reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 45.2-820 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-820. (Effective October 1, 2021) Emergency response plans; list of next of kin

A. Each operator shall develop an emergency response plan for each mine. The plan shall include (i) a mine emergency communication plan, (ii) an evacuation procedure, (iii) the identification of waterlines, (iv) the number system of brattice, (v) the location of each escapeway, and (vi) such other information as the Chief reasonably requires.B. The emergency response plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or mine inspector. The Chief may require periodic updates to an operator's emergency response plan. Such operator shall comply with the requirements of the approved plan.C. The emergency response plan shall be posted in a conspicuous manner and location readily accessible to all miners, both underground and at the surface of the mine.D. The operator shall train miners in the implementation of the emergency response plan and shall conduct practice drills. Records of dates and times of practice drills shall be maintained in the emergency response plan.E. Each miner employed by the operator who goes underground, and each visitor authorized by the operator to enter the mine, shall have available an adequate supply of self-rescue devices, each of which provides at least one hour of protection and is approved by MSHA. The training related to self-rescue devices shall be included in the emergency response plan approved by the Chief.F. The operator shall maintain a list of the next of kin of all miners employed at the mine. The list shall be kept at the mine site or at a central facility readily accessible to the mine.Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.202; 1996, c. 774; 2006, c. 291; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-821 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-821. (Effective October 1, 2021) Reporting fires; response

In case of any unplanned fire at a mine that is not extinguished within 30 minutes of discovery, the operator shall report the fire to the Chief by the quickest available means, giving all information known to the operator. The Chief, based on such information, shall promptly go in person or dispatch a mine inspector to the scene of the fire for consultation and assistance in the extinguishment of the fire and the protection of exposed persons. In the event of a difference of opinion as to measures required, the decision of the Chief or the mine inspector shall be final. The decision of the Chief regarding measures to extinguish the fire and protect persons shall have the force of an order issued pursuant to § 45.2-569 if it is delivered to the operator in writing.Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.203; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-823 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-823. (Effective October 1, 2021) Storage and use of flammable fluids and materials

A. Each underground storage place for oil, grease, or flammable hydraulic fluid shall be of fireproof construction.B. Oil, grease, and flammable hydraulic fluid that is kept underground for current use shall be kept in a closed metal container.C. Provisions shall be made to prevent an accumulation of spilled oil or grease at any such storage place or at any location at which such material is used.D. Oily rags, oily waste, and wastepaper shall be kept in closed metal containers until it is removed for disposal.E. No gasoline, benzene, kerosene, or other flammable oil shall be used underground in powering machinery.F. Every oxygen or acetylene bottle that is used underground shall be secured while in use. When stored underground, each oxygen or acetylene bottle shall be placed in a safe location, protected from physical damage, stored with its cap in place where such storage is provided for on the tank, and secured upright or elevated, whichever mine heights allow.Code 1950, §§ 45-14.1, 45-43; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-89, 45.1-90, 45.1-100; 1974, c. 323; 1978, cc. 118, 729; 1981, c. 131; 1984, c. 590, § 45.1-89, c. 639; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.205; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-824 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-824. (Effective October 1, 2021) Diesel-powered equipment

Diesel-powered equipment may be utilized underground with the written approval of the Chief. The Chief shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall require that the air in each travel way in which diesel equipment is used, and in any active workings connected thereto, be of a quality necessary for a safe, healthful working environment. The minimum quantity of ventilating air that shall be supplied for a permissible diesel machine in a given time shall conform to the quantity shown on the approval plate attached to the machine. Every diesel machine or piece of equipment shall be maintained in such manner that the exhaust emissions meet the standards to which the machine or equipment was manufactured.Code 1950, § 45-43; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-90; 1978, c. 729; 1981, c. 131; 1984, c. 639; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.206; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-825 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-825. (Effective October 1, 2021) Arcs, sparks, and flames

A. The intentional creation of any open arc, open spark, or open flame, except as provided in subsection B, is prohibited.B. Any underground (i) welding or cutting with arc or flame or (ii) soldering, unless conducted in a fireproof enclosure that is ventilated with intake air, shall be done by or under the direct instruction of a certified foreman or repairman. A person certified in gas detection shall test for methane before and during such welding, cutting, or soldering operation in an underground coal mine and shall make a diligent search for fire after such an operation in all parts of the mine where such operation occurred. Rock dust or a suitable fire extinguisher shall be immediately available during such welding or cutting. Any welding operation shall be performed only in a well-ventilated area.Code 1950, §§ 45-72, 45-82.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-98; 1978, c. 729; 1993, cc. 389, 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.207; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-829 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-829. (Effective October 1, 2021) Examinations of fans

A. An authorized person shall conduct a daily inspection of each main fan and of the machinery connected with such fan. The person making the examination shall record such examination in a book prescribed for this purpose or by other adequate means provided to permanently record the performance of the main fan and to give warning of an interruption to a fan. No such daily examination is required on any day in which no person goes underground, except that the examination shall be completed prior to any person entering the mine if no examination was made on the previous day.B. Any place ventilated by means of a blower fan shall be examined for methane by a certified person before the fan is started at the beginning of the shift and after any interruption of fan operation that lasts for five minutes or more during the shift.C. Each blower fan and its tubing shall be inspected at least twice during each working shift by a certified person.Code 1950, §§ 45-60.1, 45-60.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-54, 45.1-55; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.211; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-831 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-831. (Effective October 1, 2021) Notice of hazardous conditions

The mine foreman shall give prompt attention to the removal of each hazardous condition reported to him by any person working in the mine. If it is impracticable to remove a hazardous condition at once, the mine foreman shall notify every person whose safety is threatened by such hazardous condition to remain away from the portion of the mine where the hazardous condition exists.Code 1950, §§ 45-35, 45-40; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-17; 1978, c. 729; 1993, c. 170; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.214; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-832 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-832. (Effective October 1, 2021) 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 board at the mine site, the following notice:NOTICE: IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTURB, DISCONNECT, BYPASS, IMPAIR, OR OTHERWISE TAMPER WITH METHANE MONITORS OR OTHER DEVICES CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE GASES IN AN UNDERGROUND COAL MINE. A VIOLATION IS PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS 6 FELONY.1993, c. 247, § 45.1-65.2; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.215; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-834 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-834. (Effective October 1, 2021) Fan stoppage plan

A fan stoppage plan shall be prepared for each mine. Such plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or his designated representative. Failure to comply with any requirement set forth in the approved plan is a violation of this section. Each fan stoppage plan shall require the following:1. When the main fan fails or stops, the power shall be cut off from the mine and miners shall be withdrawn from all face areas.2. Miners shall be withdrawn from the underground areas if the ventilation is not restored within a reasonable time determined by the Chief, not to exceed 15 minutes. In determining such reasonable time period, the Chief shall consider, among other factors, the size and number of fans and the methane liberation rate of the mine.3. If ventilation is restored within the time period established in the plan, each face area and any other area in which methane is likely to accumulate shall be examined by a certified person, and if all areas are found to be free of explosive or harmful gases, power may be restored and work resumed.4. If ventilation is not restored within the time period established in the plan and the miners are evacuated from the mine, the main fan shall be operated for a period of time specified in the plan. Such period of time shall not be less than 15 minutes. Thereafter, the mine shall be examined by a certified person before any miner is permitted underground or any power circuit is energized.Code 1950, § 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-54; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.217; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-835 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-835. (Effective October 1, 2021) Auxiliary fans

A. The installation or use of an auxiliary fan in any mine is prohibited without the prior written approval of the Chief.B. A machine-mounted scrubber and spray fan system may be used for control of coal dust and enhancement of ventilation. Such an installation is not considered an auxiliary fan.Code 1950, § 45-60.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-55; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.218; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-836 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-836. (Effective October 1, 2021) Quantity of air

A. The quantity of air passing through the last open crosscut shall be at least 9,000 cubic feet per minute. However, the quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in a pillar-recovery section may be less than 9,000 cubic feet per minute if at least 9,000 cubic feet of air per minute is being delivered to the intake end of the pillar line.B. The air current at a working face shall, under all conditions, have a sufficient volume and velocity to readily dilute and carry away smoke from blasting and any flammable or harmful gases and dust.C. In a longwall or shortwall mining system:1. The quantity of air shall be at least 30,000 cubic feet per minute reaching the working face, unless otherwise approved by the Chief; and2. The velocity of air provided to control dust at designated locations on the longwall or shortwall face shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of the mine ventilation plan approved by MSHA.D. Ventilation shall be maintained during the installation or removal of mechanized mining equipment.Code 1950, §§ 45-4.1, 45-9, 45-12, 45-60.4, 45-74; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-5, 45.1-56; 1968, c. 310; 1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 120; 1984, c. 236; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 470; 1990, c. 963; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.219; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-837 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-837. (Effective October 1, 2021) Bleeder systems

A. Every mine shall have a system, approved by the Chief, of bleeder openings of air courses designed to provide positive movement of air through or around worked-out areas. Such system shall be sufficient to prevent a hazardous accumulation of gas in any such area and to minimize the effect of variations in atmospheric pressure. Each operator shall submit a bleeder system plan that complies with requirements developed by the Chief.B. The system requirements developed by the Chief shall, at a minimum, address standards for (i) supplemental roof supports, (ii) water accumulation, (iii) continuous movement of gases from gob areas, (iv) methane content, (v) the use and operation of degasification systems, (vi) air flow direction and content, and (vii) ventilation controls. The Chief shall not approve a plan that provides for a methane content exceeding 4.5 percent in bleeder air courses.C. This section shall not prohibit the sealing of worked-out areas in accordance with § 45.2-845. The mine map requirements of § 45.2-542 may be used to depict bleeder system standards specified in this section.D. Failure to comply with an approved plan is a violation of this section.Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-56; 1968, c. 310; 1978, c. 120; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.220; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-838 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-838. (Effective October 1, 2021) Coursing of air

A. The main intake and return air currents of a drift or slope mine shall not be in a single partitioned opening.B. Every entry driven in coal shall be in a set of two or more entries.C. Every transformer station, battery-charging station, substation, rectifier, and water pump shall be housed in an incombustible structure or area or be equipped with an approved fire suppression system. Each such installation shall be ventilated with intake air that is coursed into a return air course or to the surface and that is not used to ventilate any working place. This requirement does not apply to any (i) rectifier, battery-charging station, or power center with transformers that are of the dry type or contain nonflammable liquid, if such rectifier, battery-charging station, or power center is located at or near the working section and is moved as the working section advances or retreats; (ii) submersible pump; (iii) permissible pump and associated permissible switch gear; (iv) pump located at or near the working section that is moved as the working section advances or retreats; or (v) small portable pump. Such equipment shall be installed and operated only in a well-ventilated location.D. Any change in ventilation that materially affects the main air current or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is not in operation and there are no miners in the mine other than those engaged in changing the ventilation.E. Each section in a mine shall be ventilated by a separate split of air.F. Air used to ventilate a belt haulage entry shall not be used to ventilate any working place unless approved by the Chief.Code 1950, §§ 45-60.4, 45-71; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-57; 1978, c. 120; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.221; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-840 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-840. (Effective October 1, 2021) Crosscuts

A. Crosscuts shall be made between entries and between rooms as provided in the approved roof control plan.B. Every crosscut between an intake and a return air course shall be closed, except the one nearest the face. A crosscut between rooms shall be closed where necessary to provide adequate ventilation at the working face.C. Where practicable, a crosscut shall be provided at or near the face of each entry or room before the place is abandoned.D. No entry or room shall be started off an entry beyond the last open crosscut.Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-59; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.223; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-841 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-841. (Effective October 1, 2021) Permanent stoppings

A. Permanent stoppings shall be built and maintained:1. Between each intake and return air course, except that temporary controls may be used in any room that is located 600 feet or less from the centerline of the entry from which the room was developed. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such stoppings shall be maintained to and inclusive of the third connecting crosscut outby the working face.2. To separate each belt conveyor haulage entry from any return air course, except where a belt entry is used as a return air course.3. To separate the primary escapeway from any belt or trolley haulage entry, unless otherwise approved by the Chief.4. In each return air course to direct air into adjacent worked-out areas.B. Permanent stoppings shall be built of substantial, incombustible material such as concrete, concrete block, brick, tile, or other approved material; however, where physical conditions prohibit the use of such materials, timbers laid longitudinally "skin to skin" may be used.C. The use of an air lock in the permanent intake stopping line near the section loading point is permitted to access the belt and transport supplies.D. Stoppings shall be maintained to serve the purpose for which they were built and shall be reasonably airtight.Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-59; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.224; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-842 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-842. (Effective October 1, 2021) Ventilation controls

A. Ventilation shall be so arranged by means of air locks, overcasts, or undercasts that the passage of a haulage trip or person along the entries will cause no interruption of the air current. Each air lock shall be ventilated sufficiently to prevent an accumulation of methane therein.B. Air lock doors that are used in lieu of permanent stoppings or to control ventilation within an air course shall be (i) made of incombustible material or coated on all accessible surfaces with flame-retardant material having a flame spread index of 25 or less as tested under ASTM E162 and (ii) of sufficient strength to serve their intended purpose of maintaining separation and permitting travel between or within air courses or entries.C. To provide easy access between the return, belt, and intake escapeway entries, substantially constructed man-doors that are properly marked so as to be readily detected shall be installed in at least every fifth crosscut in the stopping line separating such entries.D. Doors shall be kept closed except when a miner or piece of equipment is passing through the doorway. Any motor crew or other miner who opens such doors shall see that they are closed before leaving them.E. Overcasts, undercasts, and regulators shall be well-constructed; of incombustible material, such as masonry, concrete, concrete block, or prefabricated metal; and (i) of sufficient strength to withstand possible falls from the roof, (ii) of ample area to pass the required quantity of air, and (iii) kept clear of obstructions.Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-60; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.225; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-843 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-843. (Effective October 1, 2021) 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 the miners and to remove gases. Any line brattice that is damaged by a fall or otherwise shall be repaired promptly.B. The space between the line brattice and the rib shall be large enough to permit the flow of a sufficient volume of air to keep the working face clear of flammable and noxious gases.C. Brattice cloth that is used underground shall be of flame-resistant material.D. An accumulation of methane shall be moved only by means of properly installed line brattice or other approved method.Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-61; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.226; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-844 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc|§ 45.2-844. (Effective October 1, 2021) Ventilation with air from certain areas

Active face workings shall not be ventilated with air that has passed through a worked-out area or has been used to ventilate a pillar line. This section shall not apply to air that is being used to ventilate an active pillar line or a room that is necessary to establish and maintain such pillar line.Code 1950, § 45-60.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-62; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.227; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.