Inspect the highwall, how many feet on each side of the auger?

Inspect the highwall, how many feet on each side of the auger?

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

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a safe buffer around the highwall during auger operations is the key idea. The required minimum distance is fifty feet on each side of the auger. This setback helps protect workers and equipment from falling or sliding rock, which can occur as the highwall is undercut or weathered, and it also provides space for the auger to operate and for quick retreat if instability develops. When inspecting, look for signs of potential instability such as cracks, loose blocks, or undercutting, and ensure no personnel or equipment are within that fifty-foot zone.

Maintaining a safe buffer around the highwall during auger operations is the key idea. The required minimum distance is fifty feet on each side of the auger. This setback helps protect workers and equipment from falling or sliding rock, which can occur as the highwall is undercut or weathered, and it also provides space for the auger to operate and for quick retreat if instability develops. When inspecting, look for signs of potential instability such as cracks, loose blocks, or undercutting, and ensure no personnel or equipment are within that fifty-foot zone.