Free msha workplace examination checklist

Enter your email below to download this msha workplace examination checklist as a ready-to-use PDF.

Free MSHA workplace examination checklist (PDF-ready). Covers 30 CFR 56/57 ground conditions, ventilation, equipment guards, electrical and egress.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

• ✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
• ✓Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
• ✓Go digital in MapTrack for photos, alerts and audit trails

See template in action →

Download free PDF template

Get your free template

Enter your email to download the msha workplace examination checklist (PDF-ready). No sign-up required to use the template.

Email address *

Name (optional)

I agree to receive occasional updates from MapTrack. Unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy policy.Get free template

Your info is secure. No spam, ever.

These templates are free general guides provided as-is. They do not constitute legal, safety or compliance advice. You are responsible for ensuring any form meets your specific workplace obligations, industry standards and applicable regulations.

Trusted by teams across Australia and New Zealand

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Benefits of using this msha workplace examination checklist

• MSHA compliance: document the workplace examination required by 30 CFR 56/57.18002 with a structured record that MSHA inspectors can review during inspections.
• Hazard identification: systematic examination catches ground instability, ventilation failures, unguarded equipment, electrical faults and water accumulation before they injure miners.
• Shift-by-shift protection: examinations at the start of each shift ensure that conditions are safe as miners enter the work area, not just at the time of the last inspection.
• Corrective action tracking: the defect register prompts immediate correction or area withdrawal, creating accountability for hazard resolution.
• Citation prevention: proactive workplace examinations and documented corrective actions reduce the likelihood of MSHA citations and associated penalties.
• Incident investigation support: completed examination records provide contemporaneous evidence of conditions for accident investigations and litigation.

How to use this msha workplace examination checklist

1. Before miners enter the work area, the designated competent person records the mine name, MSHA ID, date, shift, area being examined and current conditions.: Enter the mine name and MSHA mine identification number for proper recordkeeping. Note the shift (day, afternoon, night), the specific area or section being examined (pit, bench, level, heading, processing plant) and the current weather conditions for surface operations (rain, wind, temperature, visibility). This header information ties the examination to a specific time and place for MSHA inspector review.
2. Examine ground conditions throughout the work area. For surface mines, inspect highwalls, benches, pit floors and haul road berms. For underground mines, inspect roof, ribs, supported ground and scaling conditions.: Walk the work area and visually assess highwall faces for signs of instability such as tension cracks, overhangs, sloughing or water seepage. Check bench widths and catch bench conditions. Inspect pit floor drainage and footing conditions for mobile equipment. On haul roads, verify berm heights are at least mid-axle height of the largest vehicle using the road per 30 CFR 56/57.9300. In underground workings, sound the roof with a scaling bar, check rock bolt plates for deformation, and inspect mesh and shotcrete for damage or separation.
3. Check ventilation adequacy, dust suppression systems and atmospheric conditions. Take gas readings where required.: Verify that ventilation provides adequate airflow at all active working faces and that dust suppression systems (water sprays, fog cannons, enclosed cabs with filtration) are operational. In underground mines, take atmospheric readings for oxygen (minimum 19.5%), methane, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide at required monitoring points. Record all readings on the checklist. Confirm auxiliary ventilation fans and ducting are in place and directing air to the working face. Report any deficiencies to the shift supervisor immediately.
4. Inspect equipment guarding on all operating machinery, including conveyors, crushers and processing equipment. Verify emergency stops and pull cords function correctly.: Check that all belt conveyor guards are in place at the head pulley, tail pulley, take-up, return rollers and any nip points accessible to personnel. Inspect crusher guards, screen guards, gear guards and rotating shaft covers. Test emergency stop pull cords and push buttons by activating them and confirming the equipment shuts down. Verify lockout/tagout devices are in place on equipment under maintenance. Guards that are missing, damaged or bypassed constitute an immediate hazard and must be corrected before the area is opened to miners.
5. Inspect electrical systems, travelways, water accumulation and any blasting areas. Verify PPE availability and emergency equipment.: Check trailing cables for cuts, splices, kinks and proper strain relief. Verify switchgear covers are closed and grounding conductors are intact. Inspect travelways for obstructions, adequate lighting and proper signage. Check water levels in sumps and pits, and confirm pumps are operating. If blasting occurred on the previous shift, confirm the blast area has been examined for misfires per 30 CFR 56/57.6300. Verify that required PPE (hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing) is available and that emergency equipment (self-rescuers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits) is accessible and in serviceable condition.
6. Record all identified hazards with the applicable 30 CFR reference and corrective action. Barricade or post any area that cannot be immediately corrected. Sign and date the examination record.: For each hazard found, document the location, a clear description of the condition, the applicable 30 CFR standard (for example, 56.14107 for unguarded equipment or 56.9300 for inadequate berms), the corrective action taken and the time corrected. If a hazard cannot be corrected before miners arrive, barricade the area and post a warning per 30 CFR 56/57.18002(b). The competent person signs and dates the record. Retain the examination record on site for MSHA inspector review.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Frequently asked questions

What does MSHA 30 CFR 56/57.18002 require for workplace examinations?

MSHA 30 CFR 56.18002 (surface metal and nonmetal mines) and 30 CFR 57.18002 (underground metal and nonmetal mines) require that a competent person designated by the mine operator examine each working place at least once each shift before work begins or as miners enter the work area. The examination must identify conditions that may adversely affect safety or health. Hazardous conditions must be corrected immediately before work continues or, if not immediately correctable, the area must be posted and miners withdrawn until the hazard is corrected.

Who is a competent person for MSHA workplace examinations?

Under MSHA regulations, a competent person is someone designated by the mine operator who has the ability to recognise hazardous conditions and the authority to take prompt corrective action. This is typically an experienced miner, shift supervisor, safety officer or other person with sufficient training and knowledge of the mining operation to identify the types of hazards that may be present, such as ground instability, ventilation failures, unguarded equipment and electrical faults. The mine operator must ensure that designated examiners are competent for the specific conditions of the mine.

How often does MSHA inspect mines?

MSHA conducts regular inspections of all active mines in the United States. Underground mines are inspected at least four times per year (quarterly). Surface mines and surface areas of underground mines are inspected at least twice per year (semi-annually). In addition, MSHA may conduct spot inspections, compliance assistance visits and special investigations following accidents or complaints. During inspections, MSHA inspectors review workplace examination records, so maintaining complete and current checklists is essential for compliance.

What happens if a hazard is found during a workplace examination?

If a hazardous condition is identified during a workplace examination, the competent person must either correct the condition immediately before work begins or, if immediate correction is not possible, withdraw miners from the affected area and post the hazard to prevent entry. The hazard must be recorded in the examination record (defect register) with a description, the corrective action taken and the completion status. Work in the affected area must not resume until the hazard is corrected. Failure to correct known hazards or to withdraw miners can result in MSHA citations, penalties and potential criminal liability for wilful violations.

Is this MSHA workplace examination checklist free to use?

Yes. Download and use this MSHA workplace examination checklist at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you later want digital examination forms with GPS location tagging, photo evidence capture, automatic defect tracking and scheduled examination reminders per work area, MapTrack can help. Book a demo to see how it works.