reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 45.2-712 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-712. (Effective October 1, 2021) Copies of plan

The operator or his agent shall, upon request, furnish a copy of the roof control plan to any miner engaged in removing or installing a temporary or permanent roof support.Code 1950, § 45-68.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-40; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 729; 1984, c. 590; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.111; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-713 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-713. (Effective October 1, 2021) Automated temporary roof support systems

The Chief shall adopt regulations requiring automated temporary roof support systems for the installation of roof bolts.Code 1950, §§ 45-68.1, 45-68.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-41; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 118; 1980, c. 338; 1982, c. 234; 1988, c. 577; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.114; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-714 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-714. (Effective October 1, 2021) Supplies of materials for supports

A. The operator or his agent shall provide at or near each working place an ample supply of suitable materials of proper size with which to secure the roof, face, and ribs of such working place in a safe manner. Suitable supply materials shall be provided for variations in seam height. If the operator or his agent fails to provide such suitable materials, the mine foreman shall cause all miners to withdraw from the mine, or the portion thereof affected, until such materials or supplies are received.B. Safety posts, jacks, or temporary crossbars shall be set close to the face before other operations are begun and as needed thereafter if any miner goes inby the last permanent roof support.C. Unless an automated temporary roof support system is used, safety posts or jacks shall be used to protect miners during removal of roof material, installation of crossbars, drilling of roof bolt holes, installation of roof bolts, or performance of any other work that would reasonably require roof support to protect the miners involved.D. The operator or his agent shall make immediately available for emergency use at each mine site at least two lifting devices with a combined total of at least 80 tons lifting capacity. Each individual lifting device shall have 20 tons or greater lifting capacity.Code 1950, §§ 45-68.1, 45-68.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-41; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 118; 1980, c. 338; 1982, c. 234; 1988, c. 577; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.115; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-715 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-715. (Effective October 1, 2021) Examination and testing of roof, face, and ribs

A. The operator or his agent shall instruct every miner on how to visually examine and conduct sound and vibration testing of roof, face, and ribs.B. Any miner exposed to danger from a fall of roof, face, or ribs shall visually examine and, if conditions permit, test the roof, face, and ribs by sounding the roof before starting work or before starting a machine and as needed thereafter to ensure safety. If hazardous conditions are found, the miner discovering such conditions shall either (i) correct the conditions immediately by taking down the loose material, installing proper timbering, or installing proper roof support before work is continued or any other work is done or (ii) cause all miners to vacate the place.C. At least once each shift, or more often if necessary, the mine foreman or other certified person shall examine and test the roof, face, and ribs of each active working section where coal is being produced while one or more miners are working in such section. Any place in which a hazardous condition is found by the mine foreman shall be made safe in his presence or under his direction or all miners shall be withdrawn from such place. Such hazardous condition and corrective actions taken shall be recorded in the on-shift record book at the mine.Code 1950, §§ 45-61, 45-68.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-42; 1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 118; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.116; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-716 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-716. (Effective October 1, 2021) Mapping of roof falls

Any unplanned roof fall that is required to be reported in accordance with § 45.2-556 shall be marked on a map maintained at the mine to indicate the specific location of the fall.Code 1950, §§ 45-61, 45-68.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-42; 1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 118; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.117; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-717 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-717. (Effective October 1, 2021) 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. Any area inby the breaker line where second mining has been or is being conducted shall be considered unsupported.B. If roof, face, or rib conditions are found to be unsafe, no person shall start any other work in the area where such conditions exist until the conditions have been corrected by taking down loose material or securely supporting the roof, face, or ribs pursuant to subsection B of § 45.2-715.C. A bar of proper length shall be used to pull down any loose material discovered.Code 1950, §§ 45-61, 45-68.1, 45-68.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-41, 45.1-42; 1975, c. 520; 1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 118; 1980, c. 338; 1982, c. 234; 1988, c. 577; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.118; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-718 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-718. (Effective October 1, 2021) Removal of supports

A. No person shall deliberately remove any support in an active area unless equivalent protection is provided.B. Any person who accidentally knocks out or dislodges a support shall promptly replace the support.Code 1950, §§ 45-68.1, 45-68.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-41; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 118; 1980, c. 338; 1982, c. 234; 1988, c. 577; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.119; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-721 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-721. (Effective October 1, 2021) Underground storage of explosives and detonators

A. If a supply of explosives or detonators for use in one or more sections is stored underground, it shall be kept in a section box or magazine of substantial construction with no metal exposed on the inside. Such box or magazine shall be located at least 25 feet from any roadway or power wire and in a reasonably dry, well rock-dusted location protected from falls of roof. In a pitching bed, where it is not possible to comply with such location requirement, such box shall be placed in a niche cut into the solid coal or rock.B. If explosives and detonators are both stored in the section, they shall be kept in separate boxes or magazines not less than 12 feet apart if feasible; if kept in the same box or magazine, they shall be separated by a substantially fastened hardwood partition at least four inches thick or the equivalent. Not more than a 48-hour supply of explosives or detonators shall be stored underground in such box or magazine.C. If explosives and detonators are kept near the face for the use of miners, they shall be kept in separate individual closed containers, in niches in the ribs, not less than 12 feet apart, and at least 50 feet from the working place and out of the line of blast. Each such container shall be constructed of substantial material and maintained electrically nonconductive. Where it is physically impracticable to comply with such distance requirements, the explosives and detonator containers shall be stored in the safest available places not less than 15 feet from any pipe, rail, conveyor, haulage road, or power line, not less than 12 feet apart, and at least 50 feet from the working face and out of the line of blast.D. Explosives and detonators shall be kept in their containers pursuant to subsection C until immediately before use at a working face.Code 1950, § 45-53.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-47; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.128; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-723 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-723. (Effective October 1, 2021) Blasting cables

Each blasting cable shall be:1. Well insulated and as long as necessary to allow the shot firer to move to a safe place around a corner;2. Short-circuited at the battery end until it is ready to attach to the blasting unit;3. Staggered as to length, or shall have its ends kept well separated when attached to the detonator leg wires; and4. Kept clear of power wires and all other possible sources of active or stray electric currents.Code 1950, § 45-53.6; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-49; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.130; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-724 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-724. (Effective October 1, 2021) Misfires

A. Where a misfire occurs with an electric detonator, a waiting period of at least 15 minutes is required before any miner is allowed to return to the shot area. After such failure, the blasting cable shall be disconnected from the source of power and the battery ends short-circuited before electric connections are examined.B. Explosives shall be removed by (i) firing a separate charge at least two feet away from, and parallel to, the misfired charge; (ii) washing the stemming and the charge from the borehole with water; or (iii) inserting and firing a new primer after the stemming has been washed out.C. A careful search of the working place and, if necessary, of the coal after it reaches the tipple shall be made after blasting a misfired hole to recover any undetonated explosive.D. The handling of a misfired shot shall occur under the direct supervision of the mine foreman or a certified person designated by him.Code 1950, § 45-53.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-50; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.131; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-725 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-725. (Effective October 1, 2021) Explosives and blasting practices in shaft and slope operations

A. Every blasting area in a shaft or slope operation shall be covered with mats or materials when the excavations are too shallow to retain the blasted material.B. If explosives are in the shaft or slope when an electrical storm approaches, every miner shall be removed from the working place until the storm has passed.1978, c. 729, § 45.1-53.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.132; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-726 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-726. (Effective October 1, 2021) Mine openings

A. Except as provided in § 45.2-728, there shall be at least two travel ways, entries, or openings to the surface from each section of a mine worked. Each longwall panel shall be developed with at least three entries; however, if new technology becomes available pursuant to which a two-entry system can be safely developed, such technology may be used, with the approval of the Chief.B. One of the required travel ways may be the haulage road.C. The first opening shall not be made through an adjoining mine. The second opening may be made through an adjoining mine.D. One of the required travel ways shall be designated as the primary escapeway and shall be in an intake airway.E. Any surface structure where miners congregate or where the mine map or other official records are kept at the mine shall be offset at least 15 feet from the nearest side of any mine opening or otherwise located to be out of the zone of danger if an explosion occurs, unless otherwise approved by the Chief.Code 1950, §§ 45-71, 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-94, 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.162; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-727 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-727. (Effective October 1, 2021) Separation of openings

A. In a drift or slope mine, openings shall be separated by at least 50 feet of natural strata, unless specifically approved in the roof control plan. All connections between openings not used for the coursing of air, travel, or haulage shall be closed with stoppings of fireproof material.B. In a shaft mine, openings shall be separated by at least 200 feet of natural strata.Code 1950, § 45-71; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-94; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.163; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-728 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-728. (Effective October 1, 2021) Number of miners in openings

Until the two travel ways are made as required by § 45.2-726, no more than 20 miners shall work underground in the mine at one time. No additional development shall be permitted until the connection is made to the second opening. In a mine in which final pillar removal operations necessitate closing the second opening, no more than 20 miners shall be permitted to work in the mine.Code 1950, § 45-71; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-94; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.164; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-729 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-729. (Effective October 1, 2021) Maintenance of mine openings

Every mine opening that is used for entering and leaving the mine and every other required travel way shall be kept in good condition and shall at all times be maintained in a safe condition.Code 1950, § 45-71; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-94; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.165; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-730 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-730. (Effective October 1, 2021) Signs, life lines, and equipment

A. Direction signs shall be posted conspicuously at all points where a travel way to the mine opening, escapeway, or escapement shaft is intercepted by another travel way. The signs shall indicate the direction of the place of exit and any manway or escapeway.B. Continuous life lines shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the approved emergency response plan pursuant to subsection A of § 45.2-820.C. Every escapeway shall be equipped with all necessary stairways, ladders, cleated walkways, or other equipment approved by the Chief. All equipment shall be installed in such a manner that a person using it in an emergency may do so quickly and without undue hazard.Code 1950, §§ 45-71, 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-94, 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.166; 1996, c. 774; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-731 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-731. (Effective October 1, 2021) Examination of escapeways

The mine foreman shall examine every escapeway for hazardous conditions at least weekly. The mine foreman shall mark his initials and the date at each place examined, and if a hazardous condition is found, it shall be reported promptly. A record of such examinations and tests shall be kept at the mine.Code 1950, §§ 45-32, 45-33, 45-60.4, 45-68.1, 45-69.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-732 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-732. (Effective October 1, 2021) Longwall escape routes and plan

A. The operator of any mine that uses longwalls as a method of mining shall maintain an accessible travel route off the tailgate end of the longwall working face. The operator shall familiarize all miners working on the longwall section with the procedures to follow for escape from the section and, when the travel route is impassible, the operator shall inform such miners of such fact.B. The operator shall develop a plan for use of longwalls if the travel route becomes impassable. The plan shall address (i) the notification to miners of the fact that the travel way is blocked and of the method and timetable for reestablishment of the travel way, (ii) the re-instruction of miners regarding escapeways and escape procedures in the event of an emergency, (iii) the re-instruction of miners on the availability and use of self-contained self-rescuers, (iv) the monitoring and evaluation of the air entering the longwall section, (v) the location and effectiveness of the two-way communication systems, and (vi) a means of transportation from the longwall section to the main line. The plan provisions shall remain in effect until a travel way is reestablished on the tailgate side of a longwall section. Such an operation shall include provisions for such protective devices as fire extinguishers and respirators for miners working on the longwall section.Code 1950, § 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.168; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-733 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-733. (Effective October 1, 2021) Fire protection

A. Every shaft, and every partition therein, shall be as nearly fireproof as is practicable.B. Where there is danger of fire entering the mine, every opening shall have adequate protection against a surface fire or a hazardous volume of smoke entering the mine.Code 1950, § 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.169; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-734 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-734. (Effective October 1, 2021) Unused openings

Every unused or abandoned surface opening shall be effectively closed or fenced against unauthorized entrance.Code 1950, § 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.170; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-735 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-735. (Effective October 1, 2021) Hoisting equipment

A. Every hoist used for handling miners shall be equipped with overspeed, overwind, and automatic stop controls.B. Every suspended work deck or platform shall (i) operate automatically, (ii) be equipped with guardrails capable of protecting miners and materials from accidental overturning, and (iii) be equipped with safety belts and such other protective devices as the Chief shall require by regulation.C. Every platform or work deck that is used for transporting miners or materials shall be equipped with leveling indicators, and such conveyance shall be maintained and operated in a reasonably level position at all times.D. Every shaft, slope, or surface incline hoist shall be equipped with brakes capable of stopping and holding the fully loaded unbalanced cage or trip at any point in the shaft or slope or on the surface incline.E. An accurate and reliable indicator showing the position of the cage or trip shall be placed so as to be in clear view of the hoisting engineer, unless the position of the cage or trip is clearly visible at all times to the hoisting engineer or other person operating the equipment.F. Any conveyance that is used to haul miners or materials within a shaft or slope shall be (i) designed to prevent materials from falling back into the shaft or slope and (ii) equipped with a retaining edge of at least six inches to prevent objects from falling into the shaft or slope.Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-68, 45.1-69; 1972, c. 784; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-736 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-736. (Effective October 1, 2021) Hoisting ropes

A. The hoisting rope on any cage or trip shall be adequate in size to handle the load. A rope that is used to hoist or lower coal and other materials shall have a factor of safety of at least five to one. A rope that is used to hoist or lower miners shall have a factor of safety of at least 10 to one.B. Each hoisting rope shall have at least three full turns remaining on the drum when extended to its maximum working length. The rope shall make at least one full turn on the drum shaft, or around the spoke of the drum in the case of a free drum, and be fastened securely by means of clamps.C. Each hoisting rope shall be fastened to its load by (i) a spelter-filled socket or (ii) a thimble and an adequate number of clamps that are properly spaced and installed.D. Any cage, mancar, or trip used for hoisting or lowering miners with a single rope shall be provided with two bridle chains or wire ropes connected securely to the rope at least three feet above the socket or thimble and clamps and to the crosspiece of the cage or to the mancar or trip. Multiple hoisting ropes installed pursuant to subsection C may be used in lieu of two bridle chains.E. If equipment or supplies are being hoisted or lowered in the slope, safety chains or wire ropes shall be provided and connected securely to the hoist rope. In addition, visible or audible warning devices shall be installed in the slope where they may be seen or heard by any miner approaching the slope track entry from any access.Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-68, 45.1-89.1; 1972, c. 784; 1978, c. 729; 1983, c. 111; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.154; 2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.