Miscellaneous MSHA Safety
Who is responsible for safety on an MSHA-regulated worksite?
Everyone on the site.
What does H₂S stand for?
Hydrogen sulfide.
What is the first step in any first aid situation?
Ensure the scene is safe.
What defines a confined space?
Limited entry and not designed for continuous occupancy
What hazard does electricity pose?
Shock, burns, or death.
What hazard does silica dust cause?
Lung disease.
What hazard increases at night?
Reduced depth perception.
What is the safest way to lift heavy items?
Use mechanical assistance, such as forklift, crane, team lift.
What should a miner do if unsure about the safety of a task?
Stop and ask before proceeding.
What odor is associated with low-level H₂S?
Rotten egg smell.
What should be applied if pressure does not stop severe bleeding?
A tourniquet.
Why are confined spaces dangerous?
They may contain hazardous atmospheres
What is lockout/tagout used for?
Prevent unexpected startup.
Why is visible dust not the only concern?
Particles may be invisible.
Operating on a roadway, what PPE is required day or night?
reflective vest
Why keep loads close?
Reduces strain and stress on your back.
Why are shortcut practices a concern under MSHA?
They increase the likelihood of accidents and violations.
Why is odor unreliable for detecting H₂S?
High levels deaden the sense of smell.
Why should gloves be worn when providing first aid?
To prevent disease transmission.
What is the most common confined space hazard?
Oxygen deficiency.
Who removes a lock or tag?
The person who applied it.
What control is preferred before PPE?
Engineering controls.
Why is adequate illumination critical during night work at mine or blast sites?
Poor lighting reduces visibility, increasing the risk of slips, trips, falls, and struck-by accidents.
What does poor housekeeping cause?
Slip, trip, and fall hazards.
What is the safest action if a task changes from the original plan?
Stop and reassess hazards.
What is the first action if H₂S is suspected?
Leave the area immediately.
What does CPR stand for?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Why must air testing be conducted?
Conditions can change without warning.
Why test equipment after lockout?
To verify zero energy.
When is respiratory protection required?
When exposure exceeds limits.
What should be done if lighting becomes inadequate or fails during night operations?
Stop work immediately and report the condition until proper lighting is restored.
When is fall protection required?
When fall exposure exists, MSHA height requirement for.
Why must safety rules be followed even during routine tasks?
Routine work can still result in serious injuries
Why is H₂S extremely dangerous?
It can cause rapid unconsciousness and death.
What is the adult CPR compression-to-breath ratio?
30 compressions to 2 breaths.
What should be done if an alarm activates?
Exit immediately
What increases shock risk?
Wet or damaged cords.
Why must respirators fit properly?
Poor fit reduces protection, contanimants get inside mask
Why inspect lighting daily?
Failures occur unexpectedly.
Why inspect fall protection?
Damage may be hidden, life depends on it.
What should be done if a coworker is observed working unsafely?
Address it or report it immediately.
Where does H₂S commonly accumulate?
Low-lying or confined areas.
Why must first aid kits be inspected regularly?
Supplies may expire or be missing.
Why is rescue planning required?
Unplanned rescues cause fatalities
What employee is designated to Lock/out Tag/out a machine that is not operating properly?
Authorized employee
Why is facial hair an issue?
It prevents a seal.
Why is reflective or high-visibility PPE especially important during night or low-light conditions?
It allows equipment operators and vehicle drivers to see workers sooner and more clearly.
What does repetitive motion cause?
Musculoskeletal injuries.
During an MSHA inspection, what could be cited if unsafe work practices are tolerated?
Failure to correct known hazards or unwarrantable failure.
Why do H₂S incidents involve multiple fatalities?
Untrained rescuers enter without protection.
Why can improper CPR technique create liability?
Incorrect depth, rate, or placement can cause harm
Why does MSHA prohibit unplanned rescue attempts?
They often cause multiple fatalities.
What violation occurs if zero energy is assumed?
Failure to verify de-energization.
Why does MSHA require medical clearance?
Respirators stress breathing, claustrophobia, lung capacity, added cardiac issues with use of a respirator
Why does MSHA require adequate illumination along haul roads and access routes during night work, especially where blasting crews or contractors are present?
Insufficient lighting increases the risk of struck-by accidents, equipment collisions, and loss of visibility between mobile equipment and ground personnel.
Why is improper handling, lifting systemic?
It reflects lack of training, complacency.
Why does MSHA emphasize repeated unsafe behaviors?
It indicates systemic safety culture failures.
What controls manage H₂S risks under MSHA?
Monitoring, ventilation, training, evacuation.
Why does MSHA expect CPR/First Aid trained responders for annual refresher?
Mining environments, as well as any emergency needs employees to provide adequate care. Mining environments are typically out of advanced care response time of local responders.
What must be verified before entry?
Atmosphere, controls, rescue capability.
Why are LOTO violations high gravity?
They often result in fatalities
How is type of PPE selected and implemented.
SDS verification, contaminant exposure to body, Engineering controls
What any 3 things should a vehicle operator do when stopped on a roadway after dusk.
Wear a vest any time out of the vehicle, place cones, triangles at safe increments, use flashers on vehicle, ensure vehicle is safely away from roadway, stay exited from vehicle until assistance arrives.
What is the required height for fall protection equipment on a MSHA worksite?
There is NO specific height (no 4-ft, 6-ft, or 10-ft rule) under MSHA. Fall protection is required whenever there is a danger of falling, regardless of height. OSHA has the height requirement.