Mine Noise Exposure Monitoring Survey Checklist [FREE PDF]

Mine noise exposure monitoring is mandated under MSHA 30 CFR Part 62, which requires operators to monitor miner exposure to noise and take corrective action when levels exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA. Employers must implement a hearing conservation program when miner exposure equals or exceeds the action level of 85 dBA. This checklist guides safety managers through a comprehensive noise monitoring survey to document exposure levels, equipment noise source

Industry: Mining
Frequency: Quarterly
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Role: Mine Safety Manager
Total Items: 37
Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR Part 62 - Occupational Noise Exposure, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.5005 - Noise Standards Surface Mines, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.5005 - Noise Standards Underground Mines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure, State Mining Regulations - Hearing Conservation Requirements

Pre-Survey Preparation and Equipment Calibration

Verify that noise monitoring instruments are calibrated and that survey personnel are trained before beginning the noise exposure assessment.

Has the sound level meter or dosimeter been calibrated using an acoustic calibrator prior to the survey?
Is the calibration certificate for monitoring equipment current and on file?
Have all personnel conducting the noise survey received training on the use of noise monitoring instruments?
Has the list of noise-exposed miners and work areas to be surveyed been reviewed and updated?
Have background noise levels and any significant changes in operations since the last survey been documented?

Noise Source Identification and Equipment Inventory

Identify and document all significant noise sources across work areas and equipment categories.

Have all primary noise-generating equipment and processes been identified and listed for this survey?
Is haul truck and heavy equipment noise being measured at the operator cab location?
Are noise levels from drilling and blasting equipment recorded separately from continuous noise sources?
What is the measured sound level (dBA) at the highest-noise workstation identified during this survey?
Have noise levels been recorded at all fixed workstations including control booths, crusher stations, and maintenance areas?

Personal Dosimetry and TWA Measurement

Document personal dosimeter placement, data collection, and time-weighted average (TWA) calculations for monitored miners.

Were personal dosimeters placed on miners representative of each noise-exposed job category?
Were dosimeters worn at the miners' collar level on the side of the dominant noise source throughout the full work shift?
Has an 8-hour TWA been calculated for each monitored miner?
Were any miners found to have an 8-hour TWA at or above the MSHA action level of 85 dBA?
Have all dosimetry results been recorded in writing and retained for the required period?
Were miners notified of their individual noise exposure results within the required timeframe?

Hearing Protection Device (HPD) Assessment

Evaluate the availability, condition, and proper use of hearing protection devices across all noise-exposed work areas.

Are approved hearing protection devices (earplugs or earmuffs) available at all noise-exposed work areas?
Do the HPDs in use have adequate noise reduction ratings (NRR) for the measured noise levels in each work area?
Have miners been trained on the proper selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protection devices?
Are HPDs being worn correctly by all miners in areas where noise exceeds the action level?
Are damaged or deteriorated HPDs being replaced promptly?

Engineering and Administrative Noise Controls

Assess implemented engineering controls, equipment enclosures, and administrative measures to reduce miner noise exposure.

Have feasible engineering controls (mufflers, enclosures, vibration dampening) been applied to high-noise equipment?
Are equipment cab enclosures and acoustic shields in good condition and providing effective noise reduction?
Are administrative controls such as job rotation and reduced exposure time schedules being implemented where feasible?
Are noise control maintenance activities (muffler replacement, bearing lubrication) included in the preventive maintenance schedule?
Have noise control improvements been documented and their effectiveness verified through follow-up monitoring?

Audiometric Testing Program Compliance

Verify that audiometric testing requirements for noise-exposed miners are being met in accordance with MSHA standards.

Have all miners with TWA exposure at or above 85 dBA received a baseline audiogram within the required timeframe?
Are annual audiograms being conducted for all miners enrolled in the hearing conservation program?
Have any miners shown a standard threshold shift (STS) since the last monitoring period?
Have miners with confirmed STS been notified and provided with enhanced hearing protection and referral as required?
Are audiometric testing records maintained for the duration of each miner's employment plus the required post-employment period?

Corrective Actions and Survey Documentation

Document identified deficiencies, assigned corrective actions, and overall survey findings for regulatory record-keeping.

Have all areas or equipment where noise exceeds the MSHA PEL of 90 dBA TWA been documented with corrective action plans?
Have corrective action items been assigned to responsible parties with specific completion deadlines?
Please describe any immediate corrective actions taken during this survey for overexposed miners or malfunctioning controls.
Has this noise survey report been signed by the responsible mine operator or safety manager?
Has the completed survey and all supporting dosimetry data been filed in the mine's noise exposure records system?
Are there additional observations or recommendations from this noise survey that require management review?

Related Mining Checklists

Related Surface Operations Checklists

Why Use This Mine Noise Exposure Monitoring Survey Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This mine noise exposure monitoring survey checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety manager professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 62 - Occupational Noise Exposure, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.5005 - Noise Standards Surface Mines, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.5005 - Noise Standards Underground Mines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure, State Mining Regulations - Hearing Conservation Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mine Noise Exposure Monitoring Survey Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Survey Preparation and Equipment Calibration, Noise Source Identification and Equipment Inventory, Personal Dosimetry and TWA Measurement, Hearing Protection Device (HPD) Assessment, Engineering and Administrative Noise Controls, Audiometric Testing Program Compliance, Corrective Actions and Survey Documentation. It is designed for mining operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Mine Noise Exposure Monitoring Survey Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Manager professionals in the mining 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.