Part III. Ground Control—Surface and Underground
4VAC25-40-390. Stability requirements.
The operator shall use a mining method which will ensure ground, wall, bench and bank stability, including benching and sloping at the angle of repose as necessary.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.1, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-400. Open pit mine rims.
Rims of open pits shall be stripped back of loose, unconsolidated material and trees for at least 10 feet, and unconsolidated material beyond 10 feet shall be sloped to the angle of repose. Areas that were developed prior to the effective date of this chapter may be barricaded and posted with warning signs in lieu of meeting this requirement.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.2, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-410. Benches.
Benches shall be wide enough to allow safe operation and passage of equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.3, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-420. Scaling of hazardous areas.
Safe means for scaling walls, benches, banks and roofs shall be provided; hazardous areas shall be scaled before other work is performed in the area.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.4, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-430. Hazardous conditions.
No person shall work under or near hazardous walls, benches, bank or roofs. Hazardous conditions shall be corrected promptly, or the area shall be barricaded and posted with warning signs.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.5, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-440. Installation of rock bolts.
When mechanical measures, such as rock bolts, must be used to stabilize ground movement, they shall be installed in accordance with a plan approved by the director.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.6, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-450. Correction of unsafe conditions.
The certified mine foreman designated by the mine operator shall examine active workings for unsafe conditions at least at the beginning of the shift and after blasting. Any unsafe condition found shall be corrected prior to employees starting or resuming work in the area.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.7, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-460. Examination for unsafe conditions.
All personnel shall examine their active workings for unsafe conditions prior to starting work and frequently thereafter. Any unsafe condition found shall be corrected or reported to the designated certified mine foreman, or when a certified foreman is not required, a competent person.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294, and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.8, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 35, Issue 4, eff. November 30, 2018.
4VAC25-40-470. Keeping clear of equipment.
No person shall work between equipment and walls, benches, or banks if the equipment may hinder their escape from falling or sliding material.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.9, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-480. Trimming of faces.
Stockpile and muckpile faces shall be trimmed to prevent hazards to personnel.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 3.10, eff. July 19, 1989.