be provided to the miner with training under §46.7 (a) that addresses 

the change. 

Practice under the close observation of a competent person may be used to fulfill the requirement 

for task training under this section, if hazard recognition training specific to the assigned task is 

given before the miner performs the task. 

Training provided under this section may be credited toward new miner training, as appropriate. 

EXCEPTIONS TO TASK TRAINING RERQUIREMENTS: New task training under §46.7(a) 

and (b) is not required to miners who have received training in a similar task or who have 

previous work experience in the task, and who can demonstrate the necessary skills to perform 

the task in a safe and healthful manner. To determine whether task training under this section is 

required, the miner must be observed performing the task in a safe and healthful manner. 

7 
 

LISTING OF TASK TRAINING ASSIGNMENTS 

SURFACE TASKS (Tasks/Equipment listed may be in other areas of the mine): 

TASK DESCRIPTION TASK TRAINING TIME 

Front End Loader Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Bulldozer Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Excavator/Backhoe Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Shovel Operator 15 minutes – 3 hours 

Refuse/Rock Truck Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Truck Driver 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Road Grader Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Pan Scraper Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Utility/General Laborer 15 minutes – 1 hour 

Mechanic/Repairman 15 minutes – 1 hour 

Qualified Electrician 15 minutes – 4 hours 

Welder 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Skid Steer (Bobcat®) Operator 15 minutes – 1 hours 

Fork Lift Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Telescopic Fork Lift (Sky Trak®) Operator 15 minutes – 2 hours 

Scissor Lift/Man Lift Operator 15 minutes – 1 hours 

Crane Operator 15 minutes – 6 hours 

Tree Cutter 15 minutes – 1 hours 

Dredge 15 minutes – 6 hours 

Dragline 15 minutes – 6 hours 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Task Training (Continued) 

OUTLINE OF TASK TRAINING PROCEDURES 

TRAINING CONDUCTED BY: The mine operator will designate a competent person such as 

an equipment operator, foreman, or equipment manufacturer representative who is experienced 

in the assigned tasks. 

TRAINING METHODS: Training will be conducted by of combination of discussion, 

demonstration, and hands-on instruction. While training under close observation may be done in 

a production mode, emphasis should be placed on the training and not the production. 

OUTLINE OF TRAINING PROCEDURES FOR INSTRUCTORS AND MINERS: 

WHAT INSTRUCTOR WILL DO: 

1. Discuss company safety rules, policies, and health aspects of the task. 

2. Demonstrate each task of equipment operation to the miner. 

3. Evaluate each task of equipment operation. 

4. These tasks will be observed and evaluated with proper feedback and instructions 

given until the miner can perform such tasks in a safe and efficient manner. 

WHAT MINER WILL DO: 

1. Observe, learn and follow each step for equipment operation or task, and ask 

questions about unsure steps, procedures, or tasks. 

2. Perform task in a productive status and successfully perform each task until the 

instructor is satisfied with the performance of the miner. 

EVALUATION: The miner’s training will not be completed until after an evaluation of the skill. 

At a minimum, the miner will do the following: 

1. Correctly answers questions from instructor. 

2. Successfully performs a simulated procedure. 

3. Successfully performs the task under observation during production. 

9 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Task Training (Continued) 

TASK TRAINING BROKEN DOWN BY TOPICS* 

HEALTH AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE TASKS: The training for each task will include 

instructing the miner on the health and safety aspects of the task. 

Safety: An active mine is a dynamic environment with various mobile machines, 

constantly changing work conditions and machinery with moving parts. The miner will 

be instructed on situational awareness and hazard recognition in the work areas and the 

corrective actions necessary to eliminate or mitigate these hazards. The miner will be 

instructed on proper mining sequence to understand the movement of machines and other 

miners in the work area. 

Health: The training will include the health hazards such as materials, dust, and 

chemicals associated with the task and how they affect the human body. The training 

will include how to avoid the hazards when possible and the necessary precautions and 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed to mitigate the risk when avoidance is not 

practicable. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) may be used in this training. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Task training will include details about the 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary to minimize exposure to hazards while 

performing the task. All PPE should be safely designed and constructed, maintained in good 

condition, and it should fit comfortably. If the PPE does not fit properly, it can make the 

difference between being safely protected or dangerously exposed. Miners will be trained to 

identify the following: 

1. When PPE is necessary 

2. What kind of PPE is necessary 

3. How to properly put PPE on, adjust, wear, and remove 

4. The limitations of the equipment 

5. The restrictions of the PPE (defined by the manufacturer) 

6. Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE 

EQUIPMENT INSPECTION: The miner will be instructed to make mechanical and general 

electrical safety checks on equipment as part of a pre-operation check. The miner will ensure that 

all moving parts operate properly and that all the safety functions operate properly. The 

following (as applicable) will be checked for safe operation: 

Bits, conveyors, cabs/canopies, gathering arms, control levers, guards, fire suppression 

devices, clamps, conduits, panic bars, lights, cover plates, lids, fuel tank, tires, 

windshields, wipers, hydraulic oil, fuel levels, brakes, steering, blades, buckets, and 

booms, etc. 

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EQUIPMENT OPERATION: The miner will be instructed on safe operation of the machine. 

The machine’s primary function (drilling, shooting, loading, hauling, etc.) will be covered with 

the miner. 

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE: The miner will be instructed on the safe maintenance and 

repair of the equipment. Material handling; removal of material blockages; lubrication; 

refueling; cutting and welding; and clean-up will be covered with the miner. Part of the 

instruction will include the maintenance expectations for the miner verses repairs requiring a 

mechanic or electrician. 

LOCK OUT/TAG OUT PROCEDURES: The miner will be instructed on the importance of 

Lock Out/Tag Out procedures before performing maintenance or repair. The miner will be 

capable of de-energizing, opening a visible electrical disconnect, locking out the electrical power 

(if necessary), and blocking the equipment against motion. The training will include that the 

removal of someone else’s lock can only be done at the direction of a company official, and then, 

only after it was been conclusively determined that no one will be endangered. 

The miner will be trained on the difference between mechanical and electrical work. Electrical 

work is installing, repairing, replacing, or maintaining electrical equipment, components, or 

conductors. Electrical work can only be done by an operator-designated electrician. 

LIMITED TASK TRAINING OF MINERS: Limited task training of miners may be given when 

their duties on the equipment are restricted. For instance, miners who are electricians and/or 

mechanics may only need to operate of the equipment for repair and maintenance purposes, but 

they will be task trained for that restricted operation. When any task training is limited, the 

training documented will state the restrictions. 

11 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*This is not intended to be a complete list of all the tasks that may be required for Task training. 

Any task a miner performs requires adequate task training to ensure safety before performing the 

task. 

HAZARD TRAINING PROGRAM (§46.11) 

SITE-SPECIFIC HAZARD AWARENESS TRAINING: Site-specific hazard awareness training 

is information or instructions on the hazards a person could be exposed to while at the mine, as 

well as applicable emergency procedures. The training must address site-specific health and 

safety risks, such as unique geologic or environmental conditions, recognition and avoidance of 

hazards such as electrical and powered-haulage hazards, traffic patterns and control, and 

restricted areas; and warning and evacuation signals, evacuation and emergency procedures, or 

other special safety procedures. 

TRAINING MATERIALS: Site-specific hazard awareness training will be given through the 

use of written hazard warnings, oral instruction, signs and posted warnings, walk-around 

training, or other appropriate means that alert persons to site-specific hazards at the mine. 

HAZARD TRAINING FOR MINERS: Miners, such as drillers or blasters, who move from one 

mine to another mine while remaining employed by the same production-operator or independent 

contractor will be provided with site-specific hazard awareness training for each mine. 

HAZARD TRAINING FOR VISITORS: Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training will be given 

to any person who is not a miner as defined by §46.2 but is present at a mine site, including: 

1. Office or staff personnel; 

2. Scientific workers; 

3. Delivery workers; 

4. Customers, including commercial over-the-road truck drivers; 

5. Construction workers or employees of independent contractors who are not miners under 

§46.2 of this part; 

6. Maintenance or service workers who do not work at the mine site for frequent or 

extended periods; and 

7. Vendors or visitors. 

EXCEPTIONS TO TASK TRAINING RERQUIREMENTS: Site-specific hazard awareness 

training is not required for any person who is accompanied at all times by an experienced miner 

who is familiar with hazards specific to the mine site. 

12 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECORDS OF TRAINING (§46.9) 

REQUIRED INFORMATION ON TRAINING RECORDS: A training record or certificate may 

be maintained in any format, provided that it contains the information listed below. The record 

must include: 

1. The printed full name of the person trained; 

2. The type of training; 

3. Duration of training; 

4. The date the training was received; 

5. The name of the competent person who provided the training (list all if more than one); 

6. Name of mine or independent contractor; 

7. MSHA mine identification or independent contractor number (if applicable); and 

8. Location of training (if an institution, the name and address of institution) 

9. The statement, “False certification is punishable under 110(a) and (f) of the Federal Mine 

Safety and Health Act,” printed in bold letter and in a conspicuous manner. 

10. A statement signed by the person designated in the MSHA-approved training plan for the 

mine as responsible for health and safety training, that states ‘‘I certify that the above 

training has been completed.’’ 

11. The signature of the person who has been designated by the operator or independent 

contractor as “Responsible for Health and Safety Training” that certifies the training has 

been completed. 

CERTIFYING RECORDS: Certifying means verifying, by signature, that the training listed on 

the written record was completed as indicated on the form. Part 46 requires that this certification 

be done by the person who has been designated by the operator as responsible for health and 

safety training at the mine and whose name appears on the training plan. Certifying is required at 

the completion of training, such as at the end of the 24 hours of new miner training. 

Training records must be certified at: 

1. The completion of new miner training; 

2. The completion of newly hired experienced miner training; 

3. The completion of the 8 hours of annual refresher training; 

4. Least once every 12 months for new task training or upon request by the miner; and 

5. The completion of Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training for miners. 

MAINTAINING TRAINING PLANS AND RECORDS: Operators and contractors must make 

available for inspection by MSHA and by miners and their representatives training plans, 

training records and certificates (46.9(g)). If the training plan, training records or certificates are 

not physically kept at the mine site, they must be “produced upon request;” such as by having 

them sent from another location via fax machine or computer. Training plans must be made 

available within one business day, but training records, and certificates with the signature of the 

person responsible for health and safety training must be made available before inspection 

activity at the mine concludes for the day. 

13 
 

 

 

 

When a miner leaves the operator’s employ, each miner will be provided with a copy of his or 

her training records and certificates upon request. 

Miner operators must maintain copies of training certificates and training records for each 

currently employed miner during his or her employment, except records and certificates of 

annual refresher training under § 46.8, which are maintained for two years. Copies of training 

certificates and training records must be maintained for at least 60 calendar days after a miner 

terminates employment. 

TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CONSIDERED MINERS: A 

record of training is not required for Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training for persons who 

are not miners under 46.2. However, operators must be able to provide evidence to us, upon 

request, that the training, when applicable, was provided. This evidence may include the training 

materials used, including appropriate warning signs, written information distributed to persons, 

or a visitor log book that reflects that Site-specific Hazard Awareness Training has been given. 

14 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW MINER TRAINING RECORD/CERTIFICATE 

Miner’s Full Name (Print) 

Mine or Contractor Name 

MSHA ID# 

Subject 

30 CFR Part 46.5 

Training 

Duration 

Date Competent 

Person 

Location (Name & 

Address if Institution) 

Miners 

Initials 

The miner received no less than 4 hours training in the following, before beginning work: 

(b)(1) Introduction to work 

environment, mine tour, 

mining method/operation 

(b)(2) Instruction on 

recognition and avoidance of 

electrical and other hazards 

(b)(3) Emergency 

procedures, Escape, and 

firefighting 

(b)(4) Health and safety 

aspects of tasks assigned 

(b)(5) Instruction on statutory 

rights of miner and their 

representatives 

(b)(6) Authority & 

responsibility of supervisors 

and miners representatives 

(b)(7) Introduction to your 

rules and procedures for 

reporting hazards 

No later than 60 days: 

(c)(1) Self-rescue, respiratory 

devices, if used 

(c)(2) First aid 

No later than 90 days (balance of 24 hours including the following subjects): 

False certification is punishable under section 110 (a) and (f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

I certify that the above training has been completed. 

(Signature of person responsible for health and safety training) (Date) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWLY-HIRED EXPERIENCED MINER TRAINING 

RECORD/CERTIFICATE 

Miner’s Full Name (Print) 

Mine or Contractor Name 

MSHA ID# 

Subject 

30 CFR Part 46.6 

Training 

Duration 

Date Competent 

Person 

Location (Name & 

Address if Institution) 

Miners 

Initials 

The miner received the following training before beginning work: 

(b)(1) Introduction to work 

environment, mine tour, 

mining method/operation 

(b)(2) Instruction on 

recognition and avoidance of 

electrical and other hazards 

(b)(3) Emergency 

procedures, Escape, and 

firefighting 

(b)(4) Health and safety 

aspects of tasks assigned 

(b)(5) Instruction on statutory 

rights of miner and their 

representatives 

(b)(6) Authority & 

responsibility of supervisors 

and miners representatives 

(b)(7) Introduction to your 

rules and procedures for 

reporting hazards 

No later than 60 days: 

(c) Self-rescue, respiratory 

devices, if used 

False certification is punishable under section 110 (a) and (f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

I certify that the above training has been completed. 

(Signature of person responsible for health and safety training) (Date) 
 

 

NEW TASK RECORD/CERTIFICATE 

Miner’s Full Name (Print) 

Mine or Contractor Name 

MSHA ID# 

Subject 

30 CFR Part 46.7 

Training 

Duration 

Date Competent 

Person 

Location (Name & 

Address if Institution) 

Miners 

Initials 

The miner received the following training before performing a new task, or a change occurred in an 

assigned task that affects health and safety risk: 

False certification is punishable under section 110 (a) and (f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

I certify that the above training has been completed. 

(Signature of person responsible for health and safety training) (Date) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL REFRESHER TRAINING RECORD/CERTIFICATE 

Miner’s Full Name (Print) 

Mine or Contractor Name 

MSHA ID# 

Subject 

30 CFR Part 46.8 

Training 

Duration 

Date Competent 

Person 

Location (Name & 

Address if Institution) 

Miners 

Initials 

The miner received no less than 8 hours of annual refresher training in the following: 

Mandated Topics: 

Instruction on changes at the 

mine that could adversely 

affect the miner’s health and 

safety 

Health and safety subjects 

relevant to mining operations 

at the mine 

Mine specific annual refresher topics as indicated in written training plan: 

False certification is punishable under section 110 (a) and (f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

I certify that the above training has been completed. 

(Signature of person responsible for health and safety training) (Date) 
 

 

 

 

 

SITE-SPECIFIC HAZARD AWARENESS TRAINING 

RECORD/CERTIFICATE 

Miner’s Full Name (Print) 

Mine or Contractor Name 

MSHA ID# 

Length of Training: 

Date of Training Provided: 

Competent Person Providing the Training: 

Miner’s Initials: 

False certification is punishable under section 110 (a) and (f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

I certify that the above training has been completed. 

(Signature of person responsible for health and safety training) (Date) 
Jason Lane 

Lane.Jason@dol.gov 

276-321-6632 

Fred Martin EFS 

Martin.Fred@dol.gov 

865-456-6605 
Questions? 

https://www.msha.gov/