Mining Working at Heights and Fall Protection Checklist

This comprehensive mining working at heights and fall protection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, OSHA, 30 CFR Part 56, ANSI Z359. Fall protection inspection for surface mining operations covering elevated platforms, conveyors, stockpiles, and screening plants per MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502. Complete all sections to maintain compliance documentation and audit readiness.

  • Industry: Mining & Quarrying
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 25 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
  • Total Items: 16
  • Compliance: MSHA, OSHA, 30 CFR Part 56, ANSI Z359

Fixed Structure Guardrails and Access

Inspect permanent fall protection per 30 CFR 56.11002.

  • Do all elevated platforms, walkways, and work areas 4+ feet above lower level have standard 42-inch guardrails?
  • Are midrails installed at approximately 21 inches on all required guardrail systems?
  • Are 4-inch toe boards installed where tools or materials could roll or fall onto workers below?
  • Do all stairways have continuous handrails on both sides per 30 CFR 56.11003?
  • Do all portable and fixed ladders extend 3 feet above landing per 30 CFR 56.11003?
  • Are all elevated surfaces free of spilled materials, water, and slip hazards?

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Inspect PFAS equipment per ANSI Z359 and 30 CFR 56.11001.

  • Are all full-body harnesses free of cuts, tears, chemical damage, and shock-loading per ANSI Z359.11?
  • Are anchor points rated for minimum 5,000 lb per person connected per ANSI Z359.6?
  • Are shock-absorbing lanyards used where free-fall distance exceeds 6 feet?
  • Is total fall distance calculated and adequate clearance exists below before connection?
  • Are all PFAS components within annual inspection date per ANSI Z359.2?
  • Is rescue plan in place to recover a worker suspended in harness within 6 minutes to prevent suspension trauma?

Stockpile and Highwall Edge Control

Control fall hazards at stockpiles and face edges per 30 CFR 56.3401.

  • Are earthen berms at all stockpile and spoil pile edges at minimum wheel-height of the largest equipment?
  • Are trucks prohibited from backing within 3 feet of unbermed or unsupported edges?
  • Are stockpile slopes at or below angle of repose for material to prevent sudden failure?
  • Are edge hazard warning systems (lights, barriers) in place for nighttime operations near edges?

Related Mining Quarrying Checklists

Why Use This Mining Working at Heights and Fall Protection Checklist?

This mining working at heights and fall protection checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 16 critical inspection points across 3 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, OSHA, 30 CFR Part 56, ANSI Z359. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mining Working at Heights and Fall Protection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 16 inspection items across 3 sections: Fixed Structure Guardrails and Access, Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Stockpile and Highwall Edge Control. 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 Mining Working at Heights and Fall Protection 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.

Browse More Checklists