What is an MSHA certification?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

A Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) certification in mining proves an individual miner has skills in mine health, safety, and other mining-related knowledge and standards. This certification is administered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

MSHA offers a wide variety of mine safety and health training programs for certification. Many of these can be taken online as well as in-person.

In-person courses are carried out regularly at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy (NMHSA) in Beaver, West Virginia. Courses can be scheduled at a company or contractor's worksite upon request.

MSHA certification is a great addition to professional miners working at all levels of the mining industry. This includes:

Miners
Mine Managers
Mine Operators
Mine company executives

The programs primarily focus on mine safety, health, and training for these areas.

Requirements for certifications include being considered an "experienced miner. According to 30 CFR Part 48, a miner who participates in 40 hours of training and works professionally for 12 months as an underground miner is considered an "experienced miner."

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA rules require that any experienced miner who has been away from mining for more than five years receive 8 hours of "experienced miner" training before returning to the mine.

If a miner does not have 12 months of mining experience, they must gain 40 hours of "new miner" training. Certain states have additional training requirements for miners. Miners can contact their appropriate state offices to determine specific state requirements.