What is the minimum distance for examining highwalls during adverse weather conditions?

The minimum distance for examining highwalls during adverse weather conditions is twenty-five feet. This standard is essential for ensuring the safety of personnel working in areas where highwalls are present, especially when visibility may be compromised or ground conditions are unstable due to weather. Being at least twenty-five feet away helps minimize the risk of injury from falling debris, rock slides, or unstable ground that can occur during adverse weather.

This distance is not arbitrary; it is established based on best practices in the industry, aiming to provide a buffer zone that allows workers to conduct safe observations without being exposed to immediate hazards. Additionally, it reflects a balance between close inspection of the highwall and maintaining a safe distance to ensure personnel safety. The other distances, while varying, do not align with the recommended safety practices in typical mining or excavation operations under these conditions.