45.1-161.216 - Main fans.
§ 45.1-161.216. Main fans.
A. The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.
B. Main fans shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, (ii)installed on the surface in fireproof housings, and (iii) equipped withfireproof air ducts.
C. In addition to the requirements of subsection B, main fans shall either:
1. Be equipped with ample means of pressure relief, and be offset not lessthan 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or
2. Be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, the openingshall not be in direct line with possible forces coming out of the mineshould an explosion occur, and there shall be another opening having aweak-wall stopping or explosion doors that would be in direct line with theforces coming out of the mine should an explosion occur, such opening to benot less than 15 feet nor more than 100 feet from the fan opening; and
3. In mines ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shallbe installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through thefan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close.
D. Main mine fans shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarmwhen the fan slows down or stops. This device shall be placed so that it willbe seen or heard by an authorized person.
E. Main fans shall be on separate power circuits, independent of the minecircuit.
F. The area surrounding main fan installations shall be kept free ofcombustible material for at least 100 feet in all directions where physicalconditions permit.
G. Mine fans shall be operated continuously, except when intentionallystopped for necessary testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs while nominers are underground, or as otherwise approved by the Chief. If the mainfan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, orrepairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth inthe approved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stoppedafter all miners are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a periodspecified in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine before any miner isallowed underground.
H. Where electric power is available, main mine fans shall not be powered bymeans of internal combustion engines; however, where electric power is notavailable or for emergency use, main mine fans may be powered with internalcombustion engines, if (i) the fan shall be operated exhausting, unlessotherwise permitted by the Chief, and (ii) the engine operating the fan shallbe offset at least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproofstructure.
(Code 1950, § 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-54; 1978, c. 120;1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3.)