Ground control – Mining methods (wall, bank and slope stability)

Implement ground control procedures to protect workers.

Use methods that will maintain wall, bank and slope stability in work or travel areas.

Where benching is necessary to achieve safe levels of debris control or achieve the angle of repose, the width and height of benches will be based on the equipment used.

Pit or quarry wall perimeters require loose or unconsolidated material to be:

• sloped back to the angle of repose.
• stripped back for at least 10 feet from the top of the pit or quarry wall.

Correct any other conditions that pose a fall-of-material hazard to persons working or traveling in the area.

See also the issues listed under Loading, Hauling & Dumping (Haulage) [30 CFR Part 56.9000-.9330] on berm, guardrails, dump sites, ramps and related requirements.

Take down or support hazardous ground conditions before persons are allowed to work in, or travel through an area.

Until safe conditions are reached:

• post a warning against entry.
• put up a barrier if the area is left unattended.

Perform scaling from a protected location or provide other means of protection from falling material.

Secondary Breakage:

• Position or block material for secondary breakage operations such that movement does not endanger persons in the area.
• Perform operations from a location that does not endanger miners.

Ground control considerations:

• Designate experienced miners to examine and test for loose ground.
• Designate appropriate supervisors and other miners to examine and test ground conditions:
  • before work starts.
  • after blasting.
  • as conditions dictate during operations.

Highwalls and banks:

• Examine highwalls and banks adjoining travelways weekly or more often as conditions warrant.
• Do not allow work or travel between equipment and highwalls or banks where entrapment is a possibility. Equipment operators may dismount on that side when equipment design requires them to do so.