Safety Defects; Examination, Correction, and Records

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. § 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Title 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.13015 and 57.13015 require compressed-air receivers and other unfired pressure vessels to be inspected by inspectors holding a valid National Board Commission and in accordance with the applicable chapters of the National Board Inspection Code, a Manual for Boiler and Pressure Vessels Inspectors, 1979. Safety defects found on compressed-air receivers and other unfired pressure vessels have caused injuries and fatalities in the mining industry. Records of inspections must be kept in accordance with the requirements of the National Board Inspection Code and the records must be made available to the Secretary or an authorized representative. Title 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.13030 and 57.13030 require that fired pressure vessels (boilers) must be equipped with water level gauges, pressure gauges, automatic pressure-relief valves, blowdown piping and other safety devices approved by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to protect against hazards from overpressure, flameouts, fuel interruptions and low water level. These sections also require that records of inspection and repairs be retained by the mine operator in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1977, and the National Board Inspection Code (progressive records - no limit on retention time) and shall be made available to the Secretary or an authorized representative. Title 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.14100 and 57.14100 require operators to inspect equipment, machinery, and tools that are to be used during a shift for safety defects before the equipment is placed in operation.

The latest form for Safety Defects; Examination, Correction, and Records expires 2023-10-31 and can be found here.