reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-810. Circuit breakers and switches

A. Automatic circuit breaking devices or fuses of the correct type and capacity shall be installed so as to protect each piece of electrical equipment and each power circuit against excessive overload; however, this requirement shall not apply to any locomotive that is operated regularly on a grade that exceeds five percent. Wire or other conducting material shall not be used as a substitute for a properly designed fuse, and every circuit breaking device shall be maintained in safe operating condition.
B. An automatic circuit breaker of the correct type and capacity shall be installed on each resistance-grounded circuit used underground. Such circuit breaker shall be located at the power source and equipped with devices to provide protection against under-voltage, grounded phase, short circuit, and overcurrent.
C. Operating controls such as switches, starters, and switch buttons shall be installed so that they are readily accessible and can be operated without danger of contact with moving or electrified parts.
D. A disconnecting switch shall be installed underground in each main power circuit within approximately 500 feet of the bottom of each shaft or borehole and at any other place at which a main power circuit enters the mine.
E. Each piece of electrical equipment and each circuit shall be provided with switches or other controls of safe design, construction, and installation.
F. Insulating mats or other electrically nonconductive material shall be kept in place at each power-control switch and at any piece of stationary machinery at which a shock hazard exists.
G. Each circuit breaker, disconnecting device, and switch shall be marked for identification.
Code 1950, § 45-82.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-80; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.189; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-811. Communication systems

A. Telephone service or equivalent two-way communication facilities shall be provided between the top and each landing of each main shaft or slope. A telephone or equivalent two-way communication facility shall be located on the surface within 500 feet of each main portal and installed in either a building or a box-like structure that is designed to protect the facility from damage by inclement weather. At least one of these communication facilities shall be at a location where an authorized person who is always on duty when miners are underground can see or hear the facility and respond immediately in the event of an emergency.
B. Telephone lines, other than cables, shall be carried on insulators, installed on the opposite side from power or trolley wires, and insulated adequately where they cross power or trolley wires.
C. Lightning arrestors shall be provided at each point where a telephone circuit enters the mine and at each telephone on the surface. Where the telephone circuit enters a building or structure, a lightning arrestor is required only at the point at which the circuit enters such building or structure.
D. If a communication system other than telephones is used and its operation depends entirely upon power from the mine electric system, a means shall be provided to permit continued communication in the event the mine electric power fails or is cut off.
E. Communication systems equipped with audible and visual signals that become operative when telephone communication is being established between the phones of the communication station on the surface and the underground working sections shall be provided.
F. The Chief shall adopt regulations governing any disruption of communication in a mine.
Code 1950, § 45-82.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-81; 1978, c. 118; 1979, c. 315; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.191; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-812. Electrical equipment

A. Electrical equipment that is taken into or used inby the last open crosscut or in other than an intake airway constitutes permissible equipment.
B. Permissible equipment that is used in an area specified in subsection A shall be maintained in permissible condition.
C. No electrical equipment shall be taken into or operated in any place where a methane level of one percent or more is detected.
D. Voltage limitations for underground installations of electrical equipment using direct or alternating current shall conform to the voltages provided in 30 C.F.R. § 18.47.
E. Electrical equipment shall be classified as permissible and shall be maintained in a permissible condition when such equipment is located within 150 feet of any pillar workings or longwall face.
F. Any electrical conductors and cables installed in or inby the last open crosscut, or within 150 feet of any pillar workings or longwall face, shall be:
1. Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible longwall equipment or other equipment;
2. Interconnecting conductors and cables of permissible longwall equipment;
3. Conductors and cables of intrinsically safe circuits; or
4. Cables and conductors supplying power to low-voltage or medium-voltage permissible equipment.
G. Electrical equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition at all times while it is being used, and any unsafe condition shall be corrected promptly or the equipment shall be removed from service.
Code 1950, § 45-83; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-83; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.193; 1999, c. 256; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2015, cc. 103, 397; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-813. Trailing cables

A. Trailing cables that are used underground shall be flame-resistant.
B. Trailing cables shall be provided with suitable short-circuit protection and some means of disconnecting power from the cable. Any power connection that is made in other than an intake airway shall be by means of a permissible connector.
C. Any temporary splice in a trailing cable shall be made in a workmanlike manner and shall be mechanically strong and well insulated.
D. No more than one temporary, unvulcanized splice shall be allowed in any trailing cable.
E. Any permanent splice or repair in a trailing cable shall:
1. Be mechanically strong, with adequate electrical conductivity and flexibility;
2. Be effectively insulated and sealed so as to exclude moisture;
3. Be vulcanized or otherwise treated with suitable materials to provide flame-resistant properties and good bonding to the outer jacket; and
4. If the cable has metallic shielding around each conductor, possess new shielding that is equivalent to the original shielding.
F. Trailing cables shall be protected against mechanical damage. A trailing cable that is damaged in a manner that exposes the insulated inner power conductors shall be repaired promptly or removed from service.
Code 1950, § 45-82.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-84; 1978, c. 118; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.194; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-814. Inspection of electrical equipment and wiring; checking and testing methane monitors

A. Electrical equipment and wiring shall be inspected by a certified person at least weekly if it is located underground and at least monthly if it is located on the surface. Such equipment and wiring shall be inspected more often if doing so is necessary to ensure safe operating conditions. Any hazardous condition that is found shall be promptly corrected or the equipment or wiring shall be removed from service. Records of such inspections shall be maintained at the mine for a period of one year.
B. A functional check of methane monitors on electrical face equipment shall be conducted to determine whether such monitors are de-energizing the electrical face equipment properly. Such check shall be (i) made on each production shift, (ii) conducted by the equipment operator in the presence of a mine foreman, and (iii) recorded in the on-shift report of the mine foreman.
C. To determine the accuracy and operation of methane monitors on electrical face equipment, weekly calibration tests of such monitors shall be conducted with a known mixture of methane at the flow rate recommended by the methane monitor manufacturer. A record of the results shall be maintained.
D. Required methane monitors shall be maintained in permissible and proper operating condition.
1966, c. 594, § 45.1-85; 1978, c. 118; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.195; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-815. Repairs to circuits and electric equipment

A. No electrical work shall be performed on any low-voltage, medium-voltage, or high-voltage distribution circuit or equipment except by a certified person or a person who is trained to perform electrical work and to maintain electrical equipment and is working under the direct supervision of a certified person. Every high-voltage circuit shall be grounded before repair work is performed. Disconnecting devices shall be locked out and suitably tagged by the person who performs electrical or mechanical work on such a circuit or piece of equipment connected to such a circuit, except that where locking out is not possible, such devices shall be opened and suitably tagged by such person. Locks and tags shall be removed only by the person who installed them or, if such person is unavailable, by a certified person authorized by the operator or his agent.
B. A miner may, where necessary, repair energized trolley wires if he wears insulated shoes and lineman's gloves.
C. This section does not prohibit a certified electrical repairman from making checks on or troubleshooting energized circuits or an authorized person from performing repairs or maintenance on equipment once the power is off and the equipment is blocked against motion, except where motion is necessary to make adjustments.
Code 1950, §§ 45-82, 45-82.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-78; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.196; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-816. Underground illumination

A. Electric-light wires shall be supported by suitable insulators or installed in conduit, shall be fastened securely to the power conductors, and shall not contact any combustible material.
B. Every electric light shall be guarded and installed so that it does not contact any combustible material.
Code 1950, § 45-82.6; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-86; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.172; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-817. Inspection of electric illumination equipment

Every lamp, extension light, and permissible form of portable illumination, such as a cap lamp or flashlight, that is used for personal illumination underground shall be inspected by an authorized person at least once per week, and more often if necessary, to ensure safe operating conditions. When such equipment is located at the surface, it shall be inspected by an authorized person at least once per month, and more often if necessary, to ensure safe operating conditions. Any defect found shall be corrected.
1966, c. 594, § 45.1-85; 1978, c. 118; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.173; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-818. Firefighting equipment; fire prevention

A. Each mine shall be provided with suitable firefighting equipment that is adequate for the size of the mine.
B. The following equipment, at a minimum, shall be immediately available at each mine:
1. A water car filled with water and provided with hose and pump, or waterlines and necessary hoses;
2. At least three 20-pound dry chemical fire extinguishers;
3. Ten 50-pound bags of rock dust, which shall be made available at doors or other strategic places;
4. Bolt cutters that can be used to cut trolley wire in an emergency;
5. One pair of rubber gloves that shall be used with each pair of bolt cutters when cutting trolley wire;
6. Two sledge hammers; and
7. Five hundred square feet of brattice cloth, nails, and a hammer.
C. Clean, dry sand, rock dust, or fire extinguishers that are suitable from a toxic and shock standpoint shall be placed at each electrical station, including each substation, transformer station, and permanent pump station, so as to be out of the smoke in case of a fire in the station.
D. Suitable fire extinguishers shall be provided at each (i) electrical station, including each substation, transformer station, and permanent pump station; (ii) piece of self-propelled mobile equipment; (iii) belt head and at the inby end of each belt; (iv) area used for the storage of flammable materials; (v) fueling station; and (vi) any other area that may constitute a fire hazard, so as to be on the fresh air side in case of a fire.
E. All firefighting equipment and each fire sensor system shall be maintained in a usable and operative condition. Each chemical extinguisher shall be examined every six months and the date of the examination shall be indicated on a tag attached to each extinguisher.
F. A sufficient number of approved one-hour, self-contained, self-rescuers shall be readily available, not more than 100 feet away, for the persons involved in the moving or transporting of any piece of off-track mining equipment.
Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.200; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2015, cc. 103, 397; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-819. Duties in case of fire

A. In case of a fire, the next inby permanent stopping into the return air course shall be opened as soon as possible in order to short circuit the air and permit close access to the fire for extinguishment.
B. When a fire that could endanger persons underground cannot be extinguished immediately, such persons shall be withdrawn promptly from the mine.
C. If a fire occurs, the person discovering it and any other person in the vicinity of the fire shall make a prompt effort to extinguish it.
Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.201; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-820. Emergency response plans; list of next of kin

A. Each operator shall develop an emergency response plan for each mine. The plan shall include (i) a mine emergency communication plan, (ii) an evacuation procedure, (iii) the identification of waterlines, (iv) the number system of brattice, (v) the location of each escapeway, and (vi) such other information as the Chief reasonably requires.
B. The emergency response plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or mine inspector. The Chief may require periodic updates to an operator's emergency response plan. Such operator shall comply with the requirements of the approved plan.
C. The emergency response plan shall be posted in a conspicuous manner and location readily accessible to all miners, both underground and at the surface of the mine.
D. The operator shall train miners in the implementation of the emergency response plan and shall conduct practice drills. Records of dates and times of practice drills shall be maintained in the emergency response plan.
E. Each miner employed by the operator who goes underground, and each visitor authorized by the operator to enter the mine, shall have available an adequate supply of self-rescue devices, each of which provides at least one hour of protection and is approved by MSHA. The training related to self-rescue devices shall be included in the emergency response plan approved by the Chief.
F. The operator shall maintain a list of the next of kin of all miners employed at the mine. The list shall be kept at the mine site or at a central facility readily accessible to the mine.
Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.202; 1996, c. 774; 2006, c. 291; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-821. Reporting fires; response

In case of any unplanned fire at a mine that is not extinguished within 30 minutes of discovery, the operator shall report the fire to the Chief by the quickest available means, giving all information known to the operator. The Chief, based on such information, shall promptly go in person or dispatch a mine inspector to the scene of the fire for consultation and assistance in the extinguishment of the fire and the protection of exposed persons. In the event of a difference of opinion as to measures required, the decision of the Chief or the mine inspector shall be final. The decision of the Chief regarding measures to extinguish the fire and protect persons shall have the force of an order issued pursuant to § 45.2-569 if it is delivered to the operator in writing.
Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.203; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-823. Storage and use of flammable fluids and materials

A. Each underground storage place for oil, grease, or flammable hydraulic fluid shall be of fireproof construction.
B. Oil, grease, and flammable hydraulic fluid that is kept underground for current use shall be kept in a closed metal container.
C. Provisions shall be made to prevent an accumulation of spilled oil or grease at any such storage place or at any location at which such material is used.
D. Oily rags, oily waste, and wastepaper shall be kept in closed metal containers until it is removed for disposal.
E. No gasoline, benzene, kerosene, or other flammable oil shall be used underground in powering machinery.
F. Every oxygen or acetylene bottle that is used underground shall be secured while in use. When stored underground, each oxygen or acetylene bottle shall be placed in a safe location, protected from physical damage, stored with its cap in place where such storage is provided for on the tank, and secured upright or elevated, whichever mine heights allow.
Code 1950, §§ 45-14.1, 45-43; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-89, 45.1-90, 45.1-100; 1974, c. 323; 1978, cc. 118, 729; 1981, c. 131; 1984, c. 590, § 45.1-89, c. 639; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.205; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-824. Diesel-powered equipment

Diesel-powered equipment may be utilized underground with the written approval of the Chief. The Chief shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall require that the air in each travel way in which diesel equipment is used, and in any active workings connected thereto, be of a quality necessary for a safe, healthful working environment. The minimum quantity of ventilating air that shall be supplied for a permissible diesel machine in a given time shall conform to the quantity shown on the approval plate attached to the machine. Every diesel machine or piece of equipment shall be maintained in such manner that the exhaust emissions meet the standards to which the machine or equipment was manufactured.
Code 1950, § 45-43; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-90; 1978, c. 729; 1981, c. 131; 1984, c. 639; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.206; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-825. Arcs, sparks, and flames

A. The intentional creation of any open arc, open spark, or open flame, except as provided in subsection B, is prohibited.
B. Any underground (i) welding or cutting with arc or flame or (ii) soldering, unless conducted in a fireproof enclosure that is ventilated with intake air, shall be done by or under the direct instruction of a certified foreman or repairman. A person certified in gas detection shall test for methane before and during such welding, cutting, or soldering operation in an underground coal mine and shall make a diligent search for fire after such an operation in all parts of the mine where such operation occurred. Rock dust or a suitable fire extinguisher shall be immediately available during such welding or cutting. Any welding operation shall be performed only in a well-ventilated area.
Code 1950, §§ 45-72, 45-82.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-98; 1978, c. 729; 1993, cc. 389, 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.207; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-829. Examinations of fans

A. An authorized person shall conduct a daily inspection of each main fan and of the machinery connected with such fan. The person making the examination shall record such examination in a book prescribed for this purpose or by other adequate means provided to permanently record the performance of the main fan and to give warning of an interruption to a fan. No such daily examination is required on any day in which no person goes underground, except that the examination shall be completed prior to any person entering the mine if no examination was made on the previous day.
B. Any place ventilated by means of a blower fan shall be examined for methane by a certified person before the fan is started at the beginning of the shift and after any interruption of fan operation that lasts for five minutes or more during the shift.
C. Each blower fan and its tubing shall be inspected at least twice during each working shift by a certified person.
Code 1950, §§ 45-60.1, 45-60.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-54, 45.1-55; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.211; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-831. Notice of hazardous conditions

The mine foreman shall give prompt attention to the removal of each hazardous condition reported to him by any person working in the mine. If it is impracticable to remove a hazardous condition at once, the mine foreman shall notify every person whose safety is threatened by such hazardous condition to remain away from the portion of the mine where the hazardous condition exists.
Code 1950, §§ 45-35, 45-40; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-17; 1978, c. 729; 1993, c. 170; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.214; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-832. Notice of monitor tampering prohibition

The operator or agent shall display, in bold-faced type, on a sign placed at the mine office, at the bath house, and on a bulletin board at the mine site, the following notice:
NOTICE: IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTURB, DISCONNECT, BYPASS, IMPAIR, OR OTHERWISE TAMPER WITH METHANE MONITORS OR OTHER DEVICES CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE GASES IN AN UNDERGROUND COAL MINE. A VIOLATION IS PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS 6 FELONY.
1993, c. 247, § 45.1-65.2; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.215; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-833. Main fans

A. The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.
B. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, each fan shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, (ii) installed on the surface in a fireproof housing, and (iii) equipped with fireproof air ducts.
C. In addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either:
1. Be equipped with ample means of pressure relief and be offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or
2. Be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, such opening shall not be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur. There shall be another opening, equipped with a weak-wall stopping or with explosion doors, that is located not less than 15 feet or more than 100 feet from the fan opening and in direct line with the forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur; and
3. In a mine ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shall be installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through the fan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close.
D. Each main mine fan shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarm when the fan slows down or stops. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such device shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by an authorized person.
E. Each main fan shall be on a separate power circuit, independent of the mine circuit.
F. The area surrounding a main fan installation shall be kept free of combustible material for at least 100 feet in every direction where physical conditions permit.
G. Each mine fan shall be operated continuously except when no miner is underground and such mine fan is intentionally stopped for necessary testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, or as otherwise approved by the Chief. If the main fan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stopped after all miners are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a period specified in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine, prepared pursuant to § 45.2-834, before any miner is allowed underground.
H. Where electric power is available, no main mine fan shall be powered by means of an internal combustion engine. However, if electric power is not available or the fan is employed for emergency use, a main mine fan may be powered with an internal combustion engine. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such fan shall be operated exhausting and the engine operating such fan shall be offset at least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproof structure.
Code 1950, § 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-54; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.216; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-834. Fan stoppage plan

A fan stoppage plan shall be prepared for each mine. Such plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or his designated representative. Failure to comply with any requirement set forth in the approved plan is a violation of this section. Each fan stoppage plan shall require the following:
1. When the main fan fails or stops, the power shall be cut off from the mine and miners shall be withdrawn from all face areas.
2. Miners shall be withdrawn from the underground areas if the ventilation is not restored within a reasonable time determined by the Chief, not to exceed 15 minutes. In determining such reasonable time period, the Chief shall consider, among other factors, the size and number of fans and the methane liberation rate of the mine.
3. If ventilation is restored within the time period established in the plan, each face area and any other area in which methane is likely to accumulate shall be examined by a certified person, and if all areas are found to be free of explosive or harmful gases, power may be restored and work resumed.
4. If ventilation is not restored within the time period established in the plan and the miners are evacuated from the mine, the main fan shall be operated for a period of time specified in the plan. Such period of time shall not be less than 15 minutes. Thereafter, the mine shall be examined by a certified person before any miner is permitted underground or any power circuit is energized.
Code 1950, § 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-54; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.217; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-835. Auxiliary fans

A. The installation or use of an auxiliary fan in any mine is prohibited without the prior written approval of the Chief.
B. A machine-mounted scrubber and spray fan system may be used for control of coal dust and enhancement of ventilation. Such an installation is not considered an auxiliary fan.
Code 1950, § 45-60.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-55; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.218; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-836. Quantity of air

A. The quantity of air passing through the last open crosscut shall be at least 9,000 cubic feet per minute. However, the quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in a pillar-recovery section may be less than 9,000 cubic feet per minute if at least 9,000 cubic feet of air per minute is being delivered to the intake end of the pillar line.
B. The air current at a working face shall, under all conditions, have a sufficient volume and velocity to readily dilute and carry away smoke from blasting and any flammable or harmful gases and dust.
C. In a longwall or shortwall mining system:
1. The quantity of air shall be at least 30,000 cubic feet per minute reaching the working face, unless otherwise approved by the Chief; and
2. The velocity of air provided to control dust at designated locations on the longwall or shortwall face shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of the mine ventilation plan approved by MSHA.
D. Ventilation shall be maintained during the installation or removal of mechanized mining equipment.
Code 1950, §§ 45-4.1, 45-9, 45-12, 45-60.4, 45-74; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-5, 45.1-56; 1968, c. 310; 1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 120; 1984, c. 236; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 470; 1990, c. 963; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.219; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-837. Bleeder systems

A. Every mine shall have a system, approved by the Chief, of bleeder openings of air courses designed to provide positive movement of air through or around worked-out areas. Such system shall be sufficient to prevent a hazardous accumulation of gas in any such area and to minimize the effect of variations in atmospheric pressure. Each operator shall submit a bleeder system plan that complies with requirements developed by the Chief.
B. The system requirements developed by the Chief shall, at a minimum, address standards for (i) supplemental roof supports, (ii) water accumulation, (iii) continuous movement of gases from gob areas, (iv) methane content, (v) the use and operation of degasification systems, (vi) air flow direction and content, and (vii) ventilation controls. The Chief shall not approve a plan that provides for a methane content exceeding 4.5 percent in bleeder air courses.
C. This section shall not prohibit the sealing of worked-out areas in accordance with § 45.2-845. The mine map requirements of § 45.2-542 may be used to depict bleeder system standards specified in this section.
D. Failure to comply with an approved plan is a violation of this section.
Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-56; 1968, c. 310; 1978, c. 120; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.220; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-838. Coursing of air

A. The main intake and return air currents of a drift or slope mine shall not be in a single partitioned opening.
B. Every entry driven in coal shall be in a set of two or more entries.
C. Every transformer station, battery-charging station, substation, rectifier, and water pump shall be housed in an incombustible structure or area or be equipped with an approved fire suppression system. Each such installation shall be ventilated with intake air that is coursed into a return air course or to the surface and that is not used to ventilate any working place. This requirement does not apply to any (i) rectifier, battery-charging station, or power center with transformers that are of the dry type or contain nonflammable liquid, if such rectifier, battery-charging station, or power center is located at or near the working section and is moved as the working section advances or retreats; (ii) submersible pump; (iii) permissible pump and associated permissible switch gear; (iv) pump located at or near the working section that is moved as the working section advances or retreats; or (v) small portable pump. Such equipment shall be installed and operated only in a well-ventilated location.
D. Any change in ventilation that materially affects the main air current or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is not in operation and there are no miners in the mine other than those engaged in changing the ventilation.
E. Each section in a mine shall be ventilated by a separate split of air.
F. Air used to ventilate a belt haulage entry shall not be used to ventilate any working place unless approved by the Chief.
Code 1950, §§ 45-60.4, 45-71; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-57; 1978, c. 120; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.221; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-840. Crosscuts

A. Crosscuts shall be made between entries and between rooms as provided in the approved roof control plan.
B. Every crosscut between an intake and a return air course shall be closed, except the one nearest the face. A crosscut between rooms shall be closed where necessary to provide adequate ventilation at the working face.
C. Where practicable, a crosscut shall be provided at or near the face of each entry or room before the place is abandoned.
D. No entry or room shall be started off an entry beyond the last open crosscut.
Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-59; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.223; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-841. Permanent stoppings

A. Permanent stoppings shall be built and maintained:
1. Between each intake and return air course, except that temporary controls may be used in any room that is located 600 feet or less from the centerline of the entry from which the room was developed. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such stoppings shall be maintained to and inclusive of the third connecting crosscut outby the working face.
2. To separate each belt conveyor haulage entry from any return air course, except where a belt entry is used as a return air course.
3. To separate the primary escapeway from any belt or trolley haulage entry, unless otherwise approved by the Chief.
4. In each return air course to direct air into adjacent worked-out areas.
B. Permanent stoppings shall be built of substantial, incombustible material such as concrete, concrete block, brick, tile, or other approved material; however, where physical conditions prohibit the use of such materials, timbers laid longitudinally "skin to skin" may be used.
C. The use of an air lock in the permanent intake stopping line near the section loading point is permitted to access the belt and transport supplies.
D. Stoppings shall be maintained to serve the purpose for which they were built and shall be reasonably airtight.
Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-59; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.224; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-842. Ventilation controls

A. Ventilation shall be so arranged by means of air locks, overcasts, or undercasts that the passage of a haulage trip or person along the entries will cause no interruption of the air current. Each air lock shall be ventilated sufficiently to prevent an accumulation of methane therein.
B. Air lock doors that are used in lieu of permanent stoppings or to control ventilation within an air course shall be (i) made of incombustible material or coated on all accessible surfaces with flame-retardant material having a flame spread index of 25 or less as tested under ASTM E162 and (ii) of sufficient strength to serve their intended purpose of maintaining separation and permitting travel between or within air courses or entries.
C. To provide easy access between the return, belt, and intake escapeway entries, substantially constructed man-doors that are properly marked so as to be readily detected shall be installed in at least every fifth crosscut in the stopping line separating such entries.
D. Doors shall be kept closed except when a miner or piece of equipment is passing through the doorway. Any motor crew or other miner who opens such doors shall see that they are closed before leaving them.
E. Overcasts, undercasts, and regulators shall be well-constructed; of incombustible material, such as masonry, concrete, concrete block, or prefabricated metal; and (i) of sufficient strength to withstand possible falls from the roof, (ii) of ample area to pass the required quantity of air, and (iii) kept clear of obstructions.
Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-60; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.225; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-843. Line brattice

A. Substantially constructed line brattice shall be used from the last open crosscut of an entry or room when necessary to provide adequate ventilation for the miners and to remove gases. Any line brattice that is damaged by a fall or otherwise shall be repaired promptly.
B. The space between the line brattice and the rib shall be large enough to permit the flow of a sufficient volume of air to keep the working face clear of flammable and noxious gases.
C. Brattice cloth that is used underground shall be of flame-resistant material.
D. An accumulation of methane shall be moved only by means of properly installed line brattice or other approved method.
Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-61; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.226; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-844. Ventilation with air from certain areas

Active face workings shall not be ventilated with air that has passed through a worked-out area or has been used to ventilate a pillar line. This section shall not apply to air that is being used to ventilate an active pillar line or a room that is necessary to establish and maintain such pillar line.
Code 1950, § 45-60.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-62; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.227; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-845. Worked-out areas

A. Every worked-out area shall be either sealed or ventilated.
B. Where the practice is to seal worked-out areas, the sealing shall be done in accordance with sealing provisions of the approved bleeder plan.
Code 1950, § 45-60.5; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-62; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.228; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-846. Air quality

A. All active workings shall be ventilated by a current of air containing at least 19.5 percent by volume of oxygen and no harmful amount of any noxious or poisonous gas.
B. The volume and velocity of the current of air in all active workings shall be sufficient to dilute, render harmless, and carry away flammable, explosive, noxious, and harmful gases, dust, smoke, and explosive fumes.
Code 1950, § 45-60.3; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-63; 1968, c. 310; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.229; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-847. Examination of mine for explosive gas and other hazardous conditions

A. Every certified person whose regular duties require him to inspect working places in any mine for hazardous conditions shall have in his possession and shall use, when underground, a permissible methane detector or other permissible device capable of detecting methane and oxygen deficiency.
B. A sufficient number of permissible methane detectors or other permissible devices capable of detecting methane shall be kept at each mine inby the last open crosscut. Every miner shall be trained in the operation of such devices. Every miner working inby the last open crosscut shall be certified by the Board of Coal Mining Examiners pursuant to § 45.2-520 to conduct gas testing.
C. Every methane detector shall be maintained in permissible condition. Every methane detector shall be calibrated at least monthly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. A record of such calibration shall be made in a book for this purpose kept at a surface location at the mine and maintained for one year.
Code 1950, §§ 45-32, 45-33, 45-60.4, 45-68.1, 45-69.7, 45-85.6; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-35, 45.1-65; 1978, cc. 118, 120; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.231; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-848. Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty

A. No person shall intentionally disturb, disconnect, bypass, impair, or otherwise tamper with any methane monitor or other device that is capable of detecting the presence of explosive gas and is used in an underground coal mine. If such methane monitor or device is installed on a face cutting machine, a continuous miner, longwall face equipment, a loading machine, or other mechanized equipment used to extract or load coal, as required pursuant to 30 C.F.R. Part 75.342, and such monitor, device, or equipment malfunctions, it may be disconnected or bypassed for the purpose of removing it or the equipment in order to make necessary repairs to it or the equipment. Any methane monitor or device not otherwise required by law may be disconnected, bypassed, or removed.
B. Violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.
1993, c. 247, § 45.1-65.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.232; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-849. Allowing persons to work in mine where methane monitoring equipment disconnected; penalty

No operator, agent, or mine foreman shall knowingly permit any miner to work in any area of an underground coal mine where such operator, agent, or mine foreman has knowledge that a methane monitor or other device capable of detecting the presence of explosive gas has been impaired, disturbed, disconnected, or bypassed in violation of § 45.2-848. Violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.
1993, c. 247, § 45.1-30.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.233; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-850. Intentionally bypassing a safety device; prohibition

A. No person shall intentionally bypass, bridge, or otherwise impair an electrical or hydraulic circuit that affects the safe operation of electrical or mechanical equipment.
B. The provisions of subsection A shall not prohibit (i) a certified electrical repairman from bypassing an energized circuit for troubleshooting; (ii) an authorized person from performing repairs or maintenance on equipment once the power is off and the equipment is blocked against motion, except where motion is necessary to make adjustment or to move the equipment to a safe location; (iii) an authorized person from bypassing a hydraulic circuit for the purpose of troubleshooting or moving equipment to a safe location in order to make necessary repairs or take such equipment out of service; or (iv) an authorized person from activating an override feature that is designed by the machine manufacturer to allow such machine to be moved to a safe location in order to undergo necessary repairs or be taken out of service.
2005, c. 3, § 45.1-161.233:1; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy › Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc › § 45.2-851. Control of coal dust

A. Coal dust shall not be permitted to accumulate excessively in any part of the active areas, including any active workings that are soon to be worked-out.
B. Where an underground mining operation creates or raises an excessive amount of coal dust into the air, any coal dust on the ribs, roof, or floor shall undergo an application of water or water with a wetting agent added to it or another effective method, approved by the Chief or his authorized representative, of controlling dust to reduce dispersibility and minimize the risk of explosion. Such application or method shall occur within 40 feet of any active workings or such other area as the Chief or his authorized representative requires.
Code 1950, § 45-77.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-66; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.234; 1996, c. 774; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.