MSHA Underground Mining Personal Protective Equipment

This MSHA Underground Mining PPE Training covers how to select, wear, and maintain protective gear. Learn practices that support PPE safety training objectives.

Mobile-Friendly, Self-Paced Course
Learn Proper PPE Use and Care
Includes Up-to-Date Course Content
Certificate of Completion Included

Important MSHA Training Requirement Notice: This course is designed to support topics commonly included in MSHA Part 48 training programs, but does not, by itself, fulfill all MSHA training requirements or result in an official Form 5000-23. Completion includes a certificate of completion. Final training documentation and Form 5000-23 records must be completed by the mine operator, under an approved training plan. Learn how MSHA compliance works.

Duration: 2 Hour(s) Language: English

Over 1 Million

DOL Cards Issued & Counting

25+ Years

#1 Trusted OSHA Training Provider Since 1997

Flexible & Easy

User-Friendly Courses

About This Course

Underground mining exposes workers to multiple hazards that can affect health and safety. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to reducing these risks. This MSHA Underground Mining Personal Protective Equipment (Part 48) online course provides comprehensive training on how to select, use, and maintain mining PPE to minimize exposure and prevent accidents. Learners will explore key safety topics, including responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and workers, PPE programs and hazard assessments, and specific protective gear for the eyes, face, head, body, hands, feet, hearing, and respiratory system.

This training is designed for underground mine operators, supervisors, safety personnel, and all individuals working at underground mining sites. This course covers MSHA regulations under 30 CFR Parts 56, 57, and 48, which outline standards for protective equipment, training, and documentation.

Upon completion, learners will receive an instant, printable certificate of completion. Your company must have an MSHA-approved training plan and record all training on the official MSHA Form 5000-23, as required by 30 CFR §48.23 and §48.28.

This course is offered in partnership with Compliance Training Online™, a division of 360training™ company.

Topics Covered

Introduction to the MSHA Underground Mining Personal Protective Equipment

Examples of PPE
Key Terms and Definitions
Accident Statistics
Regulatory Agencies
OSHA Regulations
MSHA Regulations

Overview of PPE Responsibilities

Employer Responsibilities
Supervisor Responsibilities
Worker Responsibilities

PPE Programs

Hazard Assessment
PPE Training
PPE Selection
Maintenance and Storage of PPE

PPE for the Eyes, Face, and Head

Eyewear and Face Shields
Corrective Lenses
Head Protection
Hard Hats
Hard Hat Care and Maintenance

PPE for the Body, Hands, and Feet

Protection from Chemical and Physical Hazards
Reflective Clothing
Hand and Arm Protection
Types of Protective Gloves
Mesh, Leather, or Canvas Gloves
Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves
Chemical and Liquid Resistant Gloves
Care and Maintenance of Gloves
Foot and Leg Protection
Types of Foot and Leg Protection
Protective Footwear Care and Fitting

Hearing Protection

Noise Intensity and Maximum Daily Exposure
Noise Exposure Levels
Hearing Conservation Program
Types of Hearing Protection
Fit and Care of Hearing Protectors

Respiratory Protection

Oxygen-deficient Atmosphere
Flammable Atmosphere
Toxic Atmosphere
Respiratory Protection
Respirator Components
Types of Respirators
Fitting
Assigned Protection Factors
Respiratory Protection Program
Inspections
Fall Protection
Fall Protection Program
Types of Fall Protection Systems
Body Wear

Emergency Equipment

Self-Rescue

Summary
Additional Resources
Exam

What PPE Is Used in the Mining Industry?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) in the mining industry includes clothing and gear designed to reduce exposure to workplace hazards. Common PPE for underground miners includes hard hats, safety glasses or face shields, hearing protection, respirators, reflective clothing, protective gloves, and steel-toed boots. Each item plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of injuries from falling objects, noise exposure, dust, and other occupational hazards.

What Does Underground PPE Protect You From?

Underground mining PPE helps protect workers from the unique safety and health risks found below the surface. Properly selected PPE can reduce the likelihood of injury from:

Falling or flying objects (head and eye protection)
Noise exposure from heavy machinery (hearing protection)
Respiratory hazards such as dust, fumes, or toxic gases (respirators)
Chemical exposure or burns (protective clothing and gloves)
Trips, slips, or impacts (protective boots and legwear)

In addition, certain PPE, such as self-rescue devices, is designed for emergency response situations. To learn more about what to do in critical events underground, visit our MSHA Underground Mining Emergency Procedures course.

How Often Should Underground Mining PPE Be Inspected or Replaced?

Mining PPE should be inspected before each use and routinely maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Any damaged, worn, or defective equipment must be repaired or replaced immediately.

Regular inspections ensure that PPE continues to provide effective protection against underground hazards. Employers and supervisors are responsible for implementing inspection schedules and documenting PPE maintenance as part of their overall MSHA Part 48 safety program.