How many feet on each side of auger shall the highwall be checked?

How many feet on each side of auger shall the highwall be checked?

• A. 25 feet
• B. 50 feet
• C. 75 feet
• D. 100 feet

Answer: (B)

Regular checks of the highwall during auger operations focus on catching signs of instability before they lead to rockfalls or equipment damage. Inspecting a set distance on each side of the auger ensures you monitor the areas where failed rock is most likely to slide toward the working zone and where workers and machinery could be exposed. Fifty feet on each side provides a practical balance: it covers a wide enough stretch to notice cracks, loose blocks, or weathering, while keeping the inspection effort reasonable and the observer within a safe distance from the face. A shorter distance like twenty-five feet could miss developing hazards farther out, whereas much larger distances would be unnecessary and could slow down operations without adding meaningful safety benefits. Therefore, the required distance is fifty feet on each side of the auger.

Regular checks of the highwall during auger operations focus on catching signs of instability before they lead to rockfalls or equipment damage. Inspecting a set distance on each side of the auger ensures you monitor the areas where failed rock is most likely to slide toward the working zone and where workers and machinery could be exposed.

Fifty feet on each side provides a practical balance: it covers a wide enough stretch to notice cracks, loose blocks, or weathering, while keeping the inspection effort reasonable and the observer within a safe distance from the face. A shorter distance like twenty-five feet could miss developing hazards farther out, whereas much larger distances would be unnecessary and could slow down operations without adding meaningful safety benefits. Therefore, the required distance is fifty feet on each side of the auger.