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This part 57 sets forth mandatory safety and health standards for each underground metal or nonmetal mine, including related surface operations, subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The purpose of these standards is the protection of life, the promotion of health and safety, and the prevention of accidents.
The following definitions apply to this part. In addition definitions contained in any subpart of part 57 apply in that subpart. If inconsistent with the general definitions in this section, the definition in the subpart will apply in that subpart:
Abandoned areas means areas in which work has been completed, no further work is planned, and travel is not permitted.
Abandoned mine means all work has stopped on the mine premises and an office with a responsible person in charge is no longer maintained at the mine.
Abandoned workings means deserted mine areas in which further work is not intended.
Active workings means areas at, in, or around a mine or plant where men work or travel.
American Table of Distances means the current edition of “The American Table of Distances for Storage of Explosives” published by the Institute of Makers of Explosives.
Approved means tested and accepted for a specific purpose by a nationally recognized agency.
Attended means presence of an individual or continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized entry or access. In addition, areas containing explosive material at underground areas of a mine can be considered attended when all access to the underground areas of the mine is secured from unauthorized entry. Vertical shafts shall be considered secure. Inclined shafts or adits shall be considered secure when locked at the surface.
Authorized person means a person approved or assigned by mine management to perform a specific type of duty or duties or to be at a specific location or locations in the mine.
Auxilary fan means a fan used to deliver air to a working place off the main airstream; generally used with ventilation tubing.
Barricaded means obstructed to prevent the passage of persons, vehicles, or flying materials.
Barrier means a material object, or objects that separates, keeps apart, or demarcates in a conspicuous manner such as cones, a warning sign, or tape.
Berm means a pile or mound of material along an elevated roadway capable of moderating or limiting the force of a vehicle in order to impede the vehicle's passage over the bank of the roadway.
Blast area means the area in which concussion (shock wave), flying material, or gases from an explosion may cause injury to persons. In determining the blast area, the following factors, shall be considered:
(1) Geology or material to be blasted.
(2) Blast pattern.
(3) Burden, depth, diameter, and angle of the holes.
(4) Blasting experience of the mine.
(5) Delay system, powder factor, and pounds per delay.
(6) Type and amount of explosive material.
(7) Type and amount of stemming.
Blast site means the area where explosive material is handled during loading, including the perimeter formed by the loaded blastholes and 50 feet (15.2 meters) in all directions from loaded holes. A minimum distance of 30 feet (9.1 meters) may replace the 50-foot (15.2-meter) requirement if the perimeter of loaded holes is demarcated with a barrier. The 50-foot (15.2-meter) and alternative 30-foot (9.1-meter) requirements also apply in all directions along the full depth of the hole. In underground mines, at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) of solid rib, pillar, or broken rock can be substituted for the 50-foot (15.2-meter) distance. In underground mines utilizing a block-caving system or similar system, at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) of solid rib or pillar, including concrete reinforcement of at least 10 inches (254 millimeters), with overall dimensions of not less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) may be substituted for the 50-foot (15.2-meter) distance requirement.
Blasting agent means any substance classified as a blasting agent by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 173.114(a) (44 FR 31182, May 31, 1979) which is incorporated by reference. This document is available for inspection at each Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Office of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and may be obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Blasting area means the area near blasting operations in which concussion or flying material can reasonably be expected to cause injury.
Blasting cap means a detonator which is initiated by a safety fuse.
Blasting circuit means the electrical circuit used to fire one or more electric blasting caps.
Blasting switch means a switch used to connect a power source to a blasting circuit.
Blowout means a sudden, violent, release of gas or liquid due to the reservoir pressure in a petroleum mine.
Booster means any unit of explosive or blasting agent used for the purpose of perpetuating or intensifying an initial detonation.
Booster fan means a fan installed in the main airstream or a split of the main airstream to increase airflow through a section or sections of a mine.
Capped fuse means a length of safety fuse to which a blasting cap has been attached.
Capped primer means a package or cartridge of explosives which is specifically designed to transmit detonation to other explosives and which contains a detonator.
Circuit breaker means a device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent setting without injury to itself when properly applied within its rating.
Combustible means capable of being ignited and consumed by fire.
Combustible material means a material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will ignite, burn, support combustion or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Wood, paper, rubber, and plastics are examples of combustible materials.
Company official means a member of the company supervisory or technical staff.
Competent person means a person having abilities and experience that fully qualify him to perform the duty to which he is assigned.
Conductor means a material, usually in the form of a wire, cable, or bus bar, capable of carrying an electric current.
Delay connector means a nonelectric short interval delay device for use in delaying blasts which are initiated by detonating cord.
Detonating cord means a flexible cord containing a solid core of high explosives.
Detonator means any device containing a detonating charge that is used to initiate an explosive and includes but is not limited to blasting caps, electric blasting caps and non-electric instantaneous or delay blasting caps.
Distribution box means a portable apparatus with an enclosure through which an electric circuit is carried to one or more cables from a single incoming feed line; each cable circuit being connected through individual overcurrent protective devices.
Electric blasting cap means a detonator designed for and capable of being initiated by means of an electric current.
Electrical grounding means to connect with the ground to make the earth part of the circuit.
Employee means a person who works for wages or salary in the service of an employer.
Employer means a person or organization which hires one or more persons to work for wages or salary.
Emulsion means an explosive material containing substantial amounts of oxidizers dissolved in water droplets, surrounded by an immiscible fuel.
Escapeway means a passageway by which persons may leave a mine.
Explosive means any substance classified as an explosive by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 173.53, 173.88 and 173.100 which are incorporated by reference. Title 49 CFR is available for inspection at each Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Office of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and may be obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Face or bank means that part of any mine where excavating is progressing or was last done.
Fire resistance rating means the time, in minutes or hours, that an assembly of materials will retain its protective characteristics or structural integrity upon exposure to fire.
Flame spread rating means the numerical designation that indicates the extent flame will spread over the surface of a material during a specified period of time.
Flammable means capable of being easily ignited and of burning rapidly.
Flammable gas means a gas that will burn in the normal concentrations of oxygen in the air.
Flammable liquid a liquid that has a flash point below 100 °F (37.8 °C), a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (absolute) at 100 °F (37.8 °C), and is known as a Class I liquid.
Flash point means the minimum temperature at which sufficient vapor is released by a liquid or solid to form a flammable vapor-air mixture at atmospheric pressure.
Geological area means an area characterized by the presence of the same ore bodies, the same stratigraphic sequence of beds, or the same ore-bearing geological formation.
Highway means any public street, public alley or public road.
High potential means more than 650 volts.
Hoist means a power driven windlass or drum used for raising ore, rock, or other material from a mine, and for lowering or raising persons and material.
Igniter cord means a fuse, cordlike in appearance, which burns progressively along its length with an external flame at the zone of burning, and is used for lighting a series of safety fuses in the desired sequence.
Insulated means separated from other conducting surfaces by a dielectric substance permanently offering a high resistance to the passage of current and to disruptive discharge through the substance. When any substance is said to be insulated, it is understood to be insulated in a manner suitable for the conditions to which it is subjected. Otherwise, it is, within the purpose of this definition, uninsulated. Insulating covering is one means for making the conductor insulated.
Insulation means a dielectric substance offering a high resistance to the passage of current and to a disruptive discharge through the substance.
Laminated partition means a partition composed of the following material and minimum nominal dimensions:
1/2 -inch-thick plywood,
1/2 -inch-thick gypsum wallboard,
1/8 -inch-thick low carbon steel, and
1/4 -inch-thick plywood, bonded together in that order (IME-22 Box). A laminated partition also includes alternative construction materials described in the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) Safety Library Publication No. 22, “Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Detonators in a Vehicle with Other Explosive Materials” (May 1993), and the “Generic Loading Guide for the IME-22 Container” (October 1993). The IME is located at 1120 19th Street NW., Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036-3605; 202-429-9280; https://www.ime.org. This incorporation by reference has been approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available at MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-693-9440; and at all Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Offices, or available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Lay means the distance parallel to the axis of the rope in which a strand makes one complete turn about the axis of the rope.
Loading means placing explosive material either in a blasthole or against the material to be blasted.
Low potential means 650 volts or less.
Magazine means a facility for the storage of explosives, blasting agents, or detonators.
Main fan means a fan that controls the entire airflow of the mine, or the airflow of one of the major air circuits.
Major electrical installation means an assemblage of stationary electrical equipment for the generation, transmission, distribution, or conversion of electrical power.
Mantrip means a trip on which persons are transported to and from a work area.
Mill includes any ore mill, sampling works, concentrator, and any crushing, grinding, or screening plant used at, and in connection with, an excavation or mine.
Mine atmosphere means any point at least 12 inches away from the back, face, rib, and floor in any mine; and additionally, in a Category IV mine, at least 3 feet laterally away from the collar of a borehole which releases gas into a mine.
Mine opening means any opening or entrance from the surface into a mine.
Misfire means the complete or partial failure of a blasting charge to explode as planned.
Mobile equipment means wheeled, skid-mounted, track-mounted, or rail-mounted equipment capable of moving or being moved.
Multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher means an extinguisher having a rating of at least 2-A:10-B:C and containing a nominal 4.5 pounds or more of dry-chemical agent.
Noncombustible material means a material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Concrete, masonry block, brick, and steel are examples of noncombustible materials.
Non-electric delay blasting cap means a detonator with an integral delay element and capable of being initiated by miniaturized detonating cord.
Outburst means the sudden, violent release of solids and high-pressure occluded gases, including methane in a domal salt mine.
Overburden means material of any nature, consolidated or unconsolidated, that overlies a deposit of useful materials or ores that are to be mined.
Overload means that current which will cause an excessive or dangerous temperature in the conductor or conductor insulation.
Permissible means a machine, material, apparatus, or device which has been investigated, tested, and approved by the Bureau of Mines or the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and is maintained in permissible condition.
Potable water means water which shall meet the applicable minimum health requirements for drinking water established by the State or community in which the mine is located or by the Environmental Protection Agency in 40 CFR part 141, pages 169-182 revised as of July 1, 1977. Where no such requirements are applicable, the drinking water provided shall conform with the Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards, 42 CFR part 72, subpart J, pages 527-533, revised as of October 1, 1976. Publications to which references are made in this definition are hereby made a part hereof. These incorporated publications are available for inspection at each Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Office of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Powder chest means a substantial, nonconductive portable container equipped with a lid and used at blasting sites for explosives other than blasting agents.
Primer means a unit, package, or cartridge of explosives used to initiate other explosives or blasting agents, and which contains a detonator.
Reverse-current protection means a method or device used on direct-current circuits or equipment to prevent the flow of current in a reverse direction.
Rock burst means a sudden and violent failure of overstressed rock resulting in the instantaneous release of large amounts of accumulated energy. Rock burst does not include a burst resulting from pressurized mine gases.
Rock fixture means any tensioned or nontensioned device or material inserted into the ground to strengthen or support the ground.
Roll protection means a framework, safety canopy or similar protection for the operator when equipment overturns.
Safety can means an approved container, of not over 5 gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover.
Safety fuse means a flexible cord containing an internal burning medium by which fire is conveyed at a continuous and uniform rate for the purpose of firing blasting caps or a black powder charge.
Safety switch means a sectionalizing switch that also provides shunt protection in blasting circuits between the blasting switch and the shot area.
Scaling means removal of insecure material from a face or highwall.
Secondary safety connection means a second connection between a conveyance and rope, intended to prevent the conveyance from running away or falling in the event the primary connection fails.
Shaft means a vertical or inclined shaft, a slope, incline, or winze.
Short circuit means an abnormal connection of relatively low resistance, whether made accidentally or intentionally, between two points of difference potential in a circuit.
Slurry (as applied to blasting). See “Water gel.”
Storage facility means the entire class of structures used to store explosive materials. A “storage facility” used to store blasting agents corresponds to a BATF Type 4 or 5 storage facility.
Storage tank means a container exceeding 60 gallons in capacity used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids.
Stray current means that portion of a total electric current that flows through paths other than the intended circuit.
Substantial construction means construction of such strength, material, and workmanship that the object will withstand all reasonable shock, wear, and usage to which it will be subjected.
Suitable means that which fits, and has the qualities or qualifications to meet a given purpose, occasion, condition, function, or circumstance.
Travelway means a passage, walk or way regularly used and designated for persons to go from one place to another.
Water gel or Slurry (as applied to blasting) means an explosive or blasting agent containing substantial portions of water.
Wet drilling means the continuous application of water through the central hole of hollow drill steel to the bottom of the drill hole.
Working level (WL) means any combination of the short-lived radon daughters in one liter of air that will result in ultimate emission of 1.3 × 10
5 MeV (million electron volts) of potential alpha energy, and exposure to these radon daughters over a period of time is expressed in terms of “working level months” (WLM). Inhalation of air containing a radon daughter concentration of 1 WL for 173 hours results in an exposure of 1 WLM.”
Working place means any place in or about a mine where work is being performed.
Mine operators seeking further information in the area of fire prevention and control may consult the following national consensus standards.
MSHA standard
National consensus standard
§§ 57.4200, 57.4201, 57.4261, and 57.4262
NFPA No. 10—Portable Fire Extinguisher. NFPA No. 11—Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems. NFPA No. 11A—High Expansion Foam Systems.
NFPA No. 12—Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
NFPA No. 12A—Halon 1301 Extinguishing Systems.
NFPA No. 13—Water Sprinkler Systems.
NFPA No. 14—Standpipe and Hose Systems.
NFPA No. 15—Water Spray Fixed Systems.
NFPA No. 16—Foam Water Spray Systems.
NFPA No. 17—Dry-Chemical Extinguishing Systems.
NFPA No. 121—Mobile Surface Mining Equipment.
NFPA No. 291—Testing and Marking Hydrants.
NFPA No. 1962—Care, Use, and Maintenance of Fire Hose, Connections, and Nozzles.
§ 57.4202
NFPA No. 14—Standpipe and Hose Systems.
NFPA No. 291—Testing and Marking Hydrants.
§ 57.4203
NFPA No. 10—Portable Fire Extinguishers.
§ 57.4230
NFPA No. 10—Portable Fire Extinguishers.
NFPA No. 121—Mobile Surface Mining Equipment.
§ 57.4260
NFPA No. 10—Portable Fire Extinguishers.
§ 57.4261
NFPA No. 14—Standpipe and Hose Systems.
§ 57.4533
NFPA Fire Protection Handbook.
§ 57.4560
ASTM E-162—Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source.
Mine operators seeking further information regarding the construction and installation of falling object protective structures (FOPS) may consult the following national consensus standards, as applicable.
MSHA Standard 57.14106, Falling Object Protection
Equipment
National consensus standard
Front-end loaders and bulldozers
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) minimum performance criteria for falling object protective structures (FOPS) SAE J231—January, 1981.
Fork-lift trucks
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standard for low lift and high lift trucks, B 56.1, section 7.27—1983; or
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, rough terrain fork lift trucks, B 56.6—1987.
Subcategory I-A
57.22101
57.22103
57.22201
57.22202
57.22204
57.22205
57.22206
57.22207
57.22208
57.22211
57.22214
57.22215
57.22217
57.22220
57.22221
57.22222
57.22224
57.22227
57.22228
57.22229
57.22234
57.22237
57.22301
57.22302
57.22306
57.22401
57.22501
57.22601
57.22608
Subcategory I-B
57.22201
57.22202
57.22217
57.22222
57.22227
57.22231
57.22232
57.22234
57.22238
57.22401
57.22501
Subcategory I-C
57.22102
57.22104
57.22106
57.22201
57.22202
57.22203
57.22209
57.22210
57.22212
57.22216
57.22217
57.22222
57.22225
57.22227
57.22228
57.22233
57.22235
57.22241
57.22303
57.22310
57.22313
57.22501
57.22602
Subcategory II-A
57.22101
57.22103
57.22201
57.22202
57.22204
57.22205
57.22206
57.22207
57.22208
57.22212
57.22214
57.22215
57.22219
57.22220
57.22221
57.22222
57.22227
57.22228
57.22230
57.22232
57.22235
57.22301
57.22304
57.22307
57.22311
57.22312
57.22501
57.22603
57.22608
Subcategory II-B
57.22201
57.22227
57.22231
57.22232
57.22235
57.22238
57.22501
57.22604
Category III
57.22101
57.22103
57.22201
57.22202
57.22204
57.22205
57.22206
57.22207
57.22208
57.22213
57.22214
57.22215
57.22218
57.22220
57.22221
57.22222
57.22223
57.22224
57.22227
57.22228
57.22229
57.22234
57.22237
57.22305
57.22308
57.22501
57.22606
57.22607
Category IV
57.22105
57.22201
57.22226
57.22227
57.22232
57.22235
57.22239
57.22501
Subcategory V-A
57.22101
57.22103
57.22201
57.22202
57.22204
57.22205
57.22206
57.22207
57.22208
57.22212
57.22214
57.22215
57.22218
57.22220
57.22221
57.22222
57.22227
57.22228
57.22229
57.22234
57.22240
57.22301
57.22302
57.22309
57.22312
57.22314
57.22315
57.22501
57.22605
57.22608
Subcategory V-B
57.22201
57.22202
57.22218
57.22222
57.22227
57.22231
57.22232
57.22234
57.22238
57.22314
57.22501
Category VI
57.22231
57.22232
57.22236
57.22238
The owner, operator, or person in charge of any metal and nonmetal mine shall notify the nearest MSHA Metal and Nonmental Mine Safety and Health district office before starting operations, of the approximate or actual date mine operation will commence. The notification shall include the mine name, location, the company name, mailing address, person in charge, and whether operations will be continuous or intermittent. When any mine is closed, the person in charge shall notify the nearest district office as provided above and indicate whether the closure is temporary or permanent.
The following definitions apply in this subpart.
Travelway. A passage, walk, or haulageway regularly used or designated for persons to go from one place to another.
Ground conditions that create a hazard to persons shall be taken down or supported before other work or travel is permitted in the affected area. Until corrective work is completed, the area shall be posted with a warning against entry and, when left unattended, a barrier shall be installed to impede unauthorized entry.
Scaling shall be performed from a location which will not expose persons to injury from falling material, or other protection from falling material shall be provided.
Where manual scaling is performed, a scaling bar shall be provided. This bar shall be of a length and design that will allow the removal of loose material without exposing the person performing the work to injury.
(a) For rock bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95, “Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,” the mine operator shall—
(1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM F432-95; and
(2) Make this certification available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
(b) Fixtures and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be used for ground support provided they—
(1) Have been successful in supporting the ground in an area with similar strata, opening dimensions and ground stresses in any mine; or
(2) Have been tested and shown to be effective in supporting ground in an area of the affected mine which has similar strata, opening dimensions, and ground stresses as the area where the fixtures are expected to be used. During the test process, access to the test area shall be limited to persons necessary to conduct the test.
(c) Bearing plates shall be used with fixtures when necessary for effective ground support.
(d) The diameter of finishing bits shall be within a tolerance of plus or minus 0.030 inch of the manufacturer's recommended hole diameter for the anchor used. When separate finishing bits are used, they shall be distinguishable from other bits.
(e) Damaged or deteriorated cartridges of grouting material shall not be used.
(f) When rock bolts tensioned by torquing are used as a means of ground support,
(1) Selected tension level shall be—
(i) At least 50 percent of either the yield point of the bolt or anchorage capacity of the rock, whichever is less; and
(ii) No greater than the yield point of the bolt or anchorage capacity of the rock.
(2) The torque of the first bolt, every tenth bolt, and the last bolt installed in each work area during the shift shall be accurately determined immediately after installation. If the torque of any fixture tested does not fall within the installation torque range, corrective action shall be taken.
(g) When grouted fixtures can be tested by applying torque, the first fixture installed in each work place shall be tested to withstand 150 foot-pounds of torque. Should it rotate in the hole, a second fixture shall be tested in the same manner. If the second fixture also turns, corrective action shall be taken.
(h) When other tensioned and nontensioned fixtures are used, test methods shall be established and used to verify their effectiveness.
(i) The mine operator shall certify that tests were conducted and make the certification available to an authorized representative of the Secretary.
Ground support shall be used where ground conditions, or mining experience in similar ground conditions in the mine, indicate that it is necessary. When ground support is necessary, the support system shall be designed, installed, and maintained to control the ground in places where persons work or travel in performing their assigned tasks. Damaged, loosened, or dislodged timber use for ground support which creates a hazard to persons shall be repaired or replaced prior to any work or travel in the affected area.
Prior to secondary breakage operations, the material to be broken, other than hanging material, shall be positioned or blocked to prevent movement which would endanger persons in the work area. Secondary breakage shall be performed from a location which would not expose persons to danger.
Persons experienced in examining and testing for loose ground shall be designated by the mine operator. Appropriate supervisors or other designated persons shall examine and, where applicable, test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed, prior to work commencing, after blasting, and as ground conditions warrant during the work shift. Underground haulageways and travelways and surface area highwalls and banks adjoining travelways shall be examined weekly or more often if changing ground conditions warrant.
Persons shall not work or travel between machinery or equipment and the highwall or bank where the machinery or equipment may hinder escape from falls or slides of the highwall or bank. Travel is permitted when necessary for persons to dismount.
Persons shall not perform maintenance work between machinery or equipment and ribs unless the area has been tested and, when necessary, secured.
(a) Operators of mines which have experienced a rock burst shall—
(1) Within twenty four hours report to the nearest MSHA office each rock burst which:
(i) Causes persons to be withdrawn;
(ii) Impairs ventilation;
(iii) Impedes passage; or
(iv) Disrupts mining activity for more than one hour.
(2) Develop and implement a rock burst control plan within 90 days after a rock burst has been experienced.
(b) The plan shall include—
(1) Mining and operating procedures designed to reduce the occurrence of rock bursts;
(2) Monitoring procedures where detection methods are used; and
(3) Other measures to minimize exposure of persons to areas which are prone to rock bursts.
(c) The plan shall be updated as conditions warrant.
(d) The plan shall be available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and to miners or their representatives.
The following definitions apply in this subpart.
Combustible liquids. Liquids having a flash point at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C). They are divided into the following classes:
Class II liquids—those having flash points at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C) and below 140 °F (60 °C).
Class IIIA liquids—those having flash points at or above 140 °F (60 °C) and below 200 °F (93.4 °C).
Class IIIB liquids—those having flash points at or above 200 °F (93.4 °C).
Escapeway. A designated passageway by which persons can leave an underground mine.
Flash point. The minimum temperature at which sufficient vapor is released by a liquid to form a flammable vapor-air mixture near the surface of the liquid.
Main fan. A fan that controls the entire airflow of an underground mine or the airflow of one of the major air circuits of the mine.
Mine opening. Any opening or entrance from the surface into an underground mine.
Safety can. A container of not over five gallons capacity that is designed to safely relieve internal pressure when exposed to heat and has a spring-closing lid and spout cover.
Abandoned electric circuits shall be deenergized and isolated so that they cannot become energized inadvertently.
Underground trailing cables shall be accepted or approved by MSHA as flame resistant.
No person shall smoke or use an open flame where flammable or combustible liquids, including greases, or flammable gases are—
(a) Used or transported in a manner that could create a fire hazard; or
(b) Stored or handled.
Readily visible signs prohibiting smoking and open flames shall be posted where a fire or explosion hazard exists.
Flammable or combustible liquid spillage or leakage shall be removed in a timely manner or controlled to prevent a fire hazard.
Internal combustion engines shall be switched off before refueling if the fuel tanks are integral parts of the equipment. This standard does not apply to diesel-powered equipment.
(a) Waste materials, including liquids, shall not accumulate in quantities that could create a fire hazard.
(b) Waste or rags containing flammable or combustible liquids that could create a fire hazard shall be placed in the following containers until disposed of properly:
(1) Underground—covered metal containers.
(2) On the surface—covered metal containers or equivalent containers with flame containment characteristics.
The requirements of this standard apply to surface areas only.
(a) If a hazard to persons could be created, no combustible materials shall be stored or allowed to accumulate within 25 feet of the following:
(1) Electric substations.
(2) Unburied, flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks.
(3) Any group of containers used for storage of more than 60 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids.
(b) The area within the 25-foot perimeter shall be kept free of dry vegetation.
(a) On the surface, no more than one day's supply of combustible materials shall be stored within 100 feet of mine openings or within 100 feet of fan installations used for underground ventilation.
(b) the one-day supply shall be kept at least 25 feet away from any mine opening except during transit into the mine.
(c) Dry vegetation shall not be permitted within 25 feet of mine openings.
The requirements of this standard apply to underground areas only.
(a) Areas within 25 feet of the following shall be free of combustible materials:
(1) Electric substations.
(2) Unburied, combustible liquid storage tanks.
(3) Any group of containers used for storage of more than 60 gallons of combustible liquids.
(b) This standard does not apply to installed wiring or timber that is coated with at least one inch of shotcrete, one-half inch of gunite, or other noncombustible materials with equivalent fire protection characteristics.
Fires shall not be lit underground, except for open-flame torches. Torches shall be attended at all times while lit.
(a) For fighting fires that could endanger persons, each mine shall have—
(1) Onsite firefighting equipment for fighting fires in their early stages; and
(2) Onsite firefighting equipment for fighting fires beyond their early stages, or the mine shall have made prior arrangements with a local fire department to fight such fires.
(b) This onsite firefighting equipment shall be—
(1) Of the type, size, and quantity that can extinguish fires of any class which would occur as a result of the hazards present; and
(2) Strategically located, readily accessible, plainly marked, and maintained in fire-ready condition.
(a) Firefighting equipment shall be inspected according to the following schedules:
(1) Fire extinguishers shall be inspected visually at least once a month to determine that they are fully charged and operable.
(2) At least once every twelve months, maintenance checks shall be made of mechanical parts, the amount and condition of extinguishing agent and expellant, and the condition of the hose, nozzle, and vessel to determine that the fire extinguishers will operate effectively.
(3) Fire extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested according to Table C-1 or a schedule based on the manufacturer's specifications to determine the integrity of extinguishing agent vessels.
(4) Water pipes, valves, outlets, hydrants, and hoses that are part of the mine's firefighting system shall be visually inspected at least once every three months for damage or deterioration and use-tested at least once every twelve months to determine that they remain functional.
(5) Fire suppression systems shall be inspected at least once every twelve months. An inspection schedule based on the manufacturer's specifications or the equivalent shall be established for individual components of a system and followed to determine that the system remains functional. Surface fire suppression systems are exempt from these inspection requirements if the systems are used solely for the protection of property and no persons would be affected by a fire.
(b) At the completion of each inspection or test required by this standard, the person making the inspection or test shall certify that the inspection or test has been made and the date on which it was made. Certifications of hydrostatic testing shall be retained until the fire extinguisher is retested or permanently removed from service. Other certifications shall be retained for one year.
Table C-1—Hydrostatic Test Intervals for Fire Extinguishers
Extinguisher type
Test interval (years)
Soda Acid
5
Cartridge-Operated Water and/or Antifreeze
5
Stored-Pressure Water and/or Antifreeze
5
Wetting Agent
5
Foam
5
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)
5
Loaded Stream
5
Dry-Chemical with Stainless Steel Shells
5
Carbon Dioxide
5
Dry-Chemical, Stored Pressure, with Mild Steel Shells, Brazed Brass Shells, or Aluminum Shells
12
Dry-Chemical, Cartridge or Cylinder Operated, with Mild Steel Shells
12
Bromotrifluoromethane-Halon 1301
12
Bromochlorodifluoromethane-Halon 1211
12
Dry-Powder, Cartridge or Cylinder-Operated, with Mild Steel Shells 1
12
1 Except for stainless steel and steel used for compressed gas cylinders, all other steel shells are defined as “mild steel” shells.
If fire hydrants are part of the mine's firefighting system, the hydrants shall be provided with—
(a) Uniform fittings or readily available adapters for onsite firefighting equipment;
(b) Readily available wrenches or keys to open the valves; and
(c) Readily available adapters capable of connecting hydrant fittings to the hose equipment of any firefighting organization relied upon by the mine.
Fire extinguishers shall be recharged or replaced with a fully charged extinguisher promptly after any discharge.
(a)(1) Whenever a fire or its effects could impede escape from self-propelled equipment, a fire extinguisher shall be on the equipment.
(2) Whenever a fire or its effects would not impede escape from the equipment but could affect the escape of other persons in the area, a fire extinguisher shall be on the equipment or within 100 feet of the equipment.
(b) A fire suppression system may be used as an alternative to fire extinguishers if the system can be manually activated.
(c) Fire extinguishers or fire suppression systems shall be of a type and size that can extinguish fires of any class in their early stages which could originate from the equipment's inherent fire hazards. Fire extinguishers or manual actuators for the suppression system shall be located to permit their use by persons whose escape could be impeded by fire.
(a) Whenever self-propelled equipment is used underground, a fire extinguisher shall be on the equipment. This standard does not apply to compressed-air powered equipment without inherent fire hazards.
(b) A fire suppression system may be used as an alternative to fire extinguishers if the system can be manually actuated.
(c) Fire extinguishers or fire suppression systems shall be of a type and size that can extinguish fires of any class in their early stages which could originate from the equipment's inherent fire hazards. The fire extinguishers or the manual actuator for the suppression system shall be readily accessible to the equipment operator.
Waterline outlets that are located at underground shaft stations and are part of the mine's fire protection system shall have at least one fitting located for, and capable of, immediate connection to firefighting equipment.
Transformer stations, storage and dispensing areas for combustible liquids, pump rooms, compressor rooms, and hoist rooms shall be provided with fire protection of a type, size, and quantity that can extinguish fires of any class in their early stages which could occur as a result of the hazards present.
Fire protection shall be provided at the head, tail, drive, and take-up pulleys of underground belt conveyors. Provisions shall be made for extinguishing fires along the beltline. Fire protection shall be of a type, size, and quantity that can extinguish fires of any class in their early stages which could occur as a result of the fire hazards present.
(a) Mine operators shall establish emergency firefighting, evacuation, and rescue procedures for the surface portions of their operations. These procedures shall be coordinated in advance with available firefighting organizations.
(b) Fire alarm procedures or systems shall be established to promptly warn every person who could be endangered by a fire.
(c) Fire alarm systems shall be maintained in operable condition.
Emergency firefighting drills shall be held at least once every six months for persons assigned surface firefighting responsibilities by the mine operator.
(a) Fire alarm systems capable of promptly warning every person underground, except as provided in paragraph (b), shall be provided and maintained in operating condition.
(b) If persons are assigned to work areas beyond the warning capabilities of the system, provisions shall be made to alert them in a manner to provide for their safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
(a) At least once every six months, mine evacuation drills shall be held to assess the ability of all persons underground to reach the surface or other designated points of safety within the time limits of the self-rescue devices that would be used during an actual emergency.
(b) The evacuation drills shall—
(1) Be held for each shift at some time other than a shift change and involve all persons underground;
(2) Involve activation of the fire alarm system; and
(3) Include evacuation of all persons from their work areas to the surface or to designated central evacuation points.
(c) At the completion of each drill, the mine operator shall certify the date and the time the evacuation began and ended. Certifications shall be retained for at least one year after each drill.
Following evacuation of a mine in a fire emergency, only persons wearing and trained in the use of mine rescue apparatus shall participate in rescue and firefighting operations in advance of the fresh air base.
(a) At least once every twelve months, all persons who work underground shall be instructed in the escape and evacuation plans and procedures and fire warning signals in effect at the mine.
(b) Whenever a change is made in escape and evacuation plans and procedures for any area of the mine, all persons affected shall be instructed in the new plans or procedures.
(c) Whenever persons are assigned to work in areas other than their regularly assigned areas, they shall be instructed about the escapeway for that area at the time of such assignment. However, persons who normally work in more than one area of the mine shall be instructed at least once every twelve months about the location of escapeways for all areas of the mine in which they normally work or travel.
(d) At the completion of any instruction given under this standard, the mine operator shall certify the date that the instruction was given. Certifications shall be retained for at least one year.
(a) Flammable liquids shall not be used for cleaning.
(b) Solvents shall not be used near an open flame or other ignition source, near any source of heat, or in an atmosphere that can elevate the temperature of the solvent above the flash point.
Fixed, unburied, flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall be securely mounted on firm foundations. Piping shall be provided with flexible connections or other special fittings where necessary to prevent leaks caused by tanks settling.
Small quantities of flammable liquids drawn from storage shall be kept in safety cans labeled to indicate the contents.
The requirements of this standard apply to surface areas only.
(a) Storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be—
(1) Capable of withstanding working pressures and stresses and compatible with the type of liquid stored;
(2) Maintained in a manner that prevents leakage;
(3) Isolated or separated from ignition sources to prevent fire or explosion; and
(4) Vented or otherwise constructed to prevent development of pressure or vacuum as a result of filling, emptying, or atmospheric temperature changes. Vents for storage of Class I, II, or IIIA liquids shall be isolated or separated from ignition sources. These pressure relief requirements do not apply to tanks used for storage of Class IIIB liquids that are larger than 12,000 gallons in capacity.
(b) All piping, valves, and fittings shall be—
(1) Capable of withstanding working pressures and stresses;
(2) Compatible with the type of liquid stored; and
(3) Maintained in a manner that prevents leakage.
(c) Fixed, unburied tanks located where escaping liquid could present a hazard to persons shall be provided with—
(1) Containment for the entire capacity of the largest tank; or
(2) Drainage to a remote impoundment area that does not endanger persons. However, storage of only Class IIIB liquids does not require containment or drainage to remote impoundment.
(a) On the surface, no unburied flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases shall be stored within 100 feet of the following:
(1) Mine openings or structures attached to mine openings.
(2) Fan installations for underground ventilation.
(3) Hoist houses.
(b) Under this standard, the following may be present in the hoist house in quantities necessary for the day-to-day maintenance of the hoist machinery:
(1) Flammable liquids in safety cans or in other containers placed in tightly closed cabinets. The safety cans and cabinets shall be kept away from any heat source, and each cabinet shall be labeled “flammables.”
(2) Combustible liquids in closed containers. The containers shall be kept away from any heat source and the hoist operator's work station.
(a) Flammable liquids shall not be stored underground, except—
(1) Small quantities stored in tightly closed cabinets away from any heat source. The small quantities shall be stored in safety cans or in non-glass containers of a capacity equal to or less than a safety can. Each cabinet shall be labeled “flammables.”
(2) Acetylene and liquefied petroleum gases stored in containers designed for that specific purpose.
(b) Gasoline shall not be stored underground in any quantity.
SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS—UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES (U.S.C.). Retrieved via LawPlayer, https://lawplayer.com/us/act/cfr-title-30-part-57
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