§ 45.1-161.162. Mine openings
A. Except as provided in § 45.1-161.164, there shall be at least two travel ways, entries, or openings to the surface from each section of a mine worked. All longwall panels shall be developed with at least three entries; however, if new technology becomes available pursuant to which two-entry systems may be safely developed, such technology may be used, with the approval of the Chief.
B. One of the required travel ways may be the haulage road.
C. The first opening shall not be made through an adjoining mine. The second opening may be made through an adjoining mine.
D. One of the required travel ways shall be designated as the primary escapeway and shall be in intake air.
E. After July 1, 1999, new surface structures where miners congregate or where the mine map or other official records are kept at the mine shall be offset not less than fifteen feet from the nearest side of any mine opening, or otherwise located to be out of the direct line of possible forces coming out of the mine should an explosion occur, unless otherwise approved by the Chief.
(Code 1950, §§ 45-71, 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-94, 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256.)
Sections: Previous 45.1-161.155 45.1-161.156 45.1-161.157 45.1-161.158 45.1-161.159 45.1-161.160 45.1-161.161 45.1-161.162 45.1-161.163 45.1-161.164 45.1-161.165 45.1-161.166 45.1-161.167 45.1-161.168 45.1-161.169 NextLast modified: April 16, 2009