Housekeeping & Sanitation

A messy and unsanitary workspace slows down work and increases the number of unsafe conditions that contribute to accidents. This is why it is important for miners to observe good housekeeping and sanitation practices.

Work Space Organization

It is important for miners to organize their work spaces before beginning a task. A miner should assemble all the equipment he or she will need to complete a task before starting work and make cleanup part of the work effort. Tools should not be left lying around, where they can become hazards to the miner and other workers. If tools are left unorganized or lying around, more time will be required to find them as well. Miners should be diligent about maintaining a clean and orderly workspace at all times.

Changing and Bathing Facilities

Mine operators must provide changing and bathing facilities wherever possible. The water supplied for washing and bathing must be sufficiently pure and must not come from a sump unless it has been properly treated. All waste water must be passed straight to a drainage system.

Sanitary Facilities

The mine must be equipped with latrines and urinals. These facilities must be fitted out in such a way so that they do not spread odors or pollute the working environment. In addition, they must always be kept clean and disinfected.

Drinking Water

Miners must never drink mine water. Mine operators must provide an adequate supply of potable drinking water at all main work sites during working hours. All drink containers should be dust proof and kept closed when not in use.

Food Areas

Miners must not store or consume food in any area that is exposed to hazardous material, vapor, or dust. Instead, workers should store and consume food in clean and sheltered places. Miners should identify places on the mine site where they can practice safe food handling to minimize their risk of getting sick. Most often, designated rest areas on the mine site are safe for food consumption and storage.

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