Mine Ventilation System Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]

Adequate ventilation is the most critical life-safety system in any underground mining operation, required to dilute and remove methane, carbon monoxide, diesel exhaust, blasting fumes, and respirable dust to safe levels as mandated under MSHA 30 CFR Part 57 Subpart D. NFPA 120 Standard for Coal Mines and OSHA 1910.146 for confined space entry further govern atmospheric monitoring and emergency egress requirements when ventilation systems are compromised. This audit checklist enables Ventilation

• Industry: Mining
• Frequency: Monthly
• Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
• Role: Ventilation Engineer
• Total Items: 39
• Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR Part 57 Subpart D (Underground Metal/Nonmetal Ventilation), MSHA 30 CFR Part 75 Subpart D (Underground Coal Ventilation), NFPA 120-2015 Standard for Coal Mines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces), MSHA 30 CFR Part 48 (Training for Underground Miners)

Main Ventilation Fan Inspection

Inspect primary mine fan(s) for mechanical integrity, operational performance, reversal capability, and required safety interlocks.

• Is the main mine fan operating continuously and free from excessive vibration, noise, or bearing heat?
• Is a fan pressure gauge (manometer) installed and recording fan static pressure within the expected operating range?
• Has the main fan been tested for reversal capability within the past 12 months per MSHA requirements?
• Is a fan stoppage alarm system installed that alerts mine personnel in the event of main fan failure?
• Is the fan housing, inlet, and outlet free from structural damage, debris, or obstructions?
• Has the main fan motor, drive belt or coupling, and electrical connections been inspected by a qualified electrician this period?

Airflow Quantity Measurements

Measure and record airflow quantities at critical measurement stations to verify compliance with minimum ventilation requirements.

• Has airflow been measured at all required measurement stations using a calibrated anemometer?
• Does total airflow reaching active working faces meet the minimum quantity required (typically 200 CFM per person or per equipment rating)?
• Are all measured airflow values recorded in the mine ventilation map and compared to previous survey baseline?
• Have any significant decreases in airflow quantity (>10% from baseline) been identified and investigated?
• Record total measured intake airflow quantity at primary fan (CFM)?

Air Quality & Atmospheric Monitoring

Test and record atmospheric conditions at active workings and return airways for hazardous gases, dust, and oxygen levels.

• Has atmospheric monitoring been conducted for methane, CO, CO2, and oxygen at all active working faces?
• Are oxygen levels in all working areas within the acceptable range of 19.5% to 23.5% by volume?
• Are carbon monoxide (CO) levels in working areas below the MSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm (TWA)?
• Are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other diesel exhaust components within permissible exposure limits at all equipment operator locations?
• Are multi-gas detectors used by miners calibrated and bump-tested within the required interval (typically every 6 months or per manufacturer)?
• Are respirable dust sampling results current and within permissible dust levels for this mine classification?

Ventilation Stoppings, Doors & Regulators

Inspect ventilation control devices including stoppings, overcasts, doors, and regulators for structural integrity and proper function.

• Are all ventilation stoppings structurally sound, free from holes, cracks, or damage that would allow air leakage?
• Do all ventilation doors open and close freely, latch properly, and are they maintained in their designated open or closed position?
• Are overcasts and undercasts in active use free from structural damage, bypasses, or deterioration?
• Are ventilation regulators adjusted to their designed setting and free from unauthorized alterations?
• Have all ventilation control changes made since the last audit been updated on the mine ventilation map?

Auxiliary & Booster Fan Systems

Inspect auxiliary (line brattice, tubing, auxiliary fans) ventilation systems serving development headings and dead-end workings.

• Is auxiliary ventilation (fan-and-duct or brattice) installed and operating in all development headings and dead-end workings?
• Is auxiliary fan ducting free from tears, holes, disconnected sections, or excessive leakage?
• Is the exhaust end of auxiliary ventilation ductwork positioned within 10 feet of the working face as required?
• Are booster fans, if installed, approved in the mine ventilation plan and equipped with required safety interlocks?
• Are auxiliary fans electrically interlocked or located to prevent recirculation of air from return to intake airways?

Emergency Ventilation & Egress Readiness

Verify emergency ventilation procedures, self-rescuer availability, refuge chambers, and evacuation plan alignment with current mine layout.

• Are self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) available and accessible to all miners working underground?
• Have all SCSRs been inspected and are within their manufacturer-specified service life and inspection date?
• Is the emergency evacuation plan current, posted, and has it been communicated to all underground workers?
• Are refuge chambers or refuge alternatives (RAs), if required, stocked, sealed, and within inspection date?
• Has the mine ventilation plan been reviewed and accepted by MSHA within the required timeframe?
• Are all escape routes, emergency lighting, and directional signage functional and unobstructed throughout the mine?

Ventilation Records & Regulatory Documentation

Verify that all required ventilation records, survey reports, and regulatory submissions are current, complete, and available for MSHA inspection.

• Is the current MSHA-accepted mine ventilation plan on file and accessible at the mine office?
• Is the mine ventilation map current, accurate, and updated to reflect all recent mine development and ventilation changes?
• Are results of all previous ventilation surveys, airflow measurements, and atmospheric monitoring retained on file for the required period?
• Have all ventilation-related MSHA citations or orders from the most recent inspection been abated and documented?
• Have miners received annual refresher training that includes ventilation hazard recognition and emergency procedures?
• Additional observations, deficiencies noted, or corrective actions recommended from this ventilation audit?

Related Mining Checklists

• Mine Emergency Escape Route Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]
• Haul Truck Pre-Operation Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]
• Crusher and Conveyor Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]
• Mine Dust Suppression System Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]

Why Use This Mine Ventilation System Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This mine ventilation system audit checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ventilation engineer professionals, this checklist covers 39 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 57 Subpart D (Underground Metal/Nonmetal Ventilation), MSHA 30 CFR Part 75 Subpart D (Underground Coal Ventilation), NFPA 120-2015 Standard for Coal Mines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces), MSHA 30 CFR Part 48 (Training for Underground Miners). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse More Checklists

• All Ventilation Checklists
• Mining Checklists
• Browse 9,600+ Free Checklist Templates
• Operations Blog
• Book a Demo