reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 3 - Accidents and Disasters. › Section 25-9-69 - Compensation for Rescue Work; Workers' Compensation Benefits.

Section 25-9-69
Compensation for rescue work; workers' compensation benefits.
When engaged in rescue or recovery work during an emergency at a mine, all crew members assigned to the work shall be considered during the period of their work, employees of the mine where the emergency exists and shall be compensated by the operator at the rate established in the area for such work. In no event shall this rate be less than the prevailing wage rate in the industry for the most skilled class of inside mine labor. During the period of their emergency employment, all crew members shall be protected by the workers' compensation benefits of such emergency employer.
(Acts 1982, No. 82-439, p. 689, §6.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 3 - Accidents and Disasters. › Section 25-9-70 - Crews to Be Informed of Existing Conditions; Applicability of Federal Regulations; Assignments by Chief.

Section 25-9-70
Crews to be informed of existing conditions; applicability of federal regulations; assignments by chief.
(a) During recovery work and prior to entering any mine, all recovery crews shall be properly informed of existing conditions.
(b) Mine rescue and recovery work shall be carried out under provisions of the applicable federal regulations.
(c) The chief may assign rescue and recovery work to inspectors, instructors, or other qualified employees of said division as the chief may determine desirable.
(Acts 1982, No. 82-439, p. 689, §7.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-81 - Use of Methane Detectors.

Section 25-9-81
Use of methane detectors.
(a) Methane detectors used for examining in coal mines shall be permissible. When not in use, they shall be in the care of certified officials or other competent designated persons, who shall examine, clean, and deliver them in a safe condition to their users before they enter the mine.
(b) Permissible methane detectors shall be entrusted for use only to certified persons or to approved competent persons who have been accredited as users of methane detectors.
(c) An individual knowing his methane detector to be injured or defective shall immediately report its condition to his supervisor, mine foreman, or to the designated attendant.
(Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-82 - Standards and Procedures as to Gases and Air Quality.

Section 25-9-82
Standards and procedures as to gases and air quality.
(a) Air in which men work or travel must promptly be improved if it contains less than 19.5 percent oxygen, more than one percent carbon dioxide, or is contaminated with noxious or poisonous gases.
(b) If the air immediately returning from a split that ventilates any active workings contains more than one percent methane or more, the ventilation shall be improved, and, if it contains 1.5 percent or more of methane, the power shall be cut off from the portion of the mine affected, and the employees shall be required to withdraw until ventilation is improved.
(c) Face work must be stopped, power to face equipment cut off, and the employees ordered and required to withdraw until ventilation is improved, whenever one percent or more of methane can be detected on an approved type methane detector or whenever gas can be detected on a permissible flame safety lamp at any point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, or rib. This does not apply to other faces in the entry or slope in which work can be safely continued.
(d) When entries or faces are stopped on account of gas for ventilation to be improved, only employees designated to work on improving the ventilation under competent direction may be permitted in the affected area. Power shall not be restored until ventilation is improved.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §14; Acts 1959, No. 347, p. 937; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-83 - Standards as to Volume of Air.

Section 25-9-83
Standards as to volume of air.
Sufficient air must be circulated and conducted through all entries, slopes, travelways, working places, air courses, and open abandoned areas to dilute, render harmless, and carry off noxious and explosive gases emitted in the mine, including smoke from blasting, and shall be not less than 150 cubic feet per man per minute. If mules or horses are used in a mine, 500 cubic feet per animal per minute must be provided in addition to the minimum volume specified for men.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §15; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-85 - Sealing, Testing, etc., of Abandoned Workings.

Section 25-9-85
Sealing, testing, etc., of abandoned workings.
(a) Abandoned workings that cannot be ventilated adequately with safety to employees must be sealed. The chief of the division will prescribe rules for sealing and periodic testing of air and water behind seals. Failure to comply with rules for sealing and periodic testing will be a violation of this section.
(b) Abandoned workings shall be posted to warn persons against entering, and all accessible abandoned workings shall be examined semimonthly or more often if necessary. When posting is inadequate to warn persons against entering, abandoned workings shall be properly fenced off at all such entrances.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §17.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-87 - Use of Flame Safety Lamps.

Section 25-9-87
Use of flame safety lamps.
(a) All flame safety lamps used for examining coal mines or for working therein shall be permissible. When not in use, they shall be in the care of certified officials or other competent designated persons who shall disassemble, examine, clean, fill, and deliver them, locked and in safe condition, to their users before they enter the mine. Flame safety lamps shall not be unlocked or disassembled inside any coal mine.
(b) At least two permissible flame safety lamps shall be kept in serviceable condition at each coal mine. Not less than 25 percent of those in use or one, whichever is greater, shall be kept in reserve at each mine for use in emergency.
(c) Permissible flame safety lamps shall be entrusted for use only to certified persons or to approved competent persons who have been accredited as users of flame safety lamps as required in this chapter.
(d) Every person who knows his flame safety lamp to be injured or defective shall immediately extinguish it and promptly report its condition to his supervisor, the mine foreman, or to the designated lamp attendant. Defective lamps must be kept separate from others until repaired.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §19; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-88 - Reports as to Ventilation, Gas Content, Reopening of Mines, Etc.

Section 25-9-88
Reports as to ventilation, gas content, reopening of mines, etc.
(a) The operator of each coal mine shall send to the division a report monthly, or more often if necessary, showing the amount of ventilation and methane content at the inlet and outlet, the amount of ventilation and the methane content of return air at or near the last crosscut in each working entry, the number of splits and the number of men and animals on each split and the places gas has been detected in old workings. The report shall include a record of the pressure gauge readings at the fan.
(b) A prompt report, by the quickest available means, must be made by the operator to the division upon detection of any dangerous accumulation of methane in any coal mine, whether accompanied by explosion or not. This report shall state precautions taken to safeguard employees and action taken or planned to remove the dangerous accumulation. The division shall issue such supplementary orders as may be indicated and dispatch one or more inspectors promptly to the mine if the circumstances warrant.
(c) A report shall be made by the operator to the division prior to opening any new or reopening any abandoned coal mine or abandoning any coal mine.
(d) A report shall be made by the operator to the division when the workings of any coal mine are approaching an abandoned coal mine, shaft, or other underground passages that are known to contain or may contain dangerous accumulations of water or gas.
(e) A report shall be made by the operator to the division upon the accidental closing or prior to the intended abandonment or closing of any passageway to an escapement outlet.
(f) A report shall be made by the operator to the division before breaking through any opening into a coal mine whether from or to the surface or through other mine shafts or other passages.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §20; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-89 - Procedure When Workings Approaching Inaccessible Accumulations of Gases or Water.

Section 25-9-89
Procedure when workings approaching inaccessible accumulations of gases or water.
When workings are being driven toward any worked out and inaccessible or abandoned area or a shaft, that may contain accumulations of gases or water and cannot be inspected, they shall be narrowed to eight feet or less in width. Persons driving these workings shall constantly keep one bore hole near the center of the working and 20 feet in advance and one bore hole 15 feet deep in each rib at a 45 degree angle and at intervals of six feet as the face is advanced. These test holes shall not be used for blasting. Separate blasting holes, not over four feet deep, must be drilled. These precautions must begin at least 100 feet from the probable source of danger.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §21.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-90 - Duty of Employees to Report Damage or Unsafe Conditions; Correction of Damage or Unsafe Conditions.

Section 25-9-90
Duty of employees to report damage or unsafe conditions; correction of damage or unsafe conditions.
Each employee shall promptly inform his supervisor or the mine foreman of damage to or unsafe condition of any ventilation appliance when known by the employee or of any obstruction in air passages or other interference with normal ventilation of which he has knowledge. The supervisor or mine foreman who knows of or to whom such damage or unsafe condition is reported is responsible for prompt correction.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §22.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 4 - Mine Gases and Ventilation. › Section 25-9-91 - Prohibited Acts.

Section 25-9-91
Prohibited acts.
It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to enter, without an order from an authoritative official, or go dangerously near any mine or part of a mine of which he has been warned personally or by danger board of the presence of gas in dangerous quantities, or knowingly to destroy, damage, or lessen the effectiveness of any ventilation appliance or facility, or to open a ventilating door that is in use without promptly closing the same, or to do any willful act knowing that the consequence of his act might result in accumulation or ignition of gas.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §22.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 5 - Coal and Rock Dust. › Section 25-9-110 - Accumulation of Coal Dust; Methods for Allaying Dust at Source.

Section 25-9-110
Accumulation of coal dust; methods for allaying dust at source.
(a) Coal dust shall not be allowed to accumulate excessively along conveyor lines, roadways, at loading points or at underground tipples, but shall be loaded and sent out of the mines. Coal dust in dangerous quantities in abandoned areas shall, where practicable be rendered inert.
(b) Where mining operations raise an excessive amount of dust into the air currents, water or water with a wetting agent added to it or other effective methods shall be used to allay such dust at its source.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §23.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 5 - Coal and Rock Dust. › Section 25-9-111 - Rock Dusting.

Section 25-9-111
Rock dusting.
(a) Rock dust to be used to render coal dust inert shall come within the following specifications:
Combustible matter not more than five percent by volume, quartz or free silica particles not more than five percent by volume, and not unduly absorbent of moisture and preferably light in color. Rock dust shall be pulverized so that 100 percent will pass through a 20 mesh screen and 70 percent or more will pass through a 200 mesh screen.
(b) Rock dust shall be applied and maintained upon the top, floor, and sides of all open places, passages, and haulageways in such quantities that the incombustible contents of mine dust that could initiate or propagate an explosion will not be less than 65 percent, but the incombustible content in the return air courses shall be no less than 80 percent. Rock dust shall be so applied and maintained to include the last open breakthrough of rooms and entries and to within 40 feet of the faces or closer if necessary.
(c) In back entries and air courses, rock dust barrier protection in lieu of generalized rock dusting may be authorized by the chief of the division upon request by the operator. The chief of the division will prescribe the methods of protection that may be substituted.
(d) Where methane is present in any ventilating current, the percentage of incombustible content shall be increased one percent and four-tenths percent for each one-tenth percent of methane where 65 and 80 percent, respectively, of incombustibles are required.
(e) Mines or locations in mines that are too wet or too high in incombustible content for a coal dust explosion to initiate or propagate are not required to be rock dusted during the time such conditions prevail.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §24; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-130 - Permissible Explosives and Blasting Methods Generally; Use of Black Blasting Powder; Use of Dynamite, Etc.

Section 25-9-130
Permissible explosives and blasting methods generally; use of black blasting powder; use of dynamite, etc.
(a) Permissible explosives or permissible blasting methods only shall be used in blasting coal or coal and other material in all mines where on shift.
(b) Black blasting powder shall not be stored or used in underground coal mines.
(c) Prior to use of Cardox or Airdox, both of which are classed as permissible blasting methods, or any other blasting device or method that may later be classed as permissible, the operator must secure written approval from the chief of the division. The chief in granting approval will issue instructions as to storage, transportation, handling, charging, tamping, detonating, and handling misfires. These instructions will be made conditions of the approval, and violations of any of them will be considered violations of this section.
(d) Prior to use of dynamite or any other nonpermissible explosive for blasting in rock tunnels, shafts, etc., the operator must secure written approval from the chief of the division. The chief in granting approval shall issue instructions as to storage, transportation, handling, charging, tamping, detonating, and handling misfires. These instructions shall be made conditions of the approval, and violations of any of them will be considered violations of this section.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §25; Acts 1951, No. 204, p. 465; Acts 1959, No. 80, p. 488; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-131 - Surface Storage of Explosives and Detonators.

Section 25-9-131
Surface storage of explosives and detonators.
(a) Separate surface magazines shall be provided for the storage of explosives and detonators and shall be kept in good repair.
(b) Magazines shall be constructed of or covered with fire and weather resistant material, shall be reasonably bullet proof and shall have no metal or sparking material exposed inside the magazine. When a magazine is used for more than one type of explosive, each type shall be stored separately.
(c) The only openings shall be doors for entrance, which shall be securely locked when unattended, and properly screened vents.
(d) If artificial light is needed, only an electric flashlight, electric lantern, or electric cap lamp shall be used. Smoking, carrying of smokers' articles, or open flame are prohibited in or within 25 feet of any magazine. Combustible materials, including rubbish and dry grass, shall be kept clear of any magazine for a distance of 25 feet in all directions.
(e) Other material shall not be stored with explosives or detonators and metallic tools shall not be used for opening containers of explosives.
(f) Distributing magazines, constructed of two-inch hardwood, or metal lined with nonsparking material or an equivalent may be used for storage or distribution of not more than 125 pounds of explosives or 5,000 detonators. No magazine shall be placed in a building containing any highly flammable material or waste and shall be at least 20 feet from a stove, furnace, open fire, or flame.
(g) All magazines shall be not less than 200 feet from any mine opening, unless effectively barricaded, and suitable danger signs shall be placed near all magazines.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §26.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-132 - Underground Transportation of Explosives and Detonators.

Section 25-9-132
Underground transportation of explosives and detonators.
(a) Individual containers used to carry permissible explosives or detonators shall be constructed of substantial, nonconductive material, kept closed and maintained in good condition.
(b) When explosives or detonators are transported underground by locomotive, rope, or shuttle car they shall be in covered cars or in special containers.
(1) The bodies and covers of special cars and containers shall be constructed of nonconductive material.
(2) If explosives and detonators are hauled in the same explosives car or in the same special containers, they shall be separated by at least a four-inch substantially fastened hardwood partition or the equivalent.
(3) Where quantities of explosives and detonators are transported in special cars or in special containers in cars, they shall be hauled on a special trip not connected to any other trip, and shall not be hauled into or out of a mine within five minutes preceding or following a man-trip or any other trip.
(4) Explosives or detonators shall not be transported on the same trip with workmen other than those required in the transportation of the explosives or detonators.
(c) Explosives and detonators shall be transported underground by belt only under the following conditions:
(1) In the original and unopened case, in special closed cases constructed of nonconductive material or in suitable individual containers.
(2) Clearance requirements shall be the same as those for transporting men on belts.
(3) Suitable loading and unloading stations shall be provided.
(4) There shall be an attendant at loading and unloading points and stop controls at these points.
(d) Explosives or detonators shall not be transported on flight or shaker conveyors or by scraper or mechanical loading machines.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §27.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-133 - Underground Storage of Explosives and Detonators.

Section 25-9-133
Underground storage of explosives and detonators.
(a) Underground section boxes or magazines shall be constructed of substantial nonsparking material and shall be placed in a crosscut or idle room neck at least 25 feet from roadways, trolley wires, or power lines, at least 75 feet from any working face and in a reasonably dry and well rock dusted place, free of oil, grease, or other debris.
(b) Explosives and detonators shall be stored separately and at least five feet apart. Not more than a 48-hour supply of explosives and detonators, including any surplus remaining from the previous day, shall be stored underground in section boxes or magazines. This maximum 48-hour supply will include supplies in individual or face boxes where used.
(c) A one day's supply of explosives and detonators may be kept in individual or face boxes. Those boxes shall be wooden with hinged lids and shall be kept not less than 15 feet from roadways, trolley wires, or power lines; provided, that 15 feet may be reduced to five feet when the boxes are kept in a niche in the rib at least 75 feet from any working face and in a location out of line of blast where they will not likely be subjected to shock. Separate boxes, kept at least five feet apart, shall be used for explosives and detonators.
(d) Explosives and detonators shall be kept in their containers until removed for use at the working faces.
(e) Care shall be exercised to use the oldest explosives from storage before new supplies are used so that explosives will not remain in underground storage long enough to deteriorate.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §28; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-135 - Blasting Cables.

Section 25-9-135
Blasting cables.
Blasting cables shall be:
(1) Kept well insulated and as long as may be necessary to permit the shot firer to get in a safe place around a corner.
(2) Short circuited at the battery end until ready to attach to the blasting unit.
(3) Staggered as to length or kept well separated when attached to the detonator leg wires.
(4) Kept clear of power wires and all other possible sources of active or stray currents.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §30.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-136 - Misfires.

Section 25-9-136
Misfires.
(a) Where misfires occur with electric detonators, the person firing the shots shall disconnect his firing cable from the source of power and short circuit it by reshunting the ends of the cable. No person shall return to the shot until five minutes has elapsed from the misfire, and the firing cable must not be left behind anyone returning to the face.
(b) If a defect in the firing cable or connections is found, another attempt may be made to fire the shot or shots, exercising such cautions as covered in Section 25-9-134, subsection (f), subdivision (5).
(c) If the misfire is definite, explosives shall be removed by drilling and firing the bore hole for a separate charge at least two feet away from and parallel to the misfired charge, or by washing the stemming and the charge from the bore hole with water or by inserting and firing a new primer after the stemming has been washed out.
(d) A very 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.
(e) The handling of a misfired shot shall be under the direct supervision of the mine foreman, his assistant, or any competent person designated by the mine foreman or his assistant.
(f) If fuses and caps are used for blasting on the surface, misfires may not be approached by anyone until six hours have elapsed, and handling of the misfire must be done with due care and under direction of a supervisor or other competent person.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §31.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 6 - Explosives and Blasting. › Section 25-9-137 - Report of Premature Explosions.

Section 25-9-137
Report of premature explosions.
A prompt report shall be made to the chief of the division in any case of premature detonation or explosion of explosives, whether or not any person is injured.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §32.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-150 - Building of Fires in Mines; Use of Torches; Welding and Burning.

Section 25-9-150
Building of fires in mines; use of torches; welding and burning.
(a) No person shall build a fire or cause a fire to be built in any coal mine, except as provided hereinafter.
(b) Torches may be used by competent persons in mines for splicing trailing cables, provided suitable precautions are taken against ignition of methane, coal dust, or combustible materials. Torches must be maintained at all times in good operating condition and leakproof.
(c) Welding and burning may be done in mines provided all equipment and gauges are maintained in good order and not abused and suitable precautions are taken against ignition of methane, coal dust, or combustible materials. Only persons who have demonstrated competence in welding and burning are entrusted to do this work. Adequate eye protection will be used by all persons doing welding or burning, and precautions shall be taken to prevent other persons from exposure that might be harmful to their eyes.
Certified officials or approved competent persons shall examine for gas with approved methane detectors before welding or burning and at 20-minute intervals until work is complete.
When torches are used and welding and burning is done, a minimum of 150 pounds of rock dust and/or a 2A 10-B:C fire extinguisher shall be provided for prompt extinguishing of fires accidentally started.
(d) Approval of the chief of the division will be secured before firing coal seams in connection with gassification or other mining methods that may be practiced experimentally or commercially entailing controlled burning of coal in mines. Before granting approval, the chief will ascertain that the proposal entails no undue hazards to persons and that public property and property of other owners will not be endangered.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §33; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-151 - Examinations for Fire.

Section 25-9-151
Examinations for fire.
In any mine or part of a mine which will be neither fire-bossed nor worked on the following shift, a supervisor or other responsible person shall examine all working places after face work ceases for evidence of fire.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §34.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-152 - Use, Storage, etc., of Oil, Grease, and Lubricants; Fire Extinguishing Equipment.

Section 25-9-152
Use, storage, etc., of oil, grease, and lubricants; fire extinguishing equipment.
(a) Oiling or greasing of mine cars inside coal mines is permitted only when the work and storage areas are kept reasonably clean at all times. Storage of oil or grease for this purpose is limited to three barrels, and must be in a fireproof compartment connecting with return airway direct to the surface and without contacting active workings.
(b) Lubricants for use in underground shops must be kept in approved portable containers, kept securely closed when not in use and are not to exceed a one day's supply; provided, that more than a one day's supply may be stored underground in reasonable quantities if stored in a fireproof compartment connecting with return airway to the surface and without contacting active workings.
(c) Lubricants for use in sections using mechanical equipment must be kept in approved portable containers, kept securely closed when not in use in minimum quantities required for operations, not exceeding 48 hours.
(d) All points at which lubricants are used, kept, or stored shall be kept reasonably clean and free of avoidable spillage.
(e) Five hundred pounds of rock dust or sand or a 2A 10-B:C fire extinguisher shall be kept convenient to each oil or grease storage area in mines.
(f) Two hundred pounds of rock dust or sand or a fire extinguisher suitable for use in Class A fires will be kept convenient to each set of doors used for ventilation in mines.
(g) Five hundred pounds of rock dust or sand or a 2A 10-B:C fire extinguisher shall be kept convenient to each station or room containing mine transformers, rectifiers, motor generator sets, battery chargers, permanent pump, or air compressor control rooms and such other stationary and permanent or semipermanent equipment as may be classed by the chief of the division as a serious hazard in event of fire.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §35; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-153 - Underground Stables.

Section 25-9-153
Underground stables.
No underground stables shall be constructed or used in coal mines after August 12, 1949, and straw for bedding or hay for feeding animals shall not be sent into coal mines. This does not apply to mines stabling animals underground on August 12, 1949. Rules for preventing fires and for maintenance of such stables and for handling straw and hay shall be prescribed in writing by the chief. Failure to comply with these rules shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §36.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-154 - Procedure Upon Discovery of Fire.

Section 25-9-154
Procedure upon discovery of fire.
(a) The first person to discover a fire and any person in the vicinity shall take prompt steps to extinguish the fire.
(b) If the fire cannot be quickly extinguished, word shall be sent immediately to a competent official of the mine, who shall take charge and order all workmen out of the affected area except those designated for fire fighting.
(c) If the fire gets out of control, workmen shall be withdrawn pending action to flood or seal off the affected area. The phase shall be under the direction of the senior mine official available, in consultation with the chief of the division or a designated inspector.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §37.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 7 - Underground Fire Prevention and Control. › Section 25-9-155 - Operators to Report Fires; Assistance, etc., of Chief in Extinguishing Fires, Etc.

Section 25-9-155
Operators to report fires; assistance, etc., of chief in extinguishing fires, etc.
Immediately upon knowledge of serious fire in or about a mine, the operator shall report by the quickest available means to the chief of the division giving all information known to him. Based on the information, the chief shall take prompt action to go in person or dispatch qualified subordinates to the scene of the fire for consultation, and assist in the extinguishing of the fire and the protection of exposed persons. In event of difference of opinion as to measures required, the decision of the chief or his designated subordinate shall be final, but must be given to the operator in writing to have the force of an order.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §38.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-170 - Transformers, Conversion Equipment, Etc.

Section 25-9-170
Transformers, conversion equipment, etc.
(a) All surface transformers, unless of "dead front" construction or if installed at least eight feet above ground, shall be enclosed in a house or surrounded by a fence at least six feet high. If the enclosure is of metal, it shall be grounded effectively. The gate or door to the enclosure shall be kept locked at all times unless authorized persons are present.
(b) Underground transformers installed after August 12, 1949, shall be aircooled or nonflammable liquid cooled.
(c) Underground stations containing transformers or circuit breakers filled with inflammable oil shall be provided with door sills or their equivalent which will confine the oil if leakage or explosion occurs, and shall be of fireproof construction.
(d) Transformers shall be provided with automatic cutouts.
(e) All underground transformers or conversion equipment, whether permanent or portable, shall be kept in housings of fireproof construction; provided, that equipment designed and constructed to be fireproof is exempted from this requirement.
(f) The operator of every mine where permanent transformers or conversion equipment is installed underground shall designate or cause to be designated on the map provided for by law the locations of transformer and conversion equipment stations.
(g) "Danger - High Voltage" signs shall be posted conspicuously on all transformer enclosures, high-potential switchboards, and other high-potential installations.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §39; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-171 - Power Wires and Circuits; Signal and Telephone Wires; Trolley and Feeder Wires.

Section 25-9-171
Power wires and circuits; signal and telephone wires; trolley and feeder wires.
(a) All power circuits entering a mine shall be protected against lightning by lightning arrestors at or near the points of entrance to the mine. All power circuits shall be protected against lightning or other surges by adequate circuit breakers, fuses, or both.
(b) All power wires, except trailing cables and ground wires, whether bare or insulated, shall be supported on well-installed insulators and shall not touch combustible material, roof, or ribs. Power wires or cables installed prior to August 12, 1949, in locations inaccessible without prohibitive expense may be continued in use if approved by the division.
(c) Power wires shall be insulated properly when passing through doors and stoppings and where they cross other power circuits.
(d) Signal wires and telephone wires shall be run at a safe distance and, where possible, shall be placed on the opposite side of the slope or heading from the power wires.
(e) Where track is used as a power conductor:
(1) Tracks shall be bonded and cross-bonded in such manner as to assure adequate return.
(2) Switches on entries shall be well bonded.
(f) Employees called upon to do work on energized electric circuits or energized parts of electrical equipment shall use properly tested lineman's electric gloves and leather protector gloves.
(g) Trolley and feeder wires shall be installed as follows:
(1) Aligned properly and where installed after August 12, 1949, at least six inches outside the track gauge line.
(2) Provided with cutout switches at intervals of not more than 2,000 feet and near the beginning of all branch lines.
(3) Kept taut and not permitted to touch roof, rib, or cross bars. Particular care should be taken where they pass through door openings to preclude bare wires coming in contact with combustible material.
(4) Trolley or bare feeder cables shall be guarded adequately where it is necessary for men to pass or work under them regularly unless the wires are more than six and one-half feet above the top of the rail. They shall also be guarded adequately on both sides of doors and regardless of height at all stations designated for loading and unloading of mantrips and at sand boxes.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §40.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-172 - Grounding of Frames, Casings, and Other Electrical Equipment.

Section 25-9-172
Grounding of frames, casings, and other electrical equipment.
Where grounding wires are used to ground metallic sheaths, armors, conduits, frames, casings and other metallic enclosures, such grounding wires must comply with the following conditions:
(1) The cross-sectional area (size) of the grounding wire shall be at least one-half the cross-sectional area (size) of the power conductor where the power conductor used is No. 6 A.W.G. or larger.
(2) Where the power conductor used is less than No. 6 A.W.G., the cross-sectional area (size) of the grounding wire shall be equal to the cross-sectional area (size) of the power conductor.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §41; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-173 - Circuit Breakers, etc.; Insulating Platforms.

Section 25-9-173
Circuit breakers, etc.; insulating platforms.
(a) Circuit breakers or other overload devices shall be provided to protect power circuits.
(b) Insulating platforms of dry wood, rubber, or other suitable nonconductive material shall be kept in place at each switchboard, underground telephone station, power control switches, and at stationary machinery where shock hazards exist; provided, that metal plates on which a person normally would stand and which are kept at the same potential as the grounded, metal noncurrent-carrying parts of the power switches to be operated may be used.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §42; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-174 - Telephones.

Section 25-9-174
Telephones.
Telephone service or approved equivalent means of communication shall be provided at the bottom of each main shaft or slope and in all mines from the surface to the working sections of the mine where the mine workers are more than 1,500 feet from the surface.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §43.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-175 - Electric Drills, etc.; Trailing Cables; Cables for Portable Equipment.

Section 25-9-175
Electric drills, etc.; trailing cables; cables for portable equipment.
(a) Electric drills or other electrically operated rotating tools intended to be held in hands shall have the electric switch constructed so as to break the circuit when the hand releases the switch or shall be equipped with friction or safety clutches.
(b) All new trailing cables installed after November 21, 1975, shall meet the requirements set out by the Secretary of the Interior in Bureau of Mines schedule 2G and in subsequent revisions.
(c) Cables for portable underground electric equipment shall be provided with suitable overload protection and power taps, unless properly connected to permissible junction or distribution boxes.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §44; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 8 - Electrical Equipment. › Section 25-9-176 - Electric Lights.

Section 25-9-176
Electric lights.
Electric lights shall be installed so that they cannot come in contact with combustible materials. The wires shall be supported by suitable insulators and fastened securely to the power conductors.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §45.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 9 - Roof Support. › Section 25-9-190 - Testing and Examination of Roof, Faces, Ribs, etc.; Correction of and Precautions Against Unsafe Conditions.

Section 25-9-190
Testing and examination of roof, faces, ribs, etc.; correction of and precautions against unsafe conditions.
(a) It shall be the duty of the mine foreman and his subordinate supervisors to ascertain that all workmen are trained in proper methods of testing the roof, face, and ribs. The mine foreman shall designate the tool or tools to be used for testing.
(b) Face workers and other employees whose work exposes them to hazards of falls of rock and coal shall thoroughly test the roof, face, and ribs before starting work or before starting a machine and frequently thereafter. The required test may be made by any competent person for a crew. No person shall start work in a place tested by another unless he is satisfied as to the thoroughness of the test, or until after he himself has made a test.
(c) If the roof, face, or rib conditions are found to be unsafe, they shall be corrected by taking down loose material or securely supporting the same before work is started.
(d) If roof, face, or rib conditions are found to be unsafe and cannot be corrected by normal taking down or supporting practices, the place shall be guarded or danger boarded to prevent unauthorized entrance and the supervisor shall be promptly notified. The supervisor shall take the necessary action to correct the dangerous condition, delegating for this work only men who are capable.
(e) Precautions as outlined in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section shall be taken at any time during work that unsafe roof, face, or rib conditions are found to exist.
(f) At least once each shift the supervisor shall examine the roof, faces, ribs, and timbers or supports of all working places for unsafe conditions. Unsafe conditions found shall be corrected promptly.
(g) The mine foreman or subordinate supervisor shall examine or cause to be examined by a competent person the condition of the roof and ribs of passageways where men travel, at least once each 24 hours of operation. Unsafe conditions found shall be corrected promptly.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §46.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 9 - Roof Support. › Section 25-9-191 - Installation, etc., of Timbering or Other Roof Support Systems.

Section 25-9-191
Installation, etc., of timbering or other roof support systems.
(a) Timbering or other adequate roof support systems suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each mine or part of a mine shall be adopted, complied with, and required. Additional timbering or supporting will be done where necessary.
(b) It shall be the duty of the mine foreman and his subordinate supervisors to ascertain that all workmen are trained in the proper methods of setting timbers or placing supports.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §47.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 9 - Roof Support. › Section 25-9-192 - Maintenance of Supply of Timbers or Other Roof Supports.

Section 25-9-192
Maintenance of supply of timbers or other roof supports.
(a) The operator of each mine shall keep on hand at the mine a sufficient supply of timbers of suitable length and cap pieces to be used as required in timbering underground workings. Timbers and cap pieces in required quantities and lengths as ordered shall be delivered to the working places designated or in cars to the point at which cars are accepted by the miners.
In hand loading mines, the miner shall order timbers and cap pieces at least one day in advance in order to have in his working place a sufficient supply for his needs. He shall place his order with the mine foreman or subordinate supervisor, stating the number and length of timbers needed. In mechanical mining, the mine foreman shall set up a systematic procedure for ordering and supplying of timbers and cap pieces. When timbers are needed in any working place and are not available, no person shall work in that place.
(b) In mines using roof supports other than timber, it shall be the responsibility of the operator to maintain an adequate supply of materials required and to insure their delivery in sufficient quantities to the working places as needed.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §48.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 10 - Hoisting and Haulage. › Section 25-9-211 - Maintenance, etc., of Mine Locomotives and Other Haulage Equipment.

Section 25-9-211
Maintenance, etc., of mine locomotives and other haulage equipment.
(a) Mine locomotives must be maintained so that brakes are adequate and in good order, sand riggings are operative, and locomotives are in safe operating condition.
(b) Other rolling stock must be maintained so that its condition does not entail undue hazards to transportation crews or to workmen whose duties require them to work around the haulage.
(c) Cars must be kept reasonably tight to hold coal spillage within practical limits.
(d) Motormen shall inspect locomotives before operating and report conditions found that make operation hazardous. They shall exercise a degree of care of haulage equipment consistent with the type of service and conditions of operation.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §50; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 147, p. 2866, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 10 - Hoisting and Haulage. › Section 25-9-212 - Construction, Installation, and Maintenance of Elements of Track of Haulage Roads.

Section 25-9-212
Construction, installation, and maintenance of elements of track of 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 manner consistent with speed and the type of haulage operations being conducted to insure safe operation.
(b) Track switches, except room and entry development switches, shall be provided with properly installed throws, bridle bars, and guard rails. Switch throws and stands, where possible, shall be placed on the clearance side.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §51.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 25 - Industrial Relations and Labor. › Chapter 9 - Coal Mine Safety. › Article 10 - Hoisting and Haulage. › Section 25-9-214 - Certain Machinery Prohibited Underground.

Section 25-9-214
Certain machinery prohibited underground.
Nonpermissible internal combustion engines or other machinery which gives off noxious fumes shall not be permitted underground in any coal mine.
(Acts 1949, No. 207, p. 242, §53.)