Chapter 3 - Mining Safety
CHAPTER 3 - MINING SAFETY
ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
30-3-101. Applicability of W.S. 30-3-101 through 30-3-509.
(a) W.S. 30-3-101 through 30-3-509 apply to all mines andmining operations except where:
(i) A statute refers to a specific type of mine or miningoperation; or
(ii) By the nature of the mine or mining operation, a statutecan have no application.
30-3-102. Reasonable safety regulations and precautions; enumerationof general safety rules; hazards to be posted; care of tools.
(a) Reasonable safety regulations and precautions shall beobserved in all phases of all mining activities to provide a safe place forpersons to work and to avoid injury and accident.
(b) No apparatus, piece of equipment, machinery or tool shallbe used when not in good repair or working condition or for any purpose forwhich it is not intended or suited.
(c) No work shall be permitted in any unsafe place unless it isfor the purpose of making the place safe, and then only by experienced personsunder the supervision of a qualified person.
(d) Special precautions shall be observed in operations wheregas has been found to exist in dangerous quantity.
(e) Appropriate signs shall be posted where dangerous ortemporary hazards exist.
(f) Good housekeeping shall be practiced in and around allmining activities, including cleanliness, orderly and safe storage ofmaterials, and the removal of possible sources of injury such as stumblinghazards, protruding nails, broken glass, discarded equipment, supplies,containers, parts and other similar objects or materials.
(g) Tools, except when in actual use, shall be kept in racks,boxes, kits, or where they will create no hazard.
30-3-103. Protective gear and clothing to be worn; clothing anddevices to meet safety standards.
(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) All persons shall wear clothing and use protective devicesrequired to meet recognized approved safety standards as specified by rule ofthe inspector. The rules shall include requirements for type and fit ofclothing, footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection.
30-3-104. Working alone prohibited; exception.
Noperson shall be required to work alone in any hazardous place where his lifemight be endangered, unless he can communicate with others, can be heard or canbe seen.
30-3-105. Bulletin boards to be maintained for posting rules andregulations.
Bulletinboards shall be maintained at central locations in all mining operations andnotices pertaining to safety rules and regulations and operations shall beposted on them. It shall be the responsibility of each employee to take notice,and be advised.
30-3-106. Permissible methane detector required; permissible methodsof testing for methane; examination of underground mine by mine examiners;procedure; written record.
(a) At least two (2) permissible methane detectors in properworking condition shall be kept available at each mine for the use ofauthorized persons. Only permissible flame safety lamps, permissible methanedetectors, or air sampling and analysis shall be used for determining thepresence of methane in mine air. The number, type and other specifications forflame safety lamps, methane detectors and other air detectors required underspecific circumstances shall be established by rule of the inspector.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Mine examiners shall examine all underground mines beforeother persons are permitted to enter. Specific areas of underground mines shallbe subject to examination in accordance with rules of the inspector. Thenumber, timing, schedule, place and conduct of all examinations shall be set bythe rules. The rules shall require written verification of all requiredexaminations.
(d) The mine examiner shall:
(i) Visit every live working place in the mine;
(ii) Test for methane;
(iii) Examine line brattices and fan tubing;
(iv) Test and inspect the roof, face and rib conditions in allplaces examined, including active roadways, travelways, approaches to abandonedworkings and accessible falls in active sections for explosive gas and otherhazards;
(v) Ascertain that air is traveling in its regular course andin the required volume in each split;
(vi) Place his initials and the date at or near the face of eachplace examined.
(e) Where dangerous conditions are found by the mine examineror other official, the place shall be [posted] dangered off with an approveddanger sign. Only an authorized person shall cross the sign and then only forthe purpose of correcting the dangerous condition.
(f) Upon completion of his examination, the mine examiner shallreport to the mine foreman or a designated certified official before otherpersons enter the mine.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(n) A certified mine foreman immediately directing theactivities of the area subject to the report shall read and countersign therecord book of the mine examiner daily. Any dangerous conditions disclosed inthe reports shall be corrected promptly.
(o) All records of daily and weekly reports shall be open forinspection by interested persons.
30-3-107. Inspections for safety hazards.
Theoperator of each mine, or some competent person designated by the operator,shall make inspections for safety hazards at least once, or oftener ifnecessary for safety, during each working shift, of all those parts of theoperations which are traveled or being worked.
30-3-108. Requirements as to buildings generally; fire resistantstructures required.
(a) Buildings shall be constructed and located in a mannerconsistent with recognized good mining practice.
(b) The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for fireresistant structures for areas in proximity to underground mine openings.
30-3-109. Check-in and check-out system.
Eachmine shall have a check-in and check-out system that will identify everyindividual underground. An accurate record of persons in the mine consisting ofa written record or a check board shall be kept on the surface in a place thatwill not be affected in the event of an explosion. The record shall bear anumber identical to the identification check carried by the person underground.
30-3-110. Pits and quarries.
(a) Reasonable precautions shall be taken to insure the safetyof all persons working in and about open excavations, pits and quarries.
(b) Overhanging banks shall not be permitted in any excavation,pit or quarry. Sides and banks shall be sloped to an angle, in view of thenature and material and the depth of the excavation, that will minimize thedanger of materials sliding or falling.
30-3-111. Stairways and platforms.
(a) Stairways, elevated platforms and runways shall be equippedwith handrails.
(b) Elevated platforms and stairways shall be provided withtoeboards where necessary, kept clear of refuse and maintained in good repair.
30-3-112. Roofs of mines; minimum standards; supports; inspection.
(a) Minimum standards for systematic roof control suitable tothe roof conditions and mining system of each mine shall be adopted andcomplied with. A copy of any roof control plan approved by federal authoritiesshall be submitted to the inspector within thirty (30) days of its approval.Additional supports shall be installed where necessary to afford adequateprotection. The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for roofbolting, other supports required to protect persons from falling or loosematerial, training requirements for persons involved with roof, rib and facetesting and extraction of permanent and temporary timber.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Every shaft, incline, winze, adit, tunnel level or drift,and every working place in an underground mine shall be properly protected andsufficiently timbered or supported where necessary to protect persons frominjury from falls of roof, ribs or face. Loose top and overhanging or loosefaces and ribs shall be timbered adequately or taken down.
(e) Timbers removed or knocked out deliberately orinadvertently shall be replaced promptly unless unnecessary for adequate roofsupport or protection.
(f) The mine foreman and mine inspectors shall ascertain ifemployees understand roof, rib and face testing. Uninformed and new employeesshall be instructed properly in correct methods of testing.
(g) Face workers and other employees exposed to hazards fromfalls of rock and coal shall, unless this testing is specifically andsatisfactorily performed by others, examine and test the roof, ribs and facebefore starting work or before starting a machine and frequently thereafter.When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately bytaking down loose materials or by proper and adequate support before any otherwork is done.
(h) At least once each day, the mine foreman shall examineroof, ribs, and face of working places and passageways, where men work ortravel, for dangerous conditions. Where found, such dangerous conditions shallbe corrected promptly.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Permanent timber extraction shall be done only bymechanical means. Persons engaged in this work shall not be permitted to workalone. Persons assigned to this work shall have not less than the practicalmining experience under comparable conditions as required by rule of theinspector.
30-3-113. Rock dusting in coal mines.
(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) The inspector shall establish by rule for underground coalmines, areas in which rock dusting is required, required levels ofincombustible content and other content and size requirements for rockdusting. The inspector or his deputies may require that sufficient samples ofthe mine dusts are taken in order to enforce this section.
30-3-114. Construction, installation and maintenance of track.
(a) The roadbed, rails, joints, switches, frogs and otherelements of the track of all haulage roads shall be constructed, installed andmaintained in a manner consistent with speed and type of haulage operationsbeing conducted to insure safe operation.
(b) Track switches, except room and entry development switches,shall be provided with properly installed throws, bridle bars and guardrails;switch throws and stands, where possible, shall be placed on the clearanceside.
30-3-115. Haulage roads; clearance space; shelter holes.
(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Ample clearance shall be provided at all points wheresupplies are loaded or unloaded along haulage roads or conveyors. The inspectorshall establish by rule required clearances for haulage roads and conveyors. The rules shall include clearances required, requirements for suitablecrossover or crossunder bridges and proper guards for travelways.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Shelter holes shall be provided along haulage entries andslopes where locomotive, rope or shuttle-car haulage is used. The inspectorshall establish by rule the spacing, sizing and placement of shelter holeswhich may vary for different locations in the mine.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-116. Abandoned workings; posting at entrances; sealing orventilation.
(a) The entrances to abandoned workings shall be posted to warnunauthorized persons against entering the territory.
(b) Abandoned workings shall be sealed or ventilated inaccordance with rules adopted by the inspector.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-117. Abandoned workings; precautions required when working placeapproaches.
Wheneverany working place approaches within two hundred (200) feet of abandonedworkings that cannot be inspected, boreholes shall be kept as required by ruleof the inspector. The rules shall include spacing and other drillingrequirements for the bore holes.
30-3-118. Surface outlets; rules specifying surface opening andescapeway requirements.
(a) Every underground mine shall have at least two (2) separateclearly marked outlets to the surface. The two (2) outlets to the surface neednot belong to the same mine if persons can travel to and from another outlet tothe mine.
(b) The inspector shall adopt rules specifying other surfaceopening, travelway and escapeway requirements. The rules shall provide foradequate fire protection, ventilation and equipment, designated escapeways andlimitations upon the number of persons allowed in the mine or specific areas ofthe mine based upon available escapeways.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
ARTICLE 2 - EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
30-3-201. Aerial trams, belts and conveyors.
Aerialtrams, belts, conveyors or other transporting equipment shall be adequate forthe purpose used and shall be installed and maintained in good workmanlikemanner in accordance with recognized good, safe engineering practice and withrules adopted by the inspector.
30-3-202. Bins and chutes.
(a) All bins shall be designed and constructed to hold andmaintain the load required.
(b) Chutes for discharging bins shall be of approved design,and arranged to be conveniently and safely operated, with a uniform flow tolessen arching of stored material.
(c) Open top bins shall be protected by adequate guardrails andtoeboards.
30-3-203. Boilers and compressed air receivers; inspections.
(a) All boilers used for generating steam shall be kept in goodorder. The owner or operator shall have them inspected and approved inaccordance with rules adopted by the inspector.
(b) All compressed air receivers shall be built and installedaccording to standard specifications and shall be inspected and approved inaccordance with rules adopted by the inspector.
30-3-204. Machinery; standard safety methods and devices required.
(a) All machinery shall be guarded by standard approved methodsand devices which shall adequately provide protection against accidents andprevent all access to the danger zones during operation.
(b) All persons shall avail themselves of protective devices,shall observe all rules governing their maintenance and operation and shallpromptly report to the operator or supervisor any unsafe condition or the lackof any protective device.
(c) No employee or person or persons shall knowingly do anywillful act to injure or destroy any machinery, which will thereby endanger thesafety of persons, working places or property.
30-3-205. Cutter chains; enumeration of equipment to be guarded;control of dust when drilling; repairing or oiling moving machinery prohibited.
(a) The cutter chains of mining machines shall be lockedsecurely by mechanical means to prevent accidental movement while being trammedor when parked. The inspector shall adopt rules providing for the adequateguarding of equipment with protruding bolts, nuts, blades, flywheels, belts,chains and other mechanisms which can cause serious injury and with whichpersons are likely to come into contact.
(b) Drilling in rock shall be done wet or with other means ofdust control approved by the inspector.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Machinery shall not be repaired or oiled while in motion.
(e) A guard or safety device removed from any machine shall bereplaced before the machine is put in operation.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-206. Use of internal combustion engines prohibited; exception.
(a) The use of equipment underground powered by internalcombustion engines is prohibited except for those engines conforming tostandards accepted by the MSHA for underground internal combustion engines.Equipment with engines conforming with rules adopted by the MSHA shall only beused and operated as authorized by rule of the inspector.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-207. Locomotives generally.
(a) Locomotives shall be equipped with proper devices forrerailing of locomotives and cars.
(b) An audible warning device and headlights shall be providedon each locomotive, shuttle car and any other self-propelled mobile equipmentused underground.
(c) Where hoists are used for handling men in undergroundslopes, in pitching beds, or on slopes between two (2) or more beds, theprovisions governing hoisting or haulage mentioned heretofore shall apply.
(d) A permissible trip light shall be used on the rear of tripspulled, and on the front of trips lowered into slopes or pushed. Trip lightsneed not be used during gathering operations at working faces.
(e) Pushing of cars on main haulage roads and back-poling isprohibited except as authorized by rule of the inspector.
(i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(iii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(iv) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(n) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(o) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(p) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(q) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(r) The inspector shall adopt rules establishing the authorizeduse of locomotives, including persons authorized to ride, materials which maybe hauled, and requirements for boarding, loading, derailing, blocking,coupling and trip lighting.
30-3-208. Man-trips operated by locomotives; belt lines; illuminationof stations.
(a) Man-trips operated by locomotives shall be pulled at safespeed consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used, andshall be so controlled that they can be stopped within the limits of visibility.The speed of man-trips on slopes shall be consistent with the condition ofroads and type of equipment used and shall be limited to speeds established byrules of the inspector.
(b) Each man-trip shall be under the charge of a qualifiedperson and shall be operated independently of any loaded trip of material.
(c) Cars on the man-trip shall not be overloaded. Sufficientcars in good mechanical condition shall be provided.
(d) No person shall ride under the trolley wire unless suitablecovered man-cars are used.
(e) No material or tools shall be transported in the same carwith persons on any man-trip. All persons except the motorman and trip ridershall ride inside of man-trip cars.
(f) Persons shall not load or unload from moving man-trip cars.Persons shall proceed in an orderly manner to and from man-trips.
(g) A waiting station with sufficient room and ample clearancefrom moving equipment shall be provided where persons are required to wait forman-trips or man-cages.
(h) Trolley and power wires shall be guarded effectively atman-trip stations where there is a possibility of any person coming in contactwith energized electric wiring while loading or unloading from the man-trip.
(j) Loading and unloading stations shall be illuminatedproperly.
(k) A qualified person shall supervise the loading andunloading of man-trips.
30-3-209. Standards and use of hoisting equipment established by rule.
(a) The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for theoperation of hoisting equipment. The rules shall include permissiblematerials, manning and training requirements, load limitations, guardrequirements for trolley and power wires, and illumination and recordkeepingrequirements.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-210. Cages; standards and use established by rule.
(a) Cages used for hoisting persons shall be of substantialconstruction with:
(i) Adequate steel bonnets;
(ii) Enclosed sides;
(iii) Gates, safety chains or bars across the ends of the cagewhen persons are being hoisted or lowered;
(iv) Sufficient handholds or chains for all persons on the cageto maintain their balance.
(b) The floor of the cage shall be adequate to carry the loadand so constructed that it will be impossible for a person's foot or body toenter any opening in the bottom of the cage.
(c) Cages used for handling persons shall be equipped withsafety catches that act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
(d) Cages shall be inspected daily. Safety catches on cagesshall be tested at least every two (2) months. A written record shall be keptof inspections and tests. The record may be inspected by interested persons.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(n) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(o) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(p) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(q) The inspector shall establish by rule standards for cagesused for hoisting persons. To the extent possible, emergency hoists shallcomply with these standards.
ARTICLE 3 - COMMUNICATIONS, FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRST AID
30-3-301. Telephone service or communication facilities; location;insulation; protection; additional standards by rule.
(a) Telephone service or equivalent communication facilitiesinstalled to reduce the possibility of interruption of service shall beprovided in underground mines at the bottom of each main shaft or slope and inall mines from the surface to the working sections of the mine.
(b) Telephone lines, other than cables, shall be:
(i) Carried on insulators;
(ii) Installed on the opposite side from power or trolley wires;
(iii) Adequately insulated where they cross power or trolleywires.
(c) Telephone circuits shall be protected by lightningarresters.
(d) The inspector shall adopt additional rules for telephoneand communication safety.
30-3-302. Fire-fighting equipment; fire prevention regulations.
(a) Each mine shall be provided with suitable fire-fightingequipment, adequate for the size of the mine, such as supplies of rock dust atdoors and at other strategic places, water lines and hose, water chemicaltrucks and fire extinguishers to provide reasonably effective means ofcontrolling fires. The inspector shall establish by rule additional fireprotection requirements, including:
(i) Equipment required to be available at specified areas ofthe mine;
(ii) Required examinations for fire after blasting and otheroperations;
(iii) Storage requirements for materials and equipment; and
(iv) Procedures to be followed in the event of a mine explosionor fire.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-303. Fire danger to be minimized; when open flame prohibited.
(a) All structures or installations either underground or aboveground shall be constructed to minimize the danger of fire.
(b) No material shall be stored underground or above groundthat creates or constitutes a fire hazard.
(c) Smoking or the use of an open flame is prohibited where itconstitutes a serious hazard.
30-3-304. Use of arc, spark or open flame prohibited; exceptions;search for flame-producing devices; welding and cutting operations;nonpermissible electric lamps prohibited.
(a) All persons in underground workings of a mine areprohibited from intentionally creating any arc, spark or open flame, exceptthose that cannot be avoided in the normal performance of work. Carryingsmoking material or matches, or other flame-making devices into a mine orsmoking underground is prohibited.
(b) Before entering the mine, employees shall be subject to searchby the mine foreman or his certified designee for smoking materials or matches,or other flame-producing devices.
(c) In all underground mines welding and cutting withelectricity or flame is restricted from places where flammable gases are presentor where flammable gases may enter the air course except necessary welding andcutting in face regions. In the face regions of gassy mines, necessary weldingand cutting in face regions shall be under the direct supervision of aqualified person, who shall test for gas before starting operations andfrequently thereafter. Continuous monitoring devices may be used after theinitial gas test has been made. In all welding and cutting operations,precautions shall be taken against starting a fire.
(d) All persons underground shall use only permissible electriclamps for portable illumination.
30-3-305. First-aid equipment and training standards established byrule.
(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) The inspector shall establish by rule standards forfirst-aid equipment and training, and ambulance and physician services requiredon the surface and throughout the mine.
ARTICLE 4 - ELECTRICAL SAFETY
30-3-401. Electric installations and equipment.
(a) The inspector shall adopt rules for electrical installationand equipment safety requirements for mines. The rules shall establish:
(i) Placement and other safety requirements for high potentialpower lines;
(ii) Placement, housing, cooling, encasing and other accessrestrictions for transformers;
(iii) Mounting requirements for pull switches, circuit breakersand other power controls and requirements for entrances, illumination andclearances for switchboards;
(iv) Standards for the installation and support of power linesand cables, including track used as a power conductor, trolley wires and feederwires. The rules shall require that, where practicable, power be disconnectedduring repair work and shall include required protective clothing and equipmentfor persons repairing power lines and cables, and trolley wire and feeder wire;
(v) Installation requirements and load restrictions for signalwires;
(vi) Standards for the use of electrical equipment and testingstandards at specific areas of the mine, including areas containing specifiedlevels of methane or other explosive gases.
30-3-402. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-403. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-404. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-405. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-406. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-407. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-408. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-409. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-410. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-411. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
ARTICLE 5 - VENTILATION AND DUST CONTROL
30-3-501. Ventilation regulations generally; quantity of air required;record of measurements.
(a) The operator shall provide and maintain, at all times, forall persons in every working place, a good and sufficient amount of ventilationcirculating an adequate quantity of fresh air sufficient to dilute and renderharmless any noxious gases or powder smoke that may be present.
(b) The number of men on a split shall be no more than theventilation system can support. Where dust or fumes in harmful quantitiesresult from mining, milling or processing operations, some mechanical or othermeans which will alleviate this condition shall be used wherever and wheneverpractical. The operator shall furnish and encourage the use of personalprotective devices for alleviating harmful effects of dust and fumes. Eachperson shall use the devices furnished by the operator.
(c) The quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in anypair or set of entries shall not be less than nine thousand (9,000) cubic feeta minute. However, the quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in anypair or set of entries in pillar sections may be less than nine thousand(9,000) cubic feet of air a minute, if at least nine thousand (9,000) cubicfeet of air a minute is being delivered to the intake end of the pillar line. In any underground mine, the operator shall provide on the surface orunderground a fan or other mechanical means for producing and controlling aircirculation within the mine.
(d) The air current at working faces shall under any conditionhave a sufficient volume and velocity to dilute and carry away smoke fromblasting and any flammable or harmful gases.
(e) At least once each week, the mine foreman or othercertified persons designated by him, shall measure the volume of air near themain intake or main return, the amount passing through the last open crosscutof entries, and the volume of air in each split. A record of these measurementsshall be kept in a book on the surface and shall be open for inspection byinterested persons.
(f) The main-intake and main-return air currents in mines shallbe in separate openings.
(g) All slopes or entries in coal mines shall be driven in setsof two (2) or more.
(h) In gassy mines haulage roads shall be in intake air.
(j) Battery-charging stations and transformer stationscontaining liquid-filled transformers shall be well ventilated by separatesplits of air conducted through vents to the return air courses and returningdirect to the surface.
(k) Changes in ventilation that materially affect the main aircurrent or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is idle and with nomen in the mine, other than those engaged in changing the ventilation.
(m) In gassy mines air that has passed through abandonedsections or that has been used to ventilate pillar lines shall not be reused toventilate live workings.
(n) The inspector shall establish by rule ventilationrequirements for mines and associated surface facilities. The rules may begenerally applicable to all mines or promulgated for specific types of mines ormining operation and may:
(i) Establish minimum and maximum volumes of air required forspecified areas of mines;
(ii) Specify the means for ventilation, including the use,installation and operation of main mine fans, booster fans, blower fans,exhausting and other fans, and associated equipment including warning andmonitoring devices;
(iii) Specify the use, placement and construction of crosscuts,doors and line brattice needed to provide ventilation;
(iv) Specify personal protective devices to be used to alleviatethe effects of dust and harmful gases;
(v) Specify areas of the mine and times for monitoring, andtraining requirements for persons monitoring ventilation and associatedequipment or providing ventilation in accordance with this act or rules adoptedunder this act;
(vi) Establish appropriate procedures for making changes inventilation;
(vii) Specify required actions in response to hazards due toinadequate ventilation, including the existence of specified levels of dust orgases; and
(viii) Require recordkeeping in accordance with applicable federallaw.
30-3-502. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-503. Booster fans prohibited; exceptions; safeguards requiredwhen used.
(a) Booster fans are prohibited unless the inspector determinestheir installation is necessary for the safe operation and proper ventilationof the mine and gives permission in writing to install them. In mines wheresuch fans are now being used their use may be continued but they, and any newinstallations, shall be surrounded with safeguards established by rule of theinspector and as follows:
(i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(iii) In case of booster-fan stoppage, the procedure outlined inthis act with respect to stoppage of main fans shall apply to the section ofthe mine affected;
(iv) Inspected at least twice each shift during which the fanoperates by a certified official designated by the mine foreman.
(b) The following applies to auxiliary fans with tubing used inunderground mines:
(i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(iii) The fan tubing of an auxiliary fan shall be maintained ingood condition. The discharge end of the tubing shall be kept within forty-five(45) feet of the face, and not more than three hundred fifty (350) feet of thetubing shall be extended from the fan unless otherwise authorized in writing bythe inspector to accommodate larger mining equipment.
(iv) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(v) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(vi) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-504. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-505. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-506. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-507. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-508. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
30-3-509. Prevention of dust; standards established by rule.
(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, 2.
(g) The inspector shall by rule establish standards for preventingdust from endangering the safe operation of the mine, including the enclosureof electric motors, switches and controls.