Fire & Explosion Hazards

Fires can produce smoke and high levels of toxins that can also lead to disastrous explosions. Early detection of fires allows for quicker emergency response, which helps avoid injury or death.

Operators must have procedures and equipment in place to respond to fires of any size. 30 CFR 56.4200 specifies general requirements for combating fire hazards, including having equipment on site to fight fires in their early stages or arrangements with a local fire department.

The onsite equipment must be properly sized, strategically located, readily accessible, and properly maintained. The operator must establish emergency firefighting and evacuation procedures. Individuals who have been assigned firefighting responsibilities must participate in a drill every six months.

Explosives are routinely used on surface mine sites for blasting operations. They are necessary to remove the top layer of land to expose the ore underneath; however, explosives present a lot of hazards, including noise hazards. Miners can also be killed or injured by rocks or material thrown by an explosive blast. To prevent injury from the use of explosives, miners should stay as far from the allocated blast area as possible.

Only persons who are trained, certified, and experienced in the handling and use of explosive material should direct blasting operations and other similar activities.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.