While the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) takes an active role in testing, approving, and certifying certain types of mining equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) typically falls outside of those regulatory efforts. However, through Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR), MSHA makes certain requirements for the use and maintenance of PPE in support of its mission to “to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners.” And although MSHA requires use of a complete scope of PPE as a last line of defense to protect works from physical and chemical hazards, the organization provides little guidance on specific products that meet accepted safety standards.
So, what personal protective equipment is best for mining? Based on MSHA, OSHA, and other federal standards, personal protective equipment for mining falls into these categories: