MSHA: Mine Safety and Health Administration

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is a federal agency in the United States that regulates and oversees safety and health standards in the mining industry. It outlines the training requirements for miners in various types of mines, as well as requirements for accident investigations and reporting.

• MSHA Part 46. Outlines safety and training requirements for miners at surface mines, including sand, gravel, stone, clay, and limestone mines, with an emphasis on hazard recognition and emergency response
• MSHA Part 48. Outlines training requirements for miners in underground mines, as well as surface mines not included in Part 46, including health and safety standards, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition
• MSHA Part 50. While not a certification, the MSHA’s Part 50 requires mine operators to immediately notify the MSHA of workplace accidents, sets requirements for accident investigations, and mandates that mining operators report employment and production-related data

These training requirements cover topics such as:

• Mandatory health and safety standards
• Transportation controls and communications systems
• Escape and emergency evacuation plans
• Ground control
• Night work
• First aid
• Electrical hazards
• Accident prevention and reporting
• Explosives
• Self-rescue and respiratory devices

Individuals who work in or around mines, including miners, contractors, mine operators, and mine rescue team members, must comply with MSHA training requirements. Certification under the standards laid out by MSHA is mandatory.

MSHA training is usually provided by mine operators, which must develop training plans that are either approved or in line with MSHA requirements There are also various third-party training courses that miners can attend. Additionally, the MSHA provides federal grants that US states can use to set up MSHA-approved training courses.

When seeking Part 46 or 48 training, you will also need to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Part 48 trainers must be MSHA-approved and certified
• Part 48 training plans must be MSHA-approved
• Part 46 trainers must be “competent persons”, as deemed by mine operators
• Part 46 training plans do not need to be approved by the MSHA approval, but must meet all training requirements

MSHA certifications are valid for one year. During the course of that year, miners must receive at least eight of hours refresher training. This type of training is usually provided by mine operators, but is also available from third-party training services.

MSHA certifications offer several benefits to organizations. Some key advantages include the following.

Earning an MSHA certification may pose several challenges to organizations. They include the following.

Here are a few tips for preparing for an MSHA certifications in your organization.

• Read Part 46 of the federal code for MSHA
• Read Part 48 of the federal code for MSHA
• Read Part 50 of the federal code for MSHA
• Review the MSHA’s Part 50 training program
• Review the Part 46 and Part 48 Reference Guide
• Review the MSHA’s Program Policy Manual for both Part 46 and Part 48

Review the MSHA’s resources for developing a training plan for your employees

For more information and guidance on MSHA certification, you can refer to the following resources.

Mining Safety and Health Administration. The MSHA’s website should be the first stop for those seeking certification under any part of the federal code. It offers information regarding training requirements, courses, and the development of MSHA-approved training plans that your organization can use to ensure your employees stay compliant.

Mining skills matrix. Our free mining skills matrix template can help you track and manage the skills, competencies, and certifications necessary for MSHA certification, and for your mining operations as a whole.