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 does the Underground Mine Pre-Shift Examination Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 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. It is designed for mining operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

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

This checklist is designed for Shift Foreman 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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