What is the required inspection distance for auger mining highwalls?

The required inspection distance for auger mining highwalls is twenty-five feet in both directions. This specific distance is established to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the operations. By maintaining a twenty-five-foot distance for inspections, it allows personnel to examine the highwall conditions for signs of instability or hazards without getting too close to possible dangers.

Inspections at this distance help to identify any potential risks associated with the highwall environment, such as excessive erosion or rockfalls, which could be critical for the safety of the workers on site. This standard aligns with safety regulations aimed at protecting individuals involved in auger mining operations.

Other distances mentioned, such as fifty feet, ten feet, or one hundred feet, either exceed or do not meet the safety requirements deemed necessary for effective monitoring and risk assessment in the auger mining context.