Who Needs Part 46 Training? Understanding Requirements by Role

Updated on December 1, 2025 by MSC

Whether you run a small sand and gravel pit or manage a large surface limestone quarry, one of the most important parts of mine safety is ensuring everyone on-site receives the right MSHA training. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) established Part 46 to define training requirements for surface miners and contractors working at specific types of nonmetal mining operations.

However, many operators and contractors still wonder: Who actually needs Part 46 training? Understanding this is critical—not just for compliance, but for keeping everyone safe. This guide breaks down exactly who falls under MSHA Part 46, what kind of training is required for each role, and how to verify your team is properly covered.

Who Is Covered Under MSHA Part 46 Training Rules?

MSHA Part 46 applies to workers at surface nonmetal mines, such as:

Sand, gravel, and stone operations
Colloidal phosphate, limestone, and clay mines
Surface areas of underground mines where nonmetal minerals are processed

These sites are covered under Part 46 instead of Part 48 (which applies to coal and metal/nonmetal underground mines).

Covered individuals include:

Miners: Anyone who works regularly at a mine performing mining operations.
Supervisors: Those who manage or direct miners.
Contractors: Employees of independent companies performing work at a mine site.
Maintenance or service personnel: Mechanics, welders, electricians, and others who repair or maintain mine equipment.
Truck drivers and delivery personnel: If they are exposed to mine hazards more than occasionally.

In short, anyone who could be exposed to mining hazards—even temporarily—must receive training appropriate to their exposure level.

MSHA Part 46 Applicability: Which Positions Require Training?

The scope of Part 46 training applicability goes beyond miners. The rule’s definition of “miner” is intentionally broad to ensure that anyone at risk is protected.

Here’s how it applies:

Full-time miners: Must complete New Miner Training (at least 24 hours) before starting work.
Newly hired experienced miners: Must receive Experienced Miner Training before beginning duties at a new mine.
All miners annually: Must complete Annual Refresher Training (8 hours minimum).
Contractors: Must have equivalent training under either Part 46 or Part 48, depending on the site type.
Supervisors and competent persons: Must be trained in the same hazards as the miners they oversee.

If you’re unsure which part applies to your operation, remember this: surface nonmetal = Part 46, and underground or metal = Part 48.

Part 46 Training Requirements by Job Title

MSHA Part 46 training requirements vary depending on a worker’s role and responsibilities within the mine. New miners must complete new miner training before beginning work, while experienced miners receive refresher training to stay current on hazard recognition and site-specific procedures. Supervisors and other designated competent persons have additional responsibilities, including evaluating workplace hazards and ensuring that training is effectively applied on the job. Equipment operators, maintenance personnel, and contractors all require training tailored to their specific tasks, emphasizing safe practices, regulatory compliance, and emergency response. By aligning training with each job title, mines can ensure that every employee has the knowledge and skills needed to work safely and efficiently.

Surface mine worker in PPE illustrating who needs Part 46 training.

Do You Need Part 46 Training? Find Out by Role

Not everyone who enters a mine requires full New Miner Training, but many individuals do require at least basic hazard awareness instruction. For example, delivery drivers who routinely enter active mining zones must be trained on site hazards and traffic patterns. Equipment operators need thorough task training before being allowed to run machinery. Safety coordinators must have a strong understanding of MSHA requirements, even if they rarely operate equipment, because their role influences safety decisions. Contract maintenance teams require site-specific instruction from the mine operator so they can work safely within the environment. Even mine owners and operators must complete training when they participate in operational tasks rather than administrative work. When in doubt, MSHA expects operators to err on the side of caution and train anyone who may be exposed to hazards.

Understanding Who Qualifies for Part 46 Training

The qualification for Part 46 training depends on your exposure to mine hazards and the nature of your work.

You qualify for training if you:

Work at a mine more than occasionally.
Operate or maintain mining equipment.
Supervise miners or perform related tasks.
Provide services or repairs within the mine’s controlled area.
Are at risk of injury from mining operations.

Even administrative or IT staff who occasionally inspect equipment or visit the pit area must receive at least hazard awareness training.

Training should always be documented using MSHA-approved methods, such as Form 5000-23, to prove compliance during inspections.

How to Become an MSHA Part 46 Competent Person

A competent person is central to the training process under Part 46. Rather than earning an official MSHA certification, an individual becomes a competent person through designation by the mine operator. This designation is based on demonstrated experience, subject-matter knowledge, and the ability to instruct miners effectively. To qualify, a competent person should have strong background knowledge in the topics they teach, a solid understanding of Part 46 requirements, and the communication skills necessary to evaluate whether miners grasp the material. Many competent persons continue building their expertise by participating in seminars, refresher courses, and field-based learning. Their role is crucial in ensuring miners understand hazard recognition, emergency procedures, PPE use, and job-specific safety practices.

Part 46 Safety Topics Every Miner Should Know

Whether you’re a new miner or a seasoned operator, certain safety topics are essential to review regularly. MSHA’s goal is to make sure every worker stays aware of hazards and procedures at all times.

Here are some of the most important Part 46 safety topics to include in your program:

Accident prevention and control measures
Emergency evacuation and firefighting procedures
Ground control, highwall, and slope stability
Mobile equipment and traffic safety
Electrical and machinery safety
Health hazards: dust, noise, heat, and chemical exposure
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Rights of miners under the Mine Act
Task-specific safety training

Incorporating these into your annual refresher or site-specific sessions helps create a proactive, informed workforce ready to prevent accidents.

Clarifying MSHA Part 46 Training Requirements by Role

Understanding exactly who needs which type of training allows operators to maintain compliance and support a safer workplace. Anyone who may encounter mining hazards must receive some level of Part 46 instruction, and competent persons play a central role in ensuring this training is both accurate and effective. Training should remain site-specific, updated as conditions change, and thoroughly documented to demonstrate compliance. By defining responsibilities clearly and ensuring each worker receives the right instruction, operations not only meet MSHA’s expectations but also foster a stronger, more reliable safety culture—one that ensures everyone goes home safely at the end of each shift.