MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES

1 MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration December, 2019 HANDBOOK Number: PH19-IV/V-1 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ENFORCEMENT GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK PREFACE This HANDBOOK sets forth general procedures for conducting inspections of Coal and Metal and Nonmetal (M/NM) mines consistent with Section 103(a) of the Mine Act. Previously issued instructions included in separate Coal and M/MN handbooks are entirely superseded by this HANDBOOK . The guidance is general and persons should refer to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (Mine Act or the Act), the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act), and 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

2 The responsibilities set forth in this HANDBOOK provide guidance for a mine inspector when conducting mine inspections; all activities should take into account specific conditions at a mine. Not all procedures and requirements are applicable for all mine types. Any deviation from the procedures outlined in this HANDBOOK should be based on the inspector s professional judgement, and discussion with the inspector s supervisor. Any proposed future revisions to this HANDBOOK will be communicated to the National Council of Field Labor Locals (NCFLL) in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Approved: Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 1-1 A.

3 PURPOSE.. 1-1 B. AUTHORITY.. 1-1 C. RESPONSIBILITY.. 1-1 D. INSPECTORS-IN-TRAINING.. 1-1 E. MSHA PERSONNEL FORMER EMPLOYER 1-2 F. HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES.. 1-2 G. DENIAL OF ENTRY, ASSAULT, OR harassment OF 1-2 H. INSPECTION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES .. 1-2 I. SPECIALIZED INSPECTION DEVICES OR EQUIPMENT.. 1-32 J. UNIQUE OR SPECIALIZED INSPECTOR CLOTHING OR EQUIPMENT.. 1-3 K. MINE LABOR/MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.. 1-3 L. PICKET LINES AND WORK STOPPAGES.. 1-3 M. INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS (IA) AND MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU). 1-3 N. JURISDICTION ..1-3 GENERAL PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION 2-1 A. WEEKLY ACTIVITY DATA FORM (MSHA FORM 7000-36).. 2-1 B. WEEKLY ITINERARY FORM (MSHA FORM 4000-126).

4 2-1 C. MINE STATUS.. 2-1 D. NEW MINES, FACILITIES, AND OTHER SITES.. 2-1 E. ELECTRONIC MINE 2-1 F. ADVANCE NOTICE.. 2-2 G. DAILY INSPECTION REVIEW.. 2-2 H. INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT.. 2-3 I. SUBMISSION TIMES FOR INSPECTION 2-3 J. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS OR AREAS.. 2-3 K. MULTI-GAS DETECTORS.. 2-3 L. TECHNICAL SUPPORT REQUESTS.. 2-4 M. ELECTRICAL 2-4 INSPECTION PROCEDURES 3-1 A. ARRIVAL AT THE MINE .. 3-1 B. INSPECTION NOTES.. 3-1 C. REGULAR 3-2 D. 103(i) SPOT 3-10 E. EXPLOSIVES STORAGE AT ALL MINES.. 3-10 F. DOCUMENTATION OF ENFORCEMENT 3-10 G. 3-13 H. LITIGATION INVOLVEMENT.

5 3-13 I. INTERCONNECTED 3-14 - SAMPLING PROCEDURES 4-1 A. AIR MEASUREMENTS.. 4-1 B. AIR SAMPLES..4-6 C. COAL MINE DUST APPENDICES 5-1 A. MISCELLANEOUS FORMS AND RELATED INFORMATION.. 5-1 B. INSPECTION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.. 5-2 C. WORKING SECTION OR WORKING AREA CHECKLIST.. 5-4 D. FORMS AND INFORMATION NEEDED IN AN E01 INSPECTION 5-5 E. RECORDS AND POSTINGS.. 5-8 GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The objective of MSHA mine inspection and investigation activities is to promote a safe and healthful working environment for miners.

6 MSHA personnel work to achieve this objective in three ways: (1) by enforcing the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, (Mine Act or the Act) (PL 95-164) as amended (30 USC 801 et seq.), the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act) (PL 109-236), and 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); (2) by conducting education and training activities; and (3) by providing technical assistance to the mining community. A. Purpose This HANDBOOK sets forth procedures for MSHA personnel to follow when conducting inspections of underground and surface mines, and mine facilities. B. Authority Section 103(a) of the Act provides Authorized Representatives (ARs; also referred to as inspectors) of the Secretary of Labor with the authority to conduct inspections of coal and other mines.

7 Inspectors shall be issued proper credentials under the Act prior to conducting inspections. When requested, ARs shall present their credentials to interested parties before conducting an inspection. C. Responsibility The Administrator for Mine Safety and Health Enforcement has the primary responsibility for enforcing the Mine Act, MINER Act and the standards and regulations relating to mines. Shared responsibility rests with the inspectors, right of entry personnel, district and assistant district managers, specialists, and supervisors. Inspectors are responsible for conducting inspections and investigations. Inspectors should discuss safety and health practices with mine operators and miners during every inspection.

8 Stakeholder participation is essential to achieving an effective safety and health program at each mine. D. Inspectors-in-Training The inspector in-training (trainee) is to work under the direction of an inspector at all times and is not permitted to conduct any part of an inspection independently. However, trainees certified by the National Mine Health and Safety Academy to sample for respirable dust and noise may assist the inspector responsible for the inspection with sampling when the inspector is in the same general vicinity. The AR should document the trainee s name in the inspection notes. The name shall not be documented on any other form required for submission in the inspection report.

9 December 20, 2019 1-1 GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 1 E. MSHA Personnel Former Employer Restrictions At least two years shall elapse from the last date of employment at a mine before MSHA personnel may conduct inspections or investigations at such mine. At least one year shall elapse from the last date of employment by a mining company (operator) before MSHA personnel may conduct inspections or investigations at any mines or facilities owned by such mining company. F. Health and Safety Rules MSHA employees should comply with applicable state and company health and safety rules and regulations unless such compliance interferes with the performance of their duties.

10 G. Denial of Entry, Assault, or harassment of Inspectors In the event an inspector is refused entry to a mine, or is threatened or harassed while making an inspection, the inspector should leave the mine and promptly notify his/her immediate supervisor. H. Inspection Equipment and Supplies Inspection personnel will be provided equipment and supplies sufficient to safely and effectively complete the assigned inspection and will be properly trained in the use of such equipment. The inspector should use equipment and supplies that are owned and properly maintained by MSHA (refer to the Inspector s Equipment List and Field Office Equipment and Supplies List in Chapter 5) or other specialized equipment as required.