Basic and Annual Refresher Training Obligations
What this domain tests
You must apply the correct basic and refresher hours, know when training must be completed, and distinguish new miners, experienced miners new to the mine, and task training.
Core rules
- Part 48 basic new miner training: at least 40 hours at underground mines and 24 hours at surface mines. Annual refresher: 8 hours within 12 months of the last training. Newly employed experienced miners receive the reduced orientation specified in the approved plan; task training is required before assignment to a new task.
- Part 46 basic new miner training: at least 4 hours before beginning work. Newly employed experienced miners: at least 4 hours. Annual refresher: 8 hours. Task training before assignment; site-specific hazard awareness training for non-miners such as visitors and delivery personnel.
- Training must be during normal working hours and paid at the miner's regular rate; the miner bears no cost.
- Refresher training is annual, not optional, and must be completed before the miner continues work after the 12-month period expires.
- Records and certificates must show dates, subjects, and hours.
Worked example
A miner with 15 years' experience is hired at a Part 48 surface gold mine. Because the miner is experienced but new to this mine, the operator provides the newly employed experienced miner orientation under the approved plan, not the full 24-hour new miner course, and completes task training before assigning the miner to a haul truck. At a Part 46 sand pit, a new hire must receive at least 4 hours before starting work; an experienced new hire receives at least 4 hours; everyone receives 8 hours annual refresher.
Traps
- Using Part 46's 4 hours at a Part 48 mine.
- Thinking experience eliminates training; it changes the category, not the obligation.
- Forgetting task training and site-specific hazard awareness.
- Letting annual refresher lapse and allowing work to continue.
- Training off the clock or at the miner's expense.