Part 48

Reference Guide

U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration

National Mine Health and Safety Academy

Other Training Materials

OT 55

February 2017
Visit the Mine Safety and Health Administration

Web site at www.msha.gov
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................ 1 

REGULATION AND POLICY .......................................................................................................... 3 

PART 48 SUBPART A 

48.1 ............................................................................................................................... 5 

48.2 ............................................................................................................................... 6 

48.3 ............................................................................................................................. 14

48.4 ............................................................................................................................. 20

48.5 ............................................................................................................................. 21

48.6 ............................................................................................................................. 24

48.7 ............................................................................................................................. 27

48.8 ............................................................................................................................. 29 

48.9 ............................................................................................................................. 34 

48.10 ........................................................................................................................... 36

48.11 ........................................................................................................................... 36 

48.12 ........................................................................................................................... 39 

PART 48 SUBPART B 

48.21 ........................................................................................................................... 41

48.22 ........................................................................................................................... 42

48.23 ........................................................................................................................... 50

48.24 ........................................................................................................................... 56

48.25 ........................................................................................................................... 57

48.26 ........................................................................................................................... 60

48.27 ........................................................................................................................... 63

48.28 ........................................................................................................................... 64

48.29 ........................................................................................................................... 69

48.30 ........................................................................................................................... 71

48.31 ........................................................................................................................... 71

48.32 ........................................................................................................................... 74 

PART 48 COMPLIANCE GUIDE .................................................................................................. 75 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ..................................................................................... 83

TRAINING PLAN ............................................................................................................95

SAMPLE LESSON PLANS ................................................................................................121 

TRAINING RECORDS .....................................................................................................135 

BLANK 5000-23 FORM ..........................................................................................139

SAMPLE TRAINING RECORDS ....................................................................................140

INTRODUCTION

This book was designed to assist mining operators and independent contractors

who are regulated by MSHA’s Part 48 regulations.    It provides regulations, policy,

and frequently asked questions and answers.  It also includes a blank training plan,

sample lesson plans, and sample training records.

In the regulation and policy section, MSHA’s Program Policy Manual (PPM) has been

integrated, so it corresponds directly with the listed regulation.  This is followed by

the Compliance Guide which is a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

While teaching, you are expected to use your MSHA Approved Training Plan as a guide.  

The training plan is a general overview of what and how you plan to teach each

program.    It is recommended that you develop individual lesson plans for each

subject/course you will be teaching.  Lesson plans are detailed outlines indicating how

you plan to teach and evaluate each particular subject within the training program.

The sample lesson plans included in this book provide an example of topics you may

teach for certain subjects.  These lesson plans are not complete.  Use these examples as

a guide in developing your site‐specific lesson plans.

The section on training records is provided to give you multiple examples of how to

complete the MSHA Form 5000‐23.

Remember, MSHA’s Educational Field and Small Mine Services (EFSMS) have

training specialists available to assist you.  We encourage you to contact them when

you have questions regarding training plans, training records, training, or anything

concerning Part 48 regulations.

1

REGULATION AND POLICY

Part 48 Overview 

Subpart A – Training and Retraining of Underground Miners 

48.1 Scope 

48.2 Definitions 

48.3 Training Plans; Time of Submission; Where Filed; Information Required; Time for 

Approval; Method for Disapproval; Commencement of Training; Approval of 

Instructors 

48.4 Cooperative Training Program 

48.5 Training of New Miners; Minimum courses of instruction; Hours of Instruction 

48.6 Experienced Miner Training 

48.7 Training of Miners Assigned to a Task in Which They Have Had No Previous 

Experience; Minimum Courses of Instruction 

48.8 Annual Refresher Training of Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; Hours of 

Instruction

48.9 Records of Training 

48.10 Compensation for Training 

48.11 Hazard Training 

48.12 Appeals Procedures 

Subpart B – Training and Retraining of Miners Working at Surface Mines 

and Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

48.21 Scope 

48.22 Definitions 

48.23 Training Plans; Time of Submission; Where Filed; Information Required; Time for 

Approval; Method for Disapproval; Commencement of Training; Approval of 

Instructors 

48.24 Cooperative Training Program 

48.25 Training of New Miners; Minimum courses of instruction; Hours of Instruction 

48.26 Experienced Miner Training 

48.27 Training of Miners Assigned to a Task in Which They Have Had No Previous 

Experience; Minimum Courses of Instruction 

48.28 Annual Refresher Training of Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; Hours of 

Instruction

48.29 Records of Training 

48.30 Compensation for Training 

48.31 Hazard Training 

48.32 Appeals Procedures 

3

PART 48 - SUBPART A 

TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF UNDERGROUND MINERS

30 CFR 48.1 - Scope.

The provisions of this Subpart A set forth the mandatory requirements for submitting 

and obtaining approval of programs for training and retraining miners working in 

underground mines. Requirements regarding compensation for training and retraining 

are also included. The requirements for training and retraining miners working at 

surface mines and surface areas of underground mines are set forth in Subpart B of this 

Part. 

PPM: General

Section 115 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) 

and 30 CFR Part 48 require operators to submit and obtain approval of 

training plans under which miners are provided training. The training 

required by these plans must be provided to miners before they begin 

work at a mine, or before they receive new work tasks or assignments. 

Requirements Related to Hiring and Recall Decisions 

When making hiring and recall decisions, mine operators may consider 

the training persons will need under 30 CFR Part 48 before they begin 

work. Operators are permitted to require that applicants for 

employment and laid-off persons obtain this training initially on their 

own time and at their own expense. 

Pre-employment training for purposes of Part 48 may be available from 

cooperative sources, as described in Sections 48.4 and 48.24. If 

cooperative sources are used, portions of miner training must be minespecific. Part 48.5 requires that approximately 8 hours of a new miners' 

underground training be given at the mine site. In addition, training 

requirements for new and experienced surface miners and experienced 

underground miners must also be provided mine-specific training. Some 

examples of these requirements include training in the provisions of the 

mine roof or ground control and ventilation plans, the use of the selfrescue devices provided at the mine, and the mine transportation and 

communication systems. 

Compliance Responsibility 

Each operator is responsible for complying with all applicable provisions 

of Part 48. Therefore, operators should be prepared to provide all 

5
required miner training. This compliance responsibility is not limited by 

training plans that do not provide for certain training, such as that 

required for a new miner. 

Industries Affected by Part 48 

Part 48 applies to coal mines, underground metal and nonmetal mines, 

surface metal mines, and certain surface nonmetal mines that are not in 

the following industries: surface stone, surface clay, sand and gravel, 

surface limestone, colloidal phosphate, and shell dredging mines and 

other surface operations that produce marble, granite, sandstone, slate, 

shale, traprock, kaolin, cement, feldspar, and lime. These mining 

industries must comply with the training requirements of Part 46. 

30 CFR 48.2 - Definitions. 

For the purposes of this Subpart A - 

(a)(1) Miner means, for purposes of Sections 48.3 through 48.10 of this Subpart A,

 Any person working in an underground mine and who is engaged in the

extraction and production process, or

 Any person engaged in shaft or slope construction, or

 Any person who is regularly exposed to mine hazards, or

PPM: "Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that is exposure to 

hazards at the mine on a frequent rather than consecutive day basis (a 

pattern of recurring exposure), or extended exposure of more than 5 

consecutive workdays, or both. 

 Any person who is a maintenance or service worker employed by the

operator or a maintenance or service worker contracted by the operator

to work at the mine for frequent or extended periods.

 This definition shall include the operator if the operator works

underground on a continuing, even if irregular basis.

 Short-term, specialized contract workers, such as drillers and blasters,

who are engaged in the extraction and production process or engaged in

shaft or slope construction and who have received training under Section

48.6 (Experienced miner training) of this Subpart A may, in lieu (instead)

of subsequent (later) training under that Section for each new

employment, receive training under Section 48.11 (Hazard training) of

this Subpart A.

6
This definition does not include: 

(i) Workers under Subpart C of this Part 48, engaged in the construction of 

major additions to an existing mine which requires the mine to cease 

operations; and 

(ii) Any person covered under paragraph (a)(2) of this Section. 

PPM: The determination of whether an individual is classified as a 48.2(a)(1) 

"miner" for purposes of comprehensive training or as a 48.2(a)(2) "miner" 

for purposes of hazard training must be made on a case-by-case basis. A 

specific job title does not necessarily determine how the individual is 

defined; neither does the fact that the worker is physically present on 

mine property. A determination must be made as to the kind and extent 

of mining hazard exposure. 

Individuals engaged in the extraction or production process, or regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, or contracted by the operator and regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, must receive comprehensive training. 

Individuals not engaged in the extraction and production process, not 

regularly exposed to mine hazards, or inconsequentially exposed to mine 

hazards must receive the appropriate Sections 48.11 hazard training. 

The training exemption for mining supervisors who are certified in 

accordance with MSHA-approved state certification requirements under 

Section 48.2(a)(1)(ii) has been removed. Mining supervisors are now 

considered to be miners under Part 48 and are required to be trained. 

Independent Contractors: 

A. Coverage and Training Requirements 

Independent contractors working at a mine are miners for Part 48 

training purposes, except as explained below. 

This policy statement does not affect an operator's responsibility to 

ensure that all miners are appropriately trained. Part 48 requires 

training prior to performing work in or on mine property. This 

includes an operator's responsibility to conduct mine-specific training. 

This policy does not cover independent contractors who are surface 

construction workers or workers involved in underground mine 

construction work that causes the mine to cease operations. All other 

independent contractors must receive the appropriate Part 48 

training. 

7
Sections 48.2(a)(1) define miners including independent contractors 

who are to receive comprehensive training. 

Sections 48.2(a)(2) define miners including independent contractors 

who are to receive hazard training. 

B. Independent Contractor Training

The appropriate training will be either the comprehensive training 

(new miner training, experienced miner training, task training, and 

annual refresher training) or hazard training. 

1. Comprehensive Training - Independent contractors must receive 

comprehensive training if they perform extraction and production 

work or are regularly exposed to mine hazards. 

a. Determination of Appropriate Comprehensive Training 

Whether an independent contractor should receive the new 

miner training or the experienced miner training depends on 

whether the miner is an "experienced miner" under 

Section 48.2(b). 

b. Extraction and Production 

No work time minimum is associated with this provision. 

Independent contractors who perform extraction and 

production work must receive the appropriate comprehensive 

training. "Extraction and production" refers to the process of 

mining and removal of coal or ore from a mine. This process 

includes both the mechanical and chemical separating of coal 

from the surrounding rock and metal or valuable minerals 

from ore and concentrate; removal and milling of 

conglomerates or rocks by crushing, screening, or sizing; and 

haulage associated with these processes. 

Short-term independent contractors who perform extraction 

and production work and have received experienced miner 

training may, instead of receiving experienced miner training 

for each subsequent mine, receive hazard training (see Section 

48.2(a)(1)).

The experienced miner training such contractors receive 

initially may be largely generic. The training must be of 

sufficient duration and content to cover the principles of mine 

8
safety and health, as well as the types of hazards they might 

encounter at the mines. Thorough hazard training satisfies 

the mine-specific training through the program approved as 

part of the approved training plan. 

c. Maintenance or Service Workers Who are Regularly Exposed 

to Mine Hazards 

Independent contractors who are regularly exposed to mine 

hazards, or who are maintenance or service workers 

contracted by the operator to work at a mine for frequent or 

extended periods, must receive comprehensive training. 

"Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that is 

exposure to hazards at the mine on a frequent rather than 

consecutive day basis (a pattern of recurring exposure), or 

extended exposure of more than 5 consecutive workdays, or 

both. 

d. Selection of Training Programs 

Independent contractors may submit their own training plans 

and conduct their own MSHA-approved training program, use 

an MSHA-approved cooperative program, or use the MSHAapproved training program for the mine. 

2. Hazard Training 

Independent contractors not previously described who are 

exposed to mine hazards are to receive hazard training under 

Section 48.11. 

Independent contractor exposure to hazards varies from situation 

to situation. Hazard training must be tailored to fit the training 

needs of the particular contractor. Training these contractors 

receive must be of sufficient content and duration to thoroughly 

cover the mine-specific conditions, procedures, and safety 

devices. Training must include hazards incident to the 

performance of all job assignments by the contractor at the mine. 

An experienced miner must accompany independent contractors 

subject to hazard training at all times while underground (Section 

48.11(e)). 

9
Persons Performing Construction Work 

Construction work includes the building or demolition of any facility, the 

building of a major addition to an existing facility, and the assembling of a 

major piece of new equipment, such as installing a new crusher or the 

assembling of a major piece of equipment such as a dragline. 

A. Underground Mines 

If construction work is of a major addition that causes the mine to 

cease operations, no training is required under Part 48. 

However, Part 48 training is required if the: 

1. Construction work is not of a "major addition which requires the 

mine to cease operations;" or 

2. Mine is "operational" (that is, if the mine is producing material or 

if a regular maintenance shift is ongoing).

B. Surface Mines or Surface Areas of Underground Mines

No training is required under Part 48 if workers are performing 

construction work. 

Persons Performing Maintenance or Repair Work 

Maintenance or repair work includes the upkeep or alteration of 

equipment or facilities. Replacement of a conveyor belt would be 

considered maintenance or repair. 

A person performing maintenance or repair work, whether or not the 

mine is operational, must receive the appropriate comprehensive or 

hazard training under Subpart A or B. The type of training depends upon 

whether the person is regularly exposed to mine hazards. 

Miners Performing Work at More Than One Mine 

If a miner is based at one mine or at a central shop and periodically works 

at other mines owned by the operator, the miner must receive 

comprehensive training under Subpart A, supplemented by additional 

hazard training, as under Section 48.11, at each of the other mines. 

Underground and Surface Miners - Crediting Training 

A miner who works in both an underground mine and a surface mine or 

surface area of an underground mine must have received comprehensive 

underground and surface training under Subparts A and B. Credit should 

10
be allowed for applicable training taken under one subpart to meet 

requirements of the other subpart. 

(a)(2) Miner means, for purposes of Section 48.11 (Hazard training) of this Subpart A, 

any person working in an underground mine, including any delivery, office, or 

scientific worker or occasional, short-term maintenance or service worker 

contracted by the operator, and any student engaged in academic projects 

involving his or her extended presence at the mine. This definition excludes 

persons covered under paragraph (a)(1) of this Section and Subpart C of this 

Part. 

PPM: For hazard training (Section 48.11), a "miner" is a person who is not an 

extraction and production worker and who is not regularly exposed to 

mine hazards. "Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that 

is exposure to hazards at the mine on a frequent rather than consecutive 

day basis (a pattern of recurring exposure), or extended exposure of 

more than 5 consecutive workdays, or both. 

Miners included within the definition must be accompanied by an 

experienced miner at all times while underground. The required training 

should be commensurate with the expected exposure to hazards. 

(b) Experienced miner means: 

(1) A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner training for 

underground miners or training acceptable to MSHA from a State agency and 

who has had at least 12 months of underground mining experience; or 

PPM: A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner training for 

underground miners or training acceptable to MSHA from a State agency 

and who has had at least 12 months of underground mining experience; 

(2) A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved State certification 

program and who is employed as an underground supervisor on October 6, 

1998; or 

PPM: A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved State certification 

program and who is employed as an underground supervisor on October 

6, 1998.

11
(b)(3) An experienced underground miner on February 3, 1999. 

PPM: An experienced underground miner on February 3, 1999 includes a 

miner: 

a. who was employed as an underground miner on October 13, 1978; 

b. who has received 40 hours of new miner training within 12 months 

prior to February 3, 1999; or 

c. who has had at least 12 months of underground mining experience 

during the 3 years preceding February 3, 1999. 

(b)(4)(i) A person employed as an underground shaft or slope construction worker on 

June 28, 2006; or 

(b)(4)(ii) A person who has six months of underground shaft or slope experience within 

24 months before June 28, 2006. 

PPM: Once a miner has received new miner training and has accumulated 12 

months of mining experience, MSHA considers that miner to be 

experienced for life for training purposes. MSHA also considers miners 

who are experienced miners under the old rule as described above to be 

experienced miners for life. 

Miners included in any of the above categories need not be provided new 

miner training. However, experienced miner, annual refresher, and, 

when appropriate, task training are required. 

After receiving new miner training, a miner will need to accumulate 12 

months of mining experience to be considered an "experienced miner" 

for training purposes. If the miner leaves mining before accumulating the 

12 months of mining experience and: 

A. Less than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must receive experienced miner training before starting 

work. 

B. More than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must repeat new miner training. 

There are no specific requirements for tracking, recording or verifying 

the accumulation of experience. It is the operator's responsibility to 

determine the miner's experience based on the miner's work and 

training history.

12
(c) New miner means a miner who is not an experienced miner. 

PPM: Persons who do not meet the criteria for experienced miners must 

receive new miner training when starting to work or returning to work 

after an absence of more than 3 years to obtain experienced miner 

status. 

A. Underground Mines 

An experienced surface miner who begins work in an underground 

mine is, for training purposes, a new miner, and must be provided 

new miner training under Section 48.5. Credit is allowed for 

applicable surface training (Subpart B). 

B. Surface Mines or Surface Areas of Underground Mines

An experienced underground miner who begins work in a surface 

mine or surface area of an underground mine is for training purposes 

a new miner, and must be provided new miner training under Section 

48.25. Credit is allowed for applicable underground training 

(Subpart A). 

(d) Normal working hours means a period of time during which a miner is otherwise 

scheduled to work. This definition does not preclude scheduling training classes 

on the sixth or seventh working day if such a work schedule has been established 

for a sufficient period of time to be accepted as the operator's common practice. 

Miners shall be paid at a rate of pay which shall correspond to the rate of pay they 

would have received had they been performing their normal work tasks. 

PPM: Training may only be conducted during "normal working hours." 

"Normal working hours" are determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors 

such as past practices and patterns of scheduling work should be 

considered. 

Miners attending a Part 48 training session during "normal working 

hours" must be paid at the rate they would receive if they were working 

at the time. A reasonable rest period between training sessions and 

working shifts should be provided. 

13
(e) Operator means any owner, lessee, or other person who operates, controls or 

supervises an underground mine; or any independent contractor identified as an 

operator performing services or construction at such mine. 

PPM: Independent contractors are responsible for the Part 48 training of their 

employees (see 30 CFR Part 45 and this manual for more information). 

A contractor may have his/her own training plan or may utilize the mine 

operator's plan.

(f) Task means a work assignment that includes duties of a job that occur on a regular 

basis and which requires physical abilities and job knowledge.

(g) Act means the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. 

30 CFR 48.3 - Training Plans; Time of Submission; Where Filed; Information Required; 

Time for Approval; Method for Disapproval; Commencement of Training; Approval of 

Instructors.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (o) and (p) of this Section, each operator of an 

underground mine shall have an MSHA - approved plan containing programs for 

training new miners, training experienced miners, training miners for new tasks, 

annual refresher training, and hazard training for miners as follows: 

(1) In the case of an underground mine which is operating on the effective 

date of this Subpart A, the operator of the mine shall submit such plan for 

approval within 90 days after the effective date of this Subpart A. 

PPM: Section 48.3(a)(1) is no longer applicable. This section was intended to 

allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each operator 

now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening a new 

mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to provide 

training prior to assigning work duties.

(2) Within 60 days after the operator submits the plan for approval, unless 

extended by MSHA, the operator shall have an approved plan for the 

mine. 

PPM: Section 48.3(a)(2) is no longer applicable. This section was intended to 

allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each operator 

now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening a new 

mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to provide 

training prior to assigning work duties.

14
(a)(3) In the case of a new underground mine which is to be opened or a mine 

which is to be reopened or reactivated after the effective date of this 

Subpart A, the operator shall have an approved plan prior to opening the 

new mine, or reopening or reactivating the mine. 

(b) The training plan shall be filed with the District Manager for the area in which 

the mine is located. 

(c) Each operator shall submit to the District Manager the following information: 

PPM: Each operator must submit the information required by Section 48.3(c), 

and may use a format that is logical and reasonable. There is an optional 

electronic version available on the MSHA Homepage (www.msha.gov). 

(1) The company name, mine name, and MSHA identification number of the 

mine. 

(2) The name and position of the person designated by the operator who is 

responsible for health and safety training at the mine. This person may 

be the operator. 

(3) A list of MSHA - approved instructors with whom the operator proposes 

to make arrangements to teach the courses, and the courses each 

instructor is qualified to teach. 

PPM: If changes are made to the list of MSHA approved instructors, they are 

not required to be submitted to MSHA for approval, provided that the list 

of approved instructors is maintained with the approved plan at the mine 

and is made available for MSHA inspection and examination by the 

miners and their representatives. Mine operators are still responsible for 

notifying the miners and miners' representative of any revisions to their 

list of MSHA approved instructors. 

(4) The location where training will be given for each course. 

(5) A description of the teaching methods and the course materials which 

are to be used in training. 

(6) The approximate number of miners employed at the mine and the 

maximum number who will attend each session of training. 

15
(7) The predicted time or periods of time when regularly scheduled refresher 

training will be given. This schedule shall include the titles of courses to 

be taught, the total number of instruction hours for each course, and the 

predicted time and length of each session of training. 

PPM: Operators must indicate a predicted time that training will occur, such as 

the first week of each quarter. Specific days and times of the training can 

be obtained by MSHA, as needed, upon request. 

(8) For the purposes of Section 48.7 (New task training of miners) of this 

Subpart A, the operator shall submit: 

(i) A complete list of task assignments to correspond with the 

definition of "task" in Section 48.2(f) of this Subpart A. 

(ii) The titles of personnel conducting the training for this Section. 

(iii) The outline of training procedures used in training miners in those 

work assignments listed according to paragraph (c)(8)(i) of this 

Section. 

(iv) The evaluation procedures used to determine the effectiveness of 

training under Section 48.7 of this Subpart A. 

PPM: If a change in mine ownership results in changes in procedures or 

conditions at the mine, a new training plan must be submitted to MSHA 

for approval. If conditions and procedures do not change, the new 

operator may continue to utilize the current plan with appropriate 

administrative changes, pending a review by the District Manager. 

If plan changes are required in accordance with Section 48.3(m)(1,2,3), 

the District Manager will indicate in writing required changes and how 

the deficiencies can be corrected. 

Limited Instructor Cards 

Instructors designated by MSHA as approved instructors for surface 

operations (IS) or underground operations (IU) may be approved to teach 

all courses under the appropriate subpart of 30 CFR Part 48 or may be 

limited to teach only specific courses. 

Effective August 1, 1988, those instructors who are approved to teach 

only specific courses under Part 48 must have the word "LIMITED" 

printed in the lower left corner of their MSHA Instructor Card. 

16
No such designation will appear in the lower left corner of the MSHA 

Instructor Card for instructors who are approved without limitations. 

(d) The operator shall furnish to the representative of the miners a copy of the 

training plan two weeks prior to its submission to the District Manager. Where a 

miners' representative is not designated, a copy of the plan shall be posted on 

the mine bulletin board 2 weeks prior to its submission to the District Manager. 

Written comments received by the operator from miners or their 

representatives shall be submitted to the District Manager. Miners or their 

representatives may submit written comments directly to the District Manager. 

(e) All training required by the training plan submitted to and approved by the 

District Manager as required by this Subpart A shall be subject to evaluation by 

the District Manager to determine the effectiveness of the training programs. If 

it is deemed necessary, the District Manager may require changes in, or 

additions to, programs. Upon request from the District Manager the operator 

shall make available for evaluation the instructional materials, handouts, visual 

aids and other teaching accessories used or to be used in the training programs. 

Upon request from the District Manager the operator shall provide information 

concerning the schedules of upcoming training. 

(f) The operator shall make a copy of the MSHA - approved training plan available at 

the mine site for MSHA inspection and for examination by the miners and their 

representatives. 

(g) Except as provided in Section 48.7 (New task training of miners) and Section 

48.11 (Hazard training) of this Subpart A, all courses shall be conducted by 

MSHA-approved instructors. 

PPM: Instructors for Task Training

Under Section 48.3(g), task training required by Section 48.7 may be 

given by a qualified trainer, by an experienced supervisor, or by persons 

experienced in the particular task. Section 48.3(c)(8)(ii) requires listing in 

the training plan only the job titles of the persons conducting the task 

training, and not their names. 

(h) Instructors shall be approved by the District Manager in one or more of the 

following ways: 

(1) Instructors shall take an instructor's training course conducted by the 

District Manager or given by persons designated by the District Manager 

to give such instruction; and instructors shall have satisfactorily 

completed a program of instruction approved by the Office of 

17
Educational Policy and Development, MSHA, in the subject matter to be 

taught. 

(2) Instructors may be designated by MSHA as approved instructors to teach 

specific courses based on written evidence of the instructors' 

qualifications and teaching experience. 

(3) At the discretion of the District Manager, instructors may be designated 

by MSHA as approved instructors to teach specific courses based on the 

performance of the instructors while teaching classes monitored by 

MSHA. Operators shall indicate in the training plans submitted for 

approval whether they want to have instructors approved based on 

monitored performance. The District Manager shall consider such factors 

as the size of the mine, the number of employees, the mine safety record 

and remoteness from a training facility when determining whether 

instructor approval based on monitored performance is appropriate. 

(4) On the effective date of this Subpart A, cooperative instructors who have 

been designated by MSHA to teach MSHA - approved courses and who 

have taught such courses within the 24 months prior to the effective date 

of this Subpart shall be considered approved instructors for such courses. 

(i) Instructors may have their approval revoked by MSHA for good cause which may 

include not teaching a course at least once every 24 months. Before any 

revocation is effective, the District Manager must send written reasons for 

revocation to the instructor and the instructor shall be given an opportunity to 

demonstrate or achieve compliance before the District Manager on the matter. 

A decision by the District Manager to revoke an instructor's approval may be 

appealed by the instructor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health 

or Administrator for Metal and Non-metal Safety and Health, as appropriate, 

MSHA, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202. Such an appeal shall be 

submitted to the Administrator within 5 days of notification of the District 

Manager's decision. Upon revocation of an instructor's approval, the District 

Manager shall immediately notify operators who use the instructor for training. 

(j) The District Manager for the area in which the mine is located shall notify the 

operator and the miners' representative, in writing, within 60 days from the date 

on which the training plan is filed, of the approval or status of the approval of 

the training programs. 

(1) If revisions are required for approval, or to retain approval thereafter, the 

revisions required shall be specified to the operator and the miners' 

representative and the operator and the miners' representative shall be 

18
afforded an opportunity to discuss the revisions with the District 

Manager, or to propose alternate revisions or changes. The District 

Manager, in consultation with the operator and the representative of the 

miners, shall fix a time within which the discussion will be held, or 

alternate revisions or changes submitted, before final approval is made. 

(2) The District Manager may approve separate programs of the training plan 

and withhold approval of other programs, pending discussion of revisions 

or submission of alternate revisions or changes. 

(k) Except as provided under Section 48.8(c) (Annual refresher training of miners) of 

this Subpart A, the operator shall commence training of miners within 60 days 

after approval of the training plan, or approved programs of the training plan. 

PPM: Section 48.3(k) is no longer applicable. This section was intended to 

allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each operator 

now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening a new 

mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to provide 

training prior to assigning work duties.

(l) The operator shall notify the District Manager of the area in which the mine is 

located, and the miners' representative of any changes or modifications the 

operator proposes to make in the approved training plan. The operator shall 

obtain the approval of the District Manager for such changes or modifications. 

(m) In the event the District Manager disapproves a training plan or a proposed 

modification of a training plan or requires changes in a training plan or 

modification, the District Manager shall notify the operator and the miners' 

representative in writing of: 

(1) The specific changes or items of deficiency. 

(2) The action necessary to effect the changes or bring the disapproved 

training plan or modification into compliance. 

(3) The deadline for completion of remedial action to effect compliance, 

which shall serve to suspend punitive action under the provisions of 

Sections 104 and 110 of the Act and other related regulations until that 

established deadline date, except that no such suspension shall take 

place in imminent danger situations. 

19
(n) The operator shall post on the mine bulletin board, and provide to the miners' 

representative, a copy of all MSHA revisions and decisions which concern the 

training plan at the mine and which are issued by the District Manager. 

(o) Each operator engaged in shaft or slope construction shall have an MSHAapproved training plan, as outlined in this Section, containing programs for 

training new miners, training experienced miners, training miners for new tasks, 

annual refresher training, and hazard training for miners as follows: 

(1) In the case of an operator engaged in shaft or slope construction on 

December 30, 2005, the operator shall submit a plan for approval by May 

1, 2006, unless extended by MSHA. 

(2) In the case of a new shaft or slope construction operator after June 28, 

2006, the operator shall have an approved plan prior to commencing 

shaft or slope construction. 

(p) Each underground coal operator, who is required to submit a revised program of 

instruction for 30 CFR 75.1502, shall also submit a revised training plan under 

this Part 48. 

30 CFR 48.4 - Cooperative Training Program. 

(a) An operator of a mine may conduct his own training programs, or may 

participate in training programs conducted by MSHA, or may participate in 

MSHA - approved training programs conducted by state or other federal 

agencies, or associations of mine operators, miners' representatives, other mine 

operators, private associations, or educational institutions. 

(b) Each program and course of instruction shall be given by instructors who have 

been approved by MSHA to instruct in the courses which are given, and such 

courses and the training programs shall be adapted to the mining operations and 

practices existing at the mine and shall be approved by the District Manager for 

the area in which the mine is located. 

PPM: Training requirements for new miners and experienced miners (Sections 

48.5 and 48.6) provide for mine specific training. Some examples of 

these requirements include: introduction to work environment; mine 

roof, ground controls, and ventilation plans; the use of self-rescue 

devices; escape and emergency procedures; mine transportation and 

communication systems; and the health control plan. 

20
Some subject matter may contain generic and mine-specific aspects. The 

mine-specific aspects may be addressed by the cooperative trainers or 

the mine operator. In all instances, new underground miner training 

given through a cooperative source must provide for approximately 

8 hours of training to be given at the mine site where the miner is 

employed. 

Annual refresher training (Sections 48.8/48.28) is required to cover such 

mine specific matters as the use of self-rescuers, the review of roof or 

ground control plans, and health control plans. If the cooperative is to 

teach the annual refresher, the mine-specific aspects must be addressed. 

30 CFR 48.5 - Training of New Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; Hours of 

Instruction. 

a. Each new miner shall receive no less than 40 hours of training as prescribed in 

this Section before such miner is assigned to work duties. Such training shall be 

conducted in conditions which as closely as practicable duplicate actual 

underground conditions, and approximately 8 hours of training shall be given at 

the mine site. 

b. The training program for new miners shall include the following courses: 

(1) Instruction in the statutory rights of miners and their representatives 

under the Act; authority and responsibility of supervisors. The course 

shall include instruction in the statutory rights of miners and their 

representatives under the Act, including a discussion of Section 2 of the 

Act; a review and description of the line of authority of supervisors and 

miners' representatives and the responsibilities of such supervisors and 

miners' representatives; and an introduction to the operator's rules and 

the procedures for reporting hazards. 

(2) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall be given before a 

new miner goes underground and shall include—

(i) Instruction and demonstration in the use, care, and 

maintenance of self-rescue and respiratory devices used at the 

mine; 

(ii) Hands-on training in the complete donning of all types of selfcontained self-rescue devices used at the mine, which includes 

assuming a donning position, opening the device, activating the 

21
device, inserting the mouthpiece, and putting on the nose clip; 

and 

(iii) Hands-on training in transferring between all applicable selfrescue devices. 

(b)(3) Entering and leaving the mine; transportation; communications. The 

course shall include instruction on the procedures in effect for entering 

and leaving the mine; the check-in and checkout system in effect at the 

mine; the procedures for riding on and in mine conveyances; the controls 

in effect for the transportation of miners and materials; and the use of 

the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. 

(4) Introduction to the work environment. The course shall include a visit and 

tour of the mine, or portions of the mine which are representative of the 

entire mine. A method of mining utilized at the mine shall be observed 

and explained. 

(5) Mine map; escapeways; emergency evacuation; barricading. The 

program of instruction for mine emergency evacuation and firefighting 

approved by the District Manager under 30 CFR 75.1502 or the escape 

and evacuation plan under 30 CFR 57.11053, as applicable, shall be used 

for this course. The course shall include—

(i) A review of the mine map; the escapeway system; the escape, 

firefighting, and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the 

mine; and the location of abandoned areas; and 

(ii) An introduction to the methods of barricading and the locations 

of the barricading materials, where applicable. 

(6) Roof or ground control and ventilation plans. The course shall include an 

introduction to and instruction on the roof or ground control plan in 

effect at the mine and procedures for roof and rib or ground control; and 

an introduction to and instruction on the ventilation plan in effect at the 

mine and the procedures for maintaining and controlling ventilation. 

(7) Health. The course shall include instruction on the purpose of taking 

dust, noise, and other health measurements, and any health control plan 

in effect at the mine shall be explained. The health provisions of the act 

and warning labels shall also be explained. 

22
(b)(8) Cleanup; rock dusting. The course shall include instruction on the 

purpose of rock dusting and the cleanup and rock dusting program in 

effect at the mine, where applicable. 

(9) Hazard recognition. The course shall include the recognition and 

avoidance of hazards present in the mine, particularly any hazards 

related to explosives where explosives are used or stored at the mine. 

(10) Electrical hazards. The course shall include recognition and avoidance of 

electrical hazards. 

(11) First aid. The course shall include instruction in first aid methods 

acceptable to MSHA. 

(12) Mine gases. The course shall include instruction in the detection and 

avoidance of hazards associated with mine gases. 

(13) Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the new miner will be 

assigned. The course shall include instruction in 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. 

(14) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(c) Methods, including oral, written, or practical demonstration, to determine 

successful completion of the training shall be included in the training plan. The 

methods for determining such completion shall be administered to the miner 

before he or she is assigned work duties. 

(d) A newly employed miner who has less than 12 months of mining experience and 

has received the courses and hours of instruction in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 

Section, within 36 months preceding employment at a mine, does not have to 

repeat this training. Before the miner starts work, the operator must provide 

the miner with the experienced miner training in Section 48.6(b) of this Part and, 

if applicable, the new task training in Section 48.7 of this Part. The operator 

must also provide the miner with annual refresher training and additional new 

task training, as applicable. 

23
PPM: Underground Mines 

An experienced surface miner who begins work in an underground mine 

is, for training purposes, a new miner and must receive new miner 

training under Section 48.5. The MSHA district manager may credit 

applicable surface training (Subpart B) toward the underground training 

(Subpart A) requirement.

Job Site Training 

Health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and may 

involve performance of actual job tasks. Job site training must be 

completed under close and continuous supervision of an approved 

instructor, with training, not production, as the primary goal. 

The training is acceptable if the following conditions are met: 

1. Instructors must follow an outline in which each step of the job is 

broken down into instructional units. The students must 

demonstrate safe performance of each job step. Several units may be 

combined in the same instructional period. 

2. All health and safety standards must be observed.

30 CFR 48.6 - Experienced Miner Training. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (e), this Section applies to experienced miners 

who are—

(1) Newly employed by the operator; 

(2) Transferred to the mine; 

(3) Experienced underground miners transferred from surface to 

underground; or 

(4) Returning to the mine after an absence of more than 12 months. 

(b) Experienced miners must complete the training prescribed in this Section before 

beginning work duties. Each experienced miner returning to mining following an 

absence of 5 years or more, must receive at least 8 hours of training. The 

training must include the following instruction: 

(1) Introduction to work environment. The course shall include a visit and 

tour of the mine. The methods of mining utilized at the mine shall be 

observed and explained. 

24
(2) Mandatory health and safety standards. The course shall include the 

mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to the tasks to be 

assigned. 

(3) Authority and responsibility of supervisors and miners' representatives. 

The course shall include a review and description of the line of authority 

of supervisors and miners' representatives and the responsibilities of 

such supervisors and miners' representatives; and an introduction to the 

operator's rules and the procedures for reporting hazards. 

(4) Entering and leaving the mine; transportation; communications. The 

course shall include instruction in the procedures in effect for entering 

and leaving the mine; the check-in and checkout system in effect at the 

mine; the procedures for riding on and in mine conveyances; the controls 

in effect for the transportation of miners and materials; and the use of 

the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. 

(5) Mine map; escapeways; emergency evacuation; barricading. The 

program of instruction for mine emergency evacuation and firefighting 

approved by the District Manager under 30 CFR 75.1502 or the escape 

and evacuation plan under 30 CFR 57.11053, as applicable, shall be used 

for this course. The course shall include—

(i) A review of the mine map; the escapeway system; the escape, 

firefighting, and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine; 

and the location of abandoned areas; and 

(ii) Methods of barricading and the locations of barricading materials, 

where applicable. 

(6) Roof or ground control and ventilation plans. The course shall include an 

introduction to and instruction on the roof or ground control plan in 

effect at the mine and procedures for roof and rib or ground control; and 

an introduction to and instruction on the ventilation plan in effect at the 

mine and the procedures for maintaining and controlling ventilation. 

(7) Hazard recognition. The course must include the recognition and 

avoidance of hazards present in the mine. 

(8) Prevention of accidents. The course must include a review of the general 

causes of accidents applicable to the mine environment, causes of 

specific accidents at the mine, and instruction in accident prevention in 

the work environment. 

25
(b)(9) Emergency medical procedures. The course must include instruction on 

the mine's emergency medical arrangements and the location of the 

mine's first aid equipment and supplies. 

(10) Health. The course must include instruction on the purpose of taking 

dust, noise, and other health measurements, where applicable; must 

review the health provisions of the Act; and must explain warning labels 

and any health control plan in effect at the mine. 

(11) Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the experienced miner is 

assigned. The course must include instruction in the health and safety 

aspects of the tasks assigned, including the safe work procedures of 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. 

Experienced miners who must complete new task training under Section 

48.7 do not need to take training under this paragraph. 

(12) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall be given before the 

miner goes underground and shall include—

(i) Instruction and demonstration in the use, care, and maintenance of 

self-rescue and respiratory devices used at the mine; 

(ii) Hands-on training in the complete donning of all types of selfcontained self-rescue devices used at the mine, which includes 

assuming a donning position, opening the device, activating the 

device, inserting the mouthpiece, and putting on the nose clip; and 

(iii) Hands-on training in transferring between all applicable self-rescue 

devices. 

(13) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(c) The operator may include instruction on additional safety and health subjects 

based on circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(d) The training time spent on individual subjects must vary depending upon the 

training needs of the miners. 

26
(e) Any miner returning to the same mine, following an absence of 12 months or 

less, must receive training on any major changes to the mine environment that 

have occurred during the miner's absence and that could adversely affect the 

miner's health or safety. 

(1) A person designated by the operator who is knowledgeable of these 

changes must conduct the training in this paragraph. An MSHA - 

approved instructor is not required to conduct the training outlined in 

this paragraph. 

(2) No record of this training is required. 

(3) The miner must also complete annual refresher training as required in 

Section 48.8, if the miner missed taking that training during the absence. 

PPM: Health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and may 

involve performance of actual job tasks. Guidelines for job site training 

are set out under Section 48.5 above. 

When an experienced miner returns to the same mine following an 

absence of 12 months or less, the miner must be informed about major 

changes affecting safety or health that have occurred at the mine during 

the absence before the miner starts work. Also, the miner must 

complete annual refresher training as required in Section 48.8 before 

starting work if the miner missed that training during the absence. 

With one exception, there are no time requirements for experienced 

miner training. However, for miners returning to mining after an absence 

of 5 years or more, the returning "experienced miner" must receive at 

least 8 hours of experienced miner training. 

30 CFR 48.7 - Training of Miners assigned to a Task in Which They Have Had No 

Previous Experience; Minimum Courses of Instruction.

(a) Miners assigned to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling 

machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, roof and ground 

control machine operators, and those in blasting operations shall not perform 

new work tasks in these categories until training prescribed in this paragraph and 

paragraph (b) of this Section has been completed. This training shall not be 

required for miners who have been trained and who have demonstrated safe 

operating procedures for such new work tasks within 12 months preceding 

assignment. This training shall also not be required for miners who have 

27
performed the new work tasks and who have demonstrated safe operating 

procedures for such new work tasks within 12 months preceding assignment. 

The training program shall include the following: 

(1) Health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures for work tasks, 

equipment, and machinery. The training shall include instruction in the 

health and safety aspects and the safe operating procedures related to 

the assigned tasks, including 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. The training shall be given in an on-the-job 

environment; and 

(2)(i) Supervised practice during non-production. The training shall include 

supervised practice in the assigned tasks, and the performance of 

work duties at times or places where production is not the primary 

objective; or 

(2)(ii) Supervised operation during production. The training shall include, 

while under direct and immediate supervision and production is in 

progress, operation of the machine or equipment and the 

performance of work duties. 

(3) New or modified machines and equipment. Equipment and machine 

operators shall be instructed in safe operating procedures applicable to 

new or modified machines or equipment to be installed or put into 

operation in the mine, which require new or different operating 

procedures. 

(4) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(b) Miners under paragraph (a) of this Section shall not operate the equipment or 

machine or engage in blasting operations without direction and immediate 

supervision until such miners have demonstrated safe operating procedures for 

the equipment or machine or blasting operation to the operator or the 

operator's agent. 

(c) Miners assigned a new task not covered in paragraph (a) of this Section shall be 

instructed in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures of the task, 

including information about the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the 

miner's work area, the protective measures a miner can take against these 

28
hazards, and the contents of the mine's HazCom program, prior to performing 

such task. 

(d) Any person who controls or directs haulage operations at a mine shall receive 

and complete training courses in safe haulage procedures related to the haulage 

system, ventilation system, firefighting procedures, and emergency evacuation 

procedures in effect at the mine before assignment to such duties. 

(e) All training and supervised practice and operation required by this Section shall 

be given by a qualified trainer, or a supervisor experienced in the assigned tasks, 

or other person experienced in the assigned tasks. 

PPM: An appropriately completed Job Safety Analysis may be used as a training 

guide when conducting task training as long as it complies with the task 

training requirements of Part 48.

30 CFR 48.8 - Annual Refresher Training of Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; 

Hours of Instruction. 

(a) Each miner shall receive a minimum of 8 hours of annual refresher training as 

prescribed in this Section. 

(b) The annual refresher training program for all miners shall include the following 

courses of instruction: 

(1) Mandatory health and safety standards. The course shall include 

mandatory health and safety standard requirements which are related to 

the miner's tasks. 

(2) Transportation controls and communication systems. The course shall 

include instruction on the procedures for riding on and in mine 

conveyances; the controls in effect for the transportation of miners and 

materials; and the use of the mine communication systems, warning 

signals, and directional signs.

(3) Barricading. The course shall include a review of the methods of 

barricading and locations of barricading materials, where applicable. 

(4) Roof or ground control, ventilation, emergency evacuation and 

firefighting plans. The course shall include a review of roof or ground 

control plans in effect at the mine and the procedures for maintaining 

and controlling ventilation. In addition, for underground coal mines, 

29
except for miners who receive this training under Section 75.1504, the 

course shall include a review of the emergency evacuation and 

firefighting program of instruction in effect at the mine. 

(5) First aid. The course shall include a review of first aid methods 

acceptable to MSHA. 

(6) Electrical hazards. The course shall include recognition and avoidance of 

electrical hazards. 

(7) Prevention of accidents. The course shall include a review of accidents 

and causes of accidents, and instruction in accident prevention in the 

work environment. 

(8) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction 

and demonstration in the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue and 

respiratory devices used at the mine. In addition, except for miners who 

receive this training under Section 75.1504, the training for selfcontained self-rescue (SCSR) devices shall include: 

(i) Hands-on training in the complete donning of all types of selfcontained self-rescue devices used at the mine, which includes 

assuming a donning position, opening the device, activating the 

device, inserting the mouthpiece, and putting on the nose clip; and 

(ii) Hands-on training in transferring between all applicable self-rescue 

devices. 

(9) Explosives. The course shall include a review and instruction on the 

hazards related to explosives. The only exception to this course 

component is when there are no explosives used or stored on the mine 

property. 

(10) Mine gases. The course shall include instruction in the detection and 

avoidance of hazards associated with mine gases. 

(11) Health. The course shall include instruction on the purpose of taking 

dust, noise, and other health measurements and any health control plan 

in effect at the mine shall be explained. The health provisions of the Act 

and warning labels shall also be explained. 

(12) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

30
(c) Refresher training may include other health and safety subjects that are relevant 

to mining operations at the mine. Recommended subjects include, but are not 

limited to, 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. 

(d) All persons employed as shaft or slope construction workers on June 28, 2006, 

must receive annual refresher training within 12 months of June 2006. 

(e) Where annual refresher training is conducted periodically, such sessions shall 

not be less than 30 minutes of actual instruction time and the miners shall be 

notified that the session is part of annual refresher training. 

PPM: Operators may provide annual refresher training at any time during the 

last calendar month of the miner's annual refresher training cycle. To 

illustrate this policy, miners who began work in July 2001 must complete 

their annual refresher training any time in July 2002. Accordingly, 

training records and schedules may be maintained on a monthly basis, 

rather than tracking each miner's individual training date. Also, 

operators should be encouraged to schedule annual refresher training at 

the beginning of the month so that if for some reason a miner misses the 

regularly scheduled training, there will still be a reasonable opportunity 

for the training to be made up before the end of the month. 

Annual refresher training is required to cover such mine-specific matters 

as the review of roof or ground control plans and health control plans in 

effect at the mine. 

Refresher health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and 

may involve performance of actual job tasks. Guidelines for job site 

training are set out under Sections 48.5/48.25. 

Refresher Training Following an Absence 

The following training is required for experienced miners as defined in 

Section 48.2(b) who return to work following an absence: 

1. When an experienced miner returns to the same mine following an 

absence of 12 months or less, the mine operator must provide annual 

refresher training based on the miner's original schedule before the 

absence. The miner must complete annual refresher training before 

starting work if the miner missed that training during the absence. 

Also, the miner must receive training that covers major changes 

affecting safety or health that have occurred at the mine before the 

31
miner starts work. This training may be credited toward the miner's 

annual refresher training. 

2. When an experienced miner returns to the mine following an absence 

of more than 12 months, the operator must provide experienced 

miner training before the miner begins work. This starts a new 

annual refresher training date for this miner. 

In either case, if the miner is assigned a new work task, the operator 

must provide new task training prior to having the miner perform that 

task. 

The above does not apply to experienced miners assigned to work 

underground or on the surface for the first time. These miners are "new 

miners" under the training regulations and must receive new miner 

training. Credit can be given for applicable underground or surface 

training. 

Extension of Time to Complete Annual Refresher Training 

The unexpected return of miners after absences may create a strain 

between the completion of quality refresher training and prompt return 

of the miners to productive employment. 

In order to accommodate unforeseeable events, district managers may 

consider requests for limited extensions of time to complete annual 

refresher training. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case 

basis, and be granted only if: 

1. The miners involved are experienced, as defined by Section 48.2(b). 

2. Good faith efforts were made by the operator to train the miners 

before the annual refresher training anniversary date passed. 

3. The miners, before returning to work, will be given any task training 

required by Section 48.7, and will be thoroughly instructed in any 

changes in procedure at the mine or in the mining environment. In 

underground mines, these procedures must include changes in roof 

control, ventilation, emergency escapeways, and transportation 

controls. 

4. The required annual refresher training will be promptly completed. 

32
Subject to additional conditions that the district manager may require, a 

request for a limited extension of time to complete annual refresher 

training may be granted when these factors are met. In no case, 

however, should extensions be granted to correct poor scheduling 

practices or failure to anticipate foreseeable training needs, nor should 

provisions for an extension of time appear in an operator's approved 

training plan or otherwise be routinely granted. 

When extensions of time to complete annual refresher training are 

granted, such extensions should be confirmed in writing to the operator, 

stating the conditions of the extension and the date that refresher 

training will be completed. The completion date of this refresher training 

cycle initiates a new anniversary date. 

Annual Refresher Guidelines for Training Plans 

An effective refresher training program must be adapted to changes in 

mining conditions, accident history, and other training concerns. Time 

spent for each course may vary to meet specific needs. The following 

guidelines should be used to evaluate provisions for annual refresher 

training: 

1. The required annual refresher training courses listed in Section 48.8

that are not applicable to a particular mine may be omitted from that 

mine's training plan. A notation of which courses are not applicable 

should appear in the training plan. 

2. An 8-hour minimum is required for the total annual refresher training 

program. However, the time spent on individual courses may vary 

from year to year or from one area of the mine to another depending 

on specific safety or health problems encountered. The mine's 

accident experience should significantly influence the amount and 

type of training miners receive throughout the year. 

3. All applicable refresher training courses listed in the approved 

training plan are to be given during each 12- month cycle. However, 

two or more of the courses may be covered in one training session or 

safety meeting. For example, a well-structured safety meeting may 

cover ground control, related safety standards, prevention of 

accidents, and other topics without the necessity of separate blocks 

of instruction. 

4. Safety meetings of at least 30 minutes duration, conducted by an 

MSHA-approved instructor, and addressing appropriate course 

33
content are acceptable training sessions that satisfy the annual 

refresher requirements. 

Training plans may be revised to reflect training needs. Requests for 

revisions should be submitted in accordance with Section 48.3(j)(1). 

30 CFR 48.9 - Records of Training.

(a) Upon a miner's completion of each MSHA - approved training program, the 

operator shall record and certify on MSHA form 5000-23 that the miner has 

received the specified training. A copy of the training certificate shall be given to 

the miner at the completion of the training. The training certificates for each 

miner shall be available at the mine site for inspection by MSHA and for 

examination by the miners, the miner's representative, and State inspection 

agencies. When a miner leaves the operator's employ, the miner shall be 

entitled to a copy of his or her training certificates. 

(b) False certification that training was given shall be punishable under Section 

110(a) and (f) of the Act. 

(c) Copies of training certificates for currently employed miners shall be kept at the 

mine site for 2 years, or for 60 days after termination of employment. 

PPM: Approved Forms 

All Part 48 training must be properly recorded by the operator on an 

MSHA Form 5000-23 (training certificate), or on an MSHA approved 

alternate form. Alternate forms must include at least as much 

information as a Form 5000-23, and should be labeled MSHA Approved 

Alternate Form 5000-23 (current month and year). 

Forms proposed by the operator must be sent for approval to the 

Director of Educational Policy and Development, MSHA, 201 12th Street 

South, Arlington, Virginia 22202. 

Record-Keeping Requirements 

Operators are required under Section 48.9 to give a copy of the training 

certificate, MSHA Form 5000-23, or an approved alternate, to the miner 

upon completion of each MSHA approved training program. A "training 

program" is any miner training (i.e., new miner, newly employed 

experienced miner, task, annual refresher training or hazard training) 

completed during a 12- month training cycle. 

34
In order to simplify record-keeping, all MSHA approved training programs 

completed within a miner's 12-month training cycle may be recorded on 

one Form 5000-23, provided the following procedures are used: 

1. Each time a miner completes an MSHA approved training program, 

the operator must initial and date the form to certify that the miner 

has received the specified training. Initialing and dating can be done 

in the space on the form adjacent to the type of training. Also, the 

miner should be given an opportunity to sign or initial the form. 

2. When an MSHA approved program is completed and recorded by the 

operator, a copy of the certificate must be given to the miner upon 

request. 

3. At the end of the 12-month training cycle, or when the miner signs 

item 8 of the form, a copy of the completed form listing all completed 

training programs and signed by the operator or the operator's 

representative must be given to the miner. 

The training certificate, MSHA Form 5000-23, has been revised so that all 

training completed by a miner during the 12-month cycle may be 

recorded on one form. 

Miscellaneous 

Under Section 48.4, Cooperative Training Program, the cooperative 

trainer may sign the training certificate upon partial completion of 

cooperative training. Final signature upon completion of the program 

must be by the operator or his representative. 

For Surface Mines and Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

Under Section 48.31 Hazard Training, the operator may use a Form 5000-

23 for hazard training. The Form 5000-23 need not be used, however, if 

the following situations satisfy hazard training requirements: 

1. Verbal instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are given by 

mine personnel, and the person receiving the instructions signs a log 

sheet indicating receipt of the instructions. 

2. Written instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are 

supplied. The written instructions, signed by the person receiving 

them, or a log sheet signed by the recipient must be maintained as a 

record. 

35
30 CFR 48.10 - Compensation for Training. 

(a) Training shall be conducted during normal working hours; miners attending such 

training shall receive the rate of pay as provided in Section 48.2(d) (Definition of 

normal working hours) of this Subpart A. 

(b) If such training shall be given at a location other than the normal place of work, 

miners shall be compensated for the additional cost, such as mileage, meals, and 

lodging, they may incur in attending such training sessions. 

PPM: Section 48.10 implements Section 115(b) of the Mine Act ("miners shall 

be paid at their normal rate of compensation while taking such training"). 

Section 48.2(d), defines "normal working hours," which states in part 

that: "miners shall be paid at a rate of pay which shall correspond to the 

rate of pay they would have received had they been performing their 

normal work tasks." 

The purpose of both the statute and the regulations is to assure that 

miners are not financially penalized when they receive training during 

work hours. For example, if a miner is "cross shifted," and the "cross 

shift" is considered normal working hours, the rate of pay the miner 

would receive if working is the rate the miner must receive while in 

training. 

30 CFR 48.11 - Hazard Training. 

(a) Operators shall provide to those miners, as defined in Section 48.2(a)(2) 

(Definition of miner) of this Subpart A, a training program before such miners 

commence their work duties. This training program shall include the following 

instruction, which is applicable to the duties of such miners: 

(1) Hazard recognition and avoidance; 

(2) Emergency and evacuation procedures; 

(3) Health and safety standards, safety rules, and safe working procedures; 

(4) Use of self-rescue and respiratory devices, including: 

(i) Hands-on training in the complete donning of all types of selfcontained self-rescue devices used at the mine, which includes 

36
assuming a donning position, opening the device, activating the 

device, inserting the mouthpiece, and putting on the nose clip; and 

(ii) Hands-on training in transferring between all applicable self-rescue 

devices; and 

(5) Such other instruction as may be required by the District Manager based 

on circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(b) Miners shall receive the instruction required by this Section at least once every 

12 months. 

(c) The training program required by this Section shall be submitted with the 

training plan required by Section 48.3(a) (Training plans: Submission and 

approval) of this Subpart A and shall include a statement on the methods of 

instruction to be used. 

(d) In accordance with Section 48.9 (Records of training) of this Subpart A, the 

operator shall maintain and make available for inspection certificates that 

miners have received the hazard training required by this Section. 

(e) Miners subject to hazard training shall be accompanied at all times while 

underground by an experienced miner, as defined in Section 48.2(b) (Definition 

of miner) of this Subpart A. 

PPM: The exposure to mining hazards varies according to the task. The greater 

the hazard exposure, the greater the need for training. Hazard training 

should be: 

1. Mine specific, so that persons are advised of the hazards they may 

encounter at a particular mine; and 

2. Conducted each time a person enters a different mine. 

Examples of Appropriate Training 

Although the amount of required training may vary, the following are 

examples of appropriate training: 

1. Employees of Equipment Manufacturers 

a. Employees who are on the mine site in a service or maintenance 

capacity must be given training in accordance with their exposure 

to hazards. If the specific job will not entail frequent or extended 

37
exposure to hazards at the mine, they need only be given hazard 

training. 

If the job assignment of a service or maintenance worker is 

contracted to work at a mine for frequent or extended periods, 

and they are exposed to mining hazards, comprehensive training 

must be given -- either new miner training or experienced miner 

training, as appropriate. 

In addition, if appropriate, the employees must be provided with 

and instructed in the use and location of the self-rescue device 

made available at the mine as required by 30 CFR 75.1714, or 

meet the requirements for self-rescue devices as provided under 

30 CFR 57.15030 and 57.15031, and trained pursuant to 

57.18028(b), as applicable. 

b. Manufacturers' field representatives, such as sales 

representatives, must be given training in accordance with their 

exposure to hazards at the mine. If they are regularly exposed to 

mine hazards, they must be given comprehensive training either 

new miner training, or experienced miner training, as appropriate. 

2. Labor, Management or Government Officials

a. Labor, management, or government officials visiting the mine site 

need not be given training. However, such persons should be 

accompanied by experienced miners and be provided with 

appropriate safety equipment and self-contained self-rescuer 

(SCSR) training (see 30 CFR 57.15031 and 75.1714).

b. Authorized Representatives of the Secretary of Labor or Secretary 

of Health and Human Services need not be given any Part 48 

training or be accompanied when carrying out duties required by 

30 CFR or by the Mine Act. 

c. Contractors doing work for the government which requires their 

presence at the mine to observe conditions or to collect 

information must be given hazard training. 

3. Customers and Delivery Persons

a. For purposes of training, customers are individuals who are briefly 

on mine property to pick up mined materials. 

38
The extent of customers' exposure to mine hazards varies. 

Training is not required if there is no exposure to mine hazards. 

Customers must receive hazard training commensurate to their 

exposure to mine hazards. In addition, they must be trained in 

the health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures of 

any mine machinery or equipment that they are required or 

allowed to operate while on mine property. Comprehensive 

training would apply to customers engaged in the extraction and 

production process. 

b. Delivery persons are individuals who enter mine property briefly 

to deliver supplies, who are not engaged in the extraction and 

production process, or do not perform maintenance and service 

work. 

Delivery persons must receive hazard training commensurate to 

their exposure to mine hazards. MSHA expects a realistic 

appraisal by the mine operator of the hazards associated with 

such jobs. 

4. Other Visitors

a. Underground Mines

Short-term visitors to mine sites who are not required to be 

provided Part 48 training must be provided with and instructed in 

the use and location of the self-rescue device made available at 

the mine as required by 30 CFR 75.1714, or meet the 

requirements for self-rescue devices as provided under 30 CFR 

57.15030 and 57.15031, and trained pursuant to 30 CFR 

57.18028(b), as applicable. 

b. Surface Mines and Surface Areas of Underground Mines – See 

48.31. 

39
30 CFR 48.12 - Appeals Procedures. 

The operator, miner, and miners' representative shall have the right of appeal from a 

decision of the District Manager. 

(a) In the event an operator, miner, or miners' representative decides to appeal a 

decision by a District Manager, such an appeal shall be submitted, in writing, to 

the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health or Administrator for Metal 

and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health, as appropriate, MSHA, 201 12th Street 

South, Arlington, VA 22202, within 30 days of notification of the District 

Manager's decision. 

(b) The Administrator may require additional information from the operator, the 

miners, or their representatives, and the District Manager, if the Administrator 

determines such information is necessary. 

(c) The Administrator shall render a decision on the appeal within 30 days after 

receipt of the appeal. 

40
PART 48 - SUBPART B 

Training and Retraining of Miners Working at Surface Mines 

and Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

30 CFR 48.21 - Scope.

The provisions of this Subpart B set forth the mandatory requirements for submitting 

and obtaining approval of programs for training and retraining miners working at 

surface mines and surface areas of underground mines. Requirements regarding 

compensation for training and retraining are also included. The requirements for 

training and retraining miners working in underground mines are set forth in Subpart A 

of this Part. 

This Part does not apply to training and retraining of miners at shell dredging, sand, 

gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, and surface limestone mines, 

which are covered under 30 CFR Part 46. 

PPM: General

Section 115 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) 

and 30 CFR Part 48 require operators to submit and obtain approval of 

training plans under which miners are provided training. The training 

required by these plans must be provided to miners before they begin 

work at a mine, or before they receive new work tasks or assignments. 

Requirements Related to Hiring and Recall Decisions 

When making hiring and recall decisions, mine operators may consider 

the training persons will need under 30 CFR Part 48 before they begin 

work. Operators are permitted to require that applicants for 

employment and laid-off persons obtain this training initially on their 

own time and at their own expense. 

Pre-employment training for purposes of Part 48 may be available from 

cooperative sources, as described in Sections 48.4 and 48.24. If 

cooperative sources are used, portions of miner training must be minespecific. Part 48.5 requires that approximately 8 hours of a new miners' 

underground training be given at the mine site. In addition, training 

requirements for new and experienced surface miners and experienced 

underground miners must also be provided mine-specific training. Some 

examples of these requirements include training in the provisions of the 

mine roof or ground control and ventilation plans, the use of the self41
rescue devices provided at the mine, and the mine transportation and 

communication systems. 

Compliance Responsibility 

Each operator is responsible for complying with all applicable provisions 

of Part 48. Therefore, operators should be prepared to provide all 

required miner training. This compliance responsibility is not limited by 

training plans that do not provide for certain training, such as that 

required for a new miner. 

Industries Affected by Part 48 

Part 48 applies to coal mines, underground metal and nonmetal mines, 

surface metal mines, and certain surface nonmetal mines that are not in 

the following industries: surface stone, surface clay, sand and gravel, 

surface limestone, colloidal phosphate, and shell dredging mines and 

other surface operations that produce marble, granite, sandstone, slate, 

shale, traprock, kaolin, cement, feldspar, and lime. These mining 

industries must comply with the training requirements of Part 46. 

30 CFR 48.22 - Definitions.

For the purposes of this Subpart B —

(a)(1) Miner means, for purposes of Section 48.23 through 48.30 of this Subpart B, 

 Any person working in a surface mine or surface areas of an underground

mine and who is engaged in the extraction and production process, or

 Any person engaged in shaft or slope construction, or

 Any person who is regularly exposed to mine hazards, or

PPM: "Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that is exposure to 

hazards at the mine on a frequent rather than consecutive day basis (a pattern of 

recurring exposure), or extended exposure of more than 5 consecutive 

workdays, or both. 

 Any person who is a maintenance or service worker employed by the

operator or a maintenance or service worker contracted by the operator

to work at the mine for frequent or extended periods.

 This definition shall include the operator if the operator works at the

mine on a continuing, even if irregular, basis.

 Short-term, specialized contract workers, such as drillers and blasters,

who are engaged in the extraction and production process or engaged in

42
shaft or slope construction and who have received training under Section 

48.26 (Experienced miner training) of this Subpart B, may in lieu of 

subsequent training under that Section for each new employment, 

receive training under Section 48.31 (Hazard training) of this Subpart B. 

This definition does not include: 

(i) Construction workers under Subpart C of this Part 48; 

(ii) Any person covered under paragraph (a)(2) of this Section. 

PPM: The determination of whether an individual is classified as a 48.22(a)(1) 

"miner" for purposes of comprehensive training or as a 48.22(a)(2) 

"miner" for purposes of hazard training must be made on a case-by-case 

basis. A specific job title does not necessarily determine how the 

individual is defined; neither does the fact that the worker is physically 

present on mine property. A determination must be made as to the kind 

and extent of mining hazard exposure. 

Individuals engaged in the extraction or production process, or regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, or contracted by the operator and regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, must receive comprehensive training. 

Individuals not engaged in the extraction and production process, not 

regularly exposed to mine hazards, or inconsequentially exposed to mine 

hazards must receive the appropriate Sections 48.31 hazard training. 

The training exemption for mining supervisors who are certified in 

accordance with MSHA-approved state certification requirements under 

Sections 48.22(a)(1)(ii) has been removed. Mining supervisors are now 

considered to be miners under Part 48 and are required to be trained. 

Independent Contractors: 

A. Coverage and Training Requirements

Independent contractors working at a mine are miners for Part 48 

training purposes, except as explained below. 

This policy statement does not affect an operator's responsibility to 

ensure that all miners are appropriately trained. Part 48 requires 

training prior to performing work in or on mine property. This 

includes an operator's responsibility to conduct mine-specific training. 

This policy does not cover independent contractors who are surface 

construction workers or workers involved in underground mine 

43
construction work that causes the mine to cease operations. All other 

independent contractors must receive the appropriate Part 48 

training. 

Sections 48.22(a)(1) define miners including independent contractors 

who are to receive comprehensive training. 

Sections 48.22(a)(2) define miners including independent contractors 

who are to receive hazard training. 

B. Independent Contractor Training

The appropriate training will be either the comprehensive training 

(new miner training, experienced miner training, task training, and 

annual refresher training) or hazard training. 

1. Comprehensive Training - Independent contractors must receive 

comprehensive training if they perform extraction and production 

work or are regularly exposed to mine hazards. 

a. Determination of Appropriate Comprehensive Training

Whether an independent contractor should receive the new 

miner training or the experienced miner training depends on 

whether the miner is an "experienced miner" under 

Section 48.22(b). 

b. Extraction and Production

No work time minimum is associated with this provision. 

Independent contractors who perform extraction and 

production work must receive the appropriate comprehensive 

training. "Extraction and production" refers to the process of 

mining and removal of coal or ore from a mine. This process 

includes both the mechanical and chemical separating of coal 

from the surrounding rock and metal or valuable minerals 

from ore and concentrate; removal and milling of 

conglomerates or rocks by crushing, screening, or sizing; and 

haulage associated with these processes. 

Short-term independent contractors who perform extraction 

and production work and have received experienced miner 

training may, instead of receiving experienced miner training 

for each subsequent mine, receive hazard training (see 

Sections 48.22(a)(1)).

44
The experienced miner training such contractors receive 

initially may be largely generic. The training must be of 

sufficient duration and content to cover the principles of mine 

safety and health, as well as the types of hazards they might 

encounter at the mines. Thorough hazard training satisfies 

the mine-specific training through the program approved as 

part of the approved training plan. 

c. Maintenance or Service Workers Who are Regularly Exposed 

to Mine Hazards

Independent contractors who are regularly exposed to mine 

hazards, or who are maintenance or service workers 

contracted by the operator to work at a mine for frequent or 

extended periods, must receive comprehensive training. 

"Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that is 

exposure to hazards at the mine on a frequent rather than 

consecutive day basis (a pattern of recurring exposure), or 

extended exposure of more than 5 consecutive workdays, or 

both. 

d. Selection of Training Programs

Independent contractors may submit their own training plans 

and conduct their own MSHA-approved training program, use 

an MSHA-approved cooperative program, or use the MSHAapproved training program for the mine. 

2. Hazard Training

Independent contractors not previously described who are 

exposed to mine hazards are to receive hazard training under 

Sections 48.31. 

Independent contractor exposure to hazards varies from situation 

to situation. Hazard training must be tailored to fit the training 

needs of the particular contractor. Training these contractors 

receive must be of sufficient content and duration to thoroughly 

cover the mine-specific conditions, procedures, and safety 

devices. Training must include hazards incident to the 

performance of all job assignments by the contractor at the mine. 

45
Persons Performing Construction Work 

Construction work includes the building or demolition of any facility, the 

building of a major addition to an existing facility, and the assembling of a 

major piece of new equipment, such as installing a new crusher or the 

assembling of a major piece of equipment such as a dragline. 

A. Underground Mines 

If construction work is of a major addition that causes the mine to 

cease operations, no training is required under Part 48. 

However, Part 48 training is required if the: 

1. Construction work is not of a "major addition which requires the 

mine to cease operations;" or 

2. Mine is "operational" (that is, if the mine is producing material or 

if a regular maintenance shift is ongoing). 

B. Surface Mines or Surface Areas of Underground Mines

No training is required under Part 48 if workers are performing 

construction work. 

Persons Performing Maintenance or Repair Work 

Maintenance or repair work includes the upkeep or alteration of 

equipment or facilities. Replacement of a conveyor belt would be 

considered maintenance or repair. 

A person performing maintenance or repair work, whether or not the 

mine is operational, must receive the appropriate comprehensive or 

hazard training under Subpart A or B. The type of training depends upon 

whether the person is regularly exposed to mine hazards. 

Miners Performing Work at More Than One Mine 

If a miner is based at one mine or at a central shop and periodically works 

at other mines owned by the operator, the miner must receive 

comprehensive training under Subpart B, as appropriate, supplemented 

by additional hazard training, as under Section 48.31, at each of the other 

mines.

Underground and Surface Miners - Crediting Training 

A miner who works in both an underground mine and a surface mine or 

surface area of an underground mine must have received comprehensive 

underground and surface training under Subparts A and B. Credit should 

46
be allowed for applicable training taken under one subpart to meet 

requirements of the other subpart. 

(a)(2) Miner means, for purposes of Section 48.3 (Hazard training) of this Subpart B, 

any person working in a surface mine, including any delivery, office, or 

scientific worker or occasional, short-term maintenance or service worker 

contracted by the operator, and any student engaged in academic projects 

involving his or her extended presence at the mine. This definition excludes 

persons covered under paragraph (a)(1) of this Section and Subpart C of this 

part. 

(b) Experienced miner means: 

(1) A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner training for 

surface miners or training acceptable to MSHA from a State agency and 

who has had at least 12 months of surface mining experience; or 

PPM: A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner training for 

surface miners or training acceptable to MSHA from a State agency and 

who has had at least 12 months of surface mining experience; 

(2) A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved State certification 

program and who is employed as a surface supervisor on October 6, 

1998; or 

PPM: A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved State certification 

program and who is employed as a surface supervisor on October 6, 

1998;

(3) An experienced surface miner on February 3, 1999. 

PPM: An experienced surface miner on February 3, 1999 includes a miner: 

a. who was employed as a surface miner on October 13, 1978; 

b. who has received 24 hours of new miner training within 12 months 

prior to February 3, 1999; or

(4)(i) A person employed as a surface shaft or slope construction worker on 

June 28, 2006; or, 

(4)(ii) A person who has six months of surface shaft or slope experience within 

24 months before June 28, 2006. 

47
PPM: Once a miner has received new miner training and has accumulated 12 

months of mining experience, MSHA considers that miner to be 

experienced for life for training purposes. MSHA also considers miners 

who are experienced miners under the old rule as described above to be 

experienced miners for life. 

Miners included in any of the above categories need not be provided new 

miner training. However, experienced miner, annual refresher, and, 

when appropriate, task training are required. 

After receiving new miner training, a miner will need to accumulate 12 

months of mining experience to be considered an "experienced miner" 

for training purposes. If the miner leaves mining before accumulating the 

12 months of mining experience and: 

A. Less than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must receive experienced miner training before starting 

work. 

B. More than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must repeat new miner training. 

There are no specific requirements for tracking, recording or verifying the 

accumulation of experience. It is the operator's responsibility to 

determine the miner's experience based on the miner's work and training 

history.

(c) New miner means a miner who is not an experienced miner. 

PPM: Persons who do not meet the criteria for experienced miners must 

receive new miner training when starting to work or returning to work 

after an absence of more than 3 years to obtain experienced miner 

status. 

A. Underground Mines

An experienced surface miner who begins work in an underground 

mine is, for training purposes, a new miner, and must be provided 

new miner training under Section 48.5. Credit is allowed for 

applicable surface training (Subpart B). 

B. Surface Mines or Surface Areas of Underground Mines

An experienced underground miner who begins work in a surface 

mine or surface area of an underground mine is for training purposes 

48
a new miner, and must be provided new miner training under Section 

48.25. Credit is allowed for applicable underground training 

(Subpart A). 

(d) Normal working hours means a period of time during which a miner is otherwise 

scheduled to work. This definition does not preclude scheduling training classes 

on the sixth or seventh working day if such a work schedule has been established 

for a sufficient period of time to be accepted as the operator's common practice. 

Miners shall be paid at a rate of pay which shall correspond to the rate of pay 

they would have received had they been performing their normal work tasks. 

PPM: Training may only be conducted during "normal working hours." "Normal 

working hours" are determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as 

past practices and patterns of scheduling work should be considered. 

Miners attending a Part 48 training session during "normal working 

hours" must be paid at the rate they would receive if they were working 

at the time. A reasonable rest period between training sessions and 

working shifts should be provided. 

(e) Operator means any owner, lessee, or other person who operates, controls, or 

supervises a surface mine or surface area of an underground mine; or any 

independent contractor identified as an operator performing services or 

construction at such time. 

PPM: Independent contractors are responsible for the Part 48 training of their 

employees (see 30 CFR Part 45 and this manual for more information). 

A contractor may have his/her own training plan or may utilize the mine 

operator's plan.

(f) Task means a work assignment that includes duties of a job that occur on a 

regular basis and which requires physical abilities and job knowledge. 

(g) Act means the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. 

49
30 CFR 48.23 - Training Plans; Time of Submission; Where Filed; Information Required; 

Time for Approval; Method for Disapproval; Commencement of Training; Approval of 

Instructors. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (o) of this Section, each operator of a surface 

mine shall have an MSHA-approved plan containing programs for training new 

miners, training experienced miners, training miners for new tasks, annual 

refresher training, and hazard training for miners as follows: 

(1) In the case of a mine which is operating on the effective date of this 

Subpart B, the operator of the mine shall submit such plan for approval 

within 150 days after the effective date of this Subpart B. 

PPM: Section 48.23(a)(1) is no longer applicable. These sections were intended 

to allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each 

operator now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening 

a new mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to 

provide training prior to assigning work duties.

(2) Within 60 days after the operator submits the plan for approval, unless 

extended by MSHA, the operator shall have an approved plan for the 

mine. 

PPM: Section 48.23(a)(2) is no longer applicable. These sections were intended 

to allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each 

operator now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening 

a new mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to 

provide training prior to assigning work duties.

(3) In the case of a new mine which is to be opened or a mine which is to be 

reopened or reactivated after the effective date of this Subpart B, the 

operator shall have an approved plan prior to opening the new mine, or 

reopening or reactivating the mine unless the mine is reopened or 

reactivated periodically using portable equipment and mobile teams of 

miners as a normal method of operation by the operator. The operator 

to be so excepted shall maintain an approved plan for training covering 

all mine locations which are operated with portable equipment and 

mobile teams of miners. 

(b) The training plan shall be filed with the District Manager for the area in which 

the mine is located. 

50
(c) Each operator shall submit to the District Manager the following information: 

PPM: Each operator must submit the information required by Section 48.23(c), 

and may use a format that is logical and reasonable. There is an optional 

electronic version available on the MSHA Homepage (www.msha.gov). 

(1) The company name, mine name, and MSHA identification number of the 

mine. 

(2) The name and position of the person designated by the operator who is 

responsible for health and safety training at the mine. This person may 

be the operator. 

(3) A list of MSHA - approved instructors with whom the operator proposes 

to make arrangements to teach the courses, and the courses each 

instructor is qualified to teach. 

PPM: If changes are made to the list of MSHA approved instructors, they are 

not required to be submitted to MSHA for approval, provided that the list 

of approved instructors is maintained with the approved plan at the mine 

and is made available for MSHA inspection and examination by the 

miners and their representatives. Mine operators are still responsible for 

notifying the miners and miners' representative of any revisions to their 

list of MSHA approved instructors. 

(4) The location where training will be given for each course. 

(5) A description of the teaching methods and the course materials which 

are to be used in training. 

(6) The approximate number of miners employed at the mine and the 

maximum number who will attend each session of training. 

(7) The predicted time or periods of time when regularly scheduled refresher 

training will be given. This schedule shall include the titles of courses to 

be taught, the total number of instruction hours for each course, and the 

predicted time and length of each session of training. 

PPM: Operators must indicate a predicted time that training will occur, such as 

the first week of each quarter. Specific days and times of the training can 

be obtained by MSHA, as needed, upon request. 

51
(8) For the purposes of Section 48.27 (New task training of miners) of this 

Subpart B, the operator shall submit: 

(i) A complete list of task assignments to correspond with the 

definition of "task" in Section 48.22(f) of this Subpart B. 

(ii) The titles of personnel conducting the training for this Section. 

(iii) The outline of training procedures used in training miners in 

those work assignments listed according to paragraph (c)(8)(i) of 

this Section. 

(iv) The evaluation procedures used to determine the effectiveness 

of training under Section 48.27 of this Subpart B. 

PPM: If a change in mine ownership results in changes in procedures or 

conditions at the mine, a new training plan must be submitted to MSHA 

for approval. If conditions and procedures do not change, the new 

operator may continue to utilize the current plan with appropriate 

administrative changes, pending a review by the District Manager. 

If plan changes are required in accordance with Section 48.23(m)(1,2,3), 

the District Manager will indicate in writing required changes and how 

the deficiencies can be corrected. 

Limited Instructor Cards 

Instructors designated by MSHA as approved instructors for surface 

operations (IS) or underground operations (IU) may be approved to teach 

all courses under the appropriate subpart of 30 CFR Part 48 or may be 

limited to teach only specific courses. 

Effective August 1, 1988, those instructors who are approved to teach 

only specific courses under Part 48 must have the word "LIMITED" 

printed in the lower left corner of their MSHA Instructor Card. 

No such designation will appear in the lower left corner of the MSHA 

Instructor Card for instructors who are approved without limitations. 

(d) The operator shall furnish to the representative of the miners a copy of the 

training plan 2 weeks prior to its submission to the District Manager. Where a 

miners' representative is not designated, a copy of the plan shall be posted on 

the mine bulletin board 2 weeks prior to its submission to the District Manager. 

Written comments received by the operator from miners or their 

52
representatives shall be submitted to the District Manager. Miners or their 

representatives may submit written comments directly to the District Manager. 

(e) All training required by the training plan submitted to and approved by the 

District Manager as required by this Subpart B shall be subject to evaluation by 

the District Manager to determine the effectiveness of the training programs. If 

it is deemed necessary, the District Manager may require changes in, or 

additions to, programs. Upon request from the District Manager the operator 

shall make available for evaluation the instructional materials, handouts, visual 

aids, and other teaching accessories used or to be used in the training programs. 

Upon request from the District Manager the operator shall provide information 

concerning schedules of upcoming training. 

(f) The operator shall make a copy of the MSHA - approved training plan available at 

the mine site for MSHA inspection and examination by the miners and their 

representatives. 

(g) Except as provided in Section 48.27 (New task training of miners) and Section 

48.31 (Hazard training) of this Subpart B, all courses shall be conducted by MSHA 

- approved instructors. 

PPM: Instructors for Task Training 

Under Section 48.23(g), task training required by Section 48.27 may be 

given by a qualified trainer, by an experienced supervisor, or by persons 

experienced in the particular task. Section 48.23(c)(8)(ii) require listing in 

the training plan only the job titles of the persons conducting the task 

training, and not their names. 

(h) Instructors shall be approved by the District Manager in one or more of the 

following ways: 

(1) Instructors shall take an instructor's training course conducted by the 

District Manager or given by persons designated by the District Manager 

to give such instruction; and instructors shall have satisfactorily 

completed a program of instruction approved by the Office of 

Educational Policy and Development, MSHA, in the subject matter to be 

taught. 

(2) Instructors may be designated by MSHA as approved instructors to teach 

specific courses based on written evidence of the instructors' 

qualifications and teaching experience. 

53
(3) At the discretion of the District Manager, instructors may be designated 

by MSHA as approved instructors to teach specific courses based on the 

performance of the instructors while teaching classes monitored by 

MSHA. Operators shall indicate in training plans submitted for approval 

whether they want to have instructors approved based on monitored 

performance. The District Manager shall consider such factors as the size 

of the mine, the number of employees, the mine safety record and 

remoteness from a training facility when determining whether instructor 

approval based on monitored performance is appropriate. 

(4) On the effective date of this Subpart B, cooperative instructors who have 

been designated by MSHA to teach MSHA approved courses and who 

have taught such courses within 24 months prior to the effective date of 

this subpart shall be considered approved instructors for such courses. 

(i) Instructors may have their approval revoked by MSHA for good cause which may 

include not teaching a course at least once every 24 months. Before any 

revocation is effective, the District Manager must send written reasons for 

revocation to the instructor and the instructor shall be given an opportunity to 

demonstrate or achieve compliance before the District Manager on the matter. 

A decision by the District Manager to revoke an instructor's approval may be 

appealed by the instructor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health 

or Administrator for Metal and Non-metal Safety and Health, as appropriate, 

MSHA, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202. Such an appeal shall be 

submitted to the Administrator within 5 days of notification of the District 

Manager's decision. Upon revocation of an instructor's approval, the District 

Manager shall immediately notify operators who use the instructor for training. 

(j) The District Manager for the area in which the mine is located shall notify the 

operator and the miners' representative, in writing, within 60 days from the date 

on which the training plan is filed, of the approval or status of the approval of 

the training programs. 

(1) If revisions are required for approval, or to retain approval thereafter, the 

revisions required shall be specified to the operator and the miners' 

representative and the operator and the miners' representative shall be 

afforded an opportunity to discuss the revisions with the District 

Manager, or propose alternate revisions or changes. The District 

Manager, in consultation with the operator and the representative of 

miners, shall fix a time within which the discussion will be held, or 

alternate revisions or changes submitted, before final approval is made. 

54
(2) The District Manager may approve separate programs of the training plan 

and withhold approval of other programs, pending discussion of revisions 

or submission of alternate revisions or changes. 

(k) Except as provided under Section 48.28(c) (Annual refresher training of miners) 

of this Subpart B, the operator shall commence training of miners within 60 days 

after approval of the training plan, or approved programs of the training plan. 

PPM: Section 48.23(k) is no longer applicable. This section was intended to 

allow operators time for initial implementation of Part 48. Each operator 

now has ample time to prepare a training plan prior to opening a new 

mine or reopening a closed mine, and is, therefore, expected to provide 

training prior to assigning work duties.

(l) The operator shall notify the District Manager of the area in which the mine is 

located and the miners' representative of any changes of modifications which 

the operator proposes to make in the approval training plan. The operator shall 

obtain the approval of the District Manager for such changes or modifications. 

(m) In the event the District Manager disapproves a training plan or a proposed 

modification of a training plan or requires changes in a training plan or 

modification, the District Manager shall notify the operator and the miners' 

representative in writing of: 

(1) The specific changes or items of deficiency. 

(2) The action necessary to effect the changes or bring the disapproved 

training plan or modification into compliance. 

(3) The deadline for completion of remedial action to effect compliance, 

which shall serve to suspend punitive action under the provisions of 

Sections 104 and 110 of the Act and other related regulations until that 

established deadline date, except that no such suspension shall take 

place in imminent danger situations. 

(n) The operator shall post on the mine bulletin board, and provide to the miners' 

representative, a copy of all MSHA revisions and decisions which concern the 

training plan at the mine and which are issued by the District Manager. 

(o) Each operator engaged in shaft or slope construction shall have an MSHAapproved training plan, as outlined in this Section, containing programs for 

training new miners, training experienced miners, training miners for new tasks, 

annual refresher training, and hazard training for miners as follows: 

55
(1) In the case of an operator engaged in shaft or slope construction on 

December 30, 2005, the operator shall submit a plan for approval by May 

1, 2006, unless extended by MSHA. 

(2) In the case of a new shaft or slope construction operator after June 28, 

2006, the operator shall have an approved plan prior to commencing 

shaft or slope construction. 

30 CFR 48.24 - Cooperative Training Program. 

(a) An operator of a mine may conduct his own training programs, or may 

participate in training programs conducted by MSHA, or may participate in 

MSHA approved training programs conducted by State or other Federal 

approval; agencies, or associations of mine operators, miners' representatives, 

other mine operators, private associations, or educational institutions. 

(b) Each program and course of instruction shall be given by instructors who have 

been approved by MSHA to instruct in the courses which are given, and such 

courses and the training programs shall be adapted to the mining operations and 

practices existing at the mine and shall be approved by the District Manager for 

the area in which the mine is located. 

PPM: Training requirements for new miners and experienced miners (Sections 

48.25 and 48.26) provide for mine specific training. Some examples of 

these requirements include: introduction to work environment; mine 

roof, ground controls, and ventilation plans; the use of self-rescue 

devices; escape and emergency procedures; mine transportation and 

communication systems; and the health control plan. 

Some subject matter may contain generic and mine-specific aspects. The 

mine-specific aspects may be addressed by the cooperative trainers or 

the mine operator. In all instances, new underground miner training 

given through a cooperative source must provide for approximately 8 

hours of training to be given at the mine site where the miner is 

employed. 

Annual refresher training (Section 48.28) is required to cover such mine 

specific matters as the use of self-rescuers, the review of roof or ground 

control plans, and health control plans. If the cooperative is to teach the 

annual refresher, the mine-specific aspects must be addressed. 

56
30 CFR 48.25 - Training of New Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; Hours of 

Instruction. 

(a) Each new miner shall receive no less than 24 hours of training as prescribed in 

this Section. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, new miners shall 

receive this training before they are assigned to work duties. At the discretion of 

the District Manager, new miners may receive a portion of this training after 

assignment to work duties: Provided, that no less than 8 hours of training shall 

in all cases be given to new miners before they are assigned to work duties. The 

following courses shall be included in the 8 hours of training: Introduction to 

work environment, hazard recognition, and health and safety aspects of the 

tasks to which the new miners will be assigned. Following the completion of this 

pre-assignment training, new miners shall then receive the remainder of the 

required 24 hours of training, or up to 16 hours, within 60 days. Operators shall 

indicate in the training plans submitted for approval whether they want to train 

new miners after assignment to duties and for how many hours. In determining 

whether new miners may be given this training after they are assigned duties, 

the District Manager shall consider such factors as the mine safety record, rate 

of employee turnover and mine size. Miners who have not received the full 24 

hours of new miner training shall be required to work under the close 

supervision of an experienced miner. 

(b) The training program for new miners shall include the following courses: 

(1) Instruction in the statutory rights of miners and their representatives 

under the Act; authority and responsibility of supervisors. The course 

shall include instruction in the statutory rights of miners and their 

representatives under the Act, including a discussion of Section 2 of the 

Act; a review and description of the line of authority of supervisors and 

miners' representatives and the responsibilities of such supervisors and 

miners' representatives; and an introduction to the operator's rules and 

the procedures for reporting hazards. 

(2) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction 

and demonstration in the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue and 

respiratory devices, where applicable. 

(3) Transportation controls and communication systems. The course shall 

include instruction on the procedures in effect for riding on and in mine 

conveyances where applicable; the controls for the transportation of 

miners and materials; and the use of mine communication systems, 

warning signals, and directional signs. 

57
(4) Introduction to work environment. The course shall include a visit and 

tour of the mine, or portions of the mine which are representative of the 

entire mine. The method of mining or operation utilized shall be 

observed and explained. 

(5) Escape and emergency evacuation plans; firewarning and firefighting. 

The course shall include a review of the mine escape system, and escape 

and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine; and instruction in 

the firewarning signals and firefighting procedures. 

(6) Ground control; working in areas of highwalls, water hazards, pits and 

spoil banks; illumination and night work. The course shall include, where 

applicable, and introduction to and instruction on the highwall and 

ground control plans in effect at the mine; procedures for working safely 

in areas of highwalls, water hazards, pits and spoil banks; the illumination 

of work areas; and safe work procedures during the hours of darkness. 

(7) Health. The course shall include instruction on the purpose of taking dust 

measurements, where applicable, and noise and other health 

measurements, and any health control plan in effect at the mine shall be 

explained. The health provisions of the Act and warning labels shall also 

be explained. 

(8) Hazard recognition. The course shall include the recognition and 

avoidance of hazards present in the mine. 

(9) Electrical hazards. The course shall include recognition and avoidance of 

electrical hazards. 

(10) First aid. The course shall include instruction in first aid methods 

acceptable to MSHA. 

(11) Explosives. The course shall include a review and instruction on the 

hazards related to explosives. The only exception to this course 

component is when no explosives are used or stored on mine property. 

(12) Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the new miner will be 

assigned. The course shall include instructions in 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. 

58
(13) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(c) Methods, including oral, written or practical demonstration, to determine 

successful completion of the training shall be included in the training plan. Upon 

completion of training, the methods for determining successful completion shall 

be administered to the miner. The method for determining successful 

completion of pre-assignment training under paragraph (a) of this Section shall 

be administered to the miner before he is assigned to work duties. 

(d) A newly employed miner who has less than 12 months of mining experience and 

has received the courses and hours of instruction in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 

Section, within 36 months preceding employment at a mine, does not have to 

repeat this training. Before the miner starts work, the operator must provide 

the miner with the experienced miner training in Section 48.26(b) of this Part 

and, if applicable, the new task training in Section 48.27 of this Part. The 

operator must also provide the miner with annual refresher training and 

additional new task training, as applicable. 

PPM: Surface Mines and Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

An experienced underground miner who begins work in a surface mine is, 

for training purposes, a new miner and must receive new miner training 

under Section 48.25. The MSHA district manager may credit applicable 

underground training (Subpart A) toward the surface training (Subpart B) 

requirements. 

Job Site Training 

Health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and may 

involve performance of actual job tasks. Job site training must be 

completed under close and continuous supervision of an approved 

instructor, with training, not production, as the primary goal. The 

training is acceptable if the following conditions are met: 

1. Instructors must follow an outline in which each step of the job is 

broken down into instructional units. The students must 

demonstrate safe performance of each job step. Several units may 

be combined in the same instructional period. 

2. All health and safety standards must be observed. 

59
30 CFR 48.26 - Experienced Miner Training. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (e), this Section applies to experienced miners 

who are—

(1) Newly employed by the operator; 

(2) Transferred to the mine; 

(3) Experienced surface miners transferred from underground to surface; or 

(4) Returning to the mine after an absence of more than 12 months. 

(b) Experienced miners must complete the training prescribed in this Section before 

beginning work duties. Each experienced miner returning to mining following an 

absence of 5 years or more, must receive at least 8 hours of training. The 

training must include the following instruction: 

(1) Introduction to work environment. The course shall include a visit and 

tour of the mine. The methods of mining or operations utilized at the 

mine shall be observed and explained. 

(2) Mandatory health and safety standards. The course shall include the 

mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to the tasks to be 

assigned. 

(3) Authority and responsibility of supervisors and miners' representatives. 

The course shall include a review and description of the line of authority 

of supervisors and miners' representatives and the responsibilities of 

such supervisors and miners' representatives; and an introduction to the 

operator's rules and the procedures for reporting hazards. 

(4) Transportation controls and communication systems. The course shall 

include instruction on the procedures in effect for riding on and in mine 

conveyances; the controls for the transportation of miners and materials; 

and the use of the mine communication systems, warning signals, and 

directional signs. 

(5) Escape and emergency evacuation plans; firewarning and firefighting. 

The course must include a review of the mine escape system and the 

escape and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine, and 

instruction in the firewarning signals and firefighting procedures in effect 

at the mine. 

60
(6) Ground controls; working in areas of highwalls, water hazards, pits, and 

spoil banks; illumination and night work. The course shall include, where 

applicable, an introduction to and instruction on the highwall and ground 

control plans in effect at the mine; procedures for working safely in areas 

of highwalls, water hazards, pits, and spoil banks, the illumination of 

work areas, and safe work procedures for miners during hours of 

darkness. 

(7) Hazard recognition. The course must include the recognition and 

avoidance of hazards present in the mine. 

(8) Prevention of accidents. The course must include a review of the general 

causes of accidents applicable to the mine environment, causes of 

specific accidents at the mine, and instruction in accident prevention in 

the work environment. 

(9) Emergency medical procedures. The course must include instruction on 

the mine's emergency medical arrangements and the location of the 

mine's first aid equipment and supplies. 

(10) Health. The course must include instruction on the purpose of taking 

dust, noise, and other health measurements, where applicable; must 

review the health provisions of the Act; and must explain warning labels 

and any health control plan in effect at the mine. 

(11) Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the experienced miner is 

assigned. The course must include instruction in the health and safety 

aspects of the tasks assigned, including the safe work procedures of 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. 

Experienced miners who must complete new task training under Section 

48.27 do not need to take training under this paragraph. 

(12) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(c) The operator may include instruction in additional safety and health subjects 

based on circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(d) The training time spent on individual subjects must vary depending upon the 

training needs of the miners. 

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(e) Any miner returning to the same mine, following an absence of 12 months or 

less, must receive training on any major changes to the mine environment that 

have occurred during the miner's absence and that could adversely affect the 

miner's health or safety. 

(1) A person designated by the operator who is knowledgeable of these 

changes must conduct the training in this paragraph. An MSHA approved 

instructor is not required to conduct the training outlined in this 

paragraph. 

(2) No record of this training is required. 

(3) The miner must complete annual refresher training as required in Section 

48.28, if the miner missed taking that training during the absence. 

PPM: Health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and may 

involve performance of actual job tasks. Guidelines for job site training 

are set out under Section 48.25 above. 

When an experienced miner returns to the same mine following an 

absence of 12 months or less, the miner must be informed about major 

changes affecting safety or health that have occurred at the mine during 

the absence before the miner starts work. Also, the miner must 

complete annual refresher training as required in Section 48.28 before 

starting work if the miner missed that training during the absence. 

With one exception, there are no time requirements for experienced 

miner training. However, for miners returning to mining after an absence 

of 5 years or more, the returning "experienced miner" must receive at 

least 8 hours of experienced miner training. 

62
30 CFR 48.27 - Training of Miners Assigned to a Task in Which They Have Had No 

Previous Experience; Minimum Courses of Instruction.

(a) Miners assigned to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling 

machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, ground control 

machine operators, AMS operators, and those in blasting operations shall not 

perform new work tasks in these categories until training prescribed in this 

paragraph and paragraph (b) of this Section has been completed. This training 

shall not be required for miners who have been trained and who have 

demonstrated safe operating procedures for such new work tasks within 12 

months preceding assignment. This training shall also not be required for miners 

who have performed the new work tasks and who have demonstrated safe 

operating procedures for such new work tasks within 12 months preceding 

assignment. The training program shall include the following: 

(1) Health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures for work tasks, 

equipment, and machinery. The training shall include instruction in the 

health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures related to the 

assigned task, including 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. The training shall be given in an on-the-job 

environment; and 

(2)(i) Supervised practice during nonproduction. The training shall include 

supervised practice in the assigned tasks, and the performance of work 

duties at times or places where production is not the primary objective; 

or, 

(2)(ii) Supervised operation during production. The training shall include, while 

under direct and immediate supervision and production is in progress, 

operation of the machine or equipment and the performance of work 

duties. 

(3) New or modified machines and equipment. Equipment and machine 

operators shall be instructed in safe operating procedures applicable to 

new or modified machines or equipment to be installed or put into 

operation in the mine, which require new or different operating 

procedures. 

(4) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

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(b) Miners under paragraph (a) of this Section shall not operate the equipment or 

machine or engage in blasting operations without direction and immediate 

supervision until such miners have demonstrated safe operating procedures for 

the equipment or machine or blasting operation to the operator or the 

operator's agent. 

(c) Miners assigned a new task not covered in paragraph (a) of this Section shall be 

instructed in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures of the task, 

including 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, prior to performing 

such task. 

(d) All training and supervised practice and operation required by this Section shall 

be given by a qualified trainer, or a supervisor experienced in the assigned tasks, 

or other person experienced in the assigned tasks. 

PPM: An appropriately completed Job Safety Analysis may be used as a training 

guide when conducting task training as long as it complies with the task 

training requirements of Part 48.

30 CFR 48.28 - Annual Refresher Training of Miners; Minimum Courses of Instruction; 

Hours of Instruction.

(a) Each miner shall receive a minimum of 8 hours of annual refresher training as 

prescribed in this Section. 

(b) The annual refresher training program for all miners shall include the following 

courses of instruction: 

(1) Mandatory health and safety standards. The course shall include 

mandatory health and safety standard requirements which are related to 

the miner's tasks. 

(2) Transportation controls and communication systems. The course shall 

include instruction on the procedures for riding on and in mine 

conveyances; the controls in effect for the transportation of miners and 

materials; and the use of the mine communication systems, warning 

signals, and directional signs. 

(3) Escape and emergency evacuation plans; firewarning and firefighting. 

The course shall include a review of the mine escape system; escape and 

64
emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine; and instruction in the 

firewarning signals and firefighting procedures. 

(b)(4) Ground control; working in areas of highwalls, water hazards, pits, and 

spoil banks; illumination and night work. The course shall include, where 

applicable, a review and instruction on the highwall and ground control 

plans in effect at the mine; procedures for working safely in areas of 

highwalls, water hazards, pits, and spoil banks; the illumination of work 

areas; and safe work procedures during hours of darkness. 

(5) First aid. The course shall include a review of first aid methods 

acceptable to MSHA. 

(6) Electrical hazards. The course shall include recognition and avoidance of 

electrical hazards. 

(7) Prevention of accidents. The course shall include a review of accidents 

and causes of accidents, and instruction in accident prevention in the 

work environment. 

(8) Health. The course shall include instruction on the purpose of taking dust 

measurements, where applicable, and noise and other health 

measurements, and any health control plan in effect at the mine shall be 

explained. The health provisions of the Act and warning labels shall also 

be explained. 

(9) Explosives. The course shall include a review and instruction on the 

hazards related to explosives. The only exception to this course 

component is when there are no explosives used or stored on the mine 

property. 

(10) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction 

and demonstration in the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue and 

respiratory devices, where applicable. 

(11) Such other courses as may be required by the District Manager based on 

circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

(c) Refresher training may include other health and safety subjects that are relevant 

to mining operations at the mine. Recommended subjects include, but are not 

limited to, 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. 

65
(d) All persons employed as shaft or slope construction workers on June 28, 2006, 

must receive annual refresher training within 12 months of June 2006. 

(e) Where annual refresher training is conducted periodically, such sessions shall 

not be less than 30 minutes of actual instruction time and the miners shall be 

notified that the session is part of annual refresher training. 

PPM: Operators may provide annual refresher training at any time during the 

last calendar month of the miner's annual refresher training cycle. To 

illustrate this policy, miners who began work in July 2001 must complete 

their annual refresher training any time in July 2002. Accordingly, 

training records and schedules may be maintained on a monthly basis, 

rather than tracking each miner's individual training date. Also, 

operators should be encouraged to schedule annual refresher training at 

the beginning of the month so that if for some reason a miner misses the 

regularly scheduled training, there will still be a reasonable opportunity 

for the training to be made up before the end of the month. 

Annual refresher training is required to cover such mine-specific matters 

as the review of roof or ground control plans and health control plans in 

effect at the mine. 

Refresher health and safety training may be conducted at the job site and 

may involve performance of actual job tasks. Guidelines for job site 

training are set out under Sections 48.5/48.25. 

Refresher Training Following an Absence 

The following training is required for experienced miners as defined in 

Sections 48.2(b)/48.22(b) who return to work following an absence: 

1. When an experienced miner returns to the same mine following an 

absence of 12 months or less, the mine operator must provide annual 

refresher training based on the miner's original schedule before the 

absence. The miner must complete annual refresher training before 

starting work if the miner missed that training during the absence. 

Also, the miner must receive training that covers major changes 

affecting safety or health that have occurred at the mine before the 

miner starts work. This training may be credited toward the miner's 

annual refresher training. 

2. When an experienced miner returns to the mine following an absence 

of more than 12 months, the operator must provide experienced 

66
miner training before the miner begins work. This starts a new 

annual refresher training date for this miner. 

In either case, if the miner is assigned a new work task, the operator 

must provide new task training prior to having the miner perform that 

task. 

The above does not apply to experienced miners assigned to work 

underground or on the surface for the first time. These miners are "new 

miners" under the training regulations and must receive new miner 

training. Credit can be given for applicable underground or surface 

training. 

Extension of Time to Complete Annual Refresher Training 

The unexpected return of miners after absences may create a strain 

between the completion of quality refresher training and prompt return 

of the miners to productive employment. 

In order to accommodate unforeseeable events, district managers may 

consider requests for limited extensions of time to complete annual 

refresher training. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case 

basis, and be granted only if: 

1. The miners involved are experienced, as defined by Sections 

48.2(b)/48.22(b). 

2. Good faith efforts were made by the operator to train the miners 

before the annual refresher training anniversary date passed. 

3. The miners, before returning to work, will be given any task training 

required by Sections 48.7/48.27, and will be thoroughly instructed in 

any changes in procedure at the mine or in the mining environment. 

In underground mines, these procedures must include changes in roof 

control, ventilation, emergency escapeways, and transportation 

controls. 

4. The required annual refresher training will be promptly completed. 

Subject to additional conditions that the district manager may require, a 

request for a limited extension of time to complete annual refresher 

training may be granted when these factors are met. In no case, 

however, should extensions be granted to correct poor scheduling 

practices or failure to anticipate foreseeable training needs, nor should 

67
provisions for an extension of time appear in an operator's approved 

training plan or otherwise be routinely granted. 

When extensions of time to complete annual refresher training are 

granted, such extensions should be confirmed in writing to the operator, 

stating the conditions of the extension and the date that refresher 

training will be completed. The completion date of this refresher training 

cycle initiates a new anniversary date. 

Annual Refresher Guidelines for Training Plans 

An effective refresher training program must be adapted to changes in 

mining conditions, accident history, and other training concerns. Time 

spent for each course may vary to meet specific needs. The following 

guidelines should be used to evaluate provisions for annual refresher 

training: 

1. The required annual refresher training courses listed in Section 48.28 

that are not applicable to a particular mine may be omitted from that 

mine's training plan. A notation of which courses are not applicable 

should appear in the training plan. 

2. An 8-hour minimum is required for the total annual refresher training 

program. However, the time spent on individual courses may vary 

from year to year or from one area of the mine to another depending 

on specific safety or health problems encountered. The mine's 

accident experience should significantly influence the amount and 

type of training miners receive throughout the year. 

3. All applicable refresher training courses listed in the approved 

training plan are to be given during each 12- month cycle. However, 

two or more of the courses may be covered in one training session or 

safety meeting. For example, a well-structured safety meeting may 

cover ground control, related safety standards, prevention of 

accidents, and other topics without the necessity of separate blocks 

of instruction. 

4. Safety meetings of at least 30 minutes duration, conducted by an 

MSHA-approved instructor, and addressing appropriate course 

content are acceptable training sessions that satisfy the annual 

refresher requirements. 

Training plans may be revised to reflect training needs. Requests for 

revisions should be submitted in accordance with Section 48.23(j)(1). 

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30 CFR 48.29 ‐ Records of Training.

(a) Upon a miner's completion of each MSHA  ‐  approved training program, the

operator shall record and certify on MSHA form 5000‐23 that the miner has

received the specified training.  A copy of the training certificate shall be given to

the miner at the completion of the training.    The training certificates for each

miner shall be available at the mine site for inspection by MSHA and for

examination by the miners, the miners' representative and state inspection

agencies.    When a miner leaves the operator's employ, the miner shall be

entitled to a copy of his or her training certificates.

(b) False certification that training was given shall be punishable under Section

110(a) and (f) of the Act.

(c) Copies of training certificates for currently employed miners shall be kept at the

mine site for 2 years, or for 60 days after termination of employment.

PPM: Approved Forms

All Part 48 training must be properly recorded by the operator on an

MSHA Form 5000‐23 (training certificate), or on an MSHA approved

alternate form. Alternate forms must include at least as much

information as a Form 5000‐23, and should be labeled MSHA Approved

Alternate Form 5000‐23 (current month and year).

Forms proposed by the operator must be sent for approval to the

Director of Educational Policy and Development (EPD), MSHA, 201 12th

Street South, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

Record‐Keeping Requirements

Operators are required under Section 48.29 to give a copy of the training

certificate, MSHA Form 5000‐23, or an approved alternate, to the miner

upon completion of each MSHA approved training program.  A "training

program" is any miner training (i.e., new miner, newly employed

experienced miner, task, annual refresher training or hazard training)

completed during a 12‐ month training cycle.  

In order to simplify record‐keeping, all MSHA approved training programs

completed within a miner's 12‐month training cycle may be recorded on

one Form 5000‐23, provided the following procedures are used:

1. Each time a miner completes an MSHA approved training program,

the operator must initial and date the form to certify that the miner

has received the specified training.  Initialing and dating can be done

69
in the space on the form adjacent to the type of training. Also, the 

miner should be given an opportunity to sign or initial the form. 

2. When an MSHA approved program is completed and recorded by the 

operator, a copy of the certificate must be given to the miner upon 

request. 

3. At the end of the 12-month training cycle, or when the miner signs 

item 8 of the form, a copy of the completed form listing all completed 

training programs and signed by the operator or the operator's 

representative must be given to the miner. 

The training certificate, MSHA Form 5000-23, has been revised so that all 

training completed by a miner during the 12-month cycle may be 

recorded on one form. 

Miscellaneous 

Under Section 48.24, Cooperative Training Program, the cooperative 

trainer may sign the training certificate upon partial completion of 

cooperative training. Final signature upon completion of the program 

must be by the operator or his representative. 

For Surface Mines and Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

Under Section 48.31 Hazard Training, the operator may use a Form 5000-

23 for hazard training. The Form 5000-23 need not be used, however, if 

the following situations satisfy hazard training requirements: 

1. Verbal instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are given by 

mine personnel, and the person receiving the instructions signs a log 

sheet indicating receipt of the instructions. 

2. Written instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are 

supplied. The written instructions, signed by the person receiving 

them, or a log sheet signed by the recipient must be maintained as a 

record. 

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30 CFR 48.30 - Compensation for Training.

(a) Training shall be conducted during normal working hours; miners attending such 

training shall receive the rate of pay as provided in Section 48.22(d) (Definition 

of normal working hours) of this Subpart B. 

(b) If such training shall be given at a location other than the normal place of work, 

miners shall be compensated for the additional costs, such a mileage, meals, and 

lodging, they may incur in attending such training sessions. 

PPM: Section 48.30 implements Section 115(b) of the Mine Act ("miners shall 

be paid at their normal rate of compensation while taking such training"). 

Section 48.22(d), defines "normal working hours," which states in part 

that: "miners shall be paid at a rate of pay which shall correspond to the 

rate of pay they would have received had they been performing their 

normal work tasks." 

The purpose of both the statute and the regulations is to assure that 

miners are not financially penalized when they receive training during 

work hours. For example, if a miner is "cross shifted," and the "cross 

shift" is considered normal working hours, the rate of pay the miner 

would receive if working is the rate the miner must receive while in 

training. 

30 CFR 48.31 - Hazard Training.

(a) Operators shall provide to those miners, as defined in Section 48.22(a)(2) 

(Definition of miner) of this Subpart B, a training program before such miners 

commence their work duties. This training program shall include the following 

instruction, which is applicable to the duties of such miners: 

(1) Hazard recognition and avoidance; 

(2) Emergency and evacuation procedures; 

(3) Health and safety standards, safety rules and safe working procedures; 

(4) Self-rescue and respiratory devices; and, 

(5) Such other instruction as may be required by the District Manager based 

on circumstances and conditions at the mine. 

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(b) Miners shall receive the instruction required by this Section at least once every 

12 months. 

(c) The training program required by this Section shall be submitted with the 

training plan required by Section 48.23(a) (Training plans: Submission and 

approval) of this Subpart B and shall include a statement on the methods of 

instruction to be used. 

(d) In accordance with Section 48.29 (Records of training) of this subpart B, the 

operator shall maintain and make available for inspection, certificates that 

miners have received the instruction required by this Section. 

PPM: The exposure to mining hazards varies according to the task. The greater 

the hazard exposure, the greater the need for training. Hazard training 

should be:

1. Mine specific, so that persons are advised of the hazards they may 

encounter at a particular mine; and 

2. Conducted each time a person enters a different mine. 

Examples of Appropriate Training 

Although the amount of required training may vary, the following are 

examples of appropriate training: 

1. Employees of Equipment Manufacturers 

a. Employees who are on the mine site in a service or maintenance 

capacity must be given training in accordance with their exposure 

to hazards. If the specific job will not entail frequent or extended 

exposure to hazards at the mine, they need only be given hazard 

training. 

If the job assignment of a service or maintenance worker is 

contracted to work at a mine for frequent or extended periods, 

and they are exposed to mining hazards, comprehensive training 

must be given -- either new miner training or experienced miner 

training, as appropriate. 

In addition, if appropriate, the employees must be provided with 

and instructed in the use and location of the self-rescue device 

made available at the mine as required by 30 CFR 75.1714, or 

meet the requirements for self-rescue devices as provided under 

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30 CFR 57.15030 and 57.15031, and trained pursuant to 

57.18028(b), as applicable. 

b. Manufacturers' field representatives, such as sales 

representatives, must be given training in accordance with their 

exposure to hazards at the mine. If they are regularly exposed to 

mine hazards, they must be given comprehensive training either 

new miner training, or experienced miner training, as appropriate. 

2. Labor, Management or Government Officials

a. Labor, management, or government officials visiting the mine site 

need not be given training. However, such persons should be 

accompanied by experienced miners and be provided with 

appropriate safety equipment and self-contained self-rescuer 

(SCSR) training (see 30 CFR 57.15031 and 75.1714).

b. Authorized Representatives of the Secretary of Labor or Secretary 

of Health and Human Services need not be given any Part 48 

training or be accompanied when carrying out duties required by 

30 CFR or by the Mine Act. 

c. Contractors doing work for the government which requires their 

presence at the mine to observe conditions or to collect 

information must be given hazard training. 

3. Customers and Delivery Persons

a. For purposes of training, customers are individuals who are briefly 

on mine property to pick up mined materials. 

The extent of customers' exposure to mine hazards varies. 

Training is not required if there is no exposure to mine hazards. 

Customers must receive hazard training commensurate to their 

exposure to mine hazards. In addition, they must be trained in 

the health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures of 

any mine machinery or equipment that they are required or 

allowed to operate while on mine property. Comprehensive 

training would apply to customers engaged in the extraction and 

production process. 

b. Delivery persons are individuals who enter mine property briefly 

to deliver supplies, who are not engaged in the extraction and 

production process, or do not perform maintenance and service 

work. 

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Delivery persons must receive hazard training commensurate to 

their exposure to mine hazards. MSHA expects a realistic 

appraisal by the mine operator of the hazards associated with 

such jobs. 

4. Other Visitors

a. Underground Mines – See 48.11

b. Surface Mines and Surface Areas of Underground Mines

Students on field trips and other short term visitors (1 day or less)

need not be given Part 48 training. However, they should be

accompanied by experienced miners and be provided with

appropriate safety equipment.

30 CFR 48.32 - Appeals Procedures. 

The operator, miner, and miners' representative shall have the right of appeal from a 

decision of the District Manager. 

(a) In the event an operator, miner, or miners' representative decides to appeal a 

decision by the District Manager, such an appeal shall be submitted, in writing, 

to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health or Administrator for Metal 

and Non-metal Safety and Health, as appropriate, MSHA, 201 12th Street South, 

Arlington, VA 22202, within 30 days of notification of the District Manager's 

decision. 

(b) The Administrator may require additional information from the operator, the 

miners or their representatives, and the District Manager, if the Administrator 

determines such information is necessary. 

(c) The Administrator shall render a decision on the appeal within 30 days after 

receipt of the appeal. 

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PART 48 COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Training and Retraining of Miners

December 1998 

1. How does the new training rule change the definition of an "experienced

miner"?

The old rule required a miner to receive new miner training within 12 months or to 

accumulate 12 months of mining experience within the previous 36 months to be 

considered an "experienced miner." The new rule requires that a miner receive 

new miner training and have 12 months of mining experience to qualify as an 

"experienced miner." 

2. Can the miner then lose that status as an "experienced miner" by being away

from mining for a period of time?

No. Once a miner has received new miner training and has accumulated 12 

months of mining experience, MSHA considers that miner to be experienced for 

life for training purposes. 

If the miner is away from mining for more than 36 months after receiving new 

miner training, and before accumulating 12 months of mining experience, the new 

rule requires that miner to repeat new miner training. 

After taking new miner training the miner will then have another 36 months in 

which to finish accumulating the 12 months of mining experience needed to be an 

"experienced miner" for training purposes. 

Also, once a miner is experienced and leaves the mining industry for more than 5 

years and then returns, the miner must receive at least 8 hours of experienced 

miner training. 

3. What training is required for a newly-employed miner who has not gained

"experienced miner" status?

If a newly-employed miner has completed new miner training within 36 months of 

starting work at a different mine, the miner must receive "experienced miner" 

training. If the miner has not completed new miner training within 36 months, 

however, then the miner must repeat new miner training at the different mine. 

After completing this initial "experienced miner" or "new miner" training, the 

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miner is then subject to all other training required for "experienced miners" at the 

mine. 

For example, suppose a new miner receives new miner training and works 10 

consecutive months in mining. Then, the miner leaves mining and works in an 

industry outside of mining for the next 3 years. If the miner returns to work in the 

mining industry, the new training rule requires that the miner receive new miner 

training because more than 36 months had passed since the miner had received 

this training and the miner had not accumulated 12 months of mining experience. 

Once the miner works an additional 2 months, the miner will be considered an 

"experienced miner" for life for training purposes. 

4. Can the experience be either surface or underground?

An experienced underground miner must have at least 12 months of underground 

mining experience; and an experienced surface miner must have at least 12 

months of surface mining experience. 

5. Can a miner accumulate part of the mining experience underground and part on

the surface to total 12 months?

No. To be an experienced underground miner, all 12 months of experience must 

be underground; to be an experienced surface miner, all 12 months of experience 

must be on the surface. 

6. Can a miner be both an experienced underground miner and an experienced

surface miner?

Yes, if that miner has completed the training and experience requirements for 

both underground and surface miners. 

7. How long does a miner have to obtain the 12 months of mining experience?

There is no time limit for obtaining the 12 months of mining experience. 

8. How long does an independent contractor working intermittently at mine sites

have to gain the 12 months of mining experience?

There is no time limit for obtaining the 12 months of mining experience. 

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9. How do I track the accumulation of experience?

The rule has no specific requirements for tracking or recording the accumulation of 

experience. It is your responsibility to determine the miner's experience based on 

the miner's work and training history. 

10. Does MSHA give the miner credit for work experience not gained at a mine? 

Yes, under specific conditions. Surface maintenance and service contractors often 

have significant trade experience in environments similar to surface mines or the 

surface areas of underground mines. We will allow this trade experience to count 

towards satisfying the requirement for 12 months of surface mining experience. 

These service or maintenance contractors, however, must still receive new miner 

training.

For example, if a contractor hired to service a dozer has 12 months of experience 

servicing dozers in environments similar to mining, such as construction sites, that 

contractor will have satisfied the experience requirement and would only need to 

receive new miner training to be an "experienced" surface miner for training 

purposes. 

11. Who determines whether experience should be credited? 

You are responsible for determining to what extent the contract worker's past 

experience should be credited based on a reasonable assessment of the contract 

worker's work history. If you need additional guidance in determining a person's 

qualifications, contact us for assistance. 

12. On the effective date of the new rule, what is the status of miners who are 

already considered "experienced" under the old rule?

If a miner is an "experienced miner" under the old rule on February 3, 1999, the 

effective date of the new rule, we will consider that miner to be an "experienced 

miner" for life under the new rule. 

13. What training must new miners receive to become "experienced miners," and 

who can give the training?

Like the old rule, the new miner training must be approved by MSHA and given by 

an MSHA-approved instructor. As in the past, this training can be provided by 

many sources, including the mine operator, the State, universities, trade 

associations, and independent trainers. 

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14. Miners, particularly supervisors, sometimes conduct Part 48 training. Can I 

credit their time teaching a required course as meeting the requirement for 

taking that course?

Yes. For example, if a miner conducts annual refresher training in health, 

prevention of accidents, and electrical hazards, you can credit that miner with 

having taken those courses. 

15. Who can sign the Certificate of Training (MSHA Form 5000-23) for a miner who 

conducts the training?

Any person responsible for the training, including the instructor, can sign the 

5000-23 form. 

16. Are there any changes in the new rule that will affect completing the MSHA Form 

5000-23?

Yes. The new rule redefines experienced miner training from "Training of newly 

employed experienced miners; minimum courses of instruction" to "Experienced 

miner training." On the existing 5000-23 form, continue using "Newly Employed 

Experienced Miner" for all "Experienced miner training." 

Also, one new course was added that is not listed in item 5 on the 5000-23 form 

which lists the separate subjects for partial training purposes. If you conduct 

partial training you can write in "Emergency medical procedures" under other. 

In the near future, we will print new 5000-23 forms with these changes. However, 

existing 5000-23 forms can be used until the supplies are depleted. 

17. Are we going to require you to revise and resubmit existing alternate 5000-23 

forms for approval?

No. However, if you choose to do so you may. 

Training of Supervisors

18. What impact does this rule have on the training of supervisors?

The new rule requires all supervisors to be trained, eliminating the Part 48 training 

exemption for State-certified supervisors. The rule primarily affects underground 

coal supervisors. 

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19. Exactly what training must supervisors now have under the new rule?

The new rule requires that all supervisors be treated like other miners for training 

purposes. Accordingly, depending on their exposure to mine hazards and their 

duties, supervisors must receive either comprehensive training or hazard training. 

Comprehensive training includes "experienced miner," task, and annual refresher 

training.

20. Under what circumstances would a supervisor not be required to receive 

comprehensive training?

Supervisors who are generally office workers and are not regularly exposed to 

mine hazards would not need comprehensive training. Because their exposure to 

mine hazards is minimal, hazard training is both appropriate and sufficient. 

21. For supervisors who have not been required to receive Part 48 training, how long 

do they have to complete annual refresher training after the rule is published?

Supervisors have until the end of October 1999 (one year) to complete the initial 

annual refresher training. The month in which the supervisor completes the 8 

hours of initial annual refresher training then becomes the new anniversary date 

for subsequent refresher training. 

For example, if a supervisor completes the 8 hours of annual refresher training in 

January 1999, that supervisor will have to complete another 8 hours of annual 

refresher training by the end of January 2000. 

22. Do supervisors have to take training under both Part 48 and Parts 75 or 77?

Yes. Both annual training requirements will be in effect until October 6, 1999. 

This will require a State-certified supervisor to receive annual refresher training 

under Part 48 as well as annual training for certified persons under existing Parts 

75 or 77.

23. Does this mean that these supervisors will have to receive the same training 

twice?

No. MSHA will credit training taken under part 48 to satisfy the requirements of 

Parts 75 or 77 and vice versa during this transition period. 

For example, you can credit the annual instruction in methane measurement and 

oxygen deficiency testing taken under Section 75.161(a) toward satisfying the Part 

48 annual refresher training requirement under Section 48.8(b)(10) Mine Gases. 

79
Additional Training

24. What additional training does the new rule require?

The new rule requires four new courses for "experienced miner" training. These 

four new courses are in addition to the 7 courses already required for newly 

employed experienced miners under current regulations. The new courses are—

(1) prevention of accidents, 

(2) emergency medical procedures, 

(3) health, and 

(4) health and safety aspects of tasks. 

Miners who are required to take new task training do not have to take the course 

on health and safety aspects of tasks. 

The new rule also changes the heading for this training to "experienced miner 

training." This revised heading clarifies and emphasizes that, in addition to those 

newly employed at the mine, other kinds of "experienced miners" must take this 

training.

25. What are the different kinds of "experienced miners" who must take the 

"experienced miner training"? 

"Experienced miners" are miners who are—

(1) Newly employed by the operator, 

(2) Transferred to the mine, 

(3) Transferred from surface to underground or vice versa, and 

(4) Returning to mining after an absence of more than 12 months. 

26. Are there any minimum time requirements for "experienced miner training" or 

individual courses?

With one exception, there are no time requirements for "experienced miner 

training" or any individual course, including the four new courses. The exception is 

for miners returning to mining after an absence of 5 years or more. After such a 

long absence, you must provide the returning "experienced miner" with at least 8 

hours of "experienced miner training." The new rule, like the current rule, does 

not specify the duration of instruction on any individual course. 

80
27. Does this mean that I can give as much of this training as I want?

Yes, to some extent. You have the flexibility to determine what amount of training 

is appropriate. The new rule, however, requires that you vary the instruction time 

and content of each course as is necessary to meet the training needs of the 

"experienced miner." It is your responsibility to reasonably assess the training 

needs of the "experienced miners." It is highly likely that these miners will have 

varying familiarity with aspects of their new assignments, such as the mining 

methods used, the environmental conditions at the mine, the tasks they are going 

to perform, and the mine's safety and health procedures. 

28. Is there any other new training required by the rule?

Yes. When a miner has been absent from the mine for 12 months or less, the new 

rule requires that you inform the miner about major changes affecting safety or 

health that have occurred at the mine during the absence. You must provide the 

returning miner this information before the miner starts work. 

29. What is a “major” change?

A major change is one which you know, or should know, could endanger the 

miners’ health or safety.

30. What does "absence" mean here?

An absence is being away from the mine for any period of time for any reason 

including illness, vacation, work stoppage, downtime, or off shift. Events that are 

likely to adversely affect miners' safety or health can occur quickly and most are 

unrelated to the length or cause of the absence. 

31. Does this training need to be conducted by an approved instructor?

No. You may designate any person knowledgeable of the changes to give this 

training. We expect that, usually, the supervisor or other miner-in-charge will tell 

the miners this information at the start of each shift. Also, there is no 

recordkeeping required for this training. 

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Removal of Duplication

32. What training requirements are eliminated, and where are they otherwise

covered?

The new rule eliminates some duplicate regulatory text. This removal of duplicate 

text, however, does not substantively alter or eliminate any training requirements. 

Training Requirements Removed 

Section 75.161(a) for methane measurement and oxygen deficiency testing 

Section 75.161(a) for roof and rib control and ventilation plans 

Section 75.161(c) for self-contained self-rescue devices 

Section 77.107-1 is revised by deleting the reference to principles of mine rescue 

Covered in 30 CFR 48 

Section 48.8(b)(10) (Mine gases) 

Section 48.8(b)(4) (Roof or ground control and ventilation plans) 

Section 48.8(b)(8) (Self-rescue devices and respiratory devices) 

Section 48.28(b)(3) (Escape and emergency evacuation plans; firewarning and 

firefighting) 

Effective Dates

33. What are the effective dates of the rule?

There are three effective dates for the rule. 

Effective October 6, 1998, publication date of final rule: 

 A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved State certification

program and who is employed as an underground or surface miner will be

considered an "experienced miner" for training purposes.

 The new rule establishes October 1999 as the anniversary date for annual

refresher training of supervisors who were previously exempt from Part 48

training. These supervisors must complete annual refresher training under

Part 48 by the end of October 1999.

Effective February 3, 1999, 120 days after the rule was published: 

 Any miner who is considered an "experienced miner" under the old rule will

be considered an "experienced miner" for training purposes under the new

rule.

 You must have modified your training plans to include the four new required

courses in "experienced miner training."

 "Experienced miner training" must conform to the provisions in the new rule.

On October 6, 1999, 12 months after the rule was published: 

 Revised Sections 75.161 and 77.107-1 became effective.

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Does the person, who signs the 5000-23 certificate of training form certifying

training was provided, have to be physically present during the training

session?

No; however, the person signing the 5000-23 form should have sufficient 

knowledge that the training was conducted. By signing the 5000-23, the person 

responsible for training is certifying that the training was completed as indicated 

on the 5000-23. 

2. Does an approved instructor have to sign 5000-23 forms?

No. 

3. Do miners who are receiving training have to sign the certificate?

No, but miners must be afforded an opportunity to sign the 5000-23 form. 

Where possible, a statement of refusal, signed by the trainee, should be retained 

as documentation by the operator.

4. Can a “sign-in” log book be used to record both surface and underground

hazard training?

Underground hazard training must be recorded on a 5000-23 form. 

For surface mines and surface areas of underground mines under Section 48.31 

hazard training, the operator may use a 5000-23 form for hazard training. The 

5000-23 form need not be used, however, if the following situations satisfy 

hazard training requirements: 

1. Verbal instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are given by

mine personnel, and the person receiving the instructions signs a log

sheet indicating receipt of the instructions.

2. Written instructions of mine hazard avoidance procedures are supplied.

The written instructions, signed by the person receiving them, or a log

sheet signed by the recipient must be maintained as a record.

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5. Can a new miner’s 5000-23 form be signed before receiving the 8 hours at the 

mine site? 

Yes. A certificate of training can be filled out and signed within 32 hours 

provided that Section 4 of the 5000-23 form is marked “not completed” and 

Section 5 of the 5000-23 form must record the subjects that are completed. 

6. How long do 5000-23 forms have to be kept at a mine site? 

Copies of training certificates for currently employed miners shall be kept at the 

mine site for 2 years. For miners no longer working at the site, training 

certificates must be kept for 60 days after employment termination.

7. Can the same 5000-23 form be used for surface and underground?

Yes; however, margin for error and completion dates, number of hours trained 

and subjects trained in could make accurate documentation of training difficult 

to identify. It is recommended that a separate form be used for underground 

and surface. 

8. What proof can an operator produce and maintain if a miner comes to the 

mine and tells the operator that he/she is an experienced miner but has no 

5000-23 showing comprehensive training or annual refresher?

Examples may be, but not limited to, payroll records, notarized statements from 

previous employer, or other documentation that verifies past mining experience. 

9. If an employee works at four (4) different mines owned by the same operator, 

what mine identification number should be on the 5000-23 form for refresher 

training? 

If a miner is based at one mine or at a central shop and periodically works at 

other mines owned by the operator, the miner must receive comprehensive 

training under Subparts A and B, as appropriate, supplemented by additional 

hazard training, as required in Sections 48.11/48.31, at each of the other mines. 

10. Is documentation required for a miner demonstrating safe operating 

procedures for tasks performed within the past 12-month period? 

No. A person who performs the task in question during the preceding 12 months 

does not require task training. 

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A miner’s experience can be determined through a variety of ways. The 

following are several examples of determining a miner’s experience.

1. Previous employment history and documentation of that history; and 

2. Interviewing the miner and watching the miner demonstrate 

proficiency in the task in a non-production and production 

environment. 

11. What Part 48 training records should operators keep for contractors? 

Hazard training and any other training conducted by the operator.

12. If new equipment is purchased and operates the same as the equipment used 

previously, is task training required? 

No. 

13. Who can give task training? 

A qualified trainer, a supervisor experienced in the assigned tasks, or other 

person experienced in the assigned tasks shall conduct such training (30 CFR 

48.7(e) and 48.27(d)). For example, a manufacturer’s representative may 

conduct the training. 

14. Do task training instructors need to be listed on the training plan? 

No. Task training and hazard training do not have to be conducted by an MSHA - 

approved instructor. However, the titles of personnel conducting the training 

shall be submitted in the training plan. [Parts 48.3(8)(ii) & 48.23(8)(ii)] 

15. Must task training extend beyond mobile equipment (miners, bolter, shuttle 

car, etc.) operators? If so, to what extent? Belt, general laborer, ventilation, 

utility, mechanic, equipment helpers: 

Yes. Miners assigned to tasks other than mobile equipment operators shall be 

instructed in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures of the 

assigned task, prior to performing such task. 

Any person who directs or controls haulage operations at a mine shall receive 

and complete training courses in safe haulage procedures related to the haulage 

system, ventilation system, firefighting procedures and emergency evacuation 

procedures in effect at the mine before assignment to such duties.

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16. If a mine has only one (1) type of continuous miner, roof bolter, etc., why are 

we required to specify type on task training? 

Such specification is not required, but it is recommended to eliminate confusion 

when new or modified equipment is utilized.

17. What type of training is required for an independent contract coal truck driver? 

If a coal truck driver is a “miner” as defined in 30 CFR 48.22, comprehensive 

training (newly employed miner training or experienced miner training and 

annual refresher training, as appropriate) is required. 

18. If an independent contract coal truck driver has received comprehensive 

training, what additional training is required at other facilities? 

Hazard training and task training where appropriate. 

19. What training does a coal truck driver who loads his or her own truck need? 

Comprehensive training and task training as appropriate. 

20. Can experienced surface workers and/or independent contractors, such as 

truck drivers, start work after completing experienced miner training if they 

have not had annual refresher training in the past 12 months? 

Yes. Annual refresher training is required within 12 months of receiving newly 

employed inexperienced miner training or experienced miner training, and 

annually thereafter. 

21. When is hazard training and task training required for contractors?

Independent contractors covered by Part 48 and not required to have 

comprehensive training, (i.e., not part of the extraction and production process 

and not regularly exposed to mine hazards), must receive hazard training. Task 

training is required when performing a new task or if the individual has not 

performed the task within the last 12 months.

22. If a contractor does not have an MSHA identification number, who can they 

call for assistance in obtaining a number? 

Call the local MSHA office, or log onto our website at www.msha.gov. On the 

left side of the webpage, click the link for Online Filing, then click the link, Mine 

ID Request. Click the link, File Online and follow the prompts. 

86
23. Is the coal company responsible for seeing that a contractor and their 

employees have all the training required by Part 48? 

MSHA’s enforcement policy regarding independent contractors does not change 

production-operators’ basic compliance responsibilities. Production-operators 

are subject to all provisions of the Act, and to all standards and regulations 

applicable to their mining operations. 

This overall compliance responsibility includes assuring compliance by 

independent contractors with the Act and with applicable standards and 

regulations. As a result, both independent contractors and production-operators 

are responsible for compliance with all applicable provisions of the Act, 

standards and regulations. For further information on this issue refer to the 

Program Policy Manual Volume III- Part 45.

24. Does a contractor performing extraction or production work going from one 

identification number to another—but staying only one (1) to two (2) days—

require comprehensive training, even though it is for the same company? 

Comprehensive training (newly employed inexperienced miner or experienced 

miner, and annual refresher) must be given for one of the identification 

numbers; hazard training at the others and task training, if appropriate).

25. Does a miner have to be a 1st class mine foreman to be an approved instructor? 

No.

26. Do persons conducting annual refresher training have to be listed on an 

approved training plan? 

Yes.

27. Does all training have to be done by an approved instructor? 

Newly employed inexperienced miner, experienced miner, and annual refresher 

training must be given by an MSHA - approved instructor. With the exception 

that a technical expert may present mine specific segments in their area or 

expertise under the supervision of an MSHA - approved instructor. Task training 

required by Sections 48.7/48.27 may be given by a qualified trainer, by an 

experienced supervisor, or by persons experienced in the particular task. Hazard 

training may be given by an experienced miner or a competent person with 

knowledge of the mine.

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28. Will training conducted by or under the supervision of an MSHA - approved 

instructor in First Responder or EMT suffice for mandated annual first aid 

training for selected supervisors under Parts 75/77? 

Yes, if the retraining was at least 5 hours in length.

29. Can two or three different mines attend the same training class? 

Yes; however, this training format is not recommended. Training could be 

accomplished if mine specifics for each mine are covered adequately.

30. What policy applies to miners receiving a rest period between work and annual 

refresher training? 

A reasonable rest period between a working shift and a training session should 

be provided. 

31. Do operators pay miners time and a half for training conducted on Saturday? 

Miners shall be paid at the same rate of pay they would have received had they 

been working. If the rate of pay is time and a half for working on Saturday, the 

operator is required to compensate at that rate.

32. Four (4) 10 hour shifts – Would normal pay be given for training for 10 hours if 

only 8 hours training given? 

If a training session was 8 hours, 8 hours pay would be required. 

33. Is annual refresher training required to be given on the same shift that the 

miners work? If a mine works five (5) days a week, can training be given on 

Saturday?

Training may only be conducted during “normal working hours.” Normal 

working hours are determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as past 

practices and patterns of scheduling work should be considered. If a mine has a 

history of working on Saturday, miners can be brought in and trained on 

Saturday provided they are compensated appropriately. 

34. For a surface central shop employee going underground to perform work, what 

are the training and accompaniment requirements? 

If exposure is at irregular intervals, the miner shall receive hazard training 

annually and be accompanied by an experienced miner while underground. 

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35. What type of training is required for a miner that floats between several mines 

owned by the same company? 

If a miner is based at one mine or at a central shop and periodically works at 

other mines owned by the operator, the miner must receive comprehensive 

training under Subparts A and B, as appropriate, supplemented by additional 

hazard training, as under Section 48.11/48.31, at each of the other mines. 

36. An underground employee is temporarily assigned to a surface job, 

lamphouse/bathhouse attendant or trash pickup. What training must the 

operator provide before the employee is assigned to the surface job? 

If the employee is not involved with extraction or production and not regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, then hazard training is required. If the employee is 

regularly exposed to mine hazards, then comprehensive training is required. In 

either case task training may also be required. Regularly exposed means either 

frequent exposure, that is exposure to hazards at the mine on a frequent rather 

than consecutive day basis (a pattern of recurring exposure), or extended 

exposure of more than 5 consecutive workdays, or both.

37. In the above case, can the operator work the employee five consecutive days 

prior to conducting training or is new miner training required before 

assignment to the job? 

No. If the employee is assigned for more than 5 consecutive workdays, 

comprehensive training is required before assigning duties. Also, task training 

must be provided if applicable.

38. If a new employee attended newly employed inexperienced miner training 

four years ago and never completed 12 months of mining (or equivalent) 

experience, what training must he/she receive? 

After receiving new miner training, a miner needs to accumulate 12 months of 

mining experience to be considered an "experienced miner" for training 

purposes. If the miner leaves mining before accumulating the 12 months of 

mining experience and: 

a. Less than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must receive experienced miner training before starting 

work. 

b. More than 36 months has passed since receiving new miner training, 

the miner must repeat new miner training. 

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There are no specific requirements for tracking, recording or verifying the 

accumulation of experience. It is the operator's responsibility to determine the 

miner's experience based on the miner's work and training history.

39. What type of training is required for an underground experienced coal miner 

who works periodically as a surface mobile equipment operator? 

Initially, newly employed surface miner training is required. Some credit may be 

given for the underground training received. First aid and authority and 

responsibility of supervisors and miners’ representatives may be courses that 

can be credited. Also task training must be conducted.

40. What type of training is required for an underground experienced coal miner 

who does work in a surface repair shop and does not meet any of the 

guidelines under Section 48.22(b) for an experienced surface miner? 

Initially newly employed surface miner training is required. Some credit may be 

given for the underground training received. First aid and authority and 

responsibility of supervisors and miners’ representatives may be courses that 

can be credited.

41. Can an experienced underground miner work on the surface full-time without 

additional training (except task)? 

If the miner does not meet the definition of an experienced surface miner, Part 

48, Subpart B, comprehensive training is required.

42. Are security guards required to have comprehensive training (newly employed 

inexperienced miner, experienced miner, annual refresher) or hazard training? 

Individuals not engaged in the extraction and production process, not regularly 

exposed to mine hazards, or inconsequentially exposed to mine hazards must 

receive the appropriate hazard training Section 48.31.

43. What is required for a UPS driver or utility person who visits mine property? 

Generally, hazard training is required; it must be commensurate to the exposure 

to the hazards.

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44. At what point do vendors or delivery persons need to have comprehensive 

training (newly employed inexperienced miner or experienced miner, and 

annual refresher) instead of hazard training? 

Manufacturers’ field representative, such as sales representatives and delivery 

personnel, must be given hazard training. If they are regularly exposed to mine 

hazards, comprehensive training is required. Regularly exposed means either 

frequent exposure, that is exposure to hazards at the mine on a frequent rather 

than consecutive day basis (a pattern of recurring exposure), or extended 

exposure of more than 5 consecutive workdays, or both.

45. Is accompaniment required at both underground and surface mines? 

No. Only in underground mines.

46. With reference to three contractor employees cleaning three different belts in 

an underground mine, are three experienced miners required to accompany 

them? 

Yes, if only hazard training is given. 

No, if appropriate comprehensive training is given (newly employed 

inexperienced miner or experienced miner, and annual refresher).

47. Who must accompany a contractor who does not have comprehensive training 

and is not involved with extraction or production while underground? 

An experienced miner who is experienced and is knowledgeable of the hazards 

at that mine.

48. Can the District Manager require changes to training given by the operator and 

listed in the mine training plan? 

Yes. Part 48 allows the District Manager the discretion to require other courses 

as may be needed, based on circumstances and conditions at the mine.

49. Do supervisors have to take Part 48 training? 

Yes. 

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50. When is an inexperienced miner classified as an experienced miner? 

Upon completion of new miner training and 12 months of mining (or equivalent) 

experience. 

51. What does regular exposure mean (once a week, once a month or once a 

year)? 

"Regularly exposed" means either frequent exposure, that is exposure to hazards 

at the mine on a frequent rather than consecutive day basis (a pattern of 

recurring exposure), or extended exposure of more than 5 consecutive 

workdays, or both.

52. Who needs hazard training? 

Individuals covered by Part 48 training requirements and not engaged in the 

extraction or production process, not regularly exposed to mine hazards, or 

inconsequentially exposed to mine hazards must receive the appropriate 

(48.11/48.31) hazard training.

53. What training is required at idle mines where no coal is being processed? 

Comprehensive training is required if anyone is working at the mine.

54. If a regular (Part 48) miner (who possesses a State Foreman’s Certificate) fills in 

for a foreman on a limited basis, is this miner required to have Part 75/77 

training? 

Yes.

55. If certified persons (foreman) are mixed in with Part 48 persons for annual 

retraining purposes, what additional subjects must be covered with Parts 

75/77 certified foreman to comply with Parts 75/77 training requirements? 

For certified persons, annual training courses including 5 hours of first aid 

training, principles of mine rescue, and the provisions of either Part 75 or 77 

whichever is appropriate.

56. Would individuals performing construction work (i.e., building preparation 

plants, mine shops, etc.) be required to have Part 48 training on the surface or 

surface areas of an underground mine? 

No.

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57. What is considered construction work? 

Construction work includes the building or demolition of any facility, the building 

of a major addition to an existing facility, and the assembling of a major piece of 

new equipment, such as installing a new crusher or the assembling of a major 

piece of equipment such as a dragline. 

Underground Mines 

If construction work is of a major addition that causes the mine to cease 

operations, no training is required under Part 48. However, Part 48 training is 

required if the: 

1. Construction work is not of a "major addition which requires the 

mine to cease operations;" or 

2. Mine is "operational" (that is, if the mine is producing material or if 

a regular maintenance shift is ongoing). 

Surface Mines or Surface Areas of Underground Mines 

No training is required under Part 48 if workers are performing construction 

work. 

Persons Performing Maintenance or Repair Work 

Maintenance or repair work includes the upkeep or alteration of equipment or 

facilities. Replacement of a conveyor belt would be considered maintenance or 

repair. 

A person performing maintenance or repair work, whether or not the mine is 

operational, must receive the appropriate comprehensive or hazard training 

under Subpart A or B. The type of training depends upon whether the person is 

regularly exposed to mine hazards.

58. What is the maximum amount of time an extension may be granted for 

completion of annual refresher training following an absence due to illness, 

injury or work stoppage? 

1. When an experienced miner returns to the same mine following an 

absence of 12 months or less, the mine operator must provide annual 

refresher training based on the miner's original schedule before the 

absence. The miner must complete annual refresher training before 

93
starting work, if the miner missed that training during the absence. Also, 

the miner must receive training that covers major changes affecting safety 

or health that have occurred at the mine, before the miner starts work. 

This training may be credited toward the miner's annual refresher training.

2. When an experienced miner returns to the mine following an absence of

more than 12 months, the operator must provide experienced miner

training before the miner begins work. This starts a new annual refresher

training date for this miner.

59. What is MSHA’s definition of extraction and production?

"Extraction and production" refers to the process of mining and removal of 

coal or ore from a mine. This process includes both the mechanical and 

chemical separating of coal from the surrounding rock and metal or valuable 

minerals from ore and concentrate; removal and milling of conglomerates or 

rocks by crushing, screening, or sizing; and haulage associated with these 

processes. 

94
TRAINING PLAN

This section provides guidance to help you (mine owners and operators) develop your

MSHA required Part 48 training plan(s).  In some cases, independent contractors must

develop their own training plan.  State grantees and others may also develop their own

plan.

All coal mines, all underground metal and nonmetal mines, and other surface metal and

nonmetal mines (not included in Part 46) are required to have a Part 48 training plan.  

Underground mines must have an approved plan meeting the requirements of 48.3 and

surface mines and surface areas of underground mines must have an approved plan

meeting the requirements of 48.23.

The sample training plan included in this book is a minimum example of what is

required by the Part 48.23(c) regulations.    It leaves blank spaces, so the operator

can complete and submit by mail for approval of their training plan.

When developing a training plan, you need to use a format that is logical and

reasonable.  There is also the option of using MSHA’s Online Training Plan Advisor

located under Forms and Online Filing at www.msha.gov.    Using the plan advisor

allows you to complete and submit your training plan for approval online.   

Once the plan is approved, changes made to the list of MSHA approved instructors are

not required to be submitted to MSHA for approval, provided that the list of approved

instructors is maintained with the approved plan at the mine and the miner

representatives are informed of the changes.  If any other changes are made to the plan,

you are required to resubmit the plan to MSHA for approval.

It is important to remember that 48.23(d) requires the operator to furnish to the

representative of the miners a copy of the training plan 2 weeks prior to its submission

to MSHA.  Where a representative is not designated, a copy of the plan shall be posted

on the mine bulletin board 2 weeks prior to its submission.

95

TRAINING PLAN

SURFACE MINES AND SURFACE AREAS OF UNDERGROUND MINES

PART 48 SUBPART B 

MSHA MINE ID: ________________________________________________________ 

COMPANY NAME: ________________________________________________________ 

MINE NAME: ___________________________________________________________ 

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________ 

PHONE: _______________________________________________________________ 

PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING AT THE MINE/COMPANY: 

NAME: ____________________________________________________________ 

POSITION: __________________________________________________________ 

PHONE: ____________________________________________________________ 

LIST OF MSHA APPROVED INSTRUCTORS WITH THEIR MIIN AND APPROVED COURSE CODES: 

NAME: MIIN: COURSE CODES:

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

97
LIST THE LOCATION WHERE EACH TRAINING PROGRAM WILL BE GIVEN: 

NEW MINER TRAINING: _________________________________________________ 

EXPERIENCED MINER TRAINING: ___________________________________________ 

TASK TRAINING: ______________________________________________________ 

ANNUAL REFRESHER TRAINING: ____________________________________________ 

HAZARD TRAINING: ____________________________________________________ 

LIST THE MAXIMUM MINERS PER TRAINING SESSION: _______________________________ 

LIST THE APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF MINERS EMPLOYED: ____________________________ 

98
NEW MINER TRAINING PROGRAM (PART 48.25)

24 HOURS OF TRAINING REQUIRED - The entire 24 hours of training will be given prior to 

new miners being assigned to work duties. 

1. Instruction in the Statutory Rights of Miners and Their Representatives under 

the Act; Authority and Responsibility of Supervisors 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe the basics of Miners’ Rights and the rights of their 

representatives. 

 Name supervisors who are in charge and their responsibilities. 

 Explain company rules relating to his/her job. 

 Locate and state when and how to use the One Call Does It All 

phone number (1-800-746-1553). 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, Discussion, and Group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

MSHA’s OT 2 Guide to Miners’ Rights, MSHA’s DVD 641 

Voice in the Workplace, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses 

2. Self-Rescue and Respiratory Devices 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe why a rescue or respiratory device may be necessary. 

 Give an example of when a self-rescuer or respiratory device 

would need to be worn. 

 Demonstrate how to don the needed device. 

 Give examples of how to clean and maintain the device. 

 Explain company rules relating to his/her job and give the 

location of where to find the information if needed. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

respirators/self-rescuers used at the mine, and/or other 

audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

99
3. Transportation Controls and Communications 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 State the method of transportation that will be used to get to 

the work area; include possible related hazards. 

 Explain rules, procedures, or any controls in place for 

transporting people and/or materials. 

 Give examples of traffic control and signs along haulage road. 

 State the various types and location of communication systems 

available while on the mine site. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, signs, 

signals, accident reports, communication equipment, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

4. Introduction to the Work Environment 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Observe the mining process. 

 Identify and describe the function of machines, processes, and 

locations. 

 Identify all restricted areas and other areas where extra caution is 

necessary. 

 Describe hazards at the mine and safety precautions needed. 

 Identify key locations of buildings and safety equipment. 

 Use mining terminology. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

100
5. Escape and Emergency Evacuation Plans, Firewarning and Firefighting 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Discuss types and signs of mine emergency conditions. 

 Recognize the sound/visual alarm during an emergency. 

 Describe characteristics and locations of emergency exits and 

means of reaching them from the work area. 

 Describe actions to take and demonstrate communications in the 

event of a mine emergency. 

 Locate and operate nearest fire extinguisher. 

 Identify different types of fires and extinguishers available. 

 Travel the emergency evacuation routes. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

escape/emergency evacuation plan, fire extinguisher, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

6. Ground Control, Working in Areas of Highwalls, Water Hazards, Pits and Spoil 

Banks, Illumination and Night Work 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while 

working around highwalls, water hazards, pits, stockpiles and spoil 

banks. 

 Identify the site-specific ground control hazards. 

 Identify methods of how to avoid and/or protect against injury. 

 Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

101
7. Health 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe the dangers of exposure to excessive dust and noise and 

give reasons measurements are needed. 

 Identify site locations where there is an exposure to excessive 

dust and/or noise. 

 Identify protective methods to prevent over-exposure to dust 

and/or noise. 

 Demonstrate how to don personal protective equipment. 

 Recognize warning labels and state reporting procedures when 

labels are missing. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

hearing protectors, respirators, warning labels, accident 

reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

8. Hazard Recognition 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards present at the mine. 

 Recognize potentially hazardous locations. 

 Identify and demonstrate avoidance and other safety precautions 

to take around various mining hazards. 

 List contributing factors of accidents and prevention procedures. 

 Discuss the hazards associated with powered haulage and large 

machinery. 

 Recognize the purpose of following a Job Safety Analysis, Job Task 

Analysis, and/or Standard Operating Procedures.

 Identify how and to whom to report hazards. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

warning signs/labels, accident reports, picture examples, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

102
9. Electrical Hazards 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Explain the Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out procedures and the 

purpose of the procedures. 

 Identify contributing factors to electrical accidents. 

 Recognize protective procedures for avoiding electrical shock. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

gloves, locks, tags, accident reports, MSHA’s DVD 517 

Lock Out and Tag for Safety, MSHA’s SM 9 Electrical 

Hazards, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

10. First Aid 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Identify locations of first aid equipment and emergency phone 

numbers. 

 Demonstrate a general knowledge of first aid in the event of an 

emergency. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, first 

aid kit and supplies, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

103
11. Explosives 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards related to explosives. 

 Identify locations where explosives are stored. 

 Identify hazards related to use, storage, and transportation of 

explosives. 

 Describe basic blasting procedures. 

 Describe fly rock and the dangers it causes. 

 Describe safety procedures to take during blasting operations. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

pictures of explosive materials, blasting truck, and 

magazines, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

12. Health and Safety Aspects of the Tasks to which the New Miner will be 

Assigned 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards related to assigned task (such as blind spots) 

 Recognize and use standard operating procedures (such as, 

chocking wheels while parked on a grade) 

 Locate and use pre-operational checks if applicable. (such as, the 

check of the lights, back-up alarm, and horn ). 

 Locate and use the equipment safety/user’s manual. 

 Locate the MSD sheet for chemicals to which the task exposes 

them and identify the physical and health hazards associated with 

those chemicals. 

 Don and use appropriate PPE for the assigned task. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, PPE, 

pre-operational check list, JTAs, SOPs, JSAs, HazCom 

Program, MSDS/SDS, user’s manual, and/or other 

audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

104
EXPERIENCED MINER TRAINING PROGRAM (PART 48.26) 

Experienced miners as defined in 48.22(b) will be trained in all of the following 

courses prior to beginning any work duties. 

1. Introduction to the Work Environment 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Observe the mining process. 

 Identify and describe the function of machines, processes, and 

locations. 

 Identify all restricted areas and other areas where extra caution is 

necessary. 

 Describe hazards at the mine and safety precautions needed. 

 Identify key locations of buildings and safety equipment. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

2. Mandatory Health and Safety Standards 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to 

the task to be assigned. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, 30 CFR, health 

sampling reports, accident reports, MSHA citations, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

105
3. Authority and Responsibility of Supervisors and Miners’ Representatives

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Meet and recognize the miners’ representative.

 Meet and recognize the chain of command and each 

supervisor’s responsibilities. 

 Explain company rules relating to his/her job and give the 

location of where to find the information if needed. 

 Locate and state when and how to use the One Call Does It All 

phone number (1-800-746-1553). 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, Discussion, and Group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plans, MSHA’s OT 2 

Guide to Miners’ Rights, MSHA’s DVD 641 Voice in the 

Workplace, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses 

4. Transportation Controls and Communications 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 State the method of transportation that will be used to get to 

the work area; include possible related hazards. 

 Explain the rules, procedures, or any controls in place for 

transporting people and/or materials. 

 Give examples of traffic control and signs along haulage road. 

 State the various types and location of communication systems 

available while on the mine site. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, signs, 

signals, accident reports, communication equipment, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

106
5. Escape and Emergency Evacuation Plans, Firewarning and Firefighting 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Discuss types and signs of mine emergency conditions. 

 Recognize the sound/visual alarm during an emergency. 

 Describe characteristics and locations of emergency exits and 

means of reaching them from the work area. 

 Describe actions to take and demonstrate communications in the 

event of a mine emergency. 

 Locate and operate nearest fire extinguisher. 

 Identify different types of fires and extinguishers available. 

 Travel the emergency evacuation routes. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

escape/emergency evacuation plan, fire extinguisher, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

6. Ground Control, Working in Areas of Highwalls, Water Hazards, Pits and Spoil 

Banks, Illumination and Night Work 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while 

working around highwalls, water hazards, pits, stockpiles and spoil 

banks. 

 Identify the site-specific ground control hazards. 

 Identify methods of how to avoid and/or protect against injury. 

 Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

107
7. Hazard Recognition 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards present at the mine. 

 Recognize potentially hazardous locations. 

 Identify and demonstrate avoidance and other safety precautions 

to take around various mining hazards. 

 List contributing factors of accidents and prevention procedures. 

 Discuss the hazards associated with powered haulage and large 

machinery. 

 Recognize the purpose of following a Job Safety Analysis, Job Task 

Analysis, and/or Standard Operating Procedures. 

 Identify how and to whom to report hazards.

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

warning signs/labels, accident reports, picture examples, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

8. Prevention of Accidents 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize types and contributing factors of mining accidents. 

 Identify procedures and behaviors that can prevent accidents. 

 Recognize causes of specific accidents at the mine. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, near miss accidents, fatalgrams, and/or 

other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

108
9. Emergency Medical Procedures 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Identify locations of first aid equipment. 

 Locate phones and emergency phone numbers. 

 Demonstrate a general knowledge of first aid in the event of an 

emergency. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, first 

aid kit and supplies, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

10. Health 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe the dangers of exposure to excessive dust and noise and 

give reasons measurements are needed. 

 Identify site locations where there is an exposure to excessive 

dust and/or noise. 

 Identify protective methods to prevent over-exposure to dust 

and/or noise. 

 Demonstrate how to don personal protective equipment. 

 Recognize warning labels and state reporting procedures when 

labels are missing. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

hearing protectors, respirators, warning labels, accident 

reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

109
11. Health and Safety Aspects of the Tasks to which the New Miner will be 

Assigned 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards related to assigned task (such as blind spots) 

 Recognize and use standard operating procedures (such as, 

chocking wheels while parked on a grade) 

 Locate and use pre-operational checks if applicable. (such as, the 

check of the lights, back-up alarm, and horn ). 

 Locate and use the equipment safety/user’s manual.

 Locate the MSDS/SDS for chemicals to which the task exposes 

them and identify the physical and health hazards associated with 

those chemicals. 

 Don and use appropriate PPE for the assigned task. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, outlines, JTAs, 

JSAs, SOPs, mine map, PPE, pre-operational check list, 

HazCom Program, MSDS/SDS, user’s manual, and/or 

other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

110
TASK TRAINING PROGRAM (PART 48.27) 

Task Training will be taught by a qualified operator, lead person, or other person who is 

experienced in the assigned task. 

1. Health and Safety Aspects and Safe Operating Procedures for Work Tasks, 

Equipment, and Machinery. 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards and use standard operating procedures. 

 Locate and use pre-operational checks if applicable. 

 Locate and use the equipment operator’s manual. 

 Locate the MSDS/SDS and identify hazards associated with 

chemicals in which the miner is exposed. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, PPE, 

pre-operational check list, HazCom Program, MSDS/SDS, 

operator’s manual, lesson plans, outlines, JTAs, JSA’, 

SOPs, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

2. Supervised Practice during Non-Production or Supervised Practice during 

Production 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Non-Production: Practice assigned task and work duties while 

being supervised and at times and places where production is not 

the primary objective. 

 Production: Practice assigned task and work duties under direct 

or immediate supervision while production is in progress. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, PPE, 

pre-operational check list, operator’s manual, lesson 

plans, outlines, JTAs, JSAs, SOPs, and/or other 

audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

111
3. New and Modified Machines 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Identify new or modified machines. 

 Describe new or different standard operating procedures 

applicable to the new/modified machines or equipment to be 

installed or put into operation in the mine. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plans, outlines, JTAs, 

JSAs, SOPs, PPE, pre-operational check list, operator’s 

manual, mine map, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

TASK LIST (PART 48.23 (8)(I)) 

1. _________________________________________________________ 

2. _________________________________________________________ 

3. _________________________________________________________ 

4. _________________________________________________________ 

5. _________________________________________________________ 

6. _________________________________________________________ 

7. _________________________________________________________ 

8. _________________________________________________________ 

9. _________________________________________________________ 

10. ________________________________________________________ 

112
ANNUAL REFRESHER PROGRAM (PART 48.28) 

8 HOURS OF TRAINING REQUIRED - Each miner will receive at least 8 hours of annual 

refresher training every 12 months in the following courses: 

1. Mandatory Health and Safety Standards 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize mandatory health and safety standards pertinent to 

the task to be assigned. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, 30 CFR, health 

sampling reports, accident reports, MSHA citations, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

2. Transportation Controls and Communications 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 State the method of transportation that will be used to get to 

the work area; include possible related hazards. 

 Explain the rules, procedures, or any controls in place for 

transporting people and/or materials. 

 Give examples of traffic control and signs along haulage road. 

 State the various types and location of communication systems 

available while on the mine site. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, signs, 

signals, accident reports, communication equipment, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

113
3. Escape and Emergency Evacuation Plans, Firewarning and Firefighting 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Discuss types and signs of mine emergencies. 

 Recognize the sound/visual alarm during an emergency. 

 Describe characteristics and locations of emergency exits and 

means of reaching them from the work area. 

 Describe actions to take and demonstrate communications in the 

event of a mine emergency. 

 Locate and operate nearest fire extinguisher. 

 Identify different types of fires and extinguishers available. 

 Travel the emergency evacuation routes. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

escape/emergency evacuation plan, fire extinguisher, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

4. Ground Control, Working in Areas of Highwalls, Water Hazards, Pits and Spoil 

Banks, Illumination and Night Work 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while 

working around highwalls, water hazards, pits, stockpiles and spoil 

banks. 

 Identify the site-specific ground control hazards. 

 Identify methods of how to avoid and/or protect against injury. 

 Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

114
5. First Aid 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Identify locations of first aid equipment and emergency phone 

numbers. 

 Demonstrate a general knowledge of first aid in the event of an 

emergency. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, first 

aid kit and supplies, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

6. Electrical Hazards 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Explain the Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out procedures and the 

purpose of the procedures. 

 Identify contributing factors to electrical accidents. 

 Recognize protective procedures for avoiding electrical shock. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

gloves, locks, tags, accident reports, MSHA’s DVD 517 

Lock Out and Tag for Safety, MSHA’s SM 9 Electrical 

Hazards, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

115
7. Prevention of Accidents 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize types and contributing factors of mining accidents. 

 Identify procedures and behaviors that can prevent accidents. 

 Recognize causes of specific accidents at the mine. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

accident reports, near miss accidents, fatalgrams, and/or 

other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

8. Health 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe the dangers of exposure to excessive dust and noise and 

give reasons measurements are needed. 

 Identify site locations where there is an exposure to excessive 

dust and/or noise. 

 Identify protective methods to prevent over-exposure to dust 

and/or noise. 

 Demonstrate how to don personal protective equipment.

 Recognize warning labels and state reporting procedures when 

labels are missing. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

hearing protectors, respirators, warning labels, accident 

reports, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

116
9. Explosives 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards related to explosives. 

 Identify locations where explosives are stored. 

 Identify hazards related to use, storage, and transportation of 

explosives. 

 Describe basic blasting procedures. 

 Describe fly rock and the dangers it causes. 

 Describe safety procedures to take during blasting operations. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

pictures of explosive materials, blasting truck, and 

magazines, MSDS/SDS, and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

10. Self-Rescue and Respiratory Devices 

DURATION: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Describe why a rescue or respiratory device may be necessary. 

 Give an example of when a self-rescuer or respiratory device 

would need to be worn. 

 Demonstrate how to don the needed device. 

 Give examples of how to clean and maintain the device. 

 Explain company rules relating to his/her job and give the 

location of where to find the information if needed. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

respirators/self-rescuers used at the mine, and/or other 

audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

117
HAZARD TRAINING PROGRAM (PART 48.31) 

The miners defined in 48.22(a)(2) and the 48.22(a)(1) miners who perform work at 

more than one mine will be trained every 12 months in the following courses: 

1. Hazard Recognition and Avoidance 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize hazards they will be exposed to at the mine (this 

includes but is not limited to electrical hazards, chemical hazards, 

welding hazards, rigging/slings hazards). 

 Recognize hazardous locations. 

 Recognize how to avoid hazards in which they will be exposed. 

 Recognize and follow all traffic controls, warnings, and signs. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and/or group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

warning signs/labels, accident reports, picture examples, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

2. Escape and Evacuation Procedures 

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Discuss types and signs of a mine emergency. 

 Recognize the sound/visual alarm during an emergency. 

 Locate emergency exits and escape routes from their work area. 

 Describe actions to take in the event of a mine emergency. 

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

escape/emergency evacuation plan, accident reports, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

118
3. Health and Safety Standards, Safety Rules, and Safe Work Procedures

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Review and follow all health and safety standards, safety rules,

and safe work procedures required by the company and/or

MSHA.

 Use Lock out tag out procedures where applicable.

 Wear PPE.

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

escape/emergency evacuation plan, accident reports, 

and/or other audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

4. Self-Rescue and Respiratory Devices

OBJECTIVES: The Student will be able to: 

 Recognize when a self-rescuer or respiratory device would

need to be worn.

 Locate an applicable self-rescuer or respiratory device.

 Demonstrate how to don the needed device.

TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, discussion, and group activities

TRAINING MATERIALS: Company rules/procedures, lesson plan, mine map, 

respirators/self-rescuers used at the mine, and/or other 

audio/visual aids 

EVALUATION: Verbal or written responses, observation 

119
NOTES

120
SAMPLE LESSON PLANS

When you teach, you should always use your MSHA Approved Training Plan as a guide. 

However, it is recommended that you develop individual lesson plans for each 

subject/course you will be teaching. The lesson plan is a detailed plan of action 

indicating how you will teach and evaluate each particular subject within the training 

program. 

This section provides you with sample lesson plans for various subjects within Part 48. It

should give you an idea of some things you should be teaching for each subject. These 

lesson plans are not complete. You should use them to guide you in developing your 

own site-specific lesson plans. 

121

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Participate in mine tour and observe the mining process and procedures being

used at the mine.

2. Describe hazards at the mine and safety precautions needed.

3. Identify and describe the function of machines, processes, and locations.

4. Explain all restricted areas and other areas where particular caution is

necessary.

5. Identify key locations of buildings and safety equipment.

6. Use mining terminology.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. Mine Map

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. DVD 508 – Contributions of the American Miner

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.)

1. Give a tour of the entire mine site.

a. Explain the mining process (from start to finish) of how surface mining is

accomplished and allow them time to observe the process.

b. Point out the area the miner will be working.

c. Introduce and point out hazards the miner will be exposed to in the area

and precautions to take.

d. Point out and explain restricted areas and precautions to take.

2. Explain the basic purpose of each piece of equipment.

3. Explain general hazards associated with each step in the process.

4. Give details about and hazards associated with the product that is being mined.

5. Explain the mining terminology – point out key terms during the tour and show

pictures in the classroom of things such as Bench, Highwall, Pit, Spoil/Muck Pile,

Man-trip, Tram, Conveyors, Plant, Guarding, etc.

6. Point out key areas such as offices, shops, telephones, location of emergency

numbers and exits, first aid kits, eye-wash stations, fire extinguishers, etc.

EVALUATION: 

1. Name steps in the mining process.

2. Given a list of verbal descriptions or pictures of various mining equipment,

properly identify each piece of equipment.

3. Explain restricted areas and other areas where precautions are needed.

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ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Identify contributing factors to electrical accidents.

2. Recognize safe work procedures to help protect from electrical shock.

3. Identify reasons for and company policy regarding lock-out tag-out procedures.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Company policy manual

2. Samples of locks, tags, bad splices, exposed wires, faulty insulation

3. Accident or fatal reports showing electrical injury or death at a mine site

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. MSHA – Electrical Hazards (SM 9)

2. MSHA – Lock Out and Tag for Safety (DVD 517)

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.)

1. Show contributing factors to electrical accidents.

a. Show examples: faulty insulation, connections, splices, and grounding

b. Working on energized equipment

c. Operating equipment near overhead power lines, guy wires, and

energized trailing cables

d. Water hazards

e. Unauthorized work on electrical equipment

f. Not wearing proper PPE such as special gloves and boots

2. Discuss health effects of electrical shock (shock, burns, eye injury, death).

3. Discuss company policy regarding lock-out tag-out procedures.

a. What, When, Where, Why, How?

4. Explain what to do if a co-worker is getting or has been shocked.

5. Discuss electrical cover plates and inspections.

6. Discuss damaged cords and outlets.

7. Demonstrate how, when, and to whom to report electrical hazards.

EVALUATION: 

1. Give student several pictures showing electrical hazards. Have student:

a. Identify the hazards and give examples of how to report the hazards, and

b. Explain what to do to correct the hazard or prevent someone from being

injured from it while waiting for it to be corrected.

2. When and how do you lock out and tag out?

3. Why do you lock out and tag out?

4. Using the given scenario, report an electrical hazard.

124
ESCAPE AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS, FIREWARNING SIGNALS AND FIRE

FIGHTING PROCEDURES

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Analyze types and signs of mine emergency conditions.

2. Describe characteristics and locations of emergency exits and means of reaching

them from the work area.

3. Describe actions to take and demonstrate communications in the event of a

mine emergency.

4. Locate and operate nearest fire extinguisher.

5. Locate and use emergency first aid kit and supplies.

6. Identify different types of fires and extinguishers available at mine site.

7. Travel the emergency evacuation routes.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Mine Map

2. Mine Emergency and Evacuation Plan

3. Fire Extinguisher

4. Emergency scenarios that could occur

5. First Aid Kit and Supplies

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Handouts and Posters from Vendor

2. Magic of Fire (DVD 610)

3. Fire Safety (SM 13)

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.) 

1. Describe the different types of mine emergencies and how to detect each.

a. Fires, explosions, toxic gases, extreme weather, water hazards, etc.

b. Demonstrate emergency signals (or warning systems) for each situation

(student will hear the audible sound of the alarm and/or see the

emergency flashing lights, if used).

2. Emergency Medical Procedures

a. Show locations of emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment, first aid kits,

MSDS sheets, phones, emergency phone numbers, the physical address

of mine, etc.

b. Explain the company policy, steps to take, and who to call during an

emergency.

c. Remind them to stay calm, assess the situation, collect information, and

call for help.

d. MSHA’s One Call Does It All - 1-800-746-1553.

125
3. Escape and Emergency Evacuations Plans

a. Explain the site-specific escape and emergency evacuation plan.

i. Familiarize students with their work area.

ii. Show the emergency exits and means of reaching them from the

work area using the mine map as well as have them identify and

walk the exit from their work areas.

iii. Group students. Give each group a different scenario. Students will

consider quietly how each would handle the scenario, then discuss

their ideas amongst the group. Formulate what the group believes

is the best response. Students will explain what they would do or

the path they would take in an emergency.

b. Escape to a safe location.

c. Travel the emergency evacuation routes.

d. Gather at designated meeting area and report all information.

4. Fire Warning Signals

a. Show locations of alarm devices - how to sound or give fire warning or

other emergency signals in order to help warn others.

b. Show all fire-fighting equipment using the mine map.

5. Fire-Fighting Procedures

a. Describe and distinguish the different types of fires: Class A, B, C, & D.

b. Importance of a clear line of retreat

c. Locate and operate nearest fire extinguisher using the PASS method –

Pull Pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep – Give each student the chance to practice

the method.

6. Demonstrate actions that are expected of the miner during an emergency.

a. Teach how and when to use communication equipment (phone, radio,

etc.)

EVALUATION: 

1. Analyze the given scenario and dertermine if a mine emergency exists.

2. Demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures.

3. Name 4 fire extinguishers locations.

4. Describe or demonstrate proper fire-fighting techniques.

5. Name areas first aid equipment is stored.

6. Name a location where emergency phone numbers are posted.

7. Where is the meeting place that you are expected to go to during an emergency?

126
HEALTH AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED

NAME OF TASK: _________________________________________________________

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Recognize hazards related to assigned task (such as blind spots)

2. Recognize and use standard operating procedures (such as, chocking wheels

while parked on a grade)

3. Locate and use pre-operational checks if applicable. (such as, the check of the

lights, back-up alarm, and horn ).

4. Locate and use the equipment safety/user’s manual.

5. Locate the MSDS/SDS for chemicals to which the task exposes them and identify

the physical and health hazards associated with those chemicals.

6. Perform task safely while donning and using appropriate PPE for the assigned task.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Equipment Instruction Manual / Operator’s Manual

2. Company Policy Manual

3. JSA, JTA, SOP, List of Job Duties and Hazards

4. Mine Map

5. Applicable equipment needed

6. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required for the task

7. HazCom Program and MSDS/SDS for all particular chemicals associated with

the task.

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. Mine Map

3. Ground Control Plans

4. Equipment Instruction Manual

5. Various MSHA Materials

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.) 

1. Discuss the purpose of the task to be assigned.

2. Allow student to observe from a safe location the task being performed by an

experienced person.

3. Discuss hazards, standard operating procedures, and safe work procedures.

4. Discuss mandatory safety and health standards that are pertinent to the task

a. Dust and Noise Hazards and Standards

b. Most frequent violations written pertinent to the task

c. MSHA’s Rules to Live By program

127
5. Discuss site/job-specific HazCom program and hazards:

a. Discuss the physical and health hazards of all chemicals in the work area.

b. Discuss protective measures to be taken against these hazards.

c. Discuss the contents of the HazCom program.

d. Instruct how to find and use the pertinent MSDS’s.

e. Discuss the specific chemical hazards and above information associated

with the task.

6. Discuss all dangers involved in performing the task.

7. Discuss the dangers involved for others working near the task being performed.

8. Discuss specifics for the following as necessary depending on the task to be

assigned:

a. Pre-Operational Checks and Workplace Examinations

b. Chocking tires when parked on a grade.

c. Right tool for the job and how to use the tool safely.

d. PPE – fits properly – explain the purpose and need for each PPE for the

job.

e. Mounting and dismounting procedures

f. Use of lights, horns, back-up alarms, and blind spots

g. Standard Operating Procedures

h. How to operate and use controls

i. Procedures during maintenance and repair

j. Parking procedures (chocks, brakes, location)

k. Step by step instructions on how to perform the task safely.

l. Visibility problems; Dust; Chock Blocks; Back-up alarms

m. Never ride in a bucket of a piece of equipment

n. Never get on or off moving equipment

9. Allow student to practice task under direct and immediate supervision in a nonproduction area or during non-production hours.

10. Allow student to practice task under close supervision during production.

EVALUATION: 

1. Supervise and observe the student performing the task in a non-production and

production environment.

2. Supervise and observe the student performing the task in various weather

conditions.

3. Ask scenario questions that cause the student to apply knowledge learned

during training to solve the problem.

4. Have student find a particular MSDS/SDS and show where to find the protective

equipment needed while working with the chemical.

5. After each practice session, cover areas and topics in which the student needs

improvement and point out areas where the student did great.

6. Re-observe the student performing the task after you corrected them.

128
AUTHORITY AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERVISORS AND MINERS’

REPRESENTATIVES

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Identify each supervisor and their responsibilities.

2. Identify the miners’ representative and his/her responsibilities.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Company Policy Manual

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. A Guide to Miners’ Rights and Responsibilities Under the Federal Mine Safety

and Health Act of 1977 (OT 2)

3. Voice in the Workplace (DVD 641)

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.) 

1. Explain Chain of Command

a. Who is in charge of each area, section, or shift and what are their

responsibilities?

b. Who is the safety director and what are his/her responsibilities?

c. How to contact these people?

2. Explain how to submit pre-operation checks, work orders, workplace exams, etc.

3. Explain who their miners’ representative is and how to contact him/her.

4. Describe the responsibilities of the miners’ representative.

EVALUATION: 

1. Who are your supervisors?

2. Who are your miners’ representatives?

3. How can you contact them?

129
SELF-RESCUE AND RESPIRATORY DEVICES

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Don the self-rescuer and/or respirator properly.

2. Identify locations where self-rescuer and/or respirator devices are to be used.

3. Recognize when self-rescuer and/or respirator devices are to be used/worn.

4. Identify proper care and maintenance needed for each device.

5. Recognize the potential consequences of not properly donning each device.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. Mine Map

3. Dust Control Plan

4. PPE

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. Surge Pile Safety (2008) – IG 109 CD

3. Dust - The Invisible Enemy (2000) – DVD 533S

4. Sampling for Silica and Noise – A Handbook for MNM – IG 29

5. Truck Haulage Safety Series (2008) – DVD 004

6. What Does the Term Silicosis Mean to You? (1998) – DVD 597S

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.) 

1. Show the location where devices can be found.

2. Discuss the importance of wearing the self-rescue and/or respiratory device.

3. Discuss why, when, and where the devices are needed to be used or worn.

4. Demonstrate how to don/wear the self-rescuer or respiratory device.

5. Discuss checks to perform to determine if the device/PPE is in good

condition and ready to be used.

6. Discuss the care and maintenance for each device provided.

7. Discuss the potential consequences of not properly donning each device.

EVALUATION: 

1. Where is the PPE located if you need it?

2. What could happen to increase your need to don a respirator while working at

this mine?

3. What are some steps you can do to care for and maintain the device in good

condition?

4. How do you determine if you are wearing the device correctly?

5. Have student don the self-rescue and/or respiratory device.

130
GROUND CONTROL; WORKING IN AREAS OF HIGHWALLS, WATER HAZARDS, PITS,

SPOIL BANKS, ILLUMINATION AND NIGHT WORK. 

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: _________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while working around

highwalls, water hazards, pits, stockpiles and spoil banks.

a. Identify the site-specific ground control hazards.

b. Identify methods of how to avoid and/or protect against injury.

2. Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. Ground Control Plan (site-specific)

2. Mine Map (site-specific)

3. Highwall Pictures (showing good vs bad: cracks, weathering, etc.)

a. Generic pictures of hazards not present at the mine site

b. Site-specific pictures of hazards at the mine site

4. Spoil Bank Pictures (showing good vs bad: steepness, size, etc.)

a. Generic pictures of hazards not present at the mine site

b. Site-specific pictures of hazards at the mine site

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Dump Point Inspection Handbook (IG 59)

2. Ground Support... It’s Important (Miner Mike Saves the Day) (DVD 575)

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.)

1. Discuss the importance of performing a daily workplace examination.

a. Pre-shift and on-shift checks

2. Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while working around

highwalls, water hazards, pits, and spoil banks.

a. Sloping, benches, scaling, drainage, explosives, equipment, etc.

b. Highwalls: cracks, slope failures, weathering, overhangs, cavities, and

scaling

c. Water hazards: drowning, electrocution, slippery roads, drainage, ponds,

etc.

d. Pits: bad weather, traffic, bench width, drainage, grade of haul road

e. Spoil banks / stockpiles: steepness of pile, heavier materials on top, bad

weather

3. Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work.

a. Drive slower, keep closer eye on moving equipment, wear reflective

clothing; illuminate, turn on equipment lights, dim lights when

approaching other equipment, use flares to warn about hazards, etc.

131
4. Never work between the highwall and a piece of equipment.

5. Avoid undercutting a highwall or stockpile.

6. Highwall Inspections – visually check highwall every time you work near it and

listen for falling rocks.

7. Barricading Procedures – block off the dangerous area if necessary.

8. Describe safety equipment location and use: personal floatation device, rescue

rings, boats, fall protection, etc.

9. Avoid travelling over ice covered water.

10. Never work alone.

11. Avoid steep unlevel banks.

12. Keep travelways clean and clear of debris and tripping hazards (especially near

water).

13. Impoundments

a. What is an impoundment and why do we have it?

b. Embankment cracks, slumping or bulging indicate slope failure

c. Watch for wave erosion

EVALUATION: 

1. Describe hazards and safe work procedures to be followed while working around

highwalls, water hazards, pits, stockpiles, and spoil banks.

2. Identify cracks in highwall.

3. Identify safe operating procedures to follow during night work.

4. Identify hazards associated with impoundments.

132
FIRST AID

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTH: __________

OBJECTIVES: (The student will be able to...)

1. Perform current acceptable patient assessment techniques.

2. Perform current acceptable artificial respiration methods.

3. Perform current acceptable treatment for how to control bleeding.

4. Perform current acceptable treatment of shock.

5. Perform current acceptable treatment of wounds, burns and musculoskeletal

injuries.

COURSE MATERIALS NEEDED: 

1. First Aid Supplies, including blankets and stretcher

2. Rescue Annie

3. Common mining/personal items that could be used as splints or other first

aid supplies.

RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: 

1. Company Policy Manual

2. American Red Cross

3. National Safety Council

4. American Heart Association

COURSE OUTLINE: (What will the instructor do? / Talking points.) 

1. Discuss why first aid is important.

2. Discuss and show the location of first aid supplies.

3. Demonstrate and discuss current methods of patient assessment.

4. Demonstrate and discuss artificial respiration techniques.

5. Demonstrate and discuss best methods of how to control bleeding.

6. Demonstrate and discuss the importance of treating and how to treat shock.

7. Demonstrate and discuss methods of treating wounds, burns and

musculoskeletal injuries.

EVALUATION: 

1. Perform patient assessment.

2. Perform artificial respiration.

3. Perform treatments for how to control bleeding.

4. Perform treatments for shock.

5. Perform treatments for wounds, burns and musculoskeletal injuries.

NOTE: When teaching first aid, always use the most up-to-date techniques available. 

133
NOTES

134
TRAINING RECORDS

This section provides the trainer with multiple examples of how to complete a 

training certificate. 

All Part 48 training must be properly recorded on an MSHA Form 5000-23 (training 

certificate), or on an MSHA approved alternate form. 

Alternate forms must include at least as much information as a Form 5000-23, and 

should be labeled MSHA Approved Alternate Form 5000-23 (current month and year).

Forms proposed by the operator must be sent for approval to the Director of 

Educational Policy and Development, MSHA, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202.

Upon a miner's completion of each training program, you will record and certify that the 

miner has received the specified training. You are required to give a copy of the training 

certificate to the miner at the completion of the training, and you need to keep a copy 

on record. 

Keep copies of training certificates for currently employed miners for 2 years. If the 

miner is terminated or leaves employment, keep the records for 60 days after the miner 

has gone. 

It’s important to note that the regulations require the designated person 

responsible for training to sign certifying the training was completed as it is 

recorded and as the approved training plan requires. This is enforced by the Mine 

Act sections 110(a) and (f). A violation of these sections is written to the individual 

who certified the training record. 

135

The Mine Act 

Sections 110(a) and (f) 

Section 110(a): The operator of a coal or other mine in which a violation occurs of a 

mandatory health or safety standard or who violates any other provisions of this Act, 

shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary... Each occurrence of a violation of a 

mandatory health or safety standard may constitute a separate offense.

Section 110(f): Whoever knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or 

certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required 

to be maintained pursuant to this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine, or 

by imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. 

Note on Criminal Monetary Fines and Alternate Sentence Provisions 

Related to the Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977, 

Public Law 91-173, as amended by Public Law 95-164 

Criminal Monetary Fines 

Criminal monetary fines are subject to alternative sentencing provisions found at 18 USC 

3571. Readers should consult that provision in the criminal code for exact legal 

information. However, that provision in general provides that: 

 An individual guilty of any felony or any misdemeanor resulting in death may

receive a criminal fine of up to $250,000 [Reference: 18 USC 3571 (b)].

 An organization found guilty of either any felony or a misdemeanor resulting in

death may receive a criminal fine of up to $500,000 [Reference: 18 USC 3571

(c)].

 An individual guilty of a misdemeanor not resulting in death is subject to a fine

up to $100,000.

 An organization found guilty of misdemeanor not resulting in death is subject to

a fine of $200,000 [same references].

137
Alternate Sentence Provisions 

The maximum criminal fine exposure is significantly greater than reflected in the 

amounts stated in the Mine Act legislation. The Alternative Sentence provisions are 

found at 18 United States Code section 3571 which provides in pertinent part: 

(b) Fines for Individuals: an individual who has been found guilty of an offense may 

not be fined not more than the greatest of- 

(1) the amount specified in the law setting forth the offense 

(3) for a felony, not more than $250,000 

(4) for a misdemeanor resulting in death, not more than $250,000 

(5) for a Class A misdemeanor not resulting in death, not more than 

$100,000 

(c) Fines for organizations: 

(1) the amount specified in the law setting forth the offense 

(3) for a felony not more than $500,000 

(4) for a misdemeanor resulting in death, not more than $500,000 

(5) for a Class A misdemeanor that does not result in death, not more than 

$200,000 

Class A misdemeanors are misdemeanors subject to maximum imprisonment of less 

than a year but more than six months. Mine Act misdemeanors are Class A 

misdemeanors. Any provision which has a maximum term of imprisonment of over one 

year is a felony. 

138
139
5000-23 Form Basics 

Insert student’s full name.

Section 5 is for partially completed training. If you 

completed the training, you do not need to mark in 

this section.

Avoid using the Social 

Security Number.

Good Practice: Only mark 

one box in section 2. And opt 

to complete a second form if 

necessary. However, there 

are situations where you can 

Use this section to give specifics choose more than one box.

about Task Training.

Insert date training is completed.

Signature of Person Responsible

for training.

Insert Mine name, ID, and training location and address (include 

address if location is different than mine site)

Optional: Insert the Date 

the student signed form. Optional: Student Signature

140
1. An experienced underground miner from the company’s central shop has arrived

today at Mine No. 1 (46-00001) to work on an underground coal project that is

scheduled to take 3 weeks before completion.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Steve R. Smith

Today’s Date

X

141
2. A person was hired to begin work at Mine No. 5, an underground limestone mine

(13-00005). This person has never worked in a mine and has never received any

required training. You completed his training today, but did not complete task

training.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 5, 13-00005, Mine Site

X

X

X

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Steve R. Smith

Today’s Date

142
3. An experienced miner is hired at Mine No. 3, a gypsum surface mine (13-00003).

He will be the new loader operator. He was employed by Tom Cat Gypsum

Company for 5 years up until this past Friday. You did not provide task training.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 3, 13-00003, Mine Site

X

X

X

Today’s Date

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Steve R. Smith

143
4. A service worker for Joy Global has arrived at Mine No. 1 (46-00001). He arrived

to help repair a continuous-mining machine that is out of service on the 2 Left

Section. This person will be accompanied by the section electrician.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

Today’s Date

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Steve R. Smith

144
5. A contract experienced miner arrives at the mine. He has been at Mine No. 1 for

the past 5 days. He is employed by Vasco Belt Vulcanizing Company, a

contractor that makes belt splices and vulcanizes the mine conveyor belts. On

his first day, you completed hazard training for the miner.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

Justification: New training is not required because Vasco Belt 

Vulcanizing Company provided you a copy of his up-to-date 

comprehensive training records, so the hazard training you gave 

him when he arrived is all that is required.

Had he not had comprehensive training, then additional training 

would have been necessary due to his increased exposure 

caused by his extended period at the mine.

Date training was completed.

Date student signed form John A. Doe

Steve R. Smith

145
6. You have conducted and completed annual refresher training for John Allen Doe,

an underground roof-bolt-machine operator.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

Steve R. Smith

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Today’s Date

146
7. You have conducted a portion of the 48A annual refresher training for John Allen

Doe, a continuous-mining-machine operator for the 2 Left Section. The training

consisted of 2 1⁄2 hours of first-aid training and 30 minutes of prevention of

accidents.

John Allen Doe

Don’t sign until training is completed.

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

SS 5/15/15 X 2 hrs

SS 5/15/15 X 30 min

X

Don’t sign until training is completed.

Justification: 48.8. This is partially completed training, so no 

date is given in section 4. Section 5 lists the subjects you taught. 

Never sign a training record until the training is completed.

147
8. A new inexperienced miner is hired for the 2 Left Section as a utility man at your

underground Mine No. 1 (46-00001). The individual has completed a state

agency apprenticeship underground training program for the state the mine is

located. You did not provide task training.

John Allen Doe

Steve R. Smith

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Today’s Date

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

Justification: 48.5 (a). The state training cannot complete the entire New 

Miner Training Program; therefore, once you hire him, you must complete 

the remaining subjects of new miner training. First, you must know what 

was initially taught. Then, you must teach the remaining subjects as well 

as all site-specific info for each required subject in 48.5/48.25. 

NOTE: 48.5 (d) and 48.25 (d) would not apply because paragraphs (a) and 

(b) training was never completed initially as required by paragraph (d).

X

SS X 5 hrs

SS X 8 hrs

SS X 1 hr

SS X 2 hrs

SS X 15 min

SS X 30 min

See attached training record.

148
In scenario #8 it indicated initial (apprenticeship) training program was given elsewhere 

(by the State Agency, contract instructor, or Union Hall). Below is an example of what 

you should be given by the new employee to show he received the initial training form. 

You should attach his initial 5000-23 form to the new form (shown on previous page) 

you will give him upon completing the training. 

John Allen Doe

Contract Trainer Signature

Date student signed form John A. Doe

Date training was completed

ABC Training Academy, 1426 West 3rd Ave, Mytown, WV

X

Justification: 48.5 (a). The state training (or the labor union training) cannot 

complete the entire New Miner Training Program (whether surface or 

underground doesn’t matter) because typically this training is pre-employment 

training; therefore, the trainer isn’t aware of the site-specific information that 

needs to be taught; plus 8 hours shall be taught at the mine site. They usually 

only teach generic and/or basic information that can be applied at most sites.

X

X

WV 80 Hour Apprentice Miner Course

149
9. An experienced miner is hired at your underground Mine No. 1 (46-00001), as a

shuttle-car operator and will be operating a 10SC-22. His last employment at a

coal mine was 4 years and 2 months ago. He was a continuous-miner operator.

You have conducted all the required training including task training.

John Allen Doe

Steve R. Smith

Today’s Date John A. Doe

Today’s Date

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

Justification: Although you could choose to use one form (marking both 

experienced miner training and task training), we have chosen to use two 

different forms to clearly indicate he received two different types of training. 

Since he has never operated a shuttle before, it may take you longer than one 

day to teach him the task. So, complete the experienced miner training 

record today and allow yourself more than one day to task train him.

Justification: You contacted the previous employer and 

confirmed he is an experienced miner (Had received new 

miner training and had at least 12 months experience).

150
This is the second form you should complete after the completion of task training on 

5/15/15.

John Allen Doe

Steve R. Smith

5/15/15 John A. Doe

5/15/15

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

X

X

5/15/15 10SC-22

Shuttle Car: 

SS JD

Specify in this area: the task and 

the date it was taught and both 

people initial it.

Note: It’s a good practice to start the task training record the day you begin 

the training, but you must NOT date, initial, or sign certifying the training is 

complete until after the training is complete.

Justification: Although you could choose to use one form (marking 

both experienced miner training and task training), we have 

chosen to use two different forms to clearly indicate he received 

two different types of training. Since he has never operated a 

shuttle before, it may take you longer than one day to teach him 

the task. This would cause the completed dates to be different.

151
10. You have all the approved plans and the SCSR training models as used at the

Mine No. 1 (46-00001); you are listed as an instructor on the mining company’s

training plan, but you give the training at ABC Mining Academy. You have

completed a part of the underground new miner training. However, you did not

teach the following subjects: introduction of the work environment and health

and safety aspects of the task to be assigned.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001

ABC Mining Academy, 1426 West 3rd Ave, Mytown, WV

X

X

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

Today’s Date

Justification: In section 4, you must indicate the training is incomplete since 

you did not teach two of the required subjects, and then list in section 5 all 

the subjects you did teach.

You must use the training plan the mining company provided you; therefore, 

in section 7, you must list the mine name and ID as provided on the training 

plan. You should also list the name of your institution since that is the 

location the training was given.

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

SS X

X

X

152
11. William Jackson Baisden (Billy Jack), truck driver, arrives at the No. 1 Preparation

Plant (15-00001) to pick up a piece of equipment for repair that is in the supply

yard. He does not need to leave the cab of his truck for the pick-up.

William Jackson Baisden (Billy Jack)

No. 1 Preparation Plant, 15-00001, Mine Site

X

X

Steve R. Smith

John A. Doe

Today’s Date

Date signed by Student

Justification: His exposure to hazards is limited since he never 

gets out of the cab of his truck; he is defined as a 48.22(a)(2) 

miner; therefore, he only needs Hazard Training. This only 

needs to be given once every 12 months according to 48.31(b).

X

153
12. John Allen Doe is hired on 5/15/15 at Mine No. 1 (46-00001). The miner recently

completed 24 hours of Part 48 surface new miner training while working a

couple months at a different mining company. He worked as the front-end

loader operator for 10 years at a construction site. He is hired to operate a

CAT 988-B Front-End Loader. You have conducted all the required training

including task training.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

Mark: Experienced Miner 

& Task Training

X

X

Steve R. Smith

5/15/15 John A. Doe

5/15/15

Justification: 48.25(d) - The miner received new miner training within

the past 36 months, so he is not required to repeat new miner training;

however, you must provide him with experienced miner training. Keep

a copy of his training record from the other mine. 48.27 Task Training -

Since he is an experienced FEL operator, you probably won’t have to

spend as much time task training him; therefore, it’s reasonable to

record both training programs on one 5000-23 form.

X

X

5/15/15 CAT 988-B

FEL

SS JD

154
13. John Allen Doe arrives at the Mine No. 1 to begin work. He has a 5000-23

certificate signed from ABC Training Academy, indicating that surface new miner

training is not complete. You are to complete the training today and record.

John Allen Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Office & Mine Site

x

x

x

SS x

SS x

SS x

SS x

Mark: The site-specific subjects 

you taught and/or retaught that 

were not completely covered 

during the training given by ABC 

Training Academy.

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

Today’s Date

Justification: 48.25(a) – Ensure the complete training is at least 24 hours in 

duration. Attach the training record from ABC Training Academy. Give sitespecific training on all applicable subjects. This is still inexperienced miner 

training because it was never completed; therefore, paragraph (d) does not apply.

155
14. Today, a miner is hired at the Preparation Plant No. 1 (15-00001). The miner’s

initial new miner 5000-23 form was issued over 3 years ago. You contacted his

previous employer and determined he only has 6 months experience due to

being laid off. Complete a record indicating the training you gave upon hiring

him.

John Allen Doe

X

X

Justification: 48.25(d) – The miner did not obtain 12 months 

experience within 36 months of receiving his new miner 

training. Therefore, he must repeat new miner training.

X

Preparation Plant No. 1, 15-00001, Mine Site and Mine Office

Date signed by Student

Today’s Date

Steve R. Smith

John A. Doe

156
15. You have completed annual refresher training on 5/15/15 for the underground

employees of Mine No. 1 (46-00001), using the approved Part 48A training plan.

Also attending your training was John Allen Doe, a preparation plant employee.

Document the training for John Doe.

John Allen Doe

X

X

X

X

SS X 5/15/15

SS X 5/15/15

SS X 5/15/15

SS X 5/15/15

SS X 5/15/15

SS X 5/15/15

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Office

Justification: Some subjects can generically be covered for both UG and 

Surface employees provided the instructor is approved to teach both. 

However, the miner must receive surface specific training pertinent to 

and using the Prep Plants surface approved training plan for all subjects, 

so the missed subjects must be covered, and some subjects already 

taught may need briefly retaught using site specific information. Section 

5 is dated; section 4 is not dated, so the person completing it can date it.

No date in section 4.

Don’t sign until training is completed.

Don’t sign until training is completed.

157
16. The company hired a security guard for Mine No. 2 (46-00002) on 5/15/15. His

duties include checking and keeping in operation the mine fan and water pumps

at the surface area of the mine on weekends and holidays. Prior to this, he was

employed as a security guard for a highway construction company for 10 years.

You completed all required training today. Record it.

Mine No. 2, 46-00002, Mine Site

John Allen Doe

X

Steve R. Smith

5/15/15

5/15/15 John A. Doe

5/15/15 Mine Fan

5/15/15 Water Pump

SS

SS

JD

JD

X

X

X

158
17. You have an employee that was hired as an inexperienced surface miner. You

provided all the required training and documented the training on a 5000-23 at

that time. One month later, his National Guard Unit was called up for active

duty. He returned today to work at the mine - 10 months after he left.

John Allen Doe

Today’s Date

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

Changes at the mine that could affect 

health and safety.

X

X

Justification: 48.26(e) – Technically, this training is not required to be 

recorded because he was absent less than 12 months. You must give this 

miner training on the major changes to the mine environment that have 

occurred during his absence that could adversely affect his health or 

safety. If he missed any portion of annual refresher during his absence, 

you must provide the portion he missed (which must be recorded).

159
18. You have an employee that was hired as an inexperienced surface miner at Mine

No. 1 (46-00001). You provided all the required training and documented the

training on a 5000-23 at that time. One month later, his National Guard Unit was

called up for active duty. He returned today to work at the mine - 15 months

after he left.

John Allen Doe

Today’s Date

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X

Justification: 48.26(a)(4) – He was absent more than 12 

months. You must give him experienced miner training.

X

X

160
19. You have an employee that was hired as an experienced surface miner at Mine

No. 1 (46-00001). He took a 5 1⁄2 years leave of absence. He returned today to

continue his work at the mine.

John Allen Doe

Today’s Date

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

Mine No. 1, 46-00001, Mine Site

X 8 hours

Justification: 48.26(b) – He was absent more than 

5 years; therefore, you must give him 8 hours of 

experienced miner training.

X

X

161
20. John Allen Doe, an underground coal employee for the last ten years at Deep

Mine No. 1, has been transferred from the underground to the surface at the

SUR Mine No. 1 (15-00001) to work. He has no previous experience at a surface

operation.

John Allen Doe

Today’s Date

Steve R. Smith

Date signed by Student John A. Doe

SUR Mine No. 1, 15-00001, Mine Office and Mine Site

X

Justification: 48.25 – He has never taken surface new 

miner training and has no surface mine experience, 

therefore, you must give him surface new miner training. 

X

X

162