2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 225 - PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS › 225 ILCS 705/ - Coal Mining Act. › Article 31 - Ventilation, Mine Gases And Gassy Mine Classification

(225 ILCS 705/Art. 31 heading)
ARTICLE 31.
VENTILATION, MINE GASES AND GASSY MINE CLASSIFICATION.
(225 ILCS 705/31.01) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3101)
Sec. 31.01. 
		
		All active underground working places in a mine shall be
ventilated by a current of air containing not less than 19.5% of oxygen,
not more than 0.5% of carbon dioxide, and no harmful quantities of other
noxious or poisonous gases. The volume and velocity of the current of air
shall be sufficient to dilute so as to render harmless, and to carry away,
flammable or harmful gases.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.02) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3102)
Sec. 31.02. 
		
		The quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in any
pair or set of entries shall not be less than 9,000 cubic feet a minute,
except that the quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in any
pair or set of entries in pillar sections may be less than 9,000 cubic
feet a minute if not less than 9,000 cubic feet of air a minute is being
delivered to the intake end of the pillar line. No work shall be performed
in any area that does not meet this standard except to correct this violation.
In robbing areas where the air currents cannot be controlled and measurements
of the air cannot be obtained, the air shall have perceptible movement.
(Source: P.A. 80-296.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.03) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3103)
Sec. 31.03. 
In every mine the minimum quantity of air shall not be less than
150 cubic feet per minute for each person employed, measured at the foot of the
downcast and of the upcast.
However, in any mine wherein explosive gas is being generated in such
quantities that it can be detected by a multi-gas detector, the minimum
quantity of air shall not be less than 200 cubic feet per minute for each
person employed therein. The State Mine Inspector shall have power by order
in writing to require these quantities to be increased.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.04) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3104)
Sec. 31.04. 
If the air at an underground working face in a mine, when tested
at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, or rib, contains more
than 1.0% of methane as determined by permissible methane detector, a multi-gas detector, air analysis, or other recognized means of
accurately detecting such gas, changes or adjustments shall be made at once
in the ventilation in such a mine so that such air shall not contain more
than 1.0% of methane.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.05) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3105)
Sec. 31.05. 
If a split of air returning from active underground working
places in a mine contains more than 1.0% of methane as determined by a
permissible methane detector, a multi-gas detector, air
analysis, or other recognized means of accurately detecting such gas,
changes or adjustments shall be made at once in the ventilation in such
mine so that such returning air shall not contain more than 1.0% of
methane.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.06) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3106)
Sec. 31.06. 
If a split of air returning from active underground
working places in a mine contains as much as 1.5% of methane as
determined by a permissible methane detector, a multi-gas detector, air analysis, or other recognized means of accurately detecting
such gas, the employees shall be withdrawn from the portion of the mine
endangered thereby and all power shall be cut off from such portion of
the mine until the quantity of methane in such split shall be less than
1.5%. However, in virgin territory in mines ventilated by exhaust fans,
where methane is liberated in large amounts, if the quantity of air in a
split ventilating the workings in such territory equals or exceeds twice
the minimum volume of air prescribed in Section 31.02 and if only
permissible electric equipment is used in such workings and the air in
the split returning from such workings does not pass over trolley or
other bare power wires, and if a certified person designated by the mine
operator is continually testing the gas content of the air in such split
during mining operations in such workings, it shall be necessary to
withdraw the employees and cut off all power from the portion of the
mine endangered by such methane only when the quantity thereof in the
air returning from such workings exceeds 2%, as determined by a
permissible methane detector, a multi-gas detector, air
analysis, or other recognized means of accurately detecting such gas.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.07) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3107)
Sec. 31.07. 
		
		The main current of air shall be so split or subdivided as to
give a separate current of reasonably pure air to every 100 men at work,
and the State Mine Inspector shall have authority to order, in writing,
separate currents for smaller groups of men, if, in his judgment, special
conditions render it necessary.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.08) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3108)
Sec. 31.08. 
		
		Doors, curtains or brattices shall be placed at such places as
may be designated by the mine manager, subject to the approval of the State
Mine Inspector, to conduct into the working places an amount of air
sufficient to render the working places reasonably free from deleterious
air of every kind.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.09) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3109)
Sec. 31.09. 
		
		All possible care and diligence shall be exercised in the
examination of working places, especially for the investigation and
detection of explosive gases therein and, where found, such gas shall be
removed by a special current of air produced by bratticing or from a pipe,
before men are permitted to work in such places except those necessary to
remove the gas.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.10) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3110)
Sec. 31.10. 
If the State Mine Inspector finds methane with a multi-gas detector, permissible methane detector, air analysis, or other
recognized means, in the amount of 0.25% or more, in any open workings of
such mine when tested at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof,
face or rib the mine shall be classified as gassy. Nothing in this Act
shall preclude the reclassification of a mine that has been classified
gassy if a subsequent examination, made by the State Mine Inspector in the
method provided herein, shows the methane content to be less than 0.25%.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.11) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3111)
Sec. 31.11. 
		
		All doors used in guiding and directing the ventilating currents
shall be hung and adjusted so as to close automatically.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.13) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3113)
Sec. 31.13. 
		
		At all doors through which 3 or more drivers are hauling coal on
any one shift, an attendant shall be employed on said shift for the purpose
of opening and closing the doors when trips of cars are passing to and from
the workings. However, in case of specially dangerous conditions, the State
Mine Inspector may require in writing that an attendant be placed at doors
through which less than 3 drivers pass. Places for shelter shall be
provided at such doorways to protect the attendants from being injured by
the cars while attending to their duties. Provided that, in any or all
mines, where doors are constructed in such a manner as to open and close
automatically, attendants and places for shelter shall not be required.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.14) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3114)
Sec. 31.14. 
		
		If the State Mine Inspector finds men working without the amount
of air required by this Act he shall at once notify the mine manager to
increase the amount of air in accordance with the requirements of this Act.
Upon the failure or refusal of the manager to act promptly, and in all
cases where men are endangered by such lack of air, the State Mine
Inspector shall at once order the men affected out of the mine.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.15) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3115)
Sec. 31.15. 
		
		In all mines classified as gassy mines by the State Mine
Inspector, it shall be compulsory to use electric lamps, and smoking shall
be prohibited.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.16) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3116)
Sec. 31.16. 
		
		Ventilating fans at all operating mines shall be operated
continuously.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.17) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3117)
Sec. 31.17. 
		
		A recording pressure gauge shall be attached to the ventilating
fan at all times.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.18) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3118)
Sec. 31.18. 
		
		In all mines starting operation after July 1, 1947, the
ventilating fan shall be installed on the surface in a fireproof building.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.19) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3119)
Sec. 31.19. 
		
		All ventilating fans shall have suitable automatic devices
attached to them for the purpose of sounding an alarm when the fan stops.
The alarm shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by a responsible
person.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.20) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3120)
Sec. 31.20. 
		
		Ventilating fans shall be operated on a separate power circuit,
independent of the mine circuit.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.21) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3121)
Sec. 31.21. 
		
		When the ventilating fan at any mine fails or stops,
immediate action shall be taken to cut off the electric power and
withdraw the workers from the face regions of the mine. In gassy mines
if the ventilation is restored within a reasonable time, the face
regions and other places where methane is likely to accumulate shall be
re-examined by competent personnel, and if such region and places are
found to be free from explosive gas the power may be restored and work
resumed. If the ventilation is not restored within a reasonable time all
underground employees shall be removed from the mine. In non-gassy mines
if the ventilation is restored within a reasonable time the power may be
turned on and work resumed without the necessity of re-examination.
(Source: P.A. 81-992.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.22) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3122)
Sec. 31.22. 
		The ventilating fan shall be inspected daily.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.23) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3123)
Sec. 31.23. 
		
		Booster fans may not be used in mines except by special
permission from the State Mining Board.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.24) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3124)
Sec. 31.24. 
		
		Blower fans with tubing may be used, if the following
precautions are followed:
1.  In gassy mines the blower shall be powered with a permissible unit
and installed on the intake air side of the entrance to be ventilated, not
less than 15 feet outby the ventilating cross-cut.
2.  The volume of air in which the fan is placed shall not be less than 2
1/2 times the manufacturer's maximum rated capacity of the fan.
3.  The fan and tubing shall be maintained in good order. The discharge
end of the tubing shall be kept within 20 feet of the face, and not more
than 300 feet of tubing shall be extended from the fan.
4.  Working places ventilated by means of blower fans in gassy mines
shall be examined for methane by competent personnel designated by the mine
manager before the fan is operated at the beginning of the shift and after
an interruption of 5 or more minutes of fan operation during the shift.
5. The fan and tubing shall be inspected at least twice during each
working shift.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.25) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3125)
Sec. 31.25. 
		
		Doors shall be kept closed except when men or equipment are
passing through the doorways. Motor crews and other persons who open doors
shall see that the doors are closed before leaving them.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.26) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3126)
Sec. 31.26. 
		
		Permanent overcasts shall be constructed of incombustible
material such as masonry, concrete, concrete blocks, or metal and shall be
of ample area to pass the required quantity of air, and where necessary to
securely timber to prevent falls from the roof.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.27) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3127)
Sec. 31.27. 
		
		Flame resisting brattice cloth shall be used in the construction
of line brattice.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.28) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3128)
Sec. 31.28. 
		
		The entrances to abandoned workings shall be posted to warn
persons against entering the territory.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.29) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3129)
Sec. 31.29. 
		
		In a gassy mine, all workings which are abandoned after the
effective date of this Act, or the date such mine was classified a gassy
mine, whichever is later, shall be sealed or ventilated. If such workings
are sealed, the sealing shall be done in a substantial manner with
incombustible material; however, some other type of material may be used
provided prior approval has been obtained from the Mining Board. One or
more of the seals of every sealed area shall be fitted with a pipe and cap
or valve to permit the sampling of gases and the measuring of hydrostatic
pressure behind such seals. For the purposes of this Section, workings
within a panel shall not be deemed to be abandoned until such panel is
abandoned.
(Source: Laws 1955, p. 2012.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.30) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3130)
Sec. 31.30. 
In mines worked by the so-called "enclosed panel system"
where rooms are driven off of both sides of the panel entries and
ventilated by one side of the panel as the intake airway and the other side
as the return, the following shall govern the method of working this type
of panel: When the top end or inby end of the panel begins to squeeze, work
or more as the result of extraction of coal and the area cannot be
examined, men working in the said panel and rooms shall be removed until
movement has abated and the presence of gas cannot be detected with a multi-gas detector. However, if in such panels fire, barrier or
cutoff pillars are left in the center of the panel of adequate thickness
and the entries have been sealed in line with the pillars with adequate
roof support on the inby side of the seals isolating the worked out area
from the live works, then mining operations may be resumed. This shall not
apply to panels worked with rooms on the intake side only, or panels with
bleeder entry system whereby the gas released in the squeezed area will not
contaminate the ventilating air current used to ventilate active workings
within the panel.
(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.31) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3131)
Sec. 31.31. 
		
		In a gassy mine, air that has passed through an abandoned panel
which is inaccessible for inspection, or air that has passed through a
similar abandoned area which is inaccessible for inspection, or air which
has been used to ventilate a pillar line, or air which has been used to
ventilate an area from which the pillars have been removed, shall not be
used to ventilate any active face area in such mine; but if this Section
cannot be complied with in such mine on the effective date of this Act,
such mine may continue to be operated after such date as it was operated
immediately prior to such date, for a reasonable time until future mine
development and ventilation of such mine can be changed to comply with this
Section.  In no event shall such air be used to ventilate any area in such
mine in which men work or travel if such air contains more than 1% of
methane.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)
(225 ILCS 705/31.32) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 3132)
Sec. 31.32. 
		
		No person shall obstruct or cause any obstruction in any air
current, or leave open any door or other means provided to control the air
current, or perform any act that will interfere with the air current of the
mine, without permission from the Mine Manager.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)