U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 4015 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22203-1984

ISSUE DATE: June 1, 2000

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P00-7

FROM:           EARNEST C. TEASTER
                        Administrator
                             for Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT: Highwall Safety

Scope
This information bulletin applies to all metal and nonmetal mine operators.

Purpose
This bulletin alerts the mining industry to hazards associated with unstable highwalls and with loose rock accumulating on or near highwall faces.

Information
Subpart B of 30 CFR 56 and 57 sets forth requirements relative to controlling ground conditions to provide a safe work environment. Some of these conditions may include loose rock, overhangs, and unstable walls, banks, or slopes. Sections 56/57.3200 require that any unsafe ground condition existing where persons work or travel must be taken down or supported prior to starting work or traveling in the area. The conditions referred to in this standard include, but are not limited to, loose rock on a highwall face or perimeter. Section 56.3130 requires that a mining method be used that ensures wall, bank, and slope stability; and when benching is necessary, it shall be suitable to the conditions and available scaling methods. Section 56.3131 requires that hazardous conditions creating a fall-of-material hazard along highwall perimeters be corrected. In concert, these three standards form a basis for safe ground conditions.

Sections 56/57.3401 require mine operators to examine every highwall and bank that could pose a hazard. The examination should include, but is not limited to, an inspection of the face, the wall or bank perimeter, and the area above the wall or bank for any potential fall-of-material hazard. As required, when a mine operator finds a hazardous condition such as an unstable highwall or bank, or loose rock on a highwall face or perimeter, all work and travel in the area affected by the hazard will cease until the condition is corrected. If the scaling methods in use at the mine are unable to correct the condition, new techniques should be developed and adopted that are effective in removing .the hazard. The new techniques may include, among others, new scaling methods, changes in wall slope, blasting techniques, benching or changes in bench height. To reduce hazards associated with highwalls, I have directed our enforcement personnel to heighten awareness associated with highwall safety.

Background
Since 1990, the metal and nonmetal surface mining industry has experienced 6 fatal accidents due to highwall failure and 4 from rocks falling from a highwall. In addition to these 10 fatal accidents, 60 additional accidents occurred when rocks falling from a highwall face struck miners. There may be many more instances where rocks fell in the vicinity of where miners were working or traveling but, fortunately, the miners were not injured.

Internet Availability
This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing "Statutory and Regulatory Information," "Compliance Assistance Information," "Program Information Bulletins" and "2000 Program Information Bulletins."

Authority
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977;
30 CFR 56.3130 and .3131; 30 CFR 56/57.3200 and .3401.

Issuing Office and Contact Person
Safety Division
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
Peter J. Montali, (703) 235-8646

Distribution
Program Policy Manual Holders
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Operators
Special Interest Groups