Main intake and return air currents; separate openings; battery
charging stations; transformer stations; circulation
Sec. 4. (a) The main intake and main return air currents in slope
mines driven after March 8, 1955, shall be in separate openings. The
main intake and main return air currents in a single shaft sunk after
March 8, 1955, shall be separated by a curtain wall or partition
substantially constructed of fireproof material.
(b) All entries driven in coal after March 8, 1955, shall be in sets
of two (2) or more.
(c) Permanently installed battery-charging stations, transformer
stations, and substations, except substations installed before March
8, 1955, shall be ventilated by separate splits of air conducted
directly to the return air courses. Electrically operated pumps and
compressors, portable substations, and battery-charging stations shall
be in well-ventilated places.
(d) Changes in ventilation that materially affect the main air
current or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is not in
operation and with no men in the mine other than those engaged in
changing the ventilation.
(e) Each mechanized mining section shall be ventilated with a
separate split of intake air directed by overcasts, undercasts, or the
equivalent.
(f) The ventilating current shall be circulated through the
haulageways, travelways, and airways so as to reach all portions of
the mine, and it shall be circulated through the entries and rooms
around the ends of line brattice and along pillar lines.
(g) Ventilating current shall be conducted to the last
breakthrough, or to the working faces by means of such stoppings,
check doors, curtains, and brattice as may be necessary or required,
in order to dilute, render harmless, and carry away the noxious and
dangerous gases, smoke, and dust liberated therein.
(Formerly: Acts 1955, c.168, s.52.) As amended by Acts 1979,
P.L.231, SEC.10; P.L.231-1983, SEC.14; P.L.112-1992, SEC.9.
Last modified: May 27, 2006