---
title: "What must a mine operator do when a self-propelled equipment defect is found during a pre-shift inspection under 30 CFR 56.14100, and how long must defect records be kept? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/mining-safety/must-mine-operator-self-propelled-equipment-defect-found-during-pre-shift
jurisdiction: "US Federal · MSHA · Metal and Nonmetal Mines"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What must a mine operator do when a self-propelled equipment defect is found during a pre-shift inspection under 30 CFR 56.14100, and how long must defect records be kept? Answer in under 100 words.

Under 30 CFR 56.14100, when a defect affecting safety is found, it must be corrected in a timely manner; if continued operation would be hazardous, the equipment must be taken out of service in a designated area or tagged (DANGER/OUT OF SERVICE). Any defect not corrected immediately must be reported to and recorded by the mine operator, and that record must be kept at the mine or nearest mine office from the date recorded until the defect is corrected, remaining available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary.

## Details / How it works

Self-propelled mobile equipment (haul trucks, loaders, dozers, drills) must be inspected by the equipment operator **before** being placed in operation on a shift. Defects affecting safety are corrected in a timely manner; hazardous equipment goes to an "out-of-service" zone or receives a danger/out-of-service tag or lockout/tagout marking prohibiting use until repaired.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Record retention period | From the date the defect is recorded **until the defect is corrected** |
| Record location | At the mine or nearest mine office |


## Exceptions & edge cases

Defects corrected immediately need not be recorded. Uncorrected defects trigger mandatory reporting and recording by the mine operator, and all such records must be made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary (MSHA).

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 30 CFR 56.14100 — Safety defects; examination, correction and records · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-30/section-56.14100 · as of 2026-08-26