Fire-fighting equipment
Sec. 15. (a) Each mine shall be provided with suitable
fire-fighting equipment, adequate for the size of the mine.
(b) After every blasting operation, an examination shall be made
to determine whether fires have been started.
(c) Should a fire occur, the person discovering it and any persons
in the vicinity of the fire shall make a prompt effort to extinguish it.
(d) When a fire that may endanger the workers underground
cannot be extinguished immediately, the workers shall be withdrawn
immediately from the mine, except those necessary to fight the fire.
(e) Underground storage places for lubricating oil and grease shall
be of fireproof construction.
(f) Lubricating oil and grease kept in face regions or other
underground working places in a mine shall be in portable, closed,
metal containers.
(g) Underground structures (transformer stations, battery-charging
stations, substations, permanent pump rooms, etc.) installed in a mine
shall be of fireproof construction.
(h) Welding, cutting, or soldering with arc or flame in
underground face regions in other than a fireproof enclosure shall be
done under the direct supervision of a properly certified person who
shall test for methane before and frequently during such operations
in all mines and shall make a diligent search for fire after such
operations in all mines. Rock dust or suitable fire extinguishers shall
be immediately available during such welding, cutting, or soldering.
(i) Provisions shall be made to prevent accumulation of spilled oil
or grease at the storage places or at the locations where such
materials are used.
(j) Oily rags, oily waste, and waste paper shall be kept in closed
metal containers until removed for disposal.
(k) Underground belt conveyors installed after March 8, 1955,
shall be equipped with control switches to automatically stop the
driving motor in the event that the belt is stopped by slipping on the
driving pulley, by breakage or other accident.
(Formerly: Acts 1955, c.168, s.82.) As amended by Acts 1979,
P.L.231, SEC.20; P.L.165-1997, SEC.11.
Last modified: May 27, 2006