Trainer Qualification and Approval
What this domain tests
This domain separates MSHA-approved instructors from competent persons and tests which training each may deliver.
Core rules
- Part 48 new miner, newly employed experienced miner, and annual refresher training must be conducted by MSHA-approved instructors. Approval is based on an MSHA instructor course and relevant mining experience; the instructor is named in the approved plan. A skilled operator is not automatically an approved instructor.
- Task training under Part 48 may be delivered by a competent person designated by the operator, provided the approved plan identifies how that person is qualified for the task.
- Part 46 uses competent persons for new miner, newly employed experienced miner, annual refresher, task, and site-specific hazard awareness training. There is no MSHA instructor approval or certification for Part 46; the operator designates the person and must be able to show knowledge, training, and experience.
- "Competent person" is a performance standard, not a lifetime credential. A person may be competent for haulage and not for blasting.
- The instructor's name and qualification must match the plan and the training actually delivered.
Worked example
At a Part 48 surface copper mine, a 20-year haul-truck operator has no MSHA instructor approval. He may be designated as a competent person to deliver task training on haul trucks if the approved plan supports it, but he may not deliver the new miner course or annual refresher. At a Part 46 crushed-stone operation, a foreman designated as a competent person may deliver new miner training without MSHA approval, but the plan must list him and his qualification.
Traps
- Treating "competent person" as an MSHA-issued certificate.
- Assuming long experience alone satisfies Part 48 instructor approval.
- Using an instructor approved for one plan at another mine without plan coverage.
- Letting an approved instructor deliver a course outside the approved content.
- Confusing task training with basic new miner training.