45.1-161.276 - Loading and haulage work area requirements.
§ 45.1-161.276. Loading and haulage work area requirements.
A. Ramps and dumps shall be of solid construction, ample width, ampleclearance and head room and shall be kept reasonably free of spillage.
B. Berms or guards shall be provided on the outer bank of elevated haulageroads. Berms constructed on or after July 1, 2005, shall be constructed ofsubstantial material to the mid-axle height of the largest vehicle regularlyused on the haulage road. The width and height of the berm shall beconstructed on a two-to-one ratio when constructed of unconsolidatedmaterial. Other no-less effective methods may be used for berms.
C. Berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks or similar means shall be provided toprevent overtravel and overturning at dump stations.
D. Dumping locations and haulage roads shall be kept reasonably free ofwater, debris and spillage. Water, debris or spilled material that createshazards to moving equipment shall be removed.
E. Haulage roads constructed on or after July 1, 2005, shall be constructedat least one and one-half times the width of the widest equipment in use, andthose haulage roads used for passing shall be constructed at least threetimes the width of the widest equipment in use. In areas where this may notbe possible, the foreman shall establish procedures for safe travel ofhaulage vehicles.
F. Traffic rules, signals, and warning signs shall be standardized at eachmine and posted. This shall include, but not be limited to, rules for thetravel of on-road vehicles operating near off-road haulers in work areas.
G. Dumping stations where material is dumped over an embankment shall bedesigned to minimize backing and, where conditions permit, to provide forperpendicular travel to allow the equipment operator to observe the dumpingstation for changing conditions prior to backing. Reflectorized signs, strobelights, or other available means shall be used to clearly indicate dumpinglocations. This subsection shall not apply to dumping stations (i) that aremoved after each dumped load as mining progresses, (ii) where spotters arebeing used, or (iii) where loads are dumped short and pushed over theembankment. Dump stations that may interfere with haulroads or work areasbelow shall be clearly marked with signs to prevent further dumping, unlessother effective precautions are taken to protect haulroads or work areasbelow the dump station.
(Code 1950, § 45-85.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-36; 1978, c. 729;1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2010, cc. 809, 857.)