(a) It shall be the duty of the mine foreman and his subordinate supervisors to ascertain that all workmen are trained in proper methods of testing the roof, face, and ribs. The mine foreman shall designate the tool or tools to be used for testing.
(b) Face workers and other employees whose work exposes them to hazards of falls of rock and coal shall thoroughly test the roof, face, and ribs before starting work or before starting a machine and frequently thereafter. The required test may be made by any competent person for a crew. No person shall start work in a place tested by another unless he is satisfied as to the thoroughness of the test, or until after he himself has made a test.
(c) If the roof, face, or rib conditions are found to be unsafe, they shall be corrected by taking down loose material or securely supporting the same before work is started.
(d) If roof, face, or rib conditions are found to be unsafe and cannot be corrected by normal taking down or supporting practices, the place shall be guarded or danger boarded to prevent unauthorized entrance and the supervisor shall be promptly notified. The supervisor shall take the necessary action to correct the dangerous condition, delegating for this work only men who are capable.
(e) Precautions as outlined in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section shall be taken at any time during work that unsafe roof, face, or rib conditions are found to exist.
(f) At least once each shift the supervisor shall examine the roof, faces, ribs, and timbers or supports of all working places for unsafe conditions. Unsafe conditions found shall be corrected promptly.
(g) The mine foreman or subordinate supervisor shall examine or cause to be examined by a competent person the condition of the roof and ribs of passageways where men travel, at least once each 24 hours of operation. Unsafe conditions found shall be corrected promptly.
Last modified: May 3, 2021