Fans; location; alarm; power circuits; combustible materials;
inspection; failure or stoppage; continuous operation; source of
power; pressure gauge
Sec. 1. (a) All mines shall be ventilated by means of main fans
installed as follows:
(1) On the surface.
(2) In fireproof housings.
(3) Offset not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest side of
the mine opening; however, this does not apply to present fans
that are offset any distance from the mine opening if they
otherwise comply with this subsection and were installed before
March 8, 1955.
(4) Equipped with fireproof air ducts and ample means of
pressure relief.
(5) The fan may be directly in front of, or over, the mine
opening if the opening is not in direct line with possible forces
coming out of the mine if an explosion occurs and there is
another opening having a weak-wall stopping or explosion
doors that would be in direct line with the forces coming out of
the mine if an explosion occurs, such opening to be not less
than fifteen (15) feet nor more than one hundred (100) feet from
the fan opening.
(b) Main mine fans shall be installed to permit the reversal of air
flow and unless the fan is attended constantly, shall be provided with
an automatic device to give alarm when the fan slows down or stops.
This device shall be placed so it will be seen or heard by a
responsible person.
(c) At all mines, main fans shall be on separate power circuits,
independent of any circuit entering the mine.
(d) The area surrounding main fan installations shall be kept free
of combustible material for at least one hundred (100) feet in all
directions, where physical conditions permit.
(e) All main fans shall be inspected daily by a person qualified
and designated by the operator to make such inspections to ensure
the electrical and mechanical reliability of such fans; and a record
shall be kept of the inspection.
(f) When the main fan fails or stops, immediate action shall be
taken to cut off all power and withdraw the workers from the face
regions of the mine. If ventilation is restored within fifteen (15)
minutes, the regions and other places where methane is likely to
accumulate shall be re-examined by properly certified persons, and
if found to be free from explosive gas, power may be restored and
work resumed. Where a mine is ventilated by multiple fans, and the
split system of ventilation is employed, this subsection shall apply
only to the area that is affected by such failure.
(g) When the main fan of a mine fails or stops and cannot be
started within fifteen (15) minutes, the workers shall be withdrawn
from the mine. After ventilation is restored, the mine shall be
reexamined by properly certified persons, and, if found free from
explosive gas, power may be restored and work resumed. If a mine
is ventilated by multiple fans and the split system of ventilation is
used, this subsection applies only to the area that is affected by the
failure.
(h) Main fans shall be operated continuously except when the
mine is shut down with all men out of the mine. In such event, after
the fan has been started, the mine shall be examined for gas and other
hazards and made safe before men, other than the examiners, and
those necessary to correct the condition are permitted in the mine.
(i) Where electric power is available, main mine fans shall not be
powered by means of internal-combustion engines. Where electricity
is not available, internal-combustion engines may be so used.
Internal-combustion engines may also be used for "stand-by" power
to drive fans. Where internal-combustion engines are used, as
provided, they shall not be set in the current of air caused by the fan
operation, and the exhaust discharge shall be located so as to
preclude the possibility of exhaust gases entering the mine. Such
engines shall be in a fireproof structure.
(j) Main fans at mines shall be provided with pressure-recording
gauges. A U-tube type pressure gauge may be used in lieu of a
pressure recording gauge if the operator can satisfy the director that
the results will provide no less than the same protection for the
miners.
(Formerly: Acts 1955, c.168, s.49.) As amended by Acts 1979,
P.L.231, SEC.8; P.L.112-1992, SEC.8; P.L.1-1993, SEC.189.
Last modified: May 27, 2006