This subpart requires operators to develop, implement, and update a written safety program for surface mobile equipment to reduce the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This subpart applies to surface mobile equipment at surface metal and nonmetal mines. The purpose of this safety program is to promote and support a positive safety culture and improve miners' safety at the mine.

The following definitions apply in this subpart—

Responsible person means a person with authority and responsibility to evaluate and update a written safety program for surface mobile equipment.

Surface mobile equipment means wheeled, skid-mounted, track-mounted, or rail-mounted equipment capable of moving or being moved, and any powered equipment that transports people, equipment, or materials, excluding belt conveyors, at surface metal and nonmetal mines.

(a) Each operator shall develop and implement a written safety program for surface mobile equipment that contains the elements in this subpart, no later than July 17, 2024.

(b) Each operator shall designate at least one responsible person to evaluate and update the written safety program, no later than July 17, 2024.

(a) The operator shall develop and implement a written safety program that includes actions the operator will take to:

(1) Identify and analyze hazards and reduce the resulting risks related to the movement and the operation of surface mobile equipment;

(2) Develop and maintain procedures and schedules for routine maintenance and non-routine repairs for surface mobile equipment;

(3) Identify currently available and newly emerging feasible technologies that can enhance safety at the mine and evaluate whether to adopt them; and

(4) Train miners and other persons at the mine necessary to perform work to identify and address or avoid hazards related to surface mobile equipment.

(b) The responsible person shall evaluate and update the written safety program at least annually, or as mining conditions or practices change that may adversely affect the health and safety of miners or other persons, as accidents or injuries occur, or as surface mobile equipment changes or modifications are made.

(c) The operator shall solicit input from miners and their representatives in developing and updating the written safety program.

(a) The operator shall make the written safety program available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and provide a copy upon request.

(b) The operator shall make the written safety program available for inspection by miners and their representatives and, at no cost, provide a copy upon request.