SECTION 45.1-161.256. Safety examinations  

A. On-shift examinations of the work area including pit, auger, thin seam and highwall operations shall be conducted by certified persons once every production shift and at such other times or frequency as the Chief designates necessary for hazardous conditions.

B. Pre-operational examinations of all mobile equipment shall be conducted by an authorized person.

C. Pre-shift examinations shall be conducted by a certified person for certain hazardous conditions designated by the Chief.

D. Mine refuse piles shall be examined daily by an authorized person on any day on which a person works at such location.

E. The location of all natural gas pipelines on permitted surface mine areas shall be identified and conspicuously marked so that equipment operators can readily see such lines. Pre-shift examinations shall be conducted of the location of pipelines whenever the work area approaches within 500 feet unless otherwise approved by the Chief.

F. Air quality examinations shall be conducted by a certified person when a surface coal mining operation intersects an underground mine, auger hole or other underground workings.

G. Examinations for methane shall be conducted in surface installations, enclosures or other facilities in which coal is handled or stored once each production shift. Such areas shall also be tested for methane before any activity involving welding, cutting or an open flame. Examinations pursuant to this subsection shall be made by an authorized person certified to make gas tests.

H. Electrical equipment and wiring shall be inspected as often as necessary but at least once a month.

I. Fire extinguishers shall be examined at least once every six months.

J. Areas of inactive surface coal mines shall be examined for hazardous conditions by a mine foreman immediately before miners are permitted to enter into such areas to take emergency actions to preserve a mine.

Code 1950, §§ 45-32, 45-33, 45-60.4, 45-61, 45-68.1, 45-69.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-20, 45.1-42, 45.1-65; 1976, c. 598; 1978, cc. 118, 120; 1982, c. 385; 1994, c. 28 ; 1996, c. 28 ; 1999, c. 28 ; 2005, c. 28 .