45.1-161.202 - Emergency response plans; list of next of kin.
§ 45.1-161.202. Emergency response plans; list of next of kin.
A. Operators shall develop an emergency response plan for each mine. The planshall include (i) a mine emergency communication plan, (ii) an evacuationprocedure, (iii) the identification of waterlines, (iv) the number system ofbrattice, (v) the location of escapeways, and (vi) such other information asthe Chief may reasonably require.
B. The operator shall maintain a list of the next of kin of all minersemployed at the mine. The list shall be kept at the mine site or at a centralfacility readily accessible to the mine.
C. An emergency response plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief ormine inspector. The Chief may require periodic updates to an operator'semergency response plan. Operators shall comply with the requirements of theapproved plan.
D. The emergency response plan shall be posted in a conspicuous manner andplace, readily accessible to all miners, underground and at the surface ofthe mine.
E. The operator shall train miners in the implementation of the emergencyresponse plan and shall conduct practice drills. Records of dates and timesof practice drills shall be maintained in the emergency response plan.
F. Each miner employed by the operator who goes underground and each visitorauthorized to enter the mine by the operator shall have available an adequatesupply of self-rescue devices, each of which provides one hour or longerprotection and is approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Thetraining related to self-rescue devices shall be included in the emergencyresponse plan approved by the Chief.
(Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323;1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 2006, c.291.)