§ 45.2-561. Review of inspection reports and records
Prior to commencing an inspection of a coal mine, a mine inspector shall review the most recent available report of inspection by MSHA. During the course of a complete inspection of a coal mine, the mine inspector shall comprehensively review the records for the 30-day period preceding the inspection of pre-shift examinations, on-shift exams, daily […]
§ 45.2-562. Advance notice of inspections; confidentiality of trade secrets
A. No person shall give advance notice of any mine inspection conducted under the provisions of this title without authorization from the Chief or the Director. B. All information reported to or otherwise obtained by the Chief or the Director or his authorized representative in connection with any inspection or proceeding under this title that […]
§ 45.2-557. Reports of other accidents and injuries
A. Each miner employed at a mine shall promptly notify his supervisor of any injury received during the course of his employment. B. Each operator shall keep on file a report of each accident, including any accident that does not result in a lost-time injury. Copies of an accident report shall be given to the […]
§ 45.2-558. Duties of mine inspectors
Each mine inspector shall: 1. Report to his supervisor immediately by the quickest available means any mine fire or explosion or any accident that results in loss of life or serious personal injury; 2. Proceed immediately to the scene of any accident at any mine under his jurisdiction that results in loss of life or […]
§ 45.2-559. Frequency of mine inspections
The Chief shall conduct a complete inspection of each underground coal mine at least every 180 days and of each surface coal mine at least once per year. Additional inspections of coal mines shall be made when deemed appropriate by the Chief based on an evaluation of risks at each mine or if requested by […]
§ 45.2-556. Operators’ reports of accidents; investigations; reports by Department
A. Each operator shall report promptly to the Department the occurrence at any mine of any accident. The scene of the accident shall not be disturbed pending an investigation, except to the extent necessary to rescue or recover a person, prevent or eliminate an imminent danger, prevent destruction of mining equipment, or prevent suspension of […]
§ 45.2-553. Inspections; Mine Rescue Coordinator
A. The Director shall (i) inspect, or cause to be inspected, the rescue station of each state-designated mine rescue team four times each year; (ii) ensure that all rescue stations are adequately equipped; and (iii) ensure that all team members are adequately trained. B. The Director shall designate an employee of the Department as the […]
§ 45.2-554. Workers’ compensation; liability
A. For the purpose of workers’ compensation coverage, during any mine disaster to which a state-designated mine rescue team responds under the provisions of this article or during any training exercise for a state-designated mine rescue team, members of the state-designated team shall be deemed to be within the employment of the operator of the […]
§ 45.2-555. Reports of explosions and mine fires; procedure
A. If an explosion or mine fire occurs in a mine, the operator shall notify the Department by the quickest available means. All facilities of the mine shall be made available for rescue and recovery operations and firefighting. B. No work other than rescue and recovery work and firefighting shall be attempted unless authorized by […]
§ 45.2-550. Requirements of recovery work
A. During recovery work and prior to entering any mine, every mine rescue team conducting recovery work shall be properly informed of existing conditions by the operator or his agent in charge. B. Each mine rescue team performing rescue or recovery work with breathing apparatus shall be provided with a backup team of equal strength […]