Code of Virginia - Title 45.1 Mines And Mining - Chapter 14.3 Requirements Applicable To Underground Coal Mines

45.1-161.105 Scope of chapter
This chapter shall be applicable to the operation of any underground coal mine in the Commonwealth, and shall supplement the provisions of Chapter 14.2 (§ ...
45.1-161.106 Regulations governing conditions and practices at underground coal mines
A. The Chief shall have authority, after consultation with the Virginia Coal Mine Safety Board and in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (§ ...
45.1-161.107 Standards for regulations
In promulgating rules and regulations pursuant to § 45.1-161.106, the Chief shall consider: 1. Standards utilized and generally recognized by the coal mining industry; 2. ...
45.1-161.108 Roof, ribs and faces to be secure
A. All underground active workings and travel ways shall be secured and controlled to protect miners from falls of roof, face or ribs. Loose roof ...
45.1-161.109 Roof control plans
A. Each underground coal mine shall have a roof control plan approved by the Chief. Each plan shall include (i) a minimum standard for adequately ...
45.1-161.110 Instruction of miners
The operator, or his agent, shall instruct all miners in the removal and installation of temporary and permanent roof supports as may be required by ...
45.1-161.111 Copies of plan
The operator, or his agent, shall furnish to any miner engaged in removing or installing temporary or permanent roof supports, upon request, a copy of ...
45.1-161.112 , 45.1-161.113
Repealed by Acts 1996, c. 774, effective April 6, 1996. ...
45.1-161.114 Automated temporary roof support systems
The Chief shall promulgate regulations requiring automated temporary roof support systems for the installation of roof bolts. (Code 1950, §§ 45-68.1, 45-68.3; 1954, c. 191; ...
45.1-161.115 Supplies of materials for supports
A. The operator, or his agent, shall provide at or near the working places an ample supply of suitable materials of proper size with which ...
45.1-161.116 Examination and testing of roof, face, and ribs
A. The operator, or his agent, shall instruct all miners how to make visual examinations and sound and vibration testing of roof, face and ribs. ...
45.1-161.117 Mapping of roof falls
Unplanned roof falls that are required to be reported in accordance with § 45.1-161.78 shall be marked on a map maintained at the mine to ...
45.1-161.118 Unsafe conditions
A. No person shall work or travel under unsupported roof except to install temporary supports in accordance with the approved roof control plan. Areas inby ...
45.1-161.119 Removal of supports
A. No person shall deliberately remove any support in active areas unless equivalent protection is provided. B. Any person who accidentally knocks out or dislodges ...
45.1-161.120 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 3, cl. 2, effective February 10, 2005. ...
45.1-161.121 Mining in proximity to gas and oil wells
A. Except as provided in subsection D, an operator who plans to remove coal, drive any passage or entry, or extend any workings in any ...
45.1-161.122 Mining in proximity to abandoned areas
A. The mine foreman shall ensure that boreholes are drilled in each advancing working place that is (i) within 50 feet of abandoned areas in ...
45.1-161.123 Face and other equipment
A. The cutter chains of mining machines shall be locked securely by mechanical means or electrical interlocks, while such machines are parked or being trammed. ...
45.1-161.124 Shop and other equipment
A. The following items of shop and other equipment shall be guarded and maintained adequately: 1. Gears, sprockets, pulleys, fan blades or propellers, friction devices ...
45.1-161.125 Hydraulic hoses
All hydraulic hoses used on equipment purchased after January 1, 1986, shall be clearly stamped or labeled by the hydraulic hose manufacturer to indicate the ...
45.1-161.126 Surface storage of explosives
A. Separate surface magazines shall be provided for the storage of explosives and detonators. B. Surface magazines for storing and distributing explosives in amounts exceeding ...
45.1-161.127 Underground transportation of explosives
A. Explosives or detonators carried anywhere underground by any person shall be in individual containers. Such containers shall be constructed substantially of nonconductive material, maintained ...
45.1-161.128 Underground storage of explosives
A. When supplies of explosives and detonators for use in one or more sections are stored underground, they shall be kept in section boxes or ...
45.1-161.129 Blasting practices; penalty
A. All explosives shall be of the permissible type except where addressed in the plan for shaft and slope development required by § 45.1-161.250 B. ...
45.1-161.130 Blasting cables
Blasting cables shall be: 1. Well insulated and as long as may be necessary to permit the shot firer to get in a safe place ...
45.1-161.131 Misfires
A. Where misfires occur with electric detonators, a waiting period of at least fifteen minutes shall elapse before a miner shall be allowed to return ...
45.1-161.132 Explosives and blasting practices in shaft and slope operations
A. Blasting areas in shaft or slope operations shall be covered with mats or materials when the excavations are too shallow to retain the blasted ...
45.1-161.133 Haulage roads
A. The roadbed, rails, joints, switches, frogs and other elements of the track of all haulage roads shall be constructed, installed and maintained in a ...
45.1-161.134 Track switches and rails
A. All track switches shall be provided with properly installed throws, latches, and bridle bars. B. All track switches, other than those in rooms and ...
45.1-161.135 Clearance on haulage roads
A. Track haulage roads in entries, rooms, and crosscuts shall have a continuous clearance on one side of at least 24 inches from the farthest ...
45.1-161.136 Conveyor crossings
Suitable facilities for crossing conveyors shall be provided where it is necessary for miners to cross conveyors regularly. (Code 1950, § 45-69.5; 1954, c. 191; ...
45.1-161.137 Shelter holes
A. Track haulage roads shall have shelter holes at intervals not to exceed the interval permitted for crosscuts. Except at points where more than six ...
45.1-161.138 Refuge from moving traffic
Upon the approach of moving traffic, miners not engaged in haulage operations shall take refuge in shelter holes or other places of safety. (Code 1950, ...
45.1-161.139 Inspection of underground equipment
Once a week or more often if necessary, the mine foreman or a certified person shall inspect electrical and diesel transportation equipment to assure its ...
45.1-161.140 Maintenance of equipment
Locomotives, mine cars, shuttle cars, supply cars, conveyors, self-propelled mobile equipment, and all other equipment shall be maintained in a safe operating condition. (Code 1950, ...
45.1-161.141 Self-propelled equipment
A. All self-propelled mobile transportation and haulage equipment for use underground shall be equipped with safe seating facilities for the person operating the equipment unless ...
45.1-161.142 Pushing cars
Pushing cars on main haulage roads shall be prohibited except (i) where necessary to push cars from sidetracks located near the working section to the ...
45.1-161.143 Transportation of material
A. Equipment or material being transported shall be loaded in a manner to protect the operator and other personnel from sliding equipment or material. B. ...
45.1-161.144 Securing cars
A. Standing cars on any track, unless held effectively by brakes, shall be properly blocked or spragged. B. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be used ...
45.1-161.145 Riding on cars
A. No person other than the motorman and trip rider shall ride on a locomotive, unless authorized by the mine foreman. B. No person shall ...
45.1-161.146 Back-poling
Back-poling shall be prohibited except (i) at places where the trolley pole cannot be reversed or (ii) when going up extremely steep grades. In all ...
45.1-161.147 Operation of equipment
A. Operators of self-propelled haulage equipment shall face in the direction of travel except when the equipment is being loaded and is under the boom ...
45.1-161.148 Dispatchers
Where a dispatcher is employed to control trips, traffic under his jurisdiction shall be moved only at his direction. The dispatcher shall be stationed on ...
45.1-161.149 Availability of man-trips
The operator or his agent shall maintain a man-trip or other equipment suitable for providing reasonable access within a reasonable time to areas of the ...
45.1-161.150 Man-trips
A. Man-trips operated by means of locomotives shall be pulled and at safe speeds consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used, ...
45.1-161.151 Man-trip loading and unloading areas
A. Areas used regularly for loading or unloading man-trips or man-cages shall be kept clear, free of obstructions, and with ample clearance for moving equipment. ...
45.1-161.152 Transporting miners by belts
A. When belts are used for transporting miners, such belts shall be free of loose materials, and a minimum clearance of at least eighteen inches ...
45.1-161.153 Hoisting equipment
A. All hoists used for handling men shall be equipped with overspeed, overwind, and automatic stop controls. B. All suspended work decks and platforms (i) ...
45.1-161.154 Hoisting ropes
A. Hoisting ropes on all cages or trips shall be adequate in size to handle the load and have a proper factor of safety. Ropes ...
45.1-161.155 Hoisting cages
A. Cages used for hoisting miners shall be of substantial construction and shall have (i) adequate steel bonnets, with enclosed sides; (ii) gates, safety chains, ...
45.1-161.156 Slope and shaft conditions
A. All shafts shall be equipped with safety gates at the top and at each landing. Safety gates shall be kept closed except when the ...
45.1-161.157 Signaling; signal code
A. Two independent means of signaling shall be provided between the top, bottom, and all intermediate landings of shafts, slopes, and surface inclines and the ...
45.1-161.158 Inspections of hoisting equipment
A. Before hoisting or lowering miners in a shaft, the hoisting engineer shall operate empty cages up and down each shaft at least one round ...
45.1-161.159 Hoisting engineers
A. A certified hoisting engineer shall be either on duty continuously, or available within a reasonable time as determined by the Chief, to provide immediate ...
45.1-161.160 Operations of hoisting equipment
A. The speed of the cage, car, or trip in shafts, slopes, or on surface inclines shall not exceed 1,000 feet per minute when miners ...
45.1-161.161 Maintenance of hoisting equipment
Hoists, ropes, cages, and other hoisting equipment shall be maintained in a safe operating condition. Hoisting ropes shall be replaced as soon as there is ...
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 ...
45.1-161.163 Separation of openings
A. In drift or slope mines, openings shall be separated by not less than 50 feet of natural strata, unless specifically approved in the roof ...
45.1-161.164 Number of miners in openings
Until the two travel ways are made as required by § 45.1-161.162, not more than twenty miners shall work underground in the mine at one ...
45.1-161.165 Maintenance of mine openings
Mine openings that are used for entering and leaving the mine and other required travelways shall be kept in good condition and shall at all ...
45.1-161.166 Signs, life lines, and equipment
A. Direction signs shall be posted conspicuously at all points where the travel way to the mine opening, escapeway, or escapement shaft is intercepted by ...
45.1-161.167 Examination of escapeways
The mine foreman shall examine all escapeways for hazardous conditions at least once per week. The mine foreman shall mark his initials and the date ...
45.1-161.168 Longwall escape routes and plan
A. The operator of any mine which uses longwalls as a method of mining shall maintain an accessible travel route off the tailgate end of ...
45.1-161.169 Fire protection
A. Shafts and partitions therein shall be as nearly fireproof as is practicable. B. Where there is danger of fire entering the mine, openings shall ...
45.1-161.170 Unused openings
All unused and abandoned surface openings shall be effectively closed or fenced against unauthorized entrance. (Code 1950, § 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, ...
45.1-161.171 Portable illumination
A. All miners underground shall use only permissible electric cap lamps that are worn on the person for portable illumination. B. Light bulbs on extension ...
45.1-161.172 Underground illumination
A. Electric-light wires shall be supported by suitable insulators or installed in conduit, fastened securely to the power conductors and shall not contact combustible materials. ...
45.1-161.173 Inspection of electric illumination equipment
All lamps, extension lights and permissible portable illumination such as cap lamps and flashlights that are used for personal illumination underground shall be inspected by ...
45.1-161.174 Checking system
Each mine shall have a personnel checking system containing the following: 1. Every person underground shall have on his person means of positive identification bearing ...
45.1-161.175 Protective clothing
A. All miners shall wear protective hats while underground and while in those areas on the surface where there is a danger of injury from ...
45.1-161.176 Noise levels and ear protection
Approved hearing protection shall be provided to miners by the mine operator. Miners shall wear approved hearing protection in areas of excess noise levels in ...
45.1-161.177 Smoking materials prohibited; penalty
A. No miner or other person shall smoke or carry or possess underground any smoker's articles or matches, lighters, or similar materials generally used for ...
45.1-161.178 Allowing persons to work in a mine with smoker's articles; penalty
A. No operator, agent, or mine foreman shall knowingly permit any person in an underground coal mine to smoke, carry or possess any smoker's articles ...
45.1-161.179 Posting of notice
The operator, or his agent, shall display, in bold-faced type, on a sign placed at the mine office, bath house, and on a bulletin board ...
45.1-161.180 Smoking in surface and other areas
A. No miner or other person shall smoke, carry or possess any smoker's articles, or carry an open flame in or near any magazine for ...
45.1-161.181 Surface electrical installations
A. Overhead high-potential power lines shall be placed at least fifteen feet above the ground and twenty feet above driveways, shall be installed on insulators, ...
45.1-161.182 Surface transformers
A. Surface transformers which are not isolated by elevation of eight feet or more above the ground shall be enclosed in a transformer house or ...
45.1-161.183 Underground transformers
All transformers used underground shall be air-cooled or filled with nonflammable liquid or inert gas. (Code 1950, § 45-82.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, ...
45.1-161.184 Stations and substations
A. Suitable danger signs shall be posted conspicuously at all transformer stations. B. All transformer stations, substations, battery-charging stations, pump stations, and compressor stations shall ...
45.1-161.185 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 1999, c. 256. ...
45.1-161.186 Power circuits
A. All underground power wires and cables shall have adequate current-carrying capacity, shall be guarded from mechanical injury, and shall be installed in a permanent ...
45.1-161.187 Trolley wires and feeder wires
A. Trolley wires and trolley feeder wires shall be installed on the side of the entry opposite the clearance space and shelter holes, except where ...
45.1-161.188 Grounding
A. All metallic sheaths, armors, and conduits enclosing power conductors shall be electrically continuous throughout and shall be grounded effectively. B. Metallic frames, casing, and ...
45.1-161.189 Circuit breakers and switches
A. Automatic circuit breaking devices or fuses of the correct type and capacity shall be installed so as to protect all electric equipment and power ...
45.1-161.190 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 1996, c. 774, effective April 6, 1996. ...
45.1-161.191 Communication systems
A. Telephone service or equivalent two-way communication facilities shall be provided between the top and each landing of main shafts and slopes. A telephone or ...
45.1-161.192 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 1999, c. 256. ...
45.1-161.193 Electric equipment
A. Electric equipment taken into or used inby the last open crosscut or in other than intake air shall be permissible equipment. B. Permissible equipment ...
45.1-161.194 Trailing cables
A. Trailing cables used underground shall be flame-resistant cables. B. Trailing cables shall be provided with suitable short-circuit protection and means of disconnecting power from ...
45.1-161.195 Inspection of electric equipment and wiring; checking and testing methane monitors
A. Electric equipment and wiring shall be inspected by a certified person at least weekly if located underground, and at least monthly if located on ...
45.1-161.196 Repairs to circuits and electric equipment
No electrical work shall be performed on low-voltage, medium-voltage, or high-voltage distribution circuits or equipment, except by a certified person or by a person trained ...
45.1-161.197 First aid equipment
Each mine shall have an adequate supply of first aid equipment as determined by the Chief. Such supplies shall be located on the surface, at ...
45.1-161.198 Attention to injured persons
A. When an injury occurs underground, the injured person shall be brought promptly to the surface. Prompt medical attention shall be provided in the event ...
45.1-161.199 Certified emergency medical services personnel
At least one person who is a working coal miner and who has been certified by the State Board of Health as possessing the qualifications ...
45.1-161.200 Fire-fighting equipment
A. Each mine shall be provided with suitable fire-fighting equipment, adequate for the size of the mine. B. The following equipment, at a minimum, shall ...
45.1-161.201 Duties in case of fire
A. In case of a fire, the next inby permanent stopping into the return air course shall be opened, as soon as possible, in order ...
45.1-161.202 Emergency response plans; list of next of kin
A. Operators shall develop an emergency response plan for each mine. The plan shall include (i) a mine emergency communication plan, (ii) an evacuation procedure, ...
45.1-161.203 Reporting fires; response
In case of any unplanned fire at a mine not extinguished within thirty minutes of discovery, the operator shall report to the Chief, by the ...
45.1-161.204 Fire prevention in transportation of mining equipment
A. Prior to moving or transporting any unit of off-track mining equipment in areas of the active workings where energized trolley wires or trolley feeder ...
45.1-161.205 Storage and use of flammable fluids and materials
A. Underground storage places for oil, grease and flammable hydraulic fluid shall be of fireproof construction. B. Oil, grease and flammable hydraulic fluid kept underground ...
45.1-161.206 Diesel powered equipment
Diesel powered equipment may be utilized underground with the written approval of the Chief. The Chief shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the provisions ...
45.1-161.207 Arcs, sparks and flames
A. The intentional creation of any open arc, open spark or open flame, except as provided in subsection B, shall be prohibited. B. Welding and ...
45.1-161.208 Pre-shift examinations
A. The operator or his agent shall establish eight-hour intervals of time subject to required pre-shift examinations. Within three hours preceding the beginning of any ...
45.1-161.209 On-shift examinations
A. At least once during each shift, and more often if necessary, a certified person shall examine each underground section where coal is produced and ...
45.1-161.210 Weekly examinations
A. At least every seven days, a mine foreman shall examine unsealed worked-out areas where no pillars have been recovered. B. At least every seven ...
45.1-161.211 Examinations of fans
A. A daily inspection shall be made of all main fans and machinery connected therewith by an authorized person. The person making the examination shall ...
45.1-161.212 Record of examinations
A. Any hazardous condition found by the mine foreman or other certified persons designated by the operator for the purposes of conducting examinations under Article ...
45.1-161.213 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 3, cl. 2, effective February 10, 2005. ...
45.1-161.214 Notice of hazardous conditions
The mine foreman shall give prompt attention to the removal of all hazardous conditions reported to him by any person working in the mine. If ...
45.1-161.215 Notice of monitor tampering prohibition
The operator or agent, shall display, in bold-faced type, on a sign placed at the mine office, at the bath house, and on a bulletin ...
45.1-161.216 Main fans
A. The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans. B. Main fans shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, ...
45.1-161.217 Fan stoppage plan
A fan stoppage plan shall be prepared for each mine, which plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or his designated representative. Failure ...
45.1-161.218 Auxiliary fans
A. The installation or use of auxiliary fans in any mine shall be prohibited, without the prior written approval of the Chief. B. Machine mounted ...
45.1-161.219 Volume of air
A. The quantity of air passing through the last open crosscut shall be not less than 9,000 cubic feet per minute; provided, however, that the ...
45.1-161.220 Bleeder systems
A. All mines shall have a system, which has been approved by the Chief, of bleeder openings of air courses designed to provide positive movement ...
45.1-161.221 Coursing of air
A. The main intake and return air currents of drifts or slope mines shall not be in a single partitioned opening. B. All entries driven ...
45.1-161.222 Actions for excessive methane
A. Tests for methane concentration under this section shall be made by certified or qualified persons trained in the use of an approved detecting device ...
45.1-161.223 Crosscuts
A. Crosscuts shall be made between entries and between rooms as provided in the approved roof control plan. B. Crosscuts between intake and return air ...
45.1-161.224 Permanent stoppings
A. Permanent stoppings shall be built and maintained: 1. Between intake and return air courses, except temporary controls may be used in rooms that are ...
45.1-161.225 Ventilation controls
A. Ventilation shall be so arranged by means of air locks, overcasts, or undercasts that the passage of haulage trips or persons along the entries ...
45.1-161.226 Line brattice
A. Substantially constructed line brattice shall be used from the last open crosscut of an entry or room when necessary to provide adequate ventilation for ...
45.1-161.227 Ventilation with air from certain areas
Active face workings shall not be ventilated with air that has passed through worked-out areas or has been used to ventilate pillar lines. This section ...
45.1-161.228 Worked-out areas
A. All worked-out areas shall be either sealed or ventilated. B. Where practice is to seal worked-out areas, the sealing shall be done in accordance ...
45.1-161.229 Air quality
A. All active workings shall be ventilated by a current of air containing not less than 19.5 volume percent of oxygen and no harmful quantities ...
45.1-161.230 Description unavailable
Repealed by Acts 1999, c. 256. ...
45.1-161.231 Examination of mines for explosive gas and other hazardous conditions
A. Certified persons whose regular duties require them to inspect working places in any mine for hazardous conditions shall have in their possession, and shall ...
45.1-161.232 Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty
A. No person shall intentionally disturb, disconnect, bypass, impair, or otherwise tamper with methane monitors or other devices capable of detecting the presence of explosive ...
45.1-161.233 Allowing persons to work in mine where methane monitoring equipment disconnected; penalty
An operator, agent, or mine foreman shall not knowingly permit any miner to work in any area of the underground coal mine where such operator, ...
45.1-161.233:1 Intentionally bypassing safety devices; prohibition
No person shall intentionally bypass, bridge, or otherwise impair an electrical or hydraulic circuit that affects the safe operation of electrical or mechanical equipment. This ...
45.1-161.234 Control of coal dust
A. Coal dust shall not be permitted to accumulate excessively in any part of the active areas, including active workings soon to be worked-out. B. ...
45.1-161.235 Rock dusting
A. All underground areas of a mine, except those areas where the coal dust is too wet or too high in incombustible content to propagate ...
45.1-161.236 Housekeeping; noxious fumes
A. Good housekeeping shall be practiced in and around buildings, shafts, slopes, yards and other areas of the mine. Such practices include cleanliness, orderly storage ...
45.1-161.237 Lighting
A. Lights shall be provided as needed in or on surface structures. B. Roads, paths and walks outside of structures shall be kept free from ...
45.1-161.238 Flammable or combustible materials
A. Oil, grease, and similar flammable materials shall be kept in closed containers, separate from other materials so as not to create a fire hazard ...
45.1-161.239 Crane operations
A crane operator shall at all times during any hazardous crane operation maintain visual or auditory communication with all persons involved in the crane operation. ...
45.1-161.240 Controlling dust at surface
A. In surface structures at excessively dusty mines, electric motors, switches, lighting fixtures, and controls shall be protected by dust-tight construction. B. Surface structures and ...
45.1-161.241 Scaffolding and overhead protection
Where repairs are being made to the plant, or where equipment or material is being used or transported overhead, proper scaffolding or proper overhead protection ...
45.1-161.242 Welding and cutting
Welding or cutting with arc or flame shall not be done in excessively dusty atmospheres or dusty locations. Fire-fighting apparatus shall be readily available when ...
45.1-161.243 Fire prevention and fire control
The provisions of Article 5 (§ 45.1-161.265 et seq.) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to requirements for fire-fighting equipment, duties ...
45.1-161.244 Surface equipment
The provisions of Article 6 (§ 45.1-161.268 et seq.) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to equipment at the surface areas ...
45.1-161.245 Travel ways, loading and haulage areas
The provisions of Article 7 (§ 45.1-161.275 et seq.) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to travel ways, loading, and haulage ...
45.1-161.246 Electricity
The provisions of Article 9 (§ 45.1-161.279 et seq.) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to power lines, circuits, transformers, and ...
45.1-161.247 Surface blasting
The provisions of Article 10 (§ 45.1-161.284 et seq.) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to explosives and blasting at the ...
45.1-161.248 Ground control
The provisions of Article 11 (§ 45.1-161.287) of Chapter 14.4 of this title shall apply with respect to the pits, highwalls, benches, banks, and walls ...
45.1-161.249 Duties of mine foreman
A. The mine foreman shall see that the requirements of this Act that pertain to his duties and to the health and safety of the ...
45.1-161.250 Employment and duties of top persons; plan for excavation of shaft or slope
A. During the construction or modification of any shaft or slope mine, the person engaged in the actual construction or modification of such mine shall ...
45.1-161.251 Employment of inexperienced underground miners
A. Inexperienced underground miners shall be required to work with an experienced underground miner for a total of at least six months following underground employment. ...
45.1-161.252 Employment of authorized persons
No miner shall be placed in charge of a cutting, loading, drilling, continuous miner or timbering machine in any mine who is not an authorized ...

Last modified: April 3, 2009