§ 45.2-937. Penetration of underground mines; testing
A. A qualified person shall test for the presence of methane and for a deficiency of oxygen, using an approved device, at the entrance to an auger hole or at a highwall miner entry when either such entry point penetrates a worked-out area of an underground mine. B. If one percent or more of methane […]
§ 45.2-938. Safety precautions
A. No person shall enter an auger hole or highwall miner entry without prior approval from the Chief. B. Every auger hole or highwall miner entry shall be blocked with highwall spoil or other suitable material before it is abandoned. C. Every auger or highwall mining machine that is exposed to any highwall or explosion […]
§ 45.2-939. Surface coal mining; distance from wells; requirements
A. Any mine operator who plans to remove coal or extend any workings in any mine to a distance of less than 500 feet from any gas or oil well that is already drilled or is in the process of being drilled shall file with the Chief a notice that such mining is taking place […]
§ 45.2-936. Highwall inspections
A. A mine foreman shall inspect the face of each highwall for a distance of 25 feet in both directions from an auger or highwall miner operation (i) before any such operation begins and at least once during each coal producing shift and (ii) frequently during any period of heavy rainfall or intermittent freezing and […]
§ 45.2-935. Inspection of electric equipment and wiring; checking and testing methane monitors
Electric equipment and wiring that extends to an underground area shall be inspected by a certified person at least once a week and more often if necessary to ensure safe operating conditions. Any hazardous condition found shall be corrected or the equipment or wiring shall be removed from service. Such surface inspection is also required […]
§ 45.2-934. Ground control
A. Every surface coal mining operation shall establish and follow a ground control plan approved by the Chief to ensure the safety of workers and others affected by the operation. The ground control plan shall be consistent with prudent engineering design. Mining methods, including benching, shall ensure wall and bank stability in order to obtain […]
§ 45.2-932. Misfires
A. Every misfire shall be reported promptly to the mine foreman, and no other work shall be performed in the blasting area until the hazard has been corrected. A waiting period of at least 15 minutes is required before anyone is allowed to any misfired hole. If explosives are suspected of burning in a hole, […]
§ 45.2-933. Minimum blasting practices
A. If explosives are in use on the surface and an electrical storm approaches, all persons shall be removed from the blast area until the storm has passed. B. In accordance with the standards set forth in § 45.2-902, the Chief shall adopt regulations regarding the safe storage, transportation, handling, and use of blasting agents […]
§ 45.2-930. Electrical trailing cables
A. Every trailing cable shall be provided with suitable short-circuit protection and a means of disconnecting power from the cable. B Any temporary splice in a trailing cable shall be made in a workmanlike manner and shall be mechanically strong and well-insulated. C. The number of temporary, unvulcanized splices in a trailing cable shall be […]
§ 45.2-931. Surface storage of explosives and detonators
A. Two or more surface magazines shall be provided for the storage of explosives and the separate storage of detonators. B. Every surface magazine for storing and distributing explosives in an amount exceeding 150 pounds shall be: 1. Reasonably bullet-resistant and constructed of incombustible material or covered with fire-resistant material. The roof of a magazine […]