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Inspection Templates for Mining

Improve worker safety at mining sites with the help of a versatile mobile app

Mining Inspections Featured Image||two miners overlooking mine site|Critical Control Daily Audit||Quarry Mining Inspection Checklist Sample Report

What is a Mining Inspection?

A mining inspection refers to the visual inspections performed by site safety officers and professional miners during safety checks. Its primary purpose is to identify hazards, risks, and non-compliance with required safety standards so the correct control measures can be applied and a safe worksite can be established.

Why Checklists are Critical for the Mining Industry

Most of us expect to go our whole lives without a safety incident. The reality is, accidents happen everyday. In fact, each day 150 workers around the world suffer from a fatal incident. The mining industry is notorious for safety incidents, given it’s one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Checklists are there to lighten the cognitive load and free up attention from tedious tasks to focus on high level problems, situations or tough judgment calls. They also serve as a catalyst for empowering the individual and enhancing team accountability.

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8 Key Components of a Mining Inspection Checklist

Mining operations involve a multitude of complex tasks and machinery, and ensuring safety and compliance is of utmost importance. A comprehensive mining inspection checklist plays an important role in maintaining a safe and productive mining environment. Here are eight key components that make up an effective mining inspection checklist.

  • Site Information – The foundation of any mining inspection begins with gathering essential site information. This includes details such as the mine’s location, ownership, contact information, and a brief description of the mining operations.
  • Equipment Inspection – Mining equipment is the backbone of any mining operation. A thorough inspection of equipment is essential to prevent accidents and downtime. This section of the checklist should encompass detailed equipment assessments, including maintenance records, safety features, and any potential defects.
  • Hazardous Materials and Chemicals – Mining often involves handling hazardous materials and chemicals. Ensuring the safe storage, handling, and disposal of these substances is crucial. The checklist should outline proper storage procedures, emergency response plans, and safety protocols when dealing with these materials.
  • Electrical Safety – Mines are powered by a complex electrical infrastructure. This section focuses on inspecting electrical systems, checking for exposed wires, ensuring proper grounding, and evaluating the safety of electrical equipment.
  • Ventilation and Air Quality – Maintaining a healthy work environment underground is vital. Inspecting ventilation systems, monitoring air quality, and ensuring proper airflow is essential for the well-being of miners. This section should cover checks for gas leaks, dust control, and adequate ventilation.
  • Environmental Compliance – Mining activities can have a significant impact on the environment. Compliance with environmental regulations is critical. The checklist should include items related to monitoring emissions, preventing water pollution, and preserving local ecosystems.
  • Emergency Response – Being prepared for emergencies is non-negotiable in mining. This section should detail the availability and condition of emergency equipment, evacuation plans, and procedures for handling accidents or disasters.
  • Compliance with Regulations – Mining operations are subject to various local, state, and federal regulations. A checklist should include a comprehensive review of compliance with all relevant laws, permits, and licenses.

How to use this Checklist for Mining Inspection

Using this mining inspection checklist can be straightforward. Inspectors simply need to choose from Yes, No, or N/A answers in the checklist. If there are important notes or actions required, users are free to add them as they go through the checklist. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to run through your mining inspection with this checklist.

  1. Add basic information about the mining site and personnel involved
  2. Conduct an inspection on the layout and environment of the mining site.
  3. Check whether the criterias indicated in the checklist are met
  4. Conduct a safety inspection, whether equipment are functioning properly, PPEs are worn by staff, and if emergency procedures are clear.
  5. Add other hazards found if necessary
  6. Conclude the inspection in the checklist by signing off and automating report generation of the inspection.

Once the checklist has been signed off, a report can be generated where everything is summarized and whether there are any notes or action points that are needed to be raised immediately. A finished checklist will look something like this :

Check out how Goldcorp, the World’s Leading Gold Producer Uses SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) to Keep their Workplace Safe

With a total of 11 mines across North, Central, and South America, Goldcorp (acquired by Newmont Mining Corporation last 2019), is a leader in gold production, with an expected 50% increase of output. The hazards are real and ever-present in the mining industry with workers exposed to a variety of risks from cave-ins to explosions, vehicle collisions and more. TO ensure their safety, Goldcorp uses iAuditor for 1,000 inspections per day. Instead of taking four hours to write a report, it now takes them minutes.

“The real time hazard recognition capability across our operations wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have iAuditor. It means more people are going to go home safe,” Andrew Johnson, Goldcorp Safety Officer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mining Inspection Checklist

Mining inspections should be conducted at varying frequencies, depending on factors like the type of mining operation, location, and applicable regulations. Typically, routine inspections are carried out daily or at the start of each shift, focusing on equipment, ventilation, and essential safety measures. Weekly or monthly inspections provide a more comprehensive assessment of safety protocols, hazard assessments, and operational procedures.

When a mining operation fails an inspection, the consequences can vary depending on the severity of the issues and the applicable regulations. Typically, corrective actions must be taken promptly to address identified deficiencies, including fixing safety hazards, resolving environmental concerns, or ensuring regulatory compliance. In some cases, there may be a temporary shutdown of mining activities to safeguard workers and the environment, fines and penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, permits or licenses could be suspended or revoked, legal actions might be pursued, and increased regulatory oversight may be imposed.

Yes, mining inspection checklists can be effectively used to track and schedule equipment maintenance. These checklists typically include detailed items related to equipment condition, safety features, and operational efficiency. By regularly conducting inspections and documenting the condition of mining equipment, operators can identify wear and tear, potential issues, or maintenance needs. In addition, this checklist also includes a feature to add an immediate action item to ensure that important issues are resolved right away.

Article by
Sare Hawes

Explore more templates

Daily Workshop Inspection Checklist
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Daily Supervisor Inspection Checklist
This daily supervisor inspection checklist can be used by mine site supervisors when verifying the safety of worksites for daily operations. Ensure that facilities are free from obstructions and debris, if the dangerous goods cabinets are adequately secured, and if evacuation plans and first aid kits are readily available among others.
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This mine site safety inspection checklist can be used weekly to audit a mining site’s vehicles and equipment, road conditions, emergency response plan, mechanical, electrical, on-site offices, and among others to ensure mine safety.
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Safety officers can use this electrical safety inspection checklist to ensure that power and electricity standards comply with set safety requirements. Check if employees are adequately trained regarding electrical safety, ensure that there is a written and approved site electrical safety procedure, and verify the competency of electricians among others.
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This daily pre-start mine vehicle inspection checklist can be used by operators to ensure that vehicles comply with the standards for safe operation. It prompts the inspection of brakes, backup alarms, fire extinguishers, gauges, and fuel levels among others to measure the condition of mine site vehicles.
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Miners can use this mining maintenance notification form checklist to log maintenance requests related to safety and quality hazards in mine sites. Add priority levels, notes on important findings, and location of request to streamline communication and ensure maintenance requests are fulfilled in a timely manner.
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Quarry workers and pit safety officers can use this quarry inspection checklist to ensure that the worksite implements safety control measures, has adequate ventilation and lighting, as well as clearly established emergency procedures and first aid facilities among others.
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This Mine Safety Audit checklist template can be used to audit a mining site’s vehicles and equipment, road conditions, emergency response plan, mechanical, electrical, on-site offices, and much more to ensure mine safety. Mining officers and site managers can also directly create corrective actions and further recommendations through this ready-to-use audit checklist.