SECTION 45.1-161.291. Safety precautions

A. No person shall enter an auger hole or highwall miner entry without prior approval from the Chief.

B. Auger holes and highwall miner entries shall be blocked with highwall spoil or other suitable material before abandoned.

C. Auger and highwall mining machines which are exposed to highwall and explosion hazards shall be provided with worker protection from falling material and mine explosions.

D. At least one person shall be assigned to observe the highwall for possible movement while ground personnel are working in high risk areas in close proximity to the highwall.

E. Persons shall stay clear of any moving auger or highwall miner train and no persons shall pass over or under a moving train unless adequate crossing facilities are provided.

F. The ground control plan shall specify spacing of holes, web design, and alignment control devices.

G. The ground control plan shall include other administrative, engineering, and source controls provided for safe operations.

1994, c. 28 ; 2011, cc. 28 , 28 .