Tailings Dam Safety Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]

Tailings dams are among the highest-consequence structures in the mining industry, regulated under MSHA 30 CFR Part 56 and subject to state dam safety statutes requiring periodic qualified engineer inspections. Failures such as the 2019 Brumadinho disaster underscore the critical need for systematic structural, seepage, and instrumentation monitoring. This checklist guides Mine Safety Managers through a comprehensive assessment aligned with MAC/ICOLD global tailings standards and applicable fede

  • Industry: Mining
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Role: Mine Safety Manager
  • Total Items: 35
  • Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.20010 - Ground Control, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.20003 - Surface Stability, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.4401 - Drainage Control, State Mining Dam Safety Regulations (e.g., CDMG Title 27 / WDFW Chapter 173-175), MAC/ICOLD Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM 2020)

Embankment Integrity & Crest Condition

Assess the physical condition of the dam embankment, crest, and slopes for signs of distress, deformation, or erosion.

  • Is the crest free of visible cracking, settlement, or longitudinal depressions?
  • Are the upstream and downstream slopes free of sloughing, slope failures, or tension cracks?
  • Is erosion on the dam face within acceptable limits (no rilling or gullying exceeding 6 inches depth)?
  • Are any animal burrows, tree root intrusions, or vegetation encroachments on the embankment identified and logged?
  • Please describe any observed embankment anomalies or areas requiring follow-up.

Seepage, Piping & Internal Erosion

Evaluate seepage emergence points, drainage toe conditions, and signs of internal erosion or piping throughout the embankment.

  • Is seepage at the downstream toe within the baseline range established in the Operations, Maintenance & Surveillance (OMS) manual?
  • Is seepage water clear (no turbidity, cloudiness, or fines carryover)?
  • Are all toe drains, filter zones, and underdrain outlets clear and functioning?
  • Are any wet spots, boils, or sinkholes observed on the downstream face or toe area?
  • Measured seepage flow rate at primary collection point (liters/min or gpm)?

Instrumentation & Monitoring Systems

Verify that all installed monitoring instruments are operational, readings are within acceptable ranges, and data is being recorded.

  • Are all piezometers (standpipe and/or vibrating wire) operational and providing readings within trigger level limits?
  • Are survey monitoring points (settlement plates, slope inclinometers) read and compared against previous values?
  • Is the automated monitoring system (if installed) transmitting data without gaps in the past 30 days?
  • Are all instrument readings logged in the dam safety database or inspection record within 24 hours of collection?
  • List any instrumentation that is damaged, malfunctioning, or requires replacement.

Pond & Supernatant Water Management

Assess freeboard, beach width, supernatant pond position, and decant/spillway structures to ensure safe water management.

  • Is the current freeboard (distance from water surface to crest) at or above the minimum required level per the OMS manual?
  • Is the supernatant pond positioned the minimum required distance from the embankment crest (per design)?
  • Are decant structures, spillways, and emergency spillway channels clear of blockages and in good structural condition?
  • Current freeboard measurement (feet)?
  • Is water quality monitoring of supernatant and seepage conducted per the facility's water management plan?

Emergency Action Plan & Communication

Confirm the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is current, personnel are trained, and communication systems are functional.

  • Is the tailings facility Emergency Action Plan (EAP) current (reviewed within the past 12 months)?
  • Have all key personnel been trained on the EAP within the past 12 months?
  • Are emergency communication systems (radios, phones, sirens) tested and confirmed operational?
  • Are downstream community notification contacts and evacuation routes current in the EAP?
  • Has a tabletop or functional EAP exercise been conducted within the past 12 months?

Site Access, Signage & Perimeter Controls

Verify that unauthorized access is prevented, warning signage is in place, and the facility perimeter is secured.

  • Is the perimeter fence or berm in good condition with no breaches allowing unauthorized vehicle or pedestrian access?
  • Are warning signs (no trespassing, dam hazard, quicksand/soft tailings) posted at all access points and visible?
  • Are access roads to the crest, toe, and instrumentation points maintained and passable for inspection vehicles?
  • Is personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-visibility vests, hard hats, and safety boots, worn by all inspection personnel?
  • Are soft tailings and liquefaction hazard zones clearly delineated and roped off to prevent accidental entry?

Documentation, Records & Regulatory Reporting

Confirm that all inspection records, engineer certifications, and regulatory reports are complete and submitted on schedule.

  • Is the dam safety inspection record book current and maintained on-site or in an accessible electronic system?
  • Has the most recent annual formal dam safety review by a qualified engineer been completed and submitted to the relevant regulatory authority?
  • Are all previous inspection findings and corrective actions closed out or on an active corrective action register with assigned owners and due dates?
  • Have any reportable incidents or dam safety threshold exceedances been reported to MSHA and/or state dam safety authority as required?
  • Provide any additional observations, corrective actions initiated during this inspection, or items to escalate to engineering review.

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Why Use This Tailings Dam Safety Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This tailings dam safety assessment checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety manager professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.20010 - Ground Control, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.20003 - Surface Stability, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.4401 - Drainage Control, State Mining Dam Safety Regulations (e.g., CDMG Title 27 / WDFW Chapter 173-175), MAC/ICOLD Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM 2020). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Tailings Dam Safety Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: Embankment Integrity & Crest Condition, Seepage, Piping & Internal Erosion, Instrumentation & Monitoring Systems, Pond & Supernatant Water Management, Emergency Action Plan & Communication, Site Access, Signage & Perimeter Controls, Documentation, Records & Regulatory Reporting. It is designed for mining operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

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

Who should use this Tailings Dam Safety Assessment 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.

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