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Special Emphasis Areas, Safety Training, &
Awareness Campaign Info HERE

 MSHA Part 46 Training Tuesday Feb. 23, 2021

Utilizing computer-based training resources, we provided a hybrid training event with limited in-person seating (~30) at the Skagit Valley Convention Center, Mt. Vernon, WA.

Registrants selected either in-person or virtual attendance. MSHA has communicated online training is acceptable when; 

MSHA considers computer-based or other interactive training technologies to be training "methods," to be used by a competent person effectively and appropriately. This would not necessarily require that the competent person be in the room at all times; however, the competent person must be available to evaluate the trainee’s progress, and answer questions as they arise. 

Presentations encouraged interaction with miners during topical sessions. A company receiving training at their location was expected to have a competent person attending (per MSHA guidance above) to encourage discussion, interaction, miners are progressing and will validate attendance. 

Safety topics: 

Because 7.5 hours of online training was both impractical and painful, topical training from the list above which was approximately 3. 5 hours of training. The remaining training including changes at the mine site will need to be completed per the company safety plan.     

In-person First Aid classroom training for 20 attendees per session was presented at the Skagit Convention Center. 

Thank you for your consideration this year as we adjust to the current phase requirements. 

Agency Information Posted as of Jan. 4, 2021

MSHA Response to COVID
MSHA Home Page
EFSMS (Educational Field & Small Mine Services
West Region Info
2020 Fatality Report
Powered Haulage Safety Initiative - Currently a special emphasis initiative
Training and Education
Workplace Exams PowerPoint

Access Additional MSHA Guidance Here

2021 Part 46 Annual Refresher Training and Spring Thaw events:

  • As COVID restrictions remain in place and new WH Administration COVID declarations remain unknown, the Association has asked for agency guidance on remote, hybrid learning formats to ensure Part 46 training (including first-aid) conducted remotely will be acceptable.
  • MSHA guidance suggest that annual training deadlines from the previous year may be extended. (see below, "What actions is MSHA taking during COVID")
  • Spring Thaw Virtual Event March 2, 2021
     Gary Hebel - Highwall Safety PowerPoint available     (email Mary Stewart to request at [email protected])

 What actions is MSHA taking during COVID?

  • MSHA is abiding by the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, which are based on the CDC Interim Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019. 
  • MSHA will continue to perform its essential functions, including mandatory inspections, serious accident investigations, and investigations of hazard complaints (imminent danger or serious in nature). 
  • For the pendency of the President’s national emergency declaration, MSHA has suspended Educational Field and Small Mine Services visits, as well as special safety and fatality initiatives that normally would gather groups of miners on-site to discuss powered haulage, electrocution, and contractor safety.
  • To the extent feasible, inspectors are maintaining distance from miners while performing inspections.  
  • The Mine Safety and Health Administration will work with mine operators when it comes to the following recertification:
    • Annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 46)
    • Surface and underground annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 48)
    • Certified person; sampling (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.202)
    • Certified person; maintenance and calibration (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.203)
    • Exemptions to recertification will not be granted; however, their due dates will be extended by at least the time the government is operating under the President’s emergency declaration.

    Please note: This exception does not apply to new miner training. New miners must be trained before beginning work. Once the Emergency Declaration is lifted, mine operators should work with their respective district offices to ensure that all certifications are conducted in a timely manner. 

 More about MSHA Training

Part 46 requires 8 hours of Annual Refresher training for "Experienced and Newly Hired Miners," as per recent MSHA regulations. The WACA Safety Committee is pleased to offer affordable and comprehensive Aggregate industry specific training modules to help you satisfy these requirements.

The Part 46 Deadline for Annual Training is within a 12 month period of previous training.

The 1-day course is designed to offer Aggregate Industry specific topics that can be used to modify your existing safety plan following successful completion. 4 hours of first aid refresher training also contributes to annual training requirements. Each aggregate operation is responsible for a minimum of 30 minutes of site specific training on changes at the mine site.  

This year, we are assigning the additional task (1 hour) of conducting safety audits at your facilities. Miners will need to conduct self audits on site, identify issues or areas needing correction, and should be discussed at safety meetings. *** Miners will leave these sessions with approx 6.5-7 hours of training.***

HIGHLIGHTED SAFETY ELEMENTS

  1. First Aid Training: 4 hour Refresher Training offered in 2 sessions (AM & PM) and 4 hours of topical training will satisfy your 8 hour requirements.
  2. Topical Training:  Aggregate Industry Topics will satisfy your 8 hour requirements. The safety plan can be modified to incorporate these topics.

TOPICAL SESSION EXAMPLES

  • Previous Year Fatality Review
  • Hazard Awareness Identification
  • Hosting and Rigging
  • Rules to Live By
  • Mobile Equipment / Housekeeping
  • fall Protection
  • Energy Containment & Stored Energy
  • PPE
  • Topics change from year to year

Instructors are experienced Aggregate Industry Safety Managers, trained and qualified consultants and vendors, and NW regional MSHA personnel.  Upon successful completion of either First Aid Training and Topical Training, miners will receive a certificate of completion for employee personal training files and for on site company safety plans.

For more information on this event, please call the Association office at 206-878-1622 or check the WACA Events calendar for the upcoming schedule.  Classes are typically held in January and February in a number of locations.