reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-415. Dangerous conditions - Additional shafts.

The Mine Inspector is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to thoroughly inspect all underground excavations in all said mines as often as the Inspector may deem proper, to ascertain the condition of said underground excavations with respect to the safety of all employees working in such underground excavation; and, if after such examination the Inspector shall find that the safety of the employees engaged in working in such excavations is imperiled by reason of there being only one shaft or outlet by which a distinct means of ingress and egress is always available to such employees, it shall be the right and duty of such Inspector to immediately notify the operator of such mine, in writing, specifying the particular underground excavations so found to be dangerous, and direct the operator to, within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice, commence to sink another shaft or provide another outlet for such underground excavation and prosecute the sinking of such shaft or the securing of another outlet with all due diligence until the same is completed. And the Mine Inspector aforesaid shall have the power if he deems it for the safety of the employees, to order the operator of said mine to withdraw all employees engaged in working in such underground excavations so found to be unsafe or dangerous, until such other shaft or outlet shall have been completed, or until further notified by such Inspector.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 46, § 5.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-416. Health of employees - Underground excavations - Ventilation.

The Mine Inspector is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to thoroughly inspect all underground excavations in all said mines as often as he may deem proper, from and after the passage and approval of this act, and ascertain the condition of such underground excavations, and, if after such examination, the Inspector shall find in any such mine or mines that the health of the employees is impaired by reason of there not being sufficient circulation of air or ventilation for such employees, it shall be the duty of such Inspector to immediately notify the operator of such mine or mines, in writing, specifying the underground excavations so found to be unhealthful, and direct such operator of such mine to, within fifteen (15) days after receiving such written notice, commence to drill a sufficient number of holes to such underground excavation, or to sink a shaft to connect with such underground excavation, or to make drift connection with a contiguous mine, as may furnish a sufficient ventilation for such mine or mines and to prosecute the work of correcting such defect in ventilation, with all due diligence until completed. And the Inspector shall have the power where and when the condition as aforesaid is such as to be injurious to the health of said employees, if he deems it for the best interest of the employees engaged in working in such underground excavations, so affected by such notice, to require all work and operations in such mine or mines to cease until such defect in ventilation shall have been corrected, or until further notified by such Inspector. During the process of shaft sinking fresh air shall be supplied from the surface. During the process of drifting or development for ventilation, forced ventilation shall be provided and sufficient ventilation shall be supplied in all dead ends. Where operations are carried on at a shaft not connected with any mine or shaft, ventilation shall be supplied from the surface by means of a fan through a conductor down the shaft or down one or more drill holes connected with the underground workings.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 47, § 6.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-417. Dust - Water lines - Sprinkling attachments.

The Mine Inspector is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to thoroughly inspect all underground excavations in all such mines as often as such Inspector may deem proper, for the purpose of ascertaining or discovering in the air in any such mine or mines the presence of dust in such quantities as shall be injurious to the health of the employees engaged in working in such underground excavations; and upon finding dust in the air of any such mine or mines in quantities exceeding three hundred particles per cubic centimeter, as shall tend to injure the health of the employees of such mine, such Inspector shall immediately notify the operator of such mine or mines, in writing, specifying the underground excavation so found to contain dust particles in excessive amounts, as aforesaid in the air thereof, and such operator of such mine or mines shall within fifteen (15) days after receiving such written notice, provide, install, and equip, and thereafter at all times maintain in such mine, a water line fully equipped, and in good serviceable working order and repair, leading up to the face of any and all drifts where dust is produced, or so close to the face of said drifts so that by the use of a suitable hose extension or sprinkling attachments to be supplied by the owner or owners of said mine, the mineral or earth in and adjoining the face of the drift or drifts of such mine can be sprinkled or wet by water from said pipeline; thereupon and thereafter, every person drilling, squibbing or blasting in said mine shall keep the face, surface, and drill holes in said drifts or drift wet or moist by the use of water from said water line to such an extent in such a way as shall prevent, as far as possible, any dust raising from the working of any such face, or from the drilling, blowing, or shooting of any hole or holes; and the ground foreman in charge of the underground workings in any such mine or mines, so equipped with a water line, shall require all ground or dirt after being shot or blasted to be thoroughly wet or sprinkled to such an extent as shall prevent, as far as is practicable any dust from arising therefrom, while the employees are at work therein.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 48, § 7.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-418. Loss of life or injury - Duty of operator and inspector.

Whenever loss of life or serious personal injury shall occur in or about any said mines, it shall be the duty of the operator having charge of such mine to report said loss of life or injury without delay to the deputy mine inspector in whose district such mine is situated; and the said inspector shall if he deem it necessary immediately go to the scene of said accident and render such assistance as he may deem necessary for the safety of the men; and the said inspector shall investigate and ascertain the cause of such loss of life or injury and make a report thereof to the Chief Mine Inspector of the State of Oklahoma, a copy of which he shall preserve with the other records of his office.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 48, § 8.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-419. Shaft hoisting engineers - Age and experience - Duties - Loading and unloading.

All shaft hoisting engineers handling men or material must be over twenty-one (21) years of age, familiar and experienced with hoisting engines of the design which he is to operate and must have been examined by a reputable physician and be able to show certificate of health from said physician, showing no physical or mental conditions or symptoms that might cause a loss of faculties so as to interfere with the safe and efficient performance of his duty at all times. It shall be the duty of the hoisting engineer to watch over all machinery, including hoisting rope or cable, in his charge and ascertain that all the equipment and conditions are in conformity with the law. In the event of any defect in such equipment, or violation of the law concerning same, he shall immediately report same to the mine superintendent or other person in charge of the mine operation. The hoisting engineer shall, at the beginning of his shift and at the middle of his shift, inspect his hoist equipment, particularly as to the brakes and clutch and test same by at least one complete hoisting trip before men are allowed to enter the tub or shaft conveyance. Where a station man or tub hooker is used in any shaft, it shall be his duty to supervise the loading and unloading of men or material at the bottom of the shaft, and he shall supervise the signaling to the hoisting engineer. The loading and unloading of men at the top of the shaft at the beginning and end of each shift shall be supervised by an employee of the operator.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 48, § 9.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-421. Shaft collars - Cribbing and timbering - Pipes and air lines.

All shaft collars shall extend at least eight (8) inches above the immediate surrounding surface and be provided with a clear and stable footing and hand rail on two sides of the shaft. A sufficiently tight fence with a gate to permit access shall inclose the shaft to prevent persons or animals from reaching the shaft collar, and such gate shall be kept closed when access to the shaft is not necessary. The collar of the shaft shall be sufficiently lighted at all times when in use. All shafts sunk after the adoption of this act shall be cribbed or timbered continuously from the top of the shaft to the bottom of the cribbing or timbers. All pipes, air line, and conduits running down the shaft shall be securely fastened. All shaft pumps shall be securely covered. When the ends of tools or material project above the top of the shaft conveyance, the ends shall be securely fastened to the cable, or placed in a receptacle. When electric or compressed air operated hoisting engines are used in sinking shaft, shooting or blasting shall be done by means of an electric battery or current. All abandoned shafts, air shafts, drill holes, and shafts not used for an extended period of time, shall be securely plugged, cased, covered or fenced.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 49, § 11.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-423. Hoisting equipment.

The hoisting equipment shall be of such kind and in such condition as to as nearly assure certainty of operation and ease of control at all times, as is practicable. If electric power be used for hoisting, the hoist shall be equipped with an auxiliary safety brake. All hoisting derricks where swinging dump is used, constructed after the date of the passage and approval of this law, shall be so constructed that at no time during the hoisting operations shall the fastening of the cable to the hook approach nearer than thirty-six (36) inches to the sheive. All hoisting sheives installed after the date of the passage and approval of this law, shall be equipped with a shaft the diameter of which shall be to the conveyance load hoisted not less than one (1) inch to each six hundred (600) pounds per conveyance load. Nonspin wire rope shall be used for hoisting men and material, with a safety factor of six required on new rope based on manufacturer's tables and maximum dead load. Said hoisting rope to be discarded for hoisting purposes when there are six broken wires in one rope lay, or when the wires on the crown are worn sixty-five percent (65%) of the original diameter. All hoisting hooks shall be of some safety type, and if standard snap hook is used it shall be made of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) inch High-grade iron, and the hook shall be attached to the hoisting cable with thimble and three or more standard clamps, such clamps to be at least eight (8) inches apart.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 50, § 13.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-424. Explosives - Storage, transportation, handling and use.

At all said mines in this state, all explosives shall be stored in a magazine placed far enough away from hoisting derricks to insure their remaining intact to case of explosion. All explosives in excess of the amount required for the work of one shift shall be kept in such magazine. Powder other than the shifts requirements shall not be stored in underground workings; provided, however, where such mines are located in densely populated areas, and then only with the permission of the deputy mine inspector, explosives may be stored underground in a suitable place selected by the said inspector, but in no event shall more than three (3) days normal requirements at the particular mine be so stored underground. No explosives shall be transported on or in any electric or gasoline locomotive, or in the car next to these locomotives. Detonators or caps shall not be stored or transported with other explosives. Mechanical loading devices, first found to be safe for the miners who work in said mine by the assistant mine inspector, and such finding is approved by the Chief Mine Inspector, or wood-loading sticks or tamping bars protected with copper ferrules and copper spike must be used when loading holes. All blasting caps shall be crimped onto fuse by regulation crimper. Powder delivered to top of shaft shall be lowered into ground immediately. Explosives must not be taken from any mine without the consent of the foreman in charge. Open lights must not be used in powder magazines or detonator magazines. Explosives stored in ground must be so stored as not to cut off passage of men to shaft in case of explosion occurring. No employee shall return to a drift, heading, shaft, or tunnel, or other place where a shot has failed to explode until a period of at least thirty (30) minutes has elapsed after firing; all failed shots to be promptly reported to foreman by employees. No employees other than those employed in shaft sinking shall ride any can, bucket or hoisting apparatus carrying explosives. No shooting or blasting shall be done from the time the man shift goes on until the man shift goes off, except in extreme case for the protection of life.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 50, § 14; Laws 1957, p. 424, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-430. Map or plan of mine.

The operator of said mines in this state shall make or cause to be made, at the discretion of the Mine Inspector of the District in which said mine is located, an accurate map or plan of the workings of such mine and deposit a true copy of said map or plan with the Mine Inspector of the District wherein may be located the said mine; which said map or plan shall be so filed or deposited within three (3) months after the time when this act shall take effect, and a copy of such map or plan shall be also kept for inspection at the office of said mine; and during the month of January of each year, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the said operator shall furnish the District Mine Inspector with a further map or plan of the progress of the workings of such mine, continued from the last report to the end of the month of December next preceding; and when any mine is worked out or abandoned that fact shall be reported to the Inspector and the map or plan of such mine shall be furnished the Mine Inspector.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 52, § 20; Laws 1975, c. 90, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-434. Orders of Mining Inspector - Review.

Any order made by the Mining Inspector under the provisions of this or any other act pertaining to or affecting any mine or mines or the operation thereof, wherein the issuance thereof is within the discretion of the Mining Inspector and the doing or omitting of the specific act required in said order is not by the provisions of law made mandatory upon the operator of said mine or mines, may, upon application by the operator of said mine or mines so affected, or any other interested person, to the district court in the judicial district in which the mine or mines affected may be located, be reviewed, modified, affirmed, or canceled by said court or the judge thereof in vacation upon a hearing being had thereon.
Said applicant for a review of said order shall file with the clerk of said court a petition against said Inspector issuing said order setting forth in concise language the order complained of and the objections thereto. Upon the filing of said petition the clerk of said court shall issue summons against said Mining Inspector as in other civil actions except that same may be lawfully served and jurisdiction obtained by service in any county of this state where said mining inspector may be found. Jurisdiction of the person when so served and subject matter is hereby conferred on said court.
Upon the district court acquiring jurisdiction, as aforesaid, said court or the judge thereof in vacation shall proceed as in other civil cases to hear and determine the controversy presented by the order complained of, the objections set forth in the petition and any answer filed thereto by said Mining Inspector. The burden shall be on the applicant to show the order unreasonable or unnecessary. Upon a hearing thereof, the said court or the judge thereof from the evidence introduced shall enter a judgment affirming, modifying or canceling said order as the reasonableness of or necessity therefor may appear. Said district court or the judge thereof, in vacation, may at the time of filing said petition or subsequent thereto suspend the operation of said order complained of pending final determination upon a showing of reasonable necessity therefor and on such terms as said court or judge may impose. Either party may appeal from the final judgment of said court or judge to the Supreme Court of this state as in other civil cases.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 53, § 24.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-435. Neglect or failure to perform requirements - Penalty.

The neglect, failure or refusal to perform or comply with the authorized requirement of said Mining Inspector, acting under the provisions of this act, by any firm, association, corporation, person or parties required to perform them, shall be a misdemeanor, and where the duty so neglected, failed or refused to be performed is required of a corporation, then its officer or agent in charge of the mine, shall be guilty, as hereinbefore provided for in this section, and shall upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine of not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) provided, that as to duties imposed by the Mining Inspector taken before the said district court for review, this section shall not apply except as to, from and after the order finally promulgated by order of said district court and provided further this section shall not apply to an operator who has ceased mining operations and the working of men except such as are necessary to dewater and preserve the mine involved.
Laws 1929, c. 42, p. 54, § 25.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-436. Open mine shafts - Covering - Approval - Penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation, who knowingly maintains, uses or abandons an open vertical mine shaft wherein lead, zinc or other metals have been sought or produced, without covering suitably, or surrounding such installations with protective fencing, or plugging and filling, the particular method used to be approved by the Chief Mine Inspector's Department, shall be deemed negligent as a matter of law and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1955, p. 188, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-437. Interference with protective covering devices - Penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation found guilty of destroying, removing, or damaging or otherwise interfering with the fencing, or other protective devices approved by the Chief Mine Inspector, as provided in Section 1 hereof, shall be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) or more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
Laws 1955, p. 188, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-441. Use of engines equipped for detoxification permitted - Approval of use - Inspections - Suspension or discontinuance of use.

The use of diesel engines equipped for detoxification in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Bureau of mines may be used in lead, zinc, and other metal mines in this state. Provided, the use of such engine or engines in any such mine is first found to be safe for the miners who work in said mine, by the assistant mine inspector, and such finding is approved by the Chief Mine Inspector and provided further, that the diesel engine or engines and the safety equipment thereon to be used in any such mine shall also have been approved for use in such mine, by the assistant mine inspector, and such finding is approved by the Chief Mine Inspector. The assistant mine inspector and the Chief Mine Inspector, in issuing any such approval, shall follow the rules and regulations and recommendations of the U.S. Bureau of mines. The assistant mine inspector shall make periodical inspections to determine whether such engines in such mines are emitting fumes which make it unsafe for such engines to be used. The assistant mine inspector or the Chief Mine Inspector shall have the authority to order that conditions be remedied, and to suspend the use of such engines in any mine, or to order the discontinuance altogether of such engines in any such mine. Such orders shall be enforced as other orders of such officers are enforced.
Laws 1947, p. 302, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-442. Use of engines not meeting standards prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to use or to order or permit the use of any diesel engine in any lead, zinc or other metal mine in this state at any time which is not equipped with detoxification equipment and other safety devices meeting the standards set forth in the rules and recommendations promulgated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, or when such detoxification equipment and other safety devices on the engine is defective, or not in perfect working order.
Laws 1947, p. 303, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-477. May stop mining, when.

Such inspector, and each of his assistants, shall also have power to immediately stop the operation of any mine or part thereof where any dangerous or unlawful conditions are found: Provided, however, that where conditions exist justifying him to do so, he may grant a reasonable length of time for making repairs: And provided, further, that where any stops are enforced, such inspector and each of his assistants shall have the power subsequently to allow such mine or part of mine to be reopened when the dangerous or unlawful conditions have been remedied, or removed, so that they no longer exist.
R.L.1910, § 3953.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-478. Penalty for obstruction.

Every person who willfully obstructs the Chief Inspector or his assistant inspectors in the execution of his or their duties, and every owner, agent, lessee or manager of a mine who refuses or neglects to furnish to the Cheif Mine Inspector or his assistants, the means necessary for making entry, inspection, examination or inquiry, as herein provided in relation to such mine shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, he shall be punished as hereinafter provided.
R.L.1910, § 3954.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-501. Maps of mines.

The owner, agent, lessee or operator of every coal or other mine, shall make, or cause to be made by a competent mining engineer or surveyor, an accurate map or plan, of such mine, no smaller than on a scale of two hundred (200) feet to an inch, which map shall show as follows:
(a) All measurements of said mines in feet or decimal parts thereof.
(b) All openings, excavations, shafts, tunnels, slopes, planes, main entries, rooms, and other parts, in proper numerical order in each opening or stratum of coal in said mine.
(c) The directions of the air currents, when practicable, by darts, or arrows, marked thereon.
(d) An accurate delineation of the boundary lines between said mine and all adjoining mines or coal lands where owned or operated by the same operator or other operators, and the relation and proximity of the workings of said mine to any other adjoining mine or coal land.
(e) The bearings and lengths of each tunnel, or entry, or the boundary of property lines.
The said map or plans, or a true copy thereof, shall be kept in the general mine office by the said operator or superintendent for the use only of the mine officials and mine inspectors, and for the inspection of all persons working in said mines whenever said person or persons shall have cause to fear that any working place is becoming dangerous by reason of its proximity to other workings that may contain water or dangerous gas.
R.L.1910, § 3955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-502. Maps to be corrected every six months.

At least every six (6) months, or oftener if necessary, the operator, owner, lessee, or agent of each mine shall cause to be shown accurately on the map or plan of said mine, all the excavations made therein during the time elapsing since such excavations were last shown upon said map or plan, and all parts of said mine, which were worked out or abandoned during said elapsed period of time, shall be clearly indicated by colorings on said map or plan, and whenever any of the workings or excavations of said mine have been driven to their boundary, a correct measurement of all such workings or excavation shall be made promptly and recorded in a survey book, prior to the removal of the pillars or any part of the same from such workings or excavations.
R.L.1910, § 3956.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-503. Mine inspectors to be furnished copies of maps.

The operator or superintendent of every mine shall furnish the mine inspectors of the district in which said mine is located with a correct copy, on tracing muslin or sunprint, of the map or plan of said mine hereinbefore provided for, and the inspector of the district shall at the end of each year, or twice a year, if he requires it, return said map or plan to the proper person at any particular mine, whose duty it shall be to place or cause to be placed, on said map or plan all extensions and worked out or abandoned parts of the mine during the preceding six (6) or twelve (12) months, as the case may be, and forward the same to the district mine inspector within thirty (30) days from the time of receiving it. When any mine is worked out or abandoned, the operator or superintendent shall furnish the mine inspector, within thirty (30) days, with a correct plan of said mine on tracing muslin or cloth, which plan shall clearly show all the worked out or abandoned territory, together with all property and boundary lines, elevations, and other things required by this article. The copies of the maps or plans of the several coal and other mines in each district, as hereinbefore required to be furnished to the mine inspector, shall remain in the care of the inspector of the district in which the said mines are situated, as strictly official records, to be transferred by him to his successor in office.
R.L.1910, § 3957.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-504. Penalty for failure to furnish map copies.

If any superintendent or operator of mines shall neglect or fail to furnish to the mine inspector any copy of maps or plans as hereinbefore required by this Act, or, if the mine inspector shall believe that any map or plan of any coal or other mine made or furnished in pursuance of the provisions of this act, is materially inaccurate or imperfect, then in either case, the mine inspector is hereby authorized to cause a correct survey and map or plan of said mine to be made at the expense of the operator thereof, the cost of which shall be recoverable from said operator as other debts are recoverable by law: Provided, that when the inspector shall cause a new survey and map or plan of any such mine, and it is found that the map or plan furnished by the operator was substantially correct, then the cost of the survey, map or plan, caused to be made by the inspector, shall be paid by the state.
R.L.1910, § 3958.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-505. Conduct of developments.

In the preparation of maps of the territory being, or to be, developed in mining operations, it shall be the duty of the operator, where practicable, to furnish the district inspector prospective plans suitable to the coal seam and adjacent strata, for the safe economic extraction of coal or other mineral. It shall be the duty of the operator to see that the developments are systematically conducted to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the employees and to prevent the unnecessary leaving of coal or other mineral in the ground.
R.L.1910, § 3959.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-506. Ventilation - Construction of air and hoisting shafts.

It shall be unlawful for the operator or superintendent, mine foreman or other person, to employ more than ten persons in any coal or other mine, or permit more than ten persons to be employed therein at any one time unless they are in communication with at least two available openings to the surface from each seam or stratum of coal or other mineral worked in such mine: Provided, that in any mine operated by shaft or slope and ventilated by a fan placed at the second opening, and said second opening is a slope or shaft, it may be used as an airway and for a traveling way into and from the mine, and if the said second opening is a shaft through which the employees travel into and from the mine, by reason of a stairway, or are regularly lowered into and hoisted from the mine by the use of machinery and such shaft is divided by suitable material into two compartments while developing or opening the mine up, to the ten men as hereinbefore, one of them may be used for an airway and the other for the purpose of ingress and egress into and from said mine; and further provided, that any fan shaft hereafter divided into compartments for the purpose of ventilation, and ingress and egress into and from the mines or any divided partition now in use that may hereafter be replaced, wholly or in part, shall be constructed of noncombustible material. And there shall be cut around the bottom of all hoisting shafts, or driven through the solid strata a traveling way not less than five (5) feet high and three (3) feet wide, to enable persons to pass from one side of the shaft to the other without passing over or under the cage or other apparatus, and there shall be cut around all other shafts a traveling way to save the necessity of passing under the shaft.
R.L.1910, § 3961.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-507. Openings to be separated by natural strata.

In all shaft mines the openings to the surface hereinbefore provided for shall be separated from each other by natural strata at all points by a distance of not less than one hundred fifty (150) feet, and at all mines worked by slope openings, the distance separating openings shall not be less than fifty (50) feet of natural strata: Provided, that in any mine opened heretofore the distance between said openings may be less, if the mine inspector of the district shall deem it impracticable to comply with the foregoing requirements. Where the two openings shall not have been provided as hereinbefore required, the mine inspector shall cause the second opening to be made in every mine without delay and in no case shall furnace ventilation be used where there is only one opening into the mine.
R.L.1910, § 3962.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-508. Shaft not more than seventy-five feet deep.

When the opening or outlet other than the main opening is a shaft and does not exceed seventy-five (75) feet in vertical depth, and is used by the employees for the purpose of ingress and egress from the mine, it shall be kept in a safe and available condition and free from steam and dangerous gases and all other obstructions, and shall be fitted with safe and convenient stairs, with steps of an average tread of ten (10) inches, and ten (10) inches raise, not less than two (2) feet wide and not to exceed an angle of forty-five (45]lsco]lsc) degrees descent, with landings ofnot less than eighteen (18) inches wide and four (4) feet long, at easy and convenient distances, and water coming from the surface or out of the strata in the shaft shall be conducted away by rings, cases or otherwise, and be prevented from falling upon persons who are ascending or descending the stairway of the shaft.
R.L.1910, § 3963.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-509. Hoisting machinery in shaft over seventy-five feet deep.

When any mine is operated by a shaft which exceeds seventy-five (75) feet in vertical depth, the persons employed in said mine shall be lowered into and raised from said mine by means of machinery, and where the employees are lowered into and hoisted from the mines at the main shaft opening, the other shaft shall be supplied with safe and suitable machinery for hoisting and lowering persons, or with safe and convenient stairs for use in cases of emergency by persons employed in said mine: Provided, that any mine operated by two shafts, and where safe and suitable machinery is provided at both shafts for hoisting coal or other mineral, or persons, as herein provided for, shall have sufficiently complied with the requirements of this section.
R.L.1910, § 3964.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-511. Inspection of hoisting equipment and stairs.

The ropes, chains, machinery and all of its connections used for lowering or raising the employees into or out of the mines, and the stairs used for ingress and egress shall be kept in a safe condition, and inspected once every twenty-four (24) hours by a competent person provided by the mine operator for that purpose, who shall make a daily record of such inspection in a book provided for that purpose, and such machinery and the method of its inspection shall be approved by the mine inspector of the district in which the mine is situated.
R.L. 1910 Sec. 3966.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-512. Safety equipment for shafts.

The operator or superintendent shall provide and maintain from the top to bottom of every shaft, where persons are raised or lowered, a metal tube suitably adapted to the free passage of sound through which conversation may be held between persons at the top and bottom of said shaft, and also a means of signaling from the top to the bottom thereof, and shall provide every cage or gear carriage used for the hoisting or lowering of persons with a sufficient overhead covering to protect those persons when using the same and shall provide also for each said cage or carriage a safety catch approved by the mine inspector, and the said operator or superintendent shall see that flanges with clearance of not less than four (4) inches when the whole of the rope is wound around the drum, are attached to the sides of the drum of every machine that is used for lowering persons into or hoisting them out of the mines, and also, that adjacent brakes are attached to the drums: Provided, that the rope shall be left around the drum at least two and one-half (2 1/2) times when the cage is at the bottom. At all shafts, safety gates to be approved by the mine inspector of the district, shall be so placed as to prevent persons from falling into the shaft.
R.L.1910, § 3967.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-513. Quality and testing of chains.

The main coupling chain, attached to the socket of the wire rope, shall be made of the best quality of iron and shall be tested by weights, or otherwise, to the satisfaction of the mine inspector of the district where the mine is located, and the bridle chains shall be attached to the main hoisting rope above the socket from the top cross piece of the carriage or cage so that no single chain shall be used for lowering persons into or hoisting them out of the mine.
R.L.1910, § 3968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-514. Number of persons lowered or hoisted at one time.

No greater number of persons shall be lowered or hoisted at any one time than may be permitted by the mine inspector of the district, and notice of the number so allowed to be lowered or hoisted at any one time shall be kept posted up by the operator or superintendent in conspicuous places at the top and bottom of the shaft, and the aforesaid notice shall be signed by the mine inspector of the district.
R.L.1910, § 3969.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-515. Inspection - Guard railings.

The ropes, chains, machinery and all of its connections used at the operating shaft and slope mines, where the employees are lowered into or hoisted from the mine, and the same used on all gravity and inclined planes, shall be inspected and a record made of said inspection in the same manner as provided for in Section 3966. At all mines all machinery from which any accident might occur shall be properly fenced off by suitable guard railings.
R.L.1910, § 3970.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-516. Ventilation.

The operator of every coal or other mine, whether shaft, slope or drift shall provide and hereafter maintain ample means of ventilation affording not less than one hundred fifty (150) cubic feet of air per minute, for each and every person employed therein, and seven hundred fifty (750) cubic feet of air per minute for every animal employed therein; but, in a mine where fire damp has been detected, the minimum shall be two hundred (200) cubic feet per minute for each person employed therein, and as much more in either case as one or more of the mine inspectors may deem requisite, and the ventilation shall be conducted through the main cross entries and all other working places, so as to dilute and render harmless and expel therefrom the noxious and poisonous gases, and all working places shall be kept clear of standing gases.
R.L.1910, § 3971.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-517. Number working in same air current - Fans and furnaces - Stoppings between intake and return airways.

Not more than forty-five persons shall be permitted to work in the same air current and mines where ten or more persons are employed shall be provided with a fan or other artificial means to produce the ventilation, but no furnace shall be used where mines generate gases in dangerous guantities, and all stoppings between main intake and return airways hereafter built or replaced shall be substantially built of suitable masonry, or concrete which shall be approved by the inspector of the district.
R.L.1910, § 3972.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-518. Ventilating fans and doors.

All ventilating fans shall be kept in operation night and day unless operations are indefinitely suspended, except written permission is given by the mine inspector of the district to stop the same, and the said written permission shall state the particular hours the said fan may not be in operation, and the mine inspector shall have the power to withdraw or modify such permission as he may deem best, but in all cases the fan shall be started three (3) hours before the time for work to begin, and such written permission to stop the fan shall not apply to fans in use at mines wherein explosive gas is generated. When the fans may be stopped by the permission of the mine inspector, a notice printed in the various languages used by persons employed in the mine, stating at what hours the fan will be stopped and the time it will again be set in motion, shall be posted by the mine foreman in a conspicuous place at the entrance or entrances to the mine: Provided, that should it at any time become necessary to stop the fan on account of accident or needed repairs to any part of the machinery connected therewith, or by reason of any other unavoidable cause, it shall then be the duty of the mine foreman, or any other official in charge, after first having provided for the safety of the persons employed in the mine, to order said fan to be stopped so as to make the necessary repairs or to remove any other difficulty that may have been the cause of its stoppage, and all ventilating furnaces in mines shall be started three (3) hours before the appointed time to begin work and during working hours be properly attended by a person employed for that purpose; in mines generating fire damp in sufficient quantities to be detected by the ordinary safety lamps, all main breakthroughs between slopes and aircourses, airbridges or overcasts shall be built of masonry or other noncombustible material of ample strength, or be driven through the solid strata. In all mines the doors used for guiding and directing the ventilation of the mine shall be so hung and adjusted that they will close themselves, or be supplied with springs or pulleys so that they cannot be left standing open, and an attendant shall be employed at all doors, through which cars are hauled, for the purpose of opening and closing said doors when trips of cars are passing to and from the workings, unless approved selfacting doors are used which doors shall be determined by the mine inspector and mine foreman. A hole for shelter shall be provided at each door, so as to protect said attendant from being run over by the cars while attending to his duties; and persons employed for this purpose shall at all times remain at their post of duty during working hours: Provided, that the same person may attend two doors where the distance between them is not more than one hundred (100) feet. At all principal doors and every inclined plane or roadway in any mine where haulage is done by machinery, and where a door is used, an extra door shall be provided to be used in case of necessity.
R.L.1910, § 3973.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-519. Mines to be kept free from gas.

All mines generating fire damp shall be kept free of standing gas in all working places and roadways. No accumulation of explosive gas shall be allowed to exist in the worked-out or abandoned parts of any mine. It shall be removed as soon as possible after its discovery, and no miners or other persons who are not employed in the removal of the dangerous accumulation, shall be allowed to remain in any mine, or part of mine, during the time that a dangerous accumulation of explosive gas is being removed from any part of the mine, and the entrance or entrances to be worked out and abandoned places shall be properly fenced off and cautionary notices shall be posted upon said fencing to warn persons of danger.
R.L.1910, § 3974.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-520. Inspection for gas.

In all mines wherein explosive gas is generated, and also in all mines where the fire damp has generated, in sufficient quantities to be detected by the ordinary safety lamp, every working place without exception, and all roadways shall be carefully examined immediately before each shift by a competent person, who shall be known as the fireboss, appointed by the superintendent and mine foreman for that purpose. The person or persons making such examination shall use no light other than that enclosed in a safety lamp while making such examination. In all cases, said examination shall be begun within the shortest possible period of time necessary to complete such inspection before the regular time appointed to commence work, but in no case shall said examination be begun more than three (3) hours prior to the appointed time of each shift in commencing work, and it shall be the duty of the said fire boss to examine for all dangers likely to be found, and after each examination to leave at the face and sides of every place so examined, evidence of his presence, and he shall at each examination, inspect the entrance, or entrances, to the worked out or abandoned parts, which are adjacent to the roadways and working places of the mines where fire damp is likely to accumulate, and in every working place and all other places where explosive gas is discovered, also where immediate danger is found to exist from other causes he shall place a danger signal across the entrance to such places, which shall be a sufficient warning for all persons not to enter said place.
R.L.1910, § 3975.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-521. Danger signals.

The fire boss shall at each entrance to the mine, or to the main intake airway, near to the mine entrance, prepare a permanent station with the proper danger signals designated as follows:
X-(DATE OF MONTH)-X
and it shall not be lawful for any person or persons, except the mine officials in cases of necessity, and such other persons as may be designated by them, to pass beyond said danger station, until the mine has been examined by the fire boss as aforesaid, and the same, or certain parts thereof, reported by him to be safe; and in all mines where operations are temporarily or indefinitely suspended, the superintendent and mine foreman shall see that a danger signal be placed at the mine entrance, or entrances, which shall be a sufficient warning to persons not to enter the mine, and if ordinary circulation of air through the mine be stopped, each entrance to said mine shall be securely fenced off and a danger signal shall be displayed upon said fence, and any workman or other person (except those persons hereinbefore provided for) passing beyond any danger signal into the mine before it has been examined and reported to be safe as aforesaid, also any person passing beyond any danger signal placed at the entrance to a working place, or any other place, in the mine without permission of the mine foreman, his assistant or his fire boss, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both such fine and imprisonment; and it shall be the duty of the fire boss, mine foreman, or superintendent to forthwith prosecute such person, or persons, before the proper legal authority, or to notify the mine inspector, who shall enter proceedings against such person.
R.L.1910, § 3976.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-522. Electric wires to be insulated.

In all mines where electricity is, used as a part of the system, power or means of mining and procuring the coal or other mineral therefrom, the owners, or operators thereof shall cause all wires conducting electricity in and about said mines, to be carefully and thoroughly insulated or protected in a safe manner, so that the persons or animals coming in contact therewith, shall not be injured; all wires as aforesaid shall either be thoroughly insulated or placed where persons employed in or about the mines cannot come in contact therewith, or shall be covered, protected or shielded in a safe manner so as to prevent any injuries or accidents therefrom to those in or about the mines.
R.L.1910, § 3977.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 45. Mines and Mining › §45-523. Machines to be shielded - Electric pumps.

In mines where mining machines are used, each machine shall be equipped and provided with a sufficient shield for the protection of those employed in or about said machines or in the use and operation thereof, and said shield shall be kept in use constantly while said machine is being operated. All electric pumps inside of the mine shall receive careful attention. While in use at a permanent pumping station, such pumps shall be placed in a fireproof shed, constructed of masonry walls.
R.L.1910, § 3978.