Mine Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Checklist

This comprehensive mine atmospheric testing and monitoring checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, NIOSH, 30 CFR Part 57, 30 CFR Part 75. Pre-shift and during-shift atmospheric testing for underground mines covering oxygen, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen dioxide per MSHA 30 CFR Part 57 and 75 preshift examination requirements. Ensures mining environments remain within safe breathable limits. Complete all sections to maintain compliance documentation and audit

  • Industry: Mining & Quarrying
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 25 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
  • Total Items: 21
  • Compliance: MSHA, NIOSH, 30 CFR Part 57, 30 CFR Part 75

Preshift Atmospheric Examination

Conduct preshift examination per 30 CFR 75.360 or 57.18002.

  • Was preshift examination completed by certified examiner before miners entered active working areas?
  • Is oxygen concentration above 19.5% in all working areas (below 16% evacuate immediately)?
  • Is methane below 0.5% in all coal mine working places (evacuate at 1.5%)?
  • Is carbon monoxide below 50 ppm in all working areas (NIOSH REL)?
  • Are preshift examination results recorded with date, time, location, and examiner signature?
  • Are any hazardous conditions found during examination posted to prevent miner entry per 30 CFR 75.360(g)?

Specialized Gas Hazards

Test for specialized gas hazards in metal/nonmetal mines per 30 CFR 57.18010.

  • Is hydrogen sulfide below 1 ppm ceiling in areas with potential H2S generation (acid drains, sulphide ore)?
  • Is nitrogen dioxide from diesel equipment below 1 ppm ceiling per MSHA permissible diesel requirements?
  • After blasting, has re-entry been delayed until CO and NO2 return to safe levels per 30 CFR 57.18014?
  • In uranium mines, is radon progeny monitored and below 1.0 WL per 10 CFR Part 20 requirements?
  • Is diesel particulate matter monitored per MSHA 30 CFR 57.5060 in metal/nonmetal mines?

Gas Detector Calibration and Maintenance

Verify detector calibration per 30 CFR 75.342 and manufacturer requirements.

  • Have all portable gas detectors been bump tested with certified calibration gas at start of shift?
  • Are all detectors within manufacturer-specified calibration interval (typically monthly or more frequently)?
  • Are calibration records maintained including gas standard concentration and detector response?
  • Are alarm setpoints on multi-gas detectors set to appropriate action levels for this mine?
  • Are spare batteries or charging stations available to keep detectors operational throughout shift?

Escape Routes and Self-Rescuers

Verify escape capability per 30 CFR 75.383.

  • Does each miner working underground have an approved self-rescuer at all times per 30 CFR 75.1714?
  • Are additional self-rescuers cached along escapeway at required intervals per 30 CFR 75.1714-2?
  • Are all required escapeways clear and traveled per 30 CFR 75.380 examination requirements?
  • Are escape direction indicators (reflective markers) current and visible along all escapeways?
  • Is fresh air base located where miners can survive while awaiting rescue?

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Why Use This Mine Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Checklist?

This mine atmospheric testing and monitoring checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, NIOSH, 30 CFR Part 57, 30 CFR Part 75. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mine Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 4 sections: Preshift Atmospheric Examination, Specialized Gas Hazards, Gas Detector Calibration and Maintenance, Escape Routes and Self-Rescuers. It is designed for mining & quarrying operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 25 minutes.

Who should use this Mine Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager professionals in the mining & quarrying industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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