We do a fair amount of engineering for several open pit mines in our area. I have been tasked with setting up an in house MSHA program to get the survey crews certified and stay current.
For those that have gone through the steps, it it worth learning it all myself (and probably missing something) to set up a training program, or should I seek out an approved course for training the crews?
Thanks for any input!
You may be able to request inclusion in the mining operation training programs. During the 1970s I was in charge of the safety and environmental program for a small construction company that got into surface mining. Contact your local MSHA office before you make any plans. I know things have changed but you will need a safety plan, approved safety training, first aid training and environmental (dust, chemical and noise) monitoring. Think OHSA on steroids, remember MSHA has been around longer than OHSA and deals with deep mines as well as open pit operations.
Initially you will need to bring in others because all training sessions must be conducted by OHSA certified instructors. Getting the first aid instructor certification took me about 6 months. That required both taking a first aid class and a first aid instructor class. Also may (it has been many years) have been required to teach a class under supervision. I was required to teach a specific number of classes per year to maintain certification. I was not permitted to charge for any of these classes and frequently had employees of several companies in the class. The class includes first aid as well as transportation of the injured and placement of required first aid equipment.
EDIT: MSHA CONTACTS LINK
History of MSHA and predecessor MESA their safety programs date back to 1950s.
We go to the local community college for annual re-training at a cost of $30.00 per person. I can't imagine trying to do it in-house.
The last time I worked on an open pit site (about eight years ago) we had to sit through the two hour site specific safety briefing, however the company operating the mine classified our field crews as "scientific workers" and that exempt them from any MSHA certification classes.
Feel free to give me an email - I am a PLS, and also an MSHA Instructor... I can help as needed.
Jeffrey
24 hour training, you can hire it done like I did, get some other companies to help out with the cost if you have somewhere to have it, or a local college may do it. We did it in two days for four of us. Then 8 hours per year, again hire an instructor or go to the local college.
Also you have to have mine site training for each mine.
It will cost plenty. 🙁