Convergence Training, a division of Capstone Technology, announces the introduction of Surface Miner Training, a proprietary software application designed to help mine operators manage, deliver, track, and document federally required training. Surface Miner Training includes six hours of training content that aligns with the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) Part 46 regulations. As a management tool bundled with training material, Surface Miner Training is intended to help facilitate compliance while promoting safety at U.S surface mines.
More than 11,000 non-metal surface mines in the United States are subject to MSHA’s Part 46 training requirements. This regulation outlines required training and documentation for new miners, newly hired experienced miners, new tasks, and site-specific hazards. Although MSHA provides instruction and document templates, mine operators often struggle to create their own systems to plan, track, and record training for each of their miners. In the long run, these efforts may still lead to inaccuracies, gaps in documentation, and costly citations.
Recognizing this unmet need for quality training material and training management tools, Convergence developed Surface Miner Training in collaboration with mining industry experts. Surface mine operators and industry professionals got to experience a pre-release version of the training program at the 2008 CONEXPO-CON/AGG tradeshow in Las Vegas. “Taking the opportunity to talk with mine operators and learn their concerns and frustrations, helped us focus Surface Miner Training to address their needs,” said Randy Kohltfarber, Director of Product Development.
