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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 25. Department of Energy
Chapter 90. Regulations Governing the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines
12/22/2024

4VAC25-90-100. Fuel use, storage, and handling.

A. Unless otherwise approved, fuel taken underground shall be transported in metal containers that have self-closing devices.

B. Fuel taken underground and awaiting transfer to diesel-powered equipment fuel tanks shall be stored in a closed compartment or container constructed of incombustible material and shall be kept in a well-ventilated location until placed in the fuel tank.

C. Fuel shall be transferred from the storage compartment to a fuel tank through a flexible hose that is fitted with a self-closing valve. This does not apply to portable containers of five gallons or less.

D. The fuel handling system and the diesel-powered equipment shall be frame grounded so that a difference in potential does not exist when fuel is being transferred from the storage compartment to the fuel tank. This does not apply to portable containers of five gallons or less.

E. The air vents on fuel handling equipment shall be flameproof. This does not apply to portable containers of five gallons or less.

F. When fuel is being transferred from a storage compartment to the diesel equipment fuel tank, the engine shall be stopped.

G. A supply of sand or other suitable incombustible material for absorbing spilled fuel shall be available during the transfer of fuel from a storage compartment to the diesel equipment fuel tank. Fuel spilled shall be cleaned up immediately.

H. In order to prevent unintentional opening, all drain plugs in the fuel handling system shall be threaded, sealed, locked, and protected in the closed position.

I. During fuel handling operations, precautions shall be taken to keep the fuel clean and free from contamination by foreign material such as dirt, sediment and water.

J. Diesel fuel storage and handling in a working section shall comply with the following:

1. Underground storage areas that exceed 100 gallons shall be vented with intake air that is coursed into a return air course or to the surface and not used to ventilate working places.

2. At least one 20-pound approved ABC type fire extinguisher and no less than 200 pounds of rock dust per 100 gallons of fuel storage shall be maintained at the designated underground mine storage area.

3. Only one temporary underground diesel fuel storage area is permitted for each working section or in each area of the mine where equipment is being installed or removed. Temporary storage areas must be located within 500 feet of the current loading point, the projected loading point where equipment is being installed, or the last loading point where equipment is being removed.

K. Temporary and permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities must be:

1. At least 100 feet from shafts, slopes, shops, or explosive magazines;

2. At least 25 feet from trolley wires, power cables, or electrical equipment not necessary for the operation of the storage facilities or areas; and

3. In a location protected from hazards of other mobile equipment.

Storage underground shall be limited to a typical 48-hour supply not to exceed 1,000 gallons.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.106 and 45.1-161.206 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 20, eff. July 18, 2001.

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