MSHA Frequently Asked Questions

New miners at shell dredging, sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, and surface limestone mines are required to have health and safety training under30 CFR Part 46. 

New miners for underground mines, surface areas of underground mines, and other surface mines not covered under Part 46, are required to have health and safety training under 30 CFR Part 48.

Employees of 30 CFR Part 45 contractors are required to receive the applicable training under 30 CFR Part 46, 30 CFR Part 48, or both.

MSHA does not approve companies to provide training. Operators must have an MSHA-approved training plan, which identifies who will conduct the training. For Part 46, a competent person designated by the operator must provide the training. The trainer must have the ability, training, knowledge, or experience to provide training to miners in their area of expertise. For Part 48, an MSHA-approved instructor must conduct the training. We recommend that you contact an MSHA State Grant Participant because they provide Parts 46 and 48 training.  

Mine operators are responsible for training their miners. In a mine’s approved training plan, the operator or other identified entity may conduct the training. MSHA funds training through its State Grant Program. Review the State Grant Participants for a trainer in your state. 

All miners’ training must be recorded and provided to the miner upon completion or request. Part 46 training is recorded on MSHA Form 5000-23, or on a form that contains the specific information listed in 30 CFR 46.9(b). For Part 48, training is recorded on MSHA Form 5000-23 (or an approved alternate). You will need to request a copy from your employer, if you did not receive one at the time you took the training. Employers are required to keep the training certificates for 60 days after a miner leaves. MSHA does not collect or store training certificates. 

You can obtain a copy of your instructor status and miner qualifications and certifications by using your MIIN (MSHA Individual Identification Number). MSHA Qualifications and Certifications Information | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

MSHA offers a wide variety of mine safety and health training programs and courses, both in-person and online.

In-person courses are held regularly at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, West Virginia, and can also be scheduled at your worksite upon request. Our online materials and resources can be integrated into your own training programs. If you have any questions about training programs or courses, email MSHA Training.

A person interested in becoming an approved instructor should contact the MSHA district office or a  State Grants program in their area to take a Train-the-Trainer course and to understand the other requirements.