45.1-161.162 - Mine openings.
§ 45.1-161.162. Mine openings.
A. Except as provided in § 45.1-161.164, there shall be at least two travelways, entries, or openings to the surface from each section of a mine worked.All longwall panels shall be developed with at least three entries; however,if new technology becomes available pursuant to which two-entry systems maybe safely developed, such technology may be used, with the approval of theChief.
B. One of the required travel ways may be the haulage road.
C. The first opening shall not be made through an adjoining mine. The secondopening may be made through an adjoining mine.
D. One of the required travel ways shall be designated as the primaryescapeway and shall be in intake air.
E. After July 1, 1999, new surface structures where miners congregate orwhere the mine map or other official records are kept at the mine shall beoffset not less than fifteen feet from the nearest side of any mine opening,or otherwise located to be out of the direct line of possible forces comingout of the mine should an explosion occur, unless otherwise approved by theChief.
(Code 1950, §§ 45-71, 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-94,45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28;1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256.)