eCFR 1926.800

E l e c tr o ni c C o de of F e de r a l R e g u l a ti o ns
e-CFR data is current as of July 28, 2020
Title 29 → Subtitle B → Chapter XVII → Part 1926 → Subpart S → §1926.800

Browse Next
Title 29: Labor
PART 1926—SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Subpart S—Underground Construction, Caissons, Cofferdams and Compressed Air

§1926.800 Underground construction.
(a) Scope and application. (1) This section applies to the construction of underground
tunnels, shafts, chambers, and passageways. This section also applies to cut-and-cover
excavations which are both physically connected to ongoing underground construction
operations within the scope of this section, and covered in such a manner as to create conditions
characteristic of underground construction.
(2) This section does not apply to the following:
(i) Excavation and trenching operations covered by subpart P of this part, such as
foundation operations for above-ground structures that are not physically connected to
underground construction operations, and surface excavation; nor
(ii) Underground electrical transmission and distribution lines, as addressed in subpart V of
this part.
(b) Access and egress. (1) The employer shall provide and maintain safe means of access
and egress to all work stations.
(2) The employer shall provide access and egress in such a manner that employees are
protected from being struck by excavators, haulage machines, trains and other mobile equipment.
(3) The employer shall control access to all openings to prevent unauthorized entry
underground. Unused chutes, manways, or other openings shall be tightly covered, bulkheaded,
or fenced off, and shall be posted with warning signs indicating “Keep Out” or similar language.
Completed or unused sections of the underground facility shall be barricaded.
(c) Check-in/check-out. The employer shall maintain a check-in/check-out procedure that
will ensure that above-ground personnel can determine an accurate count of the number of
persons underground in the event of an emergency. However, this procedure is not required
1

when the construction of underground facilities designed for human occupancy has been
sufficiently completed so that the permanent environmental controls are effective, and when the
remaining construction activity will not cause any environmental hazard or structural failure
within the facilities.
(d) Safety instruction. All employees shall be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of
hazards associated with underground construction activities including, where appropriate, the
following subjects:
(1) Air monitoring;
(2) Ventilation;
(3) Illumination;
(4) Communications;
(5) Flood control;
(6) Mechanical equipment;
(7) Personal protective equipment;
(8) Explosives;
(9) Fire prevention and protection; and
(10) Emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and check-in/check-out systems.
(e) Notification. (1) Oncoming shifts shall be informed of any hazardous occurrences or
conditions that have affected or might affect employee safety, including liberation of gas,
equipment failures, earth or rock slides, cave-ins, floodings, fires or explosions.
(2) The employer shall establish and maintain direct communications for coordination of
activities with other employers whose operations at the jobsite affect or may affect the safety of
employees underground.
(f) Communications. (1) When natural unassisted voice communication is ineffective, a
power-assisted means of voice communication shall be used to provide communication between
the work face, the bottom of the shaft, and the surface.
(2) Two effective means of communication, at least one of which shall be voice
communication, shall be provided in all shafts which are being developed or used either for
personnel access or for hoisting. Additional requirements for hoist operator communication are
contained in paragraph (t)(3)(xiv) of this section.

2

(3) Powered communication systems shall operate on an independent power supply, and
shall be installed so that the use of or disruption of any one phone or signal location will not
disrupt the operation of the system from any other location.
(4) Communication systems shall be tested upon initial entry of each shift to the
underground, and as often as necessary at later times, to ensure that they are in working order.
(5) Any employee working alone underground in a hazardous location, who is both out of
the range of natural unassisted voice communication and not under observation by other persons,
shall be provided with an effective means of obtaining assistance in an emergency.
(g) Emergency provisions—(1) Hoisting capability. When a shaft is used as a means of
egress, the employer shall make advance arrangements for power-assisted hoisting capability to
be readily available in an emergency, unless the regular hoisting means can continue to function
in the event of an electrical power failure at the jobsite. Such hoisting means shall be designed so
that the load hoist drum is powered in both directions of rotation and so that the brake is
automatically applied upon power release or failure.
(2) Self-rescuers. The employer must provide self-rescuers approved by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under 42 CFR part 84. The respirators must be
immediately available to all employees at work stations in underground areas where employees
might be trapped by smoke or gas. The selection, issuance, use, and care of respirators must be in
accordance with 29 CFR 1926.103.
(3) Designated person. At least one designated person shall be on duty above ground
whenever any employee is working underground. This designated person shall be responsible for
securing immediate aid and keeping an accurate count of employees underground in case of
emergency. The designated person must not be so busy with other responsibilities that the
counting function is encumbered.
(4) Emergency lighting. Each employee underground shall have an acceptable portable hand
lamp or cap lamp in his or her work area for emergency use, unless natural light or an emergency
lighting system provides adequate illumination for escape.
(5) Rescue teams. (i) On jobsites where 25 or more employees work underground at one
time, the employer shall provide (or make arrangements in advance with locally available rescue
services to provide) at least two 5-person rescue teams, one on the jobsite or within one-half hour
travel time from the entry point, and the other within 2 hours travel time.
(ii) On jobsites where less than 25 employees work underground at one time, the employer
shall provide (or make arrangements in advance with locally available rescue services to
provide) at least one 5-person rescue team to be either on the jobsite or within one-half hour
travel time from the entry point.

3

(iii) Rescue team members shall be qualified in rescue procedures, the use and limitations of
breathing apparatus, and the use of firefighting equipment. Qualifications shall be reviewed not
less than annually.
(iv) On jobsites where flammable or noxious gases are encountered or anticipated in
hazardous quantities, rescue team members shall practice donning and using self-contained
breathing apparatus monthly.
(v) The employer shall ensure that rescue teams are familiar with conditions at the jobsite.
(h) Hazardous classifications—(1) Potentially gassy operations. Underground construction
operations shall be classified as potentially gassy if either:
(i) Air monitoring discloses 10 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or
other flammable gases measured at 12 inches (304.8 mm) ±0.25 inch (6.35 mm) from the roof,
face, floor or walls in any underground work area for more than a 24-hour period; or
(ii) The history of the geographical area or geological formation indicates that 10 percent or
more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other flammable gases is likely to be
encountered in such underground operations.
(2) Gassy operations. Underground construction operations shall be classified as gassy if:
(i) Air monitoring discloses 10 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or
other flammable gases measured at 12 inches (304.8 mm) ±0.25 inch (6.35 mm) from the roof,
face, floor or walls in any underground work area for three consecutive days; or
(ii) There has been an ignition of methane or of other flammable gases emanating from the
strata that indicates the presence of such gases; or
(iii) The underground construction operation is both connected to an underground work area
which is currently classified as gassy and is also subject to a continuous course of air containing
the flammable gas concentration.
(3) Declassification to potentially gassy operations. Underground construction gassy
operations may be declassified to Potentially Gassy when air monitoring results remain under 10
percent of the lower explosive limit for methane or other flammable gases for three consecutive
days.
(i) Gassy operations-additional requirements. (1) Only acceptable equipment, maintained in
suitable condition, shall be used in gassy operations.
(2) Mobile diesel-powered equipment used in gassy operations shall be either approved in
accordance with the requirements of 30 CFR part 36 (formerly Schedule 31) by MSHA, or shall
be demonstrated by the employer to be fully equivalent to such MSHA-approved equipment, and
shall be operated in accordance with that part.
4

(3) Each entrance to a gassy operation shall be prominently posted with signs notifying all
entrants of the gassy classification.
(4) Smoking shall be prohibited in all gassy operations and the employer shall be
responsible for collecting all personal sources of ignition, such as matches and lighters, from all
persons entering a gassy operation.
(5) A fire watch as described in §1926.352(e) shall be maintained when hot work is
performed.
(6) Once an operation has met the criteria in paragraph (h)(2) warranting classification as
gassy, all operations in the affected area, except the following, shall be discontinued until the
operation either is in compliance with all of the gassy operation requirements or has been
declassified in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this section:
(i) Operations related to the control of the gas concentration;
(ii) Installation of new equipment, or conversion of existing equipment, to comply with this
paragraph (i); and
(iii) Installation of above-ground controls for reversing the air flow.
(j) Air quality and monitoring—(1) General. Air quality limits and control requirements for
construction are found in §1926.55, except as modified by this section.
(i)(A) The employer shall assign a competent person who shall perform all air monitoring
required by this section.
(B) Where this paragraph requires monitoring of airborne contaminants “as often as
necessary,” the competent person shall make a reasonable determination as to which substances
to monitor and how frequently to monitor, considering at least the following factors:
(1) Location of jobsite: Proximity to fuel tanks, sewers, gas lines, old landfills, coal
deposits, and swamps;
(2) Geology: Geological studies of the jobsite, particularly involving the soil type and its
permeability;
(3) History: Presence of air contaminants in nearby jobsites, changes in levels of substances
monitored on the prior shift; and
(4) Work practices and jobsite conditions: The use of diesel engines, use of explosives, use
of fuel gas, volume and flow of ventilation, visible atmospheric conditions, decompression of the
atmosphere, welding, cutting and hot work, and employees' physical reactions to working
underground.

5

(ii)(A) The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested as often as necessary
to assure that the atmosphere at normal atmospheric pressure contains at least 19.5 percent
oxygen and no more than 22 percent oxygen.
(B) Tests for oxygen content shall be made before tests for air contaminants.
(iii)(A) The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested quantitatively for
carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic gases, dusts, vapors, mists,
and fumes as often as necessary to ensure that the permissible exposure limits prescribed in
§1926.55 are not exceeded.
(B) The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested quantitatively for methane
and other flammable gases as often as necessary to determine:
and

(1) Whether action is to be taken under paragraphs (j)(1)(vii), (viii), and (ix), of this section;

(2) Whether an operation is to be classified potentially gassy or gassy under paragraph (h)
of this section.
(C) If diesel-engine or gasoline-engine driven ventilating fans or compressors are used, an
initial test shall be made of the inlet air of the fan or compressor, with the engines operating, to
ensure that the air supply is not contaminated by engine exhaust.
(D) Testing shall be performed as often as necessary to ensure that the ventilation
requirements of paragraph (k) of this section are met.
(iv) When rapid excavation machines are used, a continuous flammable gas monitor shall be
operated at the face with the sensor(s) placed as high and close to the front of the machine's
cutter head as practicable.
(v)(A) Whenever air monitoring indicates the presence of 5 ppm or more of hydrogen
sulfide, a test shall be conducted in the affected underground work area(s), at least at the
beginning and midpoint of each shift, until the concentration of hydrogen sulfide has been less
than 5 ppm for 3 consecutive days.
(B) Whenever hydrogen sulfide is detected in an amount exceeding 10 ppm, a continuous
sampling and indicating hydrogen sulfide monitor shall be used to monitor the affected work
area.
(C) Employees shall be informed when a concentration of 10 ppm hydrogen sulfide is
exceeded.
(D) The continuous sampling and indicating hydrogen sulfide monitor shall be designed,
installed, and maintained to provide a visual and aural alarm when the hydrogen sulfide
concentration reaches 20 ppm to signal that additional measures, such as respirator use, increased
6

ventilation, or evacuation, might be necessary to maintain hydrogen sulfide exposure below the
permissible exposure limit.
(vi) When the competent person determines, on the basis of air monitoring results or other
information, that air contaminants may be present in sufficient quantity to be dangerous to life,
the employer shall:
(A) Prominently post a notice at all entrances to the underground jobsite to inform all
entrants of the hazardous condition; and
(B) Ensure that the necessary precautions are taken.
(vii) Whenever five percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other
flammable gases is detected in any underground work area(s) or in the air return, steps shall be
taken to increase ventilation air volume or otherwise control the gas concentration, unless the
employer is operating in accordance with the potentially gassy or gassy operation requirements.
Such additional ventilation controls may be discontinued when gas concentrations are reduced
below five percent of the lower explosive limit, but shall be reinstituted whenever the five
percent level is exceeded.
(viii) Whenever 10 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other
flammable gases is detected in the vicinity of welding, cutting, or other hot work, such work
shall be suspended until the concentration of such flammable gas is reduced to less than 10
percent of the lower explosive limit.
(ix) Whenever 20 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other
flammable gases is detected in any underground work area(s) or in the air return:
(A) All employees, except those necessary to eliminate the hazard, shall be immediately
withdrawn to a safe location above ground; and
(B) Electrical power, except for acceptable pumping and ventilation equipment, shall be cut
off to the area endangered by the flammable gas until the concentration of such gas is reduced to
less than 20 percent of the lower explosive limit.
(2) Additional monitoring for potentially gassy and gassy operations. Operations which
meet the criteria for potentially gassy and gassy operations set forth in paragraph (h) of this
section shall be subject to the additional monitoring requirements of this paragraph.
(i) A test for oxygen content shall be conducted in the affected underground work areas and
work areas immediately adjacent to such areas at least at the beginning and midpoint of each
shift.
(ii) When using rapid excavation machines, continuous automatic flammable gas
monitoring equipment shall be used to monitor the air at the heading, on the rib, and in the return
air duct. The continuous monitor shall signal the heading, and shut down electric power in the
7

affected underground work area, except for acceptable pumping and ventilation equipment, when
20 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other flammable gases is
encountered.
(iii) A manual flammable gas monitor shall be used as needed, but at least at the beginning
and midpoint of each shift, to ensure that the limits prescribed in paragraphs (h) and (j) are not
exceeded. In addition, a manual electrical shut down control shall be provided near the heading.
(iv) Local gas tests shall be made prior to and continuously during any welding, cutting, or
other hot work.
(v) In underground operations driven by drill-and-blast methods, the air in the affected area
shall be tested for flammable gas prior to re-entry after blasting, and continuously when
employees are working underground.
(3) Recordkeeping. A record of all air quality tests shall be maintained above ground at the
worksite and be made available to the Secretary of Labor upon request. The record shall include
the location, date, time, substance and amount monitored. Records of exposures to toxic
substances shall be retained in accordance with §1910.33 of this chapter. All other air quality test
records shall be retained until completion of the project.
(k) Ventilation. (1)(i) Fresh air shall be supplied to all underground work areas in sufficient
quantities to prevent dangerous or harmful accumulation of dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases.
(ii) Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in all underground work areas except when the
employer can demonstrate that natural ventilation provides the necessary air quality through
sufficient air volume and air flow.
(2) A minimum of 200 cubic feet (5.7 m3) of fresh air per minute shall be supplied for each
employee underground.
(3) The linear velocity of air flow in the tunnel bore, in shafts, and in all other underground
work areas shall be at least 30 feet (9.15 m) per minute where blasting or rock drilling is
conducted, or where other conditions likely to produce dust, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases in
harmful or explosive quantities are present.
(4) The direction of mechanical air flow shall be reversible.
(5) Following blasting, ventilation systems shall exhaust smoke and fumes to the outside
atmosphere before work is resumed in affected areas.
(6) Ventilation doors shall be designed and installed so that they remain closed when in use,
regardless of the direction of the air flow.
(7) When ventilation has been reduced to the extent that hazardous levels of methane or
flammable gas may have accumulated, a competent person shall test all affected areas after
8

ventilation has been restored and shall determine whether the atmosphere is within flammable
limits before any power, other than for acceptable equipment, is restored or work is resumed.
(8) Whenever the ventilation system has been shut down with all employees out of the
underground area, only competent persons authorized to test for air contaminants shall be
allowed underground until the ventilation has been restored and all affected areas have been
tested for air contaminants and declared safe.
(9) When drilling rock or concrete, appropriate dust control measures shall be taken to
maintain dust levels within limits set in §1926.55. Such measures may include, but are not
limited to, wet drilling, the use of vacuum collectors, and water mix spray systems.
(10)(i) Internal combustion engines, except diesel-powered engines on mobile equipment,
are prohibited underground.
(ii) Mobile diesel-powered equipment used underground in atmospheres other than gassy
operations:
(A) Shall comply with MSHA provisions in 30 CFR 57.5067; or
(B) If purchased on or before July 15, 2019, may alternatively comply with MSHA
provisions under 30 CFR part 32 (revised as of July 1, 1996) (formerly Schedule 24), or be
demonstrated by the employer to be fully equivalent to such MSHA-approved equipment, and be
operated in accordance with that part.
(iii) For purposes of this paragraph (k)(10), when an applicable MSHA provision uses the
term “mine,” use the phrase “underground construction site.” (Each brake horsepower of a diesel
engine requires at least 100 cubic feet (2.832 m3) of air per minute for suitable operation in
addition to the air requirements for personnel. Some engines may require a greater amount of air
to ensure that the allowable levels of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide are not
exceeded.)
(11) Potentially gassy or gassy operations shall have ventilation systems installed which
shall:
(i) Be constructed of fire-resistant materials; and
(ii) Have acceptable electrical systems, including fan motors.
(12) Gassy operations shall be provided with controls located above ground for reversing
the air flow of ventilation systems.
(13) In potentially gassy or gassy operations, wherever mine-type ventilation systems using
an offset main fan installed on the surface are used, they shall be equipped with explosion-doors
or a weak-wall having an area at least equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the airway.

9

(l) Illumination. (1) Illumination requirements applicable to underground construction
operations are found in Table D-3 of §1926.56 of this part.
(2) Only acceptable portable lighting equipment shall be used within 50 feet (15.24 m) of
any underground heading during explosives handling.
(m) Fire prevention and control. Fire prevention and protection requirements applicable to
underground construction operations are found in subpart F of this part, except as modified by
the following additional standards.
(1) Open flames and fires are prohibited in all underground construction operations except
as permitted for welding, cutting and other hot work operations in paragraph (n) of this section.
(2)(i) Smoking may be allowed only in areas free of fire and explosion hazards.
(ii) Readily visible signs prohibiting smoking and open flames shall be posted in areas
having fire or explosion hazards.
(3) The employer may store underground no more than a 24-hour supply of diesel fuel for
the underground equipment used at the worksite.
if:

(4) The piping of diesel fuel from the surface to an underground location is permitted only

(i) Diesel fuel is contained at the surface in a tank whose maximum capacity is no more
than the amount of fuel required to supply for a 24-hour period the equipment serviced by the
underground fueling station; and
(ii) The surface tank is connected to the underground fueling station by an acceptable pipe
or hose system that is controlled at the surface by a valve, and at the shaft bottom by a hose
nozzle; and
(iii) The pipe is empty at all times except when transferring diesel fuel from the surface tank
to a piece of equipment in use underground; and
(iv) Hoisting operations in the shaft are suspended during refueling operations if the supply
piping in the shaft is not protected from damage.
(5)(i) Gasoline shall not be carried, stored, or used underground.
(ii) Acetylene, liquefied petroleum gas, and Methylacetylene Propadiene Stabilized gas may
be used underground only for welding, cutting and other hot work, and only in accordance with
subpart J of this part, and paragraphs (j), (k), (m), and (n) of this section.
(6) Oil, grease, and diesel fuel stored underground shall be kept in tightly sealed containers
in fire-resistant areas at least 300 feet (91.44 m) from underground explosive magazines, and at
10

least 100 feet (30.48 m) from shaft stations and steeply inclined passageways. Storage areas shall
be positioned or diked so that the contents of ruptured or overturned containers will not flow
from the storage area.
(7) Flammable or combustible materials shall not be stored above ground within 100 feet
(30.48 m) of any access opening to any underground operation. Where this is not feasible
because of space limitations at the jobsite, such materials may be located within the 100-foot
limit, provided that:
(i) They are located as far as practicable from the opening; and
(ii) Either a fire-resistant barrier of not less than one-hour rating is placed between the
stored material and the opening, or additional precautions are taken which will protect the
materials from ignition sources.
(8) Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids shall be used in hydraulically-actuated underground
machinery and equipment unless such equipment is protected by a fire suppression system or by
multi-purpose fire extinguisher(s) rated at of sufficient capacity for the type and size of hydraulic
equipment involved, but rated at least 4A:40B:C.
(9)(i) Electrical installations in underground areas where oil, grease, or diesel fuel are stored
shall be used only for lighting fixtures.
(ii) Lighting fixtures in storage areas, or within 25 feet (7.62 m) of underground areas where
oil, grease, or diesel fuel are stored, shall be approved for Class I, Division 2 locations, in
accordance with subpart K of this part.
(10) Leaks and spills of flammable or combustible fluids shall be cleaned up immediately.
(11) A fire extinguisher of at least 4A:40B:C rating or other equivalent extinguishing means
shall be provided at the head pulley and at the tail pulley of underground belt conveyors.
(12) Any structure located underground or within 100 feet (30.48 m) of an opening to the
underground shall be constructed of material having a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour.
(n) Welding, cutting, and other hot work. In addition to the requirements of subpart J of this
part, the following requirements shall apply to underground welding, cutting, and other hot work.
(1) No more than the amount of fuel gas and oxygen cylinders necessary to perform
welding, cutting, or other hot work during the next 24-hour period shall be permitted
underground.
(2) Noncombustible barriers shall be installed below welding, cutting, or other hot work
being done in or over a shaft or raise.

11

(o) Ground support—(1) Portal areas. Portal openings and access areas shall be guarded by
shoring, fencing, head walls, shotcreting or other equivalent protection to ensure safe access of
employees and equipment. Adjacent areas shall be scaled or otherwise secured to prevent loose
soil, rock, or fractured materials from endangering the portal and access area.
(2) Subsidence areas. The employer shall ensure ground stability in hazardous subsidence
areas by shoring, by filling in, or by erecting barricades and posting warning signs to prevent
entry.
(3) Underground areas. (i)(A) A competent person shall inspect the roof, face, and walls of
the work area at the start of each shift and as often as necessary to determine ground stability.
(B) Competent persons conducting such inspections shall be protected from loose ground by
location, ground support or equivalent means.
(ii) Ground conditions along haulageways and travelways shall be inspected as frequently as
necessary to ensure safe passage.
(iii) Loose ground that might be hazardous to employees shall be taken down, scaled or
supported.
(iv) (A) Torque wrenches shall be used wherever bolts that depend on torsionally applied
force are used for ground support.
(B) A competent person shall determine whether rock bolts meet the necessary torque, and
shall determine the testing frequency in light of the bolt system, ground conditions and the
distance from vibration sources.
(v) Suitable protection shall be provided for employees exposed to the hazard of loose
ground while installing ground support systems.
(vi) Support sets shall be installed so that the bottoms have sufficient anchorage to prevent
ground pressures from dislodging the support base of the sets. Lateral bracing (collar bracing, tie
rods, or spreaders) shall be provided between immediately adjacent sets to ensure added stability.
(vii) Damaged or dislodged ground supports that create a hazardous condition shall be
promptly repaired or replaced. When replacing supports, the new supports shall be installed
before the damaged supports are removed.
(viii) A shield or other type of support shall be used to maintain a safe travelway for
employees working in dead-end areas ahead of any support replacement operation.
(4) Shafts. (i) Shafts and wells over 5 feet (1.53 m) in depth that employees must enter shall
be supported by a steel casing, concrete pipe, timber, solid rock or other suitable material.

12

(ii) (A) The full depth of the shaft shall be supported by casing or bracing except where the
shaft penetrates into solid rock having characteristics that will not change as a result of exposure.
Where the shaft passes through earth into solid rock, or through solid rock into earth, and where
there is potential for shear, the casing or bracing shall extend at least 5 feet (1.53 m) into the
solid rock. When the shaft terminates in solid rock, the casing or bracing shall extend to the end
of the shaft or 5 feet (1.53 m) into the solid rock, whichever is less.
(B) The casing or bracing shall extend 42 inches (1.07 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm)
above ground level, except that the minimum casing height may be reduced to 12 inches (0.3 m),
provided that a standard railing is installed; that the ground adjacent to the top of the shaft is
sloped away from the shaft collar to prevent entry of liquids; and that effective barriers are used
to prevent mobile equipment operating near the shaft from jumping over the 12 inch (0.3 m)
barrier.
(iii) After blasting operations in shafts, a competent person shall determine if the walls,
ladders, timbers, blocking, or wedges have loosened. If so, necessary repairs shall be made
before employees other than those assigned to make the repairs are allowed in or below the
affected areas.
(p) Blasting. This paragraph applies in addition to the requirements for blasting and
explosives operations, including handling of misfires, which are found in subpart U of this part.
(1) Blasting wires shall be kept clear of electrical lines, pipes, rails, and other conductive
material, excluding earth, to prevent explosives initiation or employee exposure to electric
current.
(2) Following blasting, an employee shall not enter a work area until the air quality meets
the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section.
(q) Drilling. (1) A competent person shall inspect all drilling and associated equipment prior
to each use. Equipment defects affecting safety shall be corrected before the equipment is used.
(2) The drilling area shall be inspected for hazards before the drilling operation is started.
(3) Employees shall not be allowed on a drill mast while the drill bit is in operation or the
drill machine is being moved.
(4) When a drill machine is being moved from one drilling area to another, drill steel, tools,
and other equipment shall be secured and the mast shall be placed in a safe position.
(5) Receptacles or racks shall be provided for storing drill steel located on jumbos.
(6) Employees working below jumbo decks shall be warned whenever drilling is about to
begin.

13

(7) Drills on columns shall be anchored firmly before starting drilling, and shall be
retightened as necessary thereafter.
(8) (i) The employer shall provide mechanical means on the top deck of a jumbo for lifing
unwieldy or heavy material.
(ii) When jumbo decks are over 10 feet (3.05 m) in height, the employer shall install stairs
wide enough for two persons.
(iii) Jumbo decks more than 10 feet (3.05 m) in height shall be equipped with guardrails on
all open sides, excluding access openings of platforms, unless an adjacent surface provides
equivalent fall protection.
(iv) (A) Only employees assisting the operator shall be allowed to ride on jumbos, unless
the jumbo meets the requirements of paragraph (r)(6)(ii) of this section.
(B) Jumbos shall be chocked to prevent movement while employees are working on them.
(v) (A) Walking and working surfaces of jumbos shall be maintained to prevent the hazards
of slipping, tripping and falling.
(B) Jumbo decks and stair treads shall be designed to be slip-resistent and secured to
prevent accidental displacement.
(9) Scaling bars shall be available at scaling operations and shall be maintained in good
condition at all times. Blunted or severely worn bars shall not be used.
(10) (i) Blasting holes shall not be drilled through blasted rock (muck) or water.
(ii) Employees in a shaft shall be protected either by location or by suitable barrier(s) if
powered mechanical loading equipment is used to remove muck containing unfired explosives.
(11) A caution sign reading “Buried Line,” or similar wording shall be posted where air
lines are buried or otherwise hidden by water or debris.
(r) Haulage. (1)(i) A competent person shall inspect haulage equipment before each shift.
(ii) Equipment defects affecting safety and health shall be corrected before the equipment is
used.
(2) Powered mobile haulage equipment shall have suitable means of stopping.
(3)(i) Power mobile haulage equipment, including trains, shall have audible warning
devices to warn employees to stay clear. The operator shall sound the warning device before
moving the equipment and whenever necessary during travel.

14

(ii) The operator shall assure that lights which are visible to employees at both ends of any
mobile equipment, including a train, are turned on whenever the equipment is operating.
(4) In those cabs where glazing is used, the glass shall be safety glass, or its equivalent, and
shall be maintained and cleaned so that vision is not obstructed.
(5) Anti-roll back devices or brakes shall be installed on inclined conveyor drive units to
prevent conveyors from inadvertently running in reverse.
(6)(i) (A) Employees shall not be permitted to ride a power-driven chain, belt, or bucket
conveyor unless the conveyor is specifically designed for the transportation of persons.
(B) Endless belt-type manlifts are prohibited in underground construction.
(C) General requirements also applicable to underground construction for use of conveyors
in construction are found in §1926.555 of this part.
(ii) No employee shall ride haulage equipment unless it is equipped with seating for each
passenger and protects passengers from being struck, crushed, or caught between other
equipment or surfaces. Members of train crews may ride on a locomotive if it is equipped with
handholds and nonslip steps or footboards. Requirements applicable to Underground
Construction for motor vehicle transportation of employees are found in §1926.601 of this part.
(7) Powered mobile haulage equipment, including trains, shall not be left unattended unless
the master switch or motor is turned off; operating controls are in neutral or park position; and
the brakes are set, or equivalent precautions are taken to prevent rolling.
(8) Whenever rails serve as a return for a trolley circuit, both rails shall be bonded at every
joint and crossbonded every 200 feet (60.96 m).
(9) When dumping cars by hand, the car dumps shall have tiedown chains, bumper blocks,
or other locking or holding devices to prevent the cars from overturning.
(10) Rocker-bottom or bottom-dump cars shall be equipped with positive locking devices to
prevent unintended dumping.
(11) Equipment to be hauled shall be loaded and secured to prevent sliding or dislodgement.
(12)(i) Mobile equipment, including rail-mounted equipment, shall be stopped for manual
connecting or service work.
(ii) Employees shall not reach between moving cars during coupling operations.
(iii) Couplings shall not be aligned, shifted or cleaned on moving cars or locomotives.

15

(13)(i) Safety chains or other connections shall be used in addition to couplers to connect
man cars or powder cars whenever the locomotive is uphill of the cars.
(ii) When the grade exceeds one percent and there is a potential for runaway cars, safety
chains or other connections shall be used in addition to couplers to connect haulage cars or, as an
alternative, the locomotive must be downhill of the train.
(iii) Such safety chains or other connections shall be capable of maintaining connection
between cars in the event of either coupler disconnect, failure or breakage.
(14) Parked rail equipment shall be chocked, blocked, or have brakes set to prevent
inadvertent movement.
(15) Berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks, or equivalent means shall be provided to prevent
overtravel and overturning of haulage equipment at dumping locations.
(16) Bumper blocks or equivalent stopping devices shall be provided at all track dead ends.
(17)(i) Only small handtools, lunch pails or similar small items may be transported with
employees in man-cars, or on top of a locomotive.
(ii) When small hand tools or other small items are carried on top of a locomotive, the top
shall be designed or modified to retain them while traveling.
(18)(i) Where switching facilities are available, occupied personnel-cars shall be pulled, not
pushed. If personnel-cars must be pushed and visibility of the track ahead is hampered, then a
qualified person shall be stationed in the lead car to give signals to the locomotive operator.
(ii) Crew trips shall consist of personnel-loads only.
(s) Electrical safety. This paragraph applies in addition to the general requirements for
electrical safety which are found in subpart K of this part.
(1) Electric power lines shall be insulated or located away from water lines, telephone lines,
air lines, or other conductive materials so that a damaged circuit will not energize the other
systems.
(2) Lighting circuits shall be located so that movement of personnel or equipment will not
damage the circuits or disrupt service.
(3) Oil-filled transformers shall not be used underground unless they are located in a fireresistant enclosure suitably vented to the outside and surrounded by a dike to retain the contents
of the transformers in the event of rupture.
(t) Hoisting unique to underground construction. Except as modified by this paragraph (t),
employers must: Comply with the requirements of subpart CC of this part, except that the
16

limitation in §1926.1431(a) does not apply to the routine access of employees to an underground
worksite via a shaft; ensure that material hoists comply with §1926.552(a) and (b) of this part;
and ensure that personnel hoists comply with the personnel-hoists requirements of §1926.552(a)
and (c) of this part and the elevator requirements of §1926.552(a) and (d) of this part.
(1) General requirements for cranes and hoists. (i) Materials, tools, and supplies being
raised or lowered, whether within a cage or otherwise, shall be secured or stacked in a manner to
prevent the load from shifting, snagging or falling into the shaft.
(ii) A warning light suitably located to warn employees at the shaft bottom and subsurface
shaft entrances shall flash whenever a load is above the shaft bottom or subsurface entrances, or
the load is being moved in the shaft. This paragraph does not apply to fully enclosed hoistways.
(iii) Whenever a hoistway is not fully enclosed and employees are at the shaft bottom,
conveyances or equipment shall be stopped at least 15 feet (4.57 m) above the bottom of the
shaft and held there until the signalman at the bottom of the shaft directs the operator to continue
lowering the load, except that the load may be lowered without stopping if the load or
conveyance is within full view of a bottom signalman who is in constant voice communication
with the operator.
(iv)(A) Before maintenance, repairs, or other work is commenced in the shaft served by a
cage, skip, or bucket, the operator and other employees in the area shall be informed and given
suitable instructions.
(B) A sign warning that work is being done in the shaft shall be installed at the shaft collar,
at the operator's station, and at each underground landing.
(v) Any connection between the hoisting rope and the cage or skip shall be compatible with
the type of wire rope used for hoisting.
(vi) Spin-type connections, where used, shall be maintained in a clean condition and
protected from foreign matter that could affect their operation.
(vii) Cage, skip, and load connections to the hoist rope shall be made so that the force of the
hoist pull, vibration, misalignment, release of lift force, or impact will not disengage the
connection. Moused or latched openthroat hooks do not meet this requirement.
(viii) When using wire rope wedge sockets, means shall be provided to prevent wedge
escapement and to ensure that the wedge is properly seated.
(2) Additional requirements for cranes. Cranes shall be equipped with a limit switch to
prevent overtravel at the boom tip. Limit switches are to be used only to limit travel of loads
when operational controls malfunction and shall not be used as a substitute for other operational
controls.

17

(3) Additional requirements for hoists. (i) Hoists shall be designed so that the load hoist
drum is powered in both directions of rotation, and so that brakes are automatically applied upon
power release or failure.
(ii) Control levers shall be of the “deadman type” which return automatically to their center
(neutral) position upon release.
(iii) When a hoist is used for both personnel hoisting and material hoisting, load and speed
ratings for personnel and for materials shall be assigned to the equipment.
(iv) Material hoisting may be performed at speeds higher than the rated speed for personnel
hoisting if the hoist and components have been designed for such higher speeds and if shaft
conditions permit.
(v) Employees shall not ride on top of any cage, skip or bucket except when necessary to
perform inspection or maintenance of the hoisting system, in which case they shall be protected
by a body belt/harness system to prevent falling.
(vi) Personnel and materials (other than small tools and supplies secured in a manner that
will not create a hazard to employees) shall not be hoisted together in the same conveyance.
However, if the operator is protected from the shifting of materials, then the operator may ride
with materials in cages or skips which are designed to be controlled by an operator within the
cage or skip.
(vii) Line speed shall not exceed the design limitations of the systems.
(viii) Hoists shall be equipped with landing level indicators at the operator's station.
Marking the hoist rope does not satisfy this requirement.
(ix) Whenever glazing is used in the hoist house, it shall be safety glass, or its equivalent,
and be free of distortions and obstructions.
(x) A fire extinguisher that is rated at least 2A:10B:C (multi-purpose, dry chemical) shall be
mounted in each hoist house.
(xi) Hoist controls shall be arranged so that the operator can perform all operating cycle
functions and reach the emergency power cutoff without having to reach beyond the operator's
normal operating position.
(xii) Hoists shall be equipped with limit switches to prevent overtravel at the top and bottom
of the hoistway.
(xiii) Limit switches are to be used only to limit travel of loads when operational controls
malfunction and shall not be used as a substitute for other operational controls.

18

(xiv) Hoist operators shall be provided with a closed-circuit voice communication system to
each landing station, with speaker microphones so located that the operator can communicate
with individual landing stations during hoist use.
(xv) When sinking shafts 75 feet (22.86 m) or less in depth, cages, skips, and buckets that
may swing, bump, or snag against shaft sides or other structural protrusions shall be guided by
fenders, rails, ropes, or a combination of those means.
(xvi) When sinking shafts more than 75 feet (22.86 m) in depth, all cages, skips, and
buckets shall be rope or rail guided to within a rail length from the sinking operation.
(xvii) Cages, skips, and buckets in all completed shafts, or in all shafts being used as
completed shafts, shall be rope or rail-guided for the full length of their travel.
(xviii) Wire rope used in load lines of material hoists shall be capable of supporting, without
failure, at least five times the maximum intended load or the factor recommended by the rope
manufacturer, whichever is greater. Refer to §1926.552(c)(14)(iii) of this part for design factors
for wire rope used in personnel hoists. The design factor shall be calculated by dividing the
breaking strength of wire rope, as reported in the manufacturer's rating tables, by the total static
load, including the weight of the wire rope in the shaft when fully extended.
(xix) A competent person shall visually check all hoisting machinery, equipment,
anchorages, and hoisting rope at the beginning of each shift and during hoist use, as necessary.
(xx) Each safety device shall be checked by a competent person at least weekly during hoist
use to ensure suitable operation and safe condition.
(xxi) In order to ensure suitable operation and safe condition of all functions and safety
devices, each hoist assembly shall be inspected and load-tested to 100 percent of its rated
capacity: at the time of installation; after any repairs or alterations affecting its structural
integrity; after the operation of any safety device; and annually when in use. The employer shall
prepare a certification record which includes the date each inspection and load-test was
performed; the signature of the person who performed the inspection and test; and a serial
number or other identifier for the hoist that was inspected and tested. The most recent
certification record shall be maintained on file until completion of the project.
(xxii) Before hoisting personnel or material, the operator shall perform a test run of any
cage or skip whenever it has been out of service for one complete shift, and whenever the
assembly or components have been repaired or adjusted.
(xxiii) Unsafe conditions shall be corrected before using the equipment.
(4) Additional requirements for personnel hoists. (i) Hoist drum systems shall be equipped
with at least two means of stopping the load, each of which shall be capable of stopping and
holding 150 percent of the hoist's rated line pull. A broken-rope safety, safety catch, or
arrestment device is not a permissible means of stopping under this paragraph (t).
19

(ii) The operator shall remain within sight and sound of the signals at the operator's station.
(iii) All sides of personnel cages shall be enclosed by one-half inch (12.70 mm) wire mesh
(not less than No. 14 gauge or equivalent) to a height of not less than 6 feet (1.83 m). However,
when the cage or skip is being used as a work platform, its sides may be reduced in height to 42
inches (1.07 m) when the conveyance is not in motion.
(iv) All personnel cages shall be provided with a positive locking door that does not open
outward.
(v) All personnel cages shall be provided with a protective canopy. The canopy shall be
made of steel plate, at least 3/16-inch (4.763 mm) in thickness, or material of equivalent strength
and impact resistance. The canopy shall be sloped to the outside, and so designed that a section
may be readily pushed upward to afford emergency egress. The canopy shall cover the top in
such a manner as to protect those inside from objects falling in the shaft.
(vi) Personnel platforms operating on guide rails or guide ropes shall be equipped with
broken-rope safety devices, safety catches or arrestment devices that will stop and hold 150
percent of the weight of the personnel platform and its maximum rated load.
(vii) During sinking operations in shafts where guides and safeties are not yet used, the
travel speed of the personnel platform shall not exceed 200 feet (60.96 m) per minute. Governor
controls set for 200 feet (60.96 m) per minute shall be installed in the control system and shall be
used during personnel hoisting.
(viii) The personnel platform may travel over the controlled length of the hoistway at rated
speeds up to 600 feet (182.88 m) per minute during sinking operations in shafts where guides
and safeties are used.
(ix) The personnel platform may travel at rated speeds greater than 600 feet (182.88 m) per
minute in completed shafts.
(u) Definitions. “Accept”—Any device, equipment, or appliance that is either approved by
MSHA and maintained in permissible condition, or is listed or labeled for the class and location
under subpart K of this part.
“Rapid Excavation Machine”—Tunnel boring machines, shields, roadheaders, or any other
similar excavation machine.
[54 FR 23850, June 2, 1989; 58 FR 35311, June 30, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 5510, Feb. 13,
1996; 63 FR 1297, Jan. 8, 1998; 71 FR 16674, Apr. 3, 2006; 75 FR 48135, Aug. 9, 2010; 77 FR
49728, Aug. 17, 2012; 78 FR 23841, Apr. 24, 2013; 84 FR 21577, May 14, 2019]

20