Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist
This comprehensive open pit mine slope stability monitoring checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3401, ISRM, ISO 14689. Daily slope stability monitoring inspection for open pit and surface mining operations covering visual inspection, instrument readings, prism monitoring, and slope failure precursor identification per MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 and ISRM slope stability guidelines. Slope failures are among the most catastrophic events in surface mining, causing fatalities and ma
- Industry: Mining & Quarrying
- Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
- Total Items: 19
- Compliance: MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3401, ISRM, ISO 14689
Visual Slope Inspection
Daily visual assessment per MSHA slope stability requirements.
- Has inspection identified any new or widening tension cracks on pit crest or pit walls?
- Are any bench faces showing signs of distress including raveling, toppling blocks, or bulging?
- Is new or increased seepage observed on pit walls indicating elevated pore water pressure?
- Has completed slope inspection covered all active pit walls and highwalls per established inspection pattern?
- Are all mobile equipment and personnel positioned outside calculated failure zones on potentially unstable slopes?
- Are safety berms at crest of all active highwalls maintained at wheel-height of largest operating equipment?
Slope Monitoring Instrumentation
Review instrument readings per geotechnical monitoring plan.
- Have survey prism or reflector readings been collected per monitoring schedule and compared to movement trigger levels?
- Are cumulative movement rates below TARP (Trigger Action Response Plan) alert level thresholds?
- Have piezometer readings been recorded and pore water pressures compared to design assumptions?
- Are inclinometer readings current and showing no acceleration of movement in monitored zone?
- Is slope radar (if installed) active with automated alert notifications functioning correctly?
Slope Drainage and Water Management
Verify drainage control per geotechnical plan.
- Are horizontal drain holes clear and discharging as designed to reduce pore water pressure?
- Are surface drainage ditches on pit crest and berms functional and directing water away from slope?
- Is pit sump pumping keeping water level below design operating level?
- Is there absence of water pooling on pit floor that could indicate rising water table?
TARP and Emergency Response
Verify TARP protocol currency and response readiness.
- Is current Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) posted and understood by all pit supervisors?
- Have all TARP alert levels triggered since last inspection been communicated to geotechnical team and management?
- Has geotechnical engineer reviewed any acceleration in movement rates or new failure indicators?
- Is evacuation plan for slope failure scenario understood by all personnel working in pit?
Related Mining Quarrying Checklists
- Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist
- Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist
- Underground Mine Ventilation System Inspection Checklist
- Surface Mine Blasting Safety Inspection Checklist
- Quarry Mobile Equipment Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist
- Mine Rescue Team Equipment and Readiness Checklist
Related Geotechnical Safety Checklists
Why Use This Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist?
This open pit mine slope stability monitoring checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.
Ensures compliance with MSHA, 30 CFR 56.3401, ISRM, ISO 14689. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: Visual Slope Inspection, Slope Monitoring Instrumentation, Slope Drainage and Water Management, TARP and Emergency Response. 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 30 minutes.
Who should use this Open Pit Mine Slope Stability 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.