reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 45.2-737 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-737. (Effective October 1, 2021) Hoisting cages

A. Any cage used for hoisting miners shall be of substantial construction and have (i) adequate steel bonnets, with enclosed sides; (ii) gates, safety chains, or bars across the ends of the cage when miners are being hoisted or lowered; and (iii) sufficient handholds or chains for all miners on the cage to maintain their balance. A locking device to prevent tilting of the cage shall be used on all self-dumping cages when transporting miners.B. The floor of each cage shall be constructed so that it is (i) adequate to carry the load and (ii) impossible for a miner's foot or body to enter any opening in the bottom of the cage.C. Each cage used for hoisting miners shall be equipped with safety catches that act quickly and effectively in case of an emergency. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a capsule or bucket that is used for emergency escape or during shaft or slope sinking.Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-69; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.155; 1997, c. 293; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-738 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-738. (Effective October 1, 2021) Shaft and slope conditions

A. Every shaft shall be equipped with safety gates at the top and at each landing. Safety gates shall be kept closed except when the cage is being loaded or unloaded.B. At the bottom of each hoisting shaft and at each intermediate landing, a runaround shall be provided for safe passage from one side of the shaft to the other. This passageway shall be at least five feet in height and three feet in width.C. Ice shall not be permitted to accumulate excessively in any shaft where miners are hoisted or lowered.D. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be installed near the top and at intermediate landings of slopes and surface inclines and at the approaches to all shaft landings.E. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be installed on the haulage track in the slope near the top of the slope. The stopblocks or derails shall be in a position to hold or stop any load to be lowered into the mine, including heavy mining equipment, until such time as the equipment is to be lowered into the mine by the hoist.Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-69, 45.1-89.1; 1978, c. 729; 1983, c. 111; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.156; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-739 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-739. (Effective October 1, 2021) Signaling; signal code

A. Two independent means of signaling shall be provided between the top, bottom, and every intermediate landing of each shaft, slope, or surface incline and the hoisting station. At least one of these means of signaling shall be audible to the hoisting engineer or other person operating the equipment. Bell cords shall be installed in each shaft in such a manner as to prevent unnecessary movement of such cords within the shaft.B. A uniform signal code approved by the Chief shall be in use at each mine and shall be kept at the cage station designated by the mine foreman.Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-69; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.157; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-740 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-740. (Effective October 1, 2021) Inspections of hoisting equipment

A. Before hoisting or lowering any miner in a shaft, the hoisting engineer shall operate an empty cage up and down each shaft for at least one round trip, both at the beginning of each shift and after the hoist has been idle for one hour or more.B. Before hoisting or lowering any miner by slope or surface incline hoisting, the hoisting engineer shall operate an empty cage for at least one round trip, both at the beginning of each shift and after the hoist has been idle for one hour or more.C. The hoisting engineer, at the time the inspections required by subsection A or B are performed, shall (i) inspect all cable or rope fastenings on every cage, bucket, or slope car; (ii) inspect hammer locks and pins, thimbles, and clamps; (iii) inspect safety chains on every cage, bucket, or slope car; (iv) inspect each braking system for malfunctions; (v) clean all excess oil and extraneous materials from the hoist housing construction; (vi) inspect the overwind, overtravel, and lilly switch or control from stopping at the collar and within 100 feet of the work deck; and (vii) check communications between the top house, work deck, and work deck tugger house.D. The hoisting engineer shall inspect the hoisting rope on every cage or trip at the beginning of each shift.E. A test of safety catches on every cage shall be made by an authorized person designated by the operator at least once each month. A written record shall be kept of such tests, and such record shall be available for inspection by interested persons.F. An authorized person designated by the operator shall inspect daily the hoisting equipment, including the headgear, cages, ropes, connections, links and chains, shaft guides, shaft walls, and other facilities. Such person shall also inspect every bull wheel and lighting system on the head frame. Such person shall report immediately to the operator or his agent any defect found, and all such defects shall be corrected promptly. The person making such examination shall make a daily permanent record of such inspection, which shall be available for inspection by interested persons. If a hoist is used only during a weekly examination of an escapeway, then the inspection required by this subsection shall only be required to be completed weekly before the examination occurs.G. Subsections A, B, C, and D shall not apply to automatically operated elevators.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, § 45.1-161.158; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-741 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-741. (Effective October 1, 2021) Hoisting engineers

A. If miners are transported into or out of an underground area of a mine by a hoist or on a surface incline, a certified hoisting engineer shall be either on duty continuously or available within a reasonable time, as determined by the Chief, to provide immediate transportation while any person is underground.B. When any miner is being hoisted or lowered in a shaft or on a slope or surface incline, the loading and unloading of any miner and the movement of the cage, car, or trip shall be under the direction of an authorized person.C. Subsections A and B shall not apply to automatically operated elevators that can be safely operated by any miner; however, a person qualified as an automatic elevator operator shall be available at any such elevator within a reasonable time, as determined by the Chief.D. An operator or agent of such operator of any mine worked by shaft, slope, or surface incline shall place a competent and sober hoisting engineer in charge of any engine or drum used for lowering or hoisting miners. No hoisting engineer in charge of such machinery shall allow any person, except a person who is designated for such purpose by the operator or his agent, to interfere with any part of the machinery. No person shall interfere with or intimidate a hoisting engineer or automatic elevator operator who is engaged in the discharge of his duties.Code 1950, §§ 45-7, 45-12, 45-68.4, 45-69, 45-73, 45-75, 45-78, 45-79, 45-81, 45-83; 1950, p. 156; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-21, 45.1-68, 45.1-69; 1972, c. 784; 1976, c. 598; 1978, cc. 222, 489, 729; 1982, c. 255; 1984, cc. 178, 590; 1988, c. 577; 1993, cc. 171, 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.159; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-742 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-742. (Effective October 1, 2021) Operations of hoisting equipment

A. The speed of the cage, car, or trip in a shaft or slope or on a surface incline shall not exceed 1,000 feet per minute when a miner is being hoisted or lowered.B. When moving the platform or work deck, every miner traveling thereon shall have a safety belt secured.C. No miner shall ride on a loaded cage.D. The number of miners riding in any cage or car at one time shall not exceed the maximum prescribed by the manufacturer. The Chief may prescribe a lesser number when necessary to ensure the safety of miners being transported.E. Any conveyance being lowered into a shaft in which a miner is working shall be stopped at least 20 feet above the area where such miner is working.F. If any miner is working at the bottom of a shaft, there shall be an adjustable ladder or chain ladder attached to the work deck to provide an additional means of escape. Such ladder shall be at least 20 feet in length.G. Every choker or sling used to transport materials within a shaft or slope shall meet specifications established by the American National Standards Institute.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, § 45.1-161.160; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-743 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-743. (Effective October 1, 2021) Maintenance of hoisting equipment

Every hoist, rope, cage, and other component of any piece of hoisting equipment shall be maintained in a safe operating condition, as directed by the Chief. A hoisting rope shall be replaced as soon as there is evidence of possible failure.Code 1950, §§ 45-68.4, 45-69.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-68, 45.1-72; 1972, c. 784; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.161; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-744 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-744. (Effective October 1, 2021) Haulage roads

A. The roadbed, rails, joints, switches, frogs, and other elements of the track of each haulage road shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner that ensures the safe operation of the haulage road. In determining its safety, consideration shall be given to the speed of equipment and the type of haulage operations conducted on the haulage road.B. Haulage tracks shall be kept free of accumulations of coal spillage and debris, and water shall not be allowed to accumulate over the top of the rail.C. Every off-track haulage equipment operator shall observe the haulage road for hazardous conditions during the course of travel and shall promptly correct or report to the mine foreman any hazardous condition observed.D. Each off-track haulage road shall be maintained reasonably free of bottom irregularities, excess spillage, debris, wet or muddy conditions that make controlling off-track haulage equipment difficult, and any accumulation of water over such an area of the haulage road and in such a depth as to allow water to enter an electrical panel and create a potentially hazardous condition.E. No uninsulated trolley lines shall be used or installed in any underground coal mine without approval of the Chief.Code 1950, § 45-69.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-70; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.133; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-745 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-745. (Effective October 1, 2021) Track switches and rails

A. Every track switch shall be provided with a properly installed throw and properly installed latches and bridle bars.B. Every track switch, other than a switch in a room or entry development, shall be equipped with properly installed guardrails.C. Every switch throw and stand shall be installed on the side of the track where clearance is provided.D. Every rail shall be secured at all joints by plates or welds.Code 1950, §§ 45-69.1, 45-69.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-70, 45.1-73; 1979, c. 315; 1983, c. 70; 1985, c. 302; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.134; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-746 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-746. (Effective October 1, 2021) Clearance on haulage roads

A. Every track haulage road in an entry, room, or crosscut shall have a continuous clearance on one side of at least two feet from the farthest projection of moving traffic. The clearance shall be kept free of any obstruction to a height permitted by the height of the coal seam. When it is not possible to maintain such clearance, signs indicating close clearance shall be posted inby and outby the affected area.B. Every track haulage road in an entry, room, or crosscut shall have a continuous clearance on the side opposite the clearance required by subsection A of at least six inches from the farthest projection of moving traffic. When it is not possible to maintain such clearance, signs indicating close clearance shall be posted inby and outby the affected area.C. Each track haulage road where trolley lines are used shall have the clearance required by subsection A on the side of the track opposite the trolley lines. This requirement shall not apply if the trolley lines are at least 6.5 feet above the rail.D. The clearance space on each track haulage road shall be kept free of loose rock, loose coal, loose supplies, and other loose materials. If the clearance space exceeds two feet, at least two feet of the clearance space shall be kept free of such materials.E. Every parallel track shall be installed so as to provide a clearance of at least two feet between the outermost projections of passing traffic.F. Ample clearance shall be provided (i) at each conveyor loading head, (ii) at each conveyor control panel, and (iii) along each conveyor line.G. Every belt conveyor shall be equipped with a control switch to automatically stop the driving motor in the event that the belt is stopped by slipping on the driving pulley as a result of breakage or other accident.Code 1950, §§ 45-14.1, 45-69.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-71, 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.135; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-747 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-747. (Effective October 1, 2021) Conveyor crossings

Suitable facilities for crossing a conveyor belt shall be provided where it is necessary for miners to cross such conveyor belt regularly.Code 1950, § 45-69.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-71; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.136; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-748 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-748. (Effective October 1, 2021) Shelter holes

A. Every haulage road shall have shelter holes at intervals not to exceed the interval permitted by the roof control plan for crosscuts. Except at a point where more than six feet of side clearance, measured from the rail, is maintained, or at a room switch, a shelter hole shall be provided at each manually operated door and at each switch throw.B. Except for shelter holes at an underground slope landing where miners pass and cars are handled, each shelter hole shall have (i) a depth of at least five feet; (ii) a width of at most four feet, unless a room neck or crosscut width exceeding four feet is used as a shelter hole; and (iii) a height of at least six feet or, if the height of the traveling space is less than six feet, a height equivalent to that of the traveling space.C. Every shelter hole at an underground slope landing where miners pass and cars are handled shall be at least (i) 10 feet in depth, (ii) four feet in width, and (iii) six feet in height.D. Every shelter hole shall be kept free of refuse, loose roof, and other obstructions.Code 1950, § 45-69.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-71; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.137; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-749 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-749. (Effective October 1, 2021) Refuge from moving traffic

Upon the approach of moving traffic, any miner not engaged in haulage operations shall take refuge in a shelter hole or other place of safety.Code 1950, § 45-69.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-71; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.138; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-750 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-750. (Effective October 1, 2021) Inspection of underground equipment

Once per week, or more often if necessary, the mine foreman or a certified person shall inspect electrical and diesel transportation equipment to ensure its safe operating condition. Such equipment located on the surface shall be inspected once per month, or more often if necessary. Such person shall correct any defect found during the inspection. A record of such examinations shall be maintained.1966, c. 594, § 45.1-85; 1978, c. 118; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.139; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-751 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-751. (Effective October 1, 2021) Maintenance of equipment

Every locomotive, mine car, shuttle car, supply car, conveyor, piece of self-propelled mobile equipment, and other piece of equipment shall be maintained in a safe operating condition.Code 1950, § 45-69.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-72; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.140; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-752 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-752. (Effective October 1, 2021) Self-propelled equipment

A. Every piece of self-propelled mobile transportation or haulage equipment for use underground shall be equipped with safe seating facilities for the person operating the equipment unless it is equipped for remote control operation. Where seating facilities are provided on a piece of self-propelled mobile equipment, the person operating such equipment shall be seated before the equipment is put into motion.B. Every piece of track-mounted equipment shall be equipped with proper lifting devices for the rerailing of such equipment.C. An audible warning device and headlights shall be provided on each locomotive, shuttle car, or other piece of self-propelled mobile transportation or haulage equipment.D. A trip light capable of being seen for at least 300 feet underground shall be used on the rear of any trip that is pulled and on the front of any pushed trip or trip that is lowered on a slope; however, a trip light need not be used if a locomotive is used on each end of a trip.E. Effective measures, including use of a trailing locomotive, slides, skids, or drags, shall be taken during track haulage to ensure that safe control is maintained when a grade creates a potential hazard.F. Where block signals are used, procedures to safely control traffic movement within the system shall be established in writing and posted and reviewed with all miners.Code 1950, §§ 45-69.1, 45-69.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-72, 45.1-73; 1979, c. 315; 1983, c. 70; 1985, c. 302; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.141; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-753 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-753. (Effective October 1, 2021) Pushing cars

Pushing any car on a main haulage road is prohibited except (i) where it is necessary to push a car from a sidetrack that is located near the working section to the producing entry or room; (ii) where it is necessary to clear a switch or sidetrack; and (iii) on the approach to a cage, slope, or surface incline. However, where a rail transportation system is utilized and it becomes necessary to routinely push cars, the operator shall develop procedures for coordination and control of rail traffic, such as the provision of effective trip lights or other warning devices, and other safety precautions specific to the mine. Such procedures shall be subject to approval of the Chief.Code 1950, § 45-69.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-73; 1979, c. 315; 1983, c. 70; 1985, c. 302; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.142; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-754 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-754. (Effective October 1, 2021) Transportation of material

A. Any equipment, material, or supplies being transported shall be loaded in a manner that protects the operator and other personnel from sliding equipment, material, or supplies.B. Any equipment, material, or supplies that are not necessary for the operation of a piece of self-propelled mobile equipment shall not be transported on such equipment, except for when the mobile equipment is designed to carry such materials or supplies and no hazard is created. Only small hand tools and materials or supplies that do not create hazards may be transported in the same compartment of a mantrip where any miner is seated.Code 1950, § 45-69.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-73; 1979, c. 315; 1983, c. 70; 1985, c. 302; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.143; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
VA Code § 45.2-755 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy|Chapter 7 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine Construction|§ 45.2-755. (Effective October 1, 2021) Securing cars

A. A standing car on any track, unless it is held effectively by brakes, shall be properly blocked to prevent movement.B. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be used when necessary to protect miners from the hazard of runaway rail equipment. Derails shall be located where a grade at the entrance or any other location in the mine creates a potential collision hazard.C. Safety chains, steel ropes, or other effective devices capable of holding the load shall be used to prevent a runaway mantrip or other supply car.Code 1950, § 45-69.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-73; 1979, c. 315; 1983, c. 70; 1985, c. 302; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.144; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.