Underground Mine Ventilation System Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive underground mine ventilation system inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with MSHA, OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration. Comprehensive inspection of underground mine ventilation systems ensuring adequate airflow, methane dilution, and compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 75 ventilation standards. Covers main fans, auxiliary fans, ventilation controls, and air quality monitoring to protect miners from respirable dust, diesel exhaust, and explosive gases. Compl

  • Industry: Mining & Quarrying
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 45 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
  • Total Items: 29
  • Compliance: MSHA, OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration

Main Fan and Primary Ventilation

Inspect primary ventilation fans and fan installations per 30 CFR 75.310.

  • Are all main mine fans operating continuously and producing required airflow per approved ventilation plan?
  • Is fan static pressure within 10% of ventilation plan specifications?
  • Can fan direction be reversed within 60 minutes per 30 CFR 75.310(a)(3)?
  • Is fan building constructed of fire-resistant materials and located on surface per 30 CFR 75.310(a)(5)?
  • Is continuous fan pressure monitoring system operational with alarm at 30 CFR 75.310(a)(4)?
  • Are fan speed, pressure, and operating records current and accessible per 30 CFR 75.364?

Airflow Volume Measurement

Verify adequate airflow quantities per 30 CFR 75.325 at all working places.

  • Does airflow at last open crosscut meet minimum 9,000 CFM per 30 CFR 75.325(a)(1)?
  • Is airflow velocity at working face between 60-300 FPM per approved ventilation plan?
  • Are weekly airflow measurements recorded at all measurement points per 30 CFR 75.325?
  • Are multiple working sections receiving separate air splits as required by ventilation plan?
  • Are return airways carrying air away from working sections without mixing intake air?
  • Are airflow measurement anemometers calibrated within past 12 months?

Stoppings, Regulators, and Overcasts

Inspect ventilation control structures per 30 CFR 75.333 and 75.334.

  • Are all ventilation stoppings intact with no air leakage exceeding allowable limits?
  • Do all personnel travel doors open into intake airway and self-close properly?
  • Are all overcasts and undercasts structurally sound with no air bypasses?
  • Are ventilation regulators positioned correctly to direct required airflow to working sections?
  • Are all worked-out area seals constructed to withstand 20 PSI per 30 CFR 75.335?
  • Are all electrical installations in return airways explosion-proof rated?

Methane and Gas Monitoring

Verify methane monitoring compliance per 30 CFR 75.340-75.360.

  • Are methane tests performed at face during preshift examination per 30 CFR 75.360?
  • Are all working places free of methane concentrations above 1.0% (action level 0.5%)?
  • Are continuous methane monitors (CMOs) tested at start of each shift per 30 CFR 75.342?
  • Are withdrawal procedures posted and miners trained to evacuate when methane exceeds 1.5%?
  • Are portable methane detectors calibrated with certified gas standard within past 31 days?
  • Are diesel exhaust emissions monitored per 30 CFR 75.325(a) for CO and NO2 levels?

Respirable Dust Control

Verify dust suppression measures per 30 CFR 75.401-75.403.

  • Are water sprays operational at all cutting heads, loading points, and transfer points?
  • Are continuous miner scrubbers operational and exhausting through water spray per 30 CFR 75.400-2?
  • Are bimonthly respirable dust samples collected per 30 CFR 70.201 operator sampling requirements?
  • Is approved dust control plan in place and followed at all dusty operations?
  • Are rock dust applications current per 30 CFR 75.401 (80% incombustible matter)?

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Why Use This Underground Mine Ventilation System Inspection Checklist?

This underground mine ventilation system inspection checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA, OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Underground Mine Ventilation System Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 5 sections: Main Fan and Primary Ventilation, Airflow Volume Measurement, Stoppings, Regulators, and Overcasts, Methane and Gas Monitoring, Respirable Dust 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 45 minutes.

Who should use this Underground Mine Ventilation System Inspection 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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