Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF]

Underground mine pre-shift examinations are mandated by MSHA under 30 CFR Part 57.18002, requiring a competent person to inspect each working place before miners begin work. These examinations must be recorded in a book kept on the mine surface, documenting hazardous conditions and corrective actions taken. Failure to conduct pre-shift examinations is among the most frequently cited MSHA violations and can result in substantial civil penalties or withdrawal orders.

  • Industry: Mining
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Shift Foreman
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.18002 - Pre-shift Examination, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.22003 - Atmospheric Monitoring, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.8520 - Ventilation, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-Required Confined Spaces, NFPA 120 Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Coal Mines

Atmospheric Testing & Ventilation

Verify air quality, gas concentrations, and ventilation adequacy in all working areas before miners enter.

  • Has methane concentration been tested and confirmed below 1.0% in all working places?
  • Is oxygen concentration confirmed between 19.5% and 23.0% in all active workings?
  • Has carbon monoxide (CO) been tested and confirmed below 50 ppm in all active areas?
  • Is ventilation airflow adequate and confirmed with anemometer or equivalent measurement?
  • Are all ventilation fans, doors, and stoppings in proper working condition?
  • Record lowest oxygen reading observed during this examination?

Ground Control & Roof Support

Inspect roof, ribs, and pillars for instability, loose material, and adequacy of support systems.

  • Has the roof been sounded (tested with a scaling bar) throughout all active workings?
  • Are all roof bolts, trusses, and support sets in good condition with no visible failures?
  • Have all loose rocks, slabs, and scaling hazards been removed or adequately supported?
  • Are pillar dimensions and rib conditions consistent with the approved ground control plan?
  • Are there any signs of excessive convergence, floor heave, or rib spalling requiring immediate attention?

Electrical Systems & Equipment

Verify electrical equipment integrity, grounding, and safe operating condition prior to shift start.

  • Are all underground electrical installations free from visible damage, exposed conductors, or deterioration?
  • Are all grounding connections on electrical equipment intact and unbroken?
  • Are trailing cables and power lines properly supported and free from physical damage?
  • Are all circuit protection devices (fuses, breakers) correctly rated and in proper working order?
  • Are portable equipment batteries and charging stations located safely away from combustible materials?

Fire Prevention & Emergency Preparedness

Inspect fire suppression equipment, escape routes, and emergency communication systems.

  • Are all fire extinguishers in designated locations, fully charged, and within inspection date?
  • Are all escapeways clear of obstructions, properly marked, and passable for emergency egress?
  • Are self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) devices accessible and within their service life?
  • Is the underground communication system operational and tested at the start of this shift?
  • Are flammable materials (oil, grease, fuel) stored in approved containers and designated locations?
  • Are refuge chambers or rescue stations stocked and in operational condition?

Mobile Equipment Pre-Use Inspection

Verify that all mobile underground equipment meets operational and safety standards before deployment.

  • Have all mobile equipment units been inspected per manufacturer specifications before shift operations?
  • Are brakes, steering, and lighting systems on all mobile units functioning correctly?
  • Are rollover protective structures (ROPS) and falling object protective structures (FOPS) intact on applicable equipment?
  • Are equipment fire suppression systems fully charged and operational?
  • Are diesel equipment exhaust emissions within acceptable limits per installed monitoring or manufacturer specifications?

General Hazard Assessment & Housekeeping

Document any general hazards, housekeeping deficiencies, or conditions requiring corrective action.

  • Are all walkways, travel ways, and manholes free from debris, standing water, and tripping hazards?
  • Is adequate lighting provided in all active working areas and travelways?
  • Have all hazardous conditions identified during this pre-shift examination been reported and logged?
  • Are all required warning signs, barricades, and hazard postings in place for restricted or dangerous areas?
  • Describe any corrective actions taken or pending for hazards identified during this examination?
  • Are miners on this shift equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats and high-visibility apparel?

Examination Sign-Off & Record Keeping

Complete the formal pre-shift examination record as required by MSHA regulations.

  • Has the pre-shift examination been entered in the official mine examination book on the surface?
  • Has the mine superintendent or designee been notified of all hazardous conditions identified?
  • Are all previously identified hazardous conditions from prior shifts corrected or properly barricaded?
  • Additional observations or comments for the mine record?

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Why Use This Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This underground mine pre-shift examination checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for shift foreman professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.18002 - Pre-shift Examination, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.22003 - Atmospheric Monitoring, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.8520 - Ventilation, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-Required Confined Spaces, NFPA 120 Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Coal Mines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF]?

A Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF] is a standardized inspection form used by shift foreman to ensure consistent mining operations. It contains 42 inspection points organized into 7 sections. FREE underground mine pre-shift examination checklist PDF. Ensure MSHA 30 CFR Part 57 compliance before each shift begins.

How often should I use this mining checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per event. Regular use ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.18002 - Pre-shift Examination and MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.22003 - Atmospheric Monitoring and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF] as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 42 fields across 7 sections and typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.18002 - Pre-shift Examination, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.22003 - Atmospheric Monitoring, MSHA 30 CFR Part 57.8520 - Ventilation, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-Required Confined Spaces, NFPA 120 Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Coal Mines. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this mining inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Inspection Date & Time, Inspector Name, Mine Name / Location, Shift Designation, and MSHA Mine ID Number. Work through each of the 7 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

What are the key sections in this mining checklist?

This mining checklist is organized into 7 key sections: Atmospheric Testing & Ventilation, Ground Control & Roof Support, Electrical Systems & Equipment, Fire Prevention & Emergency Preparedness, Mobile Equipment Pre-Use Inspection, General Hazard Assessment & Housekeeping, Examination Sign-Off & Record Keeping. Each section contains specific inspection points that shift foreman must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during mining inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 45-60 minutes to complete.

Who should use this Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is primarily designed for shift foreman working in mining operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that mining standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF] to maintain consistency and accountability.

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