45.1-161.116 - Examination and testing of roof, face, and ribs.
§ 45.1-161.116. Examination and testing of roof, face, and ribs.
A. The operator, or his agent, shall instruct all miners how to make visualexaminations and sound and vibration testing of roof, face and ribs.
B. Miners exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs shall visuallyexamine and, if conditions permit, test the roof, face, and ribs by soundingthe roof before starting work or before starting a machine and as frequentlythereafter as may be necessary to ensure safety. When hazardous conditionsare found, miners discovering them shall correct such conditions immediatelyby taking down the loose material, by proper timbering, or installation ofproper roof support before work is continued or any other work is done, orshall vacate the place.
C. At least once each shift, or more often if necessary, the mine foreman orother certified person shall examine and test the roof, face and ribs of allactive working sections where coal is being produced while miners are workingtherein. Any place in which a hazardous condition is found by the mineforeman shall be made safe in his presence or under his direction, or theminers shall be withdrawn from such place. Such hazardous conditions andcorrective actions taken shall be recorded in the on-shift record book at themine.
(Code 1950, §§ 45-61, 45-68.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-42; 1976,c. 598; 1978, c. 118; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3.)