SECTION 45.1-161.276. Loading and haulage work area requirements  

A. Ramps and dumps shall be of solid construction, ample width, ample clearance and head room and shall be kept reasonably free of spillage.

B. Berms or guards shall be provided on the outer bank of elevated haulage roads. Berms constructed on or after July 1, 2005, shall be constructed of substantial material to the mid-axle height of the largest vehicle regularly used on the haulage road. The width and height of the berm shall be constructed on a two-to-one ratio when constructed of unconsolidated material. Other no-less effective methods may be used for berms.

C. Berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks or similar means shall be provided to prevent overtravel and overturning at dump stations.

D. Dumping locations and haulage roads shall be kept reasonably free of water, debris and spillage. Water, debris or spilled material that creates hazards to moving equipment shall be removed.

E. Haulage roads constructed on or after July 1, 2005, shall be constructed at least one and one-half times the width of the widest equipment in use, and those haulage roads used for passing shall be constructed at least three times the width of the widest equipment in use. In areas where this may not be possible, the foreman shall establish procedures for safe travel of haulage vehicles.

F. Traffic rules, signals, and warning signs shall be standardized at each mine and posted. This shall include, but not be limited to, rules for the travel of on-road vehicles operating near off-road haulers in work areas.

G. Dumping stations where material is dumped over an embankment shall be designed to minimize backing and, where conditions permit, to provide for perpendicular travel to allow the equipment operator to observe the dumping station for changing conditions prior to backing. Reflectorized signs, strobe lights, or other available means shall be used to clearly indicate dumping locations. This subsection shall not apply to dumping stations (i) that are moved after each dumped load as mining progresses, (ii) where spotters are being used, or (iii) where loads are dumped short and pushed over the embankment. Dump stations that may interfere with haulroads or work areas below shall be clearly marked with signs to prevent further dumping, unless other effective precautions are taken to protect haulroads or work areas below the dump station.

Code 1950, § 45-85.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-36; 1978, c. 729; 1994, c. 28 ; 1996, c. 28 ; 2005, c. 28 ; 2010, cc. 28 , 28 .