MSHA Part 46 Training Requirements Explained

Updated on November 18, 2025 by MSC

If you operate a surface mine or work as a contractor in the mining industry, you must understand MSHA Part 46 training requirements—they’re essential for compliance, safety, and your team’s well-being. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces federal safety standards to reduce accidents and injuries across the mining sector, and Part 46 applies specifically to surface stone, sand, gravel, and similar operations.

This guide explains MSHA Part 46 training requirements in simple terms—who needs training, how many hours they must complete, and which topics they must cover—so you can stay compliant without confusion.

Who Is Required to Complete Part 46 Training?

MSHA Part 46 training applies to anyone working at a surface nonmetal mine. This includes:

• New miners and experienced miners.
• Independent contractors performing work at the mine site.
• Supervisors and managers who oversee mining operations.
• Office personnel or truck drivers who spend significant time on-site.

Even part-time or temporary workers must complete Part 46 training before performing mining-related tasks. The only exceptions are individuals who are not exposed to mining hazards—such as delivery drivers who remain in safe zones or visitors under direct supervision.

What Mine Sites Fall Under MSHA Part 46?

Part 46 applies to a wide range of surface mining operations, including sites that produce sand, gravel, crushed stone, limestone, clay, marble, shale, granite, and similar materials. It also covers shell dredging and colloidal phosphate operations, along with specific surface areas connected to underground mines. If you work with these types of materials, you fall under Part 46—not Part 48, which governs underground operations and certain metal and nonmetal mines.

New Miner Training: What’s Required Under Part 46?

New miners must complete 24 hours of training within their first 90 days of employment, and they need to finish at least four of those hours before they start any work. This training introduces them to the mine environment, teaches them how to recognize and avoid hazards, explains emergency procedures, and outlines health and safety standards along with their rights as miners. The goal is to ensure new miners clearly understand site conditions and their responsibilities before they enter any potentially hazardous areas.

How to Train New Miners Under Part 46

Under MSHA’s rules, every operator must develop and follow a written training plan that outlines how they will train new miners. This plan must include:

• A schedule of training hours.
• The subjects to be covered.
• The names or titles of persons responsible for training.

Training may be conducted by an experienced miner, a competent person designated by the operator, or through a MSHA-compliant online training program that covers all required topics.

Once training is completed, miners must receive a certificate of training (Form 5000-23) signed by both the trainee and the competent person.

How Many Hours of Training Are Required for Compliance?

The number of training hours depends on a miner’s experience and job assignment. New miners complete 24 hours of foundational training, and all miners take eight hours of Annual Refresher Training every 12 months. Miners must also complete additional training whenever they start a new task or operate unfamiliar equipment, and site-specific training whenever they work at a new location. These training requirements ensure miners stay informed, competent, and aware of changing site conditions.

Topics That Must Be Covered in Part 46 Training

The MSHA Part 46 training requirements specify several mandatory subjects, including:

• Hazard recognition and avoidance.
• Emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Ground control and highwall hazards.
• Health and safety standards and rules.
• Electrical, mobile equipment, and conveyor safety.
• First aid and miners’ rights.

Operators can customize their training plan to include additional topics specific to their site hazards or operations.

What Is Included in the 8-Hour Annual Refresher Training?

Every miner must complete an Annual Refresher Training session of at least eight hours each calendar year. This training reinforces essential safety principles and updates miners on new hazards, incidents, or regulatory changes since the previous cycle. It often reviews recent site accidents, discusses updated MSHA guidance, and refreshes knowledge of emergency procedures and miners’ rights. Failing to complete refresher training on time can lead to citations or fines during inspections.

What Is a Part 46 Training Plan and Who Needs One?

A Part 46 training plan is a written document that outlines how an operator or contractor conducts required training.

Every mine operator must:

• Keep a current training plan on file.

• Make it available to miners, MSHA inspectors, and representatives upon request.

• Update it whenever the mine’s operations or hazards change.

This plan acts as your compliance roadmap, proving that your training is structured, consistent, and ready for MSHA inspection.

Who Is Responsible for Providing Part 46 Training?

The mine operator holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring all employees and contractors receive proper training.

However, operators can delegate this responsibility to competent persons or third-party training providers who specialize in MSHA compliance.

Competent persons must have experience and knowledge in the training topics they teach. They’re also responsible for signing the training certificates upon completion.

Can MSHA Part 46 Training Be Completed Online?

Yes—many operators and contractors now choose online MSHA Part 46 training because it offers a widely accepted and practical solution. Online programs give workers round-the-clock access, let them complete lessons at their own pace, and use built-in tracking to confirm they’ve covered every required topic. After completing the course, trainees receive a compliant certificate they can print or store digitally for future audits. This approach streamlines the entire training process and makes documentation much easier to manage.

How to Maintain Compliance with Part 46 Year After Year

Staying compliant means you keep your training up to date and your records accurate.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Maintain current copies of your training plan.

• Keep detailed records of every training session and certificate.

• Schedule Annual Refresher Training before the 12-month deadline.

• Document all task and site-specific training events.

Regular internal audits and digital tracking systems help you streamline this process and make it more efficient.

Training Templates and Tools for Part 46: Save Time and Stay Compliant

Managing MSHA Part 46 compliance manually can be time-consuming, especially as operations grow or turnover increases. Digital tools and templates simplify this process by guiding operators through training plan creation, tracking completion dates, and automatically generating valid certificates. These systems keep records organized and accessible, making it easy to present documentation during inspections. By using digital solutions, operators save time, reduce paperwork, and help ensure consistency across their entire workforce.

Your Next Steps for Meeting MSHA Part 46 Requirements

Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the MSHA Part 46 training requirements, using the right tools, and maintaining your documentation, you can create a safer, more efficient work environment.

Whether you’re a new miner or a seasoned operator, investing in proper Part 46 training is an investment in your team’s safety and your business’s long-term success.