Underground Construction-1926.800

1926.800(d) Safety instruction.
All employees shall be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with underground construction activities including, where appropriate, the following subjects:

1926.800(d)(1)
Air monitoring:

1926.800(d)(2)
Ventilation:

1926.800(d)(3)
Illumination:

1926.800(d)(4)
Communications:

1926.800(d)(5)
Flood control:

1926.800(d)(6)
Mechanical equipment:

1926.800(d)(7)
Personal protective equipment:

1926.800(d)(8)
Explosives:

1926.800(d)(9)
Fire prevention and protection: and

1926.800(d)(10)
Emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and check- in/check-out systems.

1926.800(g)(2) Self-rescuers.
The employer must provide self-rescuers approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under 42 CFR part 84. The respirators must be immediately available to all employees at work stations in underground areas where employees might be trapped by smoke or gas. The selection, issuance, use, and care of respirators must be in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.103

1926.800(g)(5) Rescue teams.

1926.800(g)(5)(iii)
Rescue team members shall be qualified in rescue procedures, the use and limitations of breathing apparatus, and the use of firefighting equipment. Qualifications shall be reviewed not less than annually.

1926.800(g)(5)(iv)
On jobsites where flammable or noxious gases are encountered or anticipated in hazardous quantities, rescue team members shall practice donning and using self-contained breathing apparatus monthly.

1926.800(g)(5)(v)
The employer shall ensure that rescue teams are familiar with conditions at the jobsite.

1926.800(j)(1)(i)
1926.800(j)(1)(i)(A)
The employer shall assign a competent person who shall perform all air monitoring required by this section.

1926.800(j)(1)(i)(B)
Where this paragraph requires monitoring of airborne contaminants "as often as necessary," the competent person shall make a reasonable determination as to which substances to monitor and how frequently monitor, considering at least the following factors:

1926.800(j)(1)(i)(B)(1)
Location of jobsite: Proximity to fuel tanks, sewers, gas lines, old landfills, coal deposits, and swamps;

1926.800(j)(1)(i)(B)(2)
Geology: Geological studies of the jobsite, particularly involving the soil type and its permeability;

1926.800(j)(1)(i)(B)(3)
History: Presence of air contaminants in nearby jobsites, changes in levels of substances monitored on the prior shift; and

1926.800(j)(1)(i)(B)(4)
Work practices and jobsite conditions: The use of diesel engines, use of explosives, use of fuel gas, volume and flow of ventilation, visible atmospheric conditions, decompression of the atmosphere, welding, cutting and hot work, and employees' physical reactions to working underground

1926.800(j)(1)(vi)
When the competent person determines, on the basis of air monitoring results or other information, that air contaminants may be present in sufficient quantity to be dangerous to life, the employer shall:

1926.800(j)(1)(vi)(A)
Prominently post a notice at all entrances to the underground jobsite to inform all entrants of the hazardous condition; and

1926.800(j)(1)(vi)(B)
Ensure that the necessary precautions are taken.

1926.800(k)(7)
When ventilation has been reduced to the extent that hazardous levels of methane or flammable gas may have accumulated, a competent person shall test all affected areas after ventilation has been restored and shall determine whether the atmosphere is within flammable limits before any power, other than for acceptable equipment, is restored or work is resumed.

1926.800(k)(8)
Whenever the ventilation system has been shut down with all employees out of the underground area, only competent persons authorized to test for air contaminants shall be allowed underground until the ventilation has been restored and all affected areas have been tested for air contaminants and declared safe.

1926.800(o)(3)(i)(A)
A competent person shall inspect the roof, face, and walls of the work area at the start of each shift and as often as necessary to determine ground stability.

1926.800(o)(3)(i)(B)
Competent persons conducting such inspections shall be protected from loose ground by location, ground support or equivalent means.

1926.800(o)(3)(iv)(B)
A competent person shall determine whether rock bolts meet the necessary torque, and shall determine the testing frequency in light of the bolt system, ground conditions and the distance from vibration sources.

1926.800(o)(4)(iii)
After blasting operations in shafts, a competent person shall determine if the walls, ladders, timbers, blocking, or wedges have loosened. If so, necessary repairs shall be made before employees other than those assigned to make the repairs are allowed in or below the affected areas.

1926.800(q)(1)
A competent person shall inspect all drilling and associated equipment prior to each use. Equipment defects affecting safety shall be corrected before the equipment is used.

1926.800(r)(1)(i)
A competent person shall inspect haulage equipment before each shift.

1926.800(t)(3)(xix)
A competent person shall visually check all hoisting machinery, equipment, anchorages, and hoisting rope at the beginning of each shift and during hoist use, as necessary.

1926.800(t)(3)(xx)
Each safety device shall be checked by a competent person at least weekly during hoist use to ensure suitable operation and safe condition.