West Virginia Code of State Rules › Agency 56 - Miners' Health, Safety And Training › Title 56 - LEGISLATIVE RULE OFFICE OF MINERS' HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING › Series 56-20 - Rules Governing the Safety of Those Employed In and Around Quarries in West Virginia › Section 56-20-10 - Escapeways and Refuges

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 28, July 12, 2024
10.1. Escapeways. - Underground
				Only.
10.1.a. Every mine shall have
				two (2) or more separate, properly maintained escapeways to the
				surface. A method of refuge shall be provided while a second opening
				to the surface is being developed. A second escapeway is recommended,
				but not required, during the exploration or development of an ore
				body.
10.1.b. In addition
				to separate escapeways, a method of refuge shall be provided for
				every employee who cannot reach the surface from his working place
				through at least two (2) separate escapeways within a time limit of
				one (1) hour when using the normal exit method. These refuges must be
				positioned so that the employee can reach one of them within thirty
				(30) minutes from the time he/she leaves his/her workplace.
10.1.c. Communication
				with refuge chambers. Telephone or other voice communication shall be
				provided between the surface and refuge chambers and such systems
				shall be independent of the mine power supply.
10.1.d. Escapeways.
10.1.d.1. Escape routes shall be:
10.1.d.1.A. Inspected at regular
				intervals and maintained in a safe, travelable condition;
10.1.d.1.B. Marked with conspicuous
				and easily read direction signs that clearly indicate the ways of
				escape.
10.1.e. Escape and evacuation
				plans. A specific escape and evacuation plan and revisions thereof
				suitable to the conditions and mining system of the mine and showing
				assigned responsibilities of all key personnel in the event of an
				emergency shall be developed by the operator and set out in written
				form. Within forty-five (45) calendar days after promulgation of this
				rule, a copy of the plan and revisions thereof shall be available to
				an authorized representative of the Director. Also, copies of the
				plan and revisions thereof shall be posted at locations convenient to
				all persons on the surface and underground. Such a plan shall be
				updated as necessary and reviewed with employees.
10.1.e.1. The plan shall include:
10.1.e.1.A. Mine maps or diagrams
				showing directions of principal air flow, location of escape routes
				and locations of existing telephones, primary fans, primary fan
				controls, fire doors, ventilation doors, and refuge chambers.
				Appropriate portions of such maps or diagrams shall be posted at all
				shaft stations and in underground shops, lunchrooms, and elsewhere in
				working areas where persons congregate;
10.1.e.1.B. Procedures to show how
				the miners will be notified of emergency,
10.1.e.1.C. An escape plan for each
				working area in the mine to include instructions showing how each
				working area should be evacuated. Each such plan shall be posted at
				appropriate shaft stations and elsewhere in working areas where
				persons congregate;
10.1.e.1.D. A fire fighting
				plan;
10.1.e.1.E. Surface
				procedure to follow in an emergency, including the notification of
				proper authorities, preparing rescue equipment, and other equipment
				which maybe used in rescue and recovery operations; and
10.1.e.1.F. A statement of the
				availability of emergency communication and transportation
				facilities, emergency power and ventilation and location of rescue
				personnel and equipment.
10.1.f. Check-in, check-out system.
10.1.f.1. Each operator of an
				underground mine shall establish a check-in and checkout system which
				shall provide an accurate record of persons in the mine. These
				records shall be kept on the surface in a place chosen to minimize
				the danger of destruction by fire or other hazards. Every person
				underground shall carry a positive means of being identified.
10.1.g.
				Provisions and maintenance of self-rescue devices.
10.1.g.1. A one-hour self-rescue
				device approved by MSHA and the National Institute for Occupational
				Safety and Health (NIOSH) shall be made available by the operator to
				all personnel underground. Each operator shall maintain self-rescue
				devices in good condition.
10.1.h. Location of self-rescue
				devices.
10.1.h.1. Self-rescue
				devices shall be worn or carried by all persons underground except:
10.1.h.1.A. Where the wearing or
				carrying of self-rescue devices is hazardous to a person, such
				self-rescue devices shall be located at a distance no greater than
				twenty-five (25) feet from such person.
10.1.h.1.B. Where a person works on
				or around mobile equipment, self-rescue devices may be placed in a
				readily accessible location on such
				equipment.
10.1.i. Two-way communication
				equipment for underground operations.
10.1.i.1. Telephones or other
				two-way communication equipment with instructions for their use shall
				be provided for communication from underground operations to the
				surface.