SECTION 45.1-161.217. Fan stoppage plan  

A fan stoppage plan shall be prepared for each mine, which plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or his designated representative. Failure to comply with requirements set forth in the approved plan will be a violation of this section. Fan stoppage plans 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 When the main fan fails or stops, the power shall be cut off from the mine and miners shall be withdrawn from the face areas.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 Miners shall be withdrawn from the underground areas if the ventilation is not restored within a reasonable time determined by the Chief, which period of time shall not exceed fifteen minutes. In determining the reasonable time period, the Chief shall consider, among other things, 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, the face areas and other areas where methane is likely to accumulate shall be examined by a certified person, and if the 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, which shall not be less than fifteen minutes. Thereafter the mine shall be examined by a certified person before miners shall be permitted underground or energizing power circuits.

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 .