Part XV. Safety and Health Regulations—Underground Only
Article 1
Ground Control
4VAC25-40-2770. Ground support.
A. Upon encountering suspected hazardous geological conditions, the operator shall suspend mining activities in the area until a ground control plan has been approved by the director.
B. Ground support shall be used if the operating experience of the mine, or any particular area of the mine, indicates that it is required. If it is required, support, including timbering, rock bolting, or other methods shall be consistent with the nature of the ground and the mining method used. Also see 4VAC25-40-440.
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 § 15.1, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2780. Loose ground.
Persons shall be trained in the proper methods of testing for, taking down, and supporting loose ground.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.2, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2790. Inspection of work area.
Miners shall examine and test, where possible, the back, face, and ribs of their working areas, visually and by sounding, at the beginning of each shift and frequently thereafter. Competent persons shall examine the ground conditions during daily visits to ensure that proper testing and ground control practices are being followed. Loose ground shall be taken down or adequately supported before any other work is done. Ground conditions along haulageways and travelways shall be examined periodically and scaled or supported 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 § 15.3, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-2800. Scaling bar to be provided.
A scaling bar of proper length and design shall be provided where manual scaling may be required. Picks or other short tools shall not be used for scaling when this use places the user in danger from falling 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 § 15.4, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-2810. Timbers to be blocked or wedged.
Timbers used for support of ground in active working areas shall be blocked or wedged tightly. Loosened or dislodged timbers shall be promptly repaired or replaced.
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 § 15.5, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2820. Installation of ground support in shafts.
When necessary, permanent or temporary ground support shall be installed near enough to the bottom of the shaft during shaft sinking to prevent falls of rocks from the sides of the shaft.
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 § 15.6, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2830. Shaft pillars.
Shaft pillars shall have sufficient strength to protect operating shafts.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.7, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2840. Rock-bolt installations.
Rock-bolt installations, where needed, shall be installed in a manner to provide safe and effective ground support as soon as possible after an area is exposed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.8, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2850. Acceptable rock-bolting materials.
Only rock-bolting materials acceptable to the MSHA or other approved agency shall be used.
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 § 15.9, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2860. Rock-bolt hole drill bits.
Rock-bolt hole drill bits shall be easily identifiable by sight or feel and diameters shall be within a tolerance of 0.030 inches of the manufacturer's recommended hole diameter for the anchor used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.10, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2870. Rock-bolt torque tests.
Rock bolts used as a means of ground support and which require torquing shall be torqued to a value within the range determined from information obtained by tests in the strata in which the rock-bolt assembly is used. In no case shall the applied torque cause a bolt tension that would exceed the yield point or anchorage capacity of the rock-bolt assembly being used.
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 § 15.11, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2880. Rock-bolt anchorage tests.
When rock bolts are used as a means of ground support, anchorage test procedures shall be established and tests shall be conducted to determine the anchorage capacity of rock-bolt installations. The results shall be in writing and made available to the director or his duly authorized representative.
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 § 15.12, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2890. Torque test requirements.
When installing point-anchor rock bolts:
1. A torque test shall be conducted on at least every fourth installed bolt;
2. Torque testing shall be conducted immediately after bolt installation;
3. If the recommended torque has not been achieved, the equipment used to install the bolt shall be adjusted and the next bolt installed shall then be tested; and
4. If the recommended torque has not been achieved on the majority of bolts installed in a working place through equipment adjustment, supplemental support equivalent to longer roof bolts with adequate anchorage, steel or wood sets, or cribs shall be installed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.13, eff. July 19, 1989.
Article 2
Fire Prevention and Control
4VAC25-40-2900. Accumulation of flammable materials.
All flammable and combustible waste materials, grease, lubricants or flammable liquids shall not be allowed to accumulate where they can create a fire hazard.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.14, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2910. Fire alarm systems.
Fire alarm systems adequate to warn all employees shall be provided and maintained in operating condition.
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 § 15.15, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2915. No smoking near flammable materials.
Signs shall be posted which prohibit smoking or an open flame within 25 feet of places where flammable materials are stored.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2920. Use of flammable materials underground.
No gasoline, benzene, kerosene, or other flammable petroleum products shall be used in powering machinery underground without prior approval of 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 § 15.16, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2930. Use of liquefied petroleum gases.
The use of liquefied petroleum gases shall be limited to maintenance work.
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 § 15.17, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-2940. Underground storage of petroleum products.
Oil, grease, or diesel fuel stored underground shall be kept in suitable tightly sealed containers in fire-resistant areas, at safe distances from explosives, magazines, electrical installations, and shaft stations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.18, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2950. Where transformer stations and other rooms to be placed.
Transformer stations, pump rooms, compressor rooms, and similar installations shall be in fire-resistant areas.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.19, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2960. Oil or fuel storage areas.
Oil or fuel storage areas shall not be located in main ventilation airways.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.20, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2970. Trailing cables.
Trailing cables shall be fire-resistant.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.21, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-2980. Open flame restrictions.
Fires shall not be built underground; open flame torches shall be attended at all times while lit.
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 § 15.22, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-2990. When power circuits to be de-energized.
Power circuits shall be de-energized in all areas on idle shifts or idle days, except where power is required. Circuits which remain energized shall be protected by fuses or circuit breakers of the correct type and capacity consistent with the power load on such idle shifts or idle days.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.23, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3000. Fire doors to be provided.
A. Fire doors shall be provided at shaft stations or other appropriate locations where necessary to prevent the spread of smoke or gas; the doors shall be equipped with latches operable from both sides. To confine or prevent the spread of toxic gases from a fire originating in an underground shop where maintenance work is routinely done on mobile equipment, one of the following measures shall be taken:
1. Use of control doors or bulkheads;
2. Routing of the mine shop air directly to an exhaust system;
3. Reversal of mechanical ventilation; or
4. Use of an automatic fire suppression system in conjunction with an alternate escape route.
The alternative used shall at all times provide at least the same degree of safety as control doors or bulkheads.
B. If used as an alternative, control doors and bulkheads shall:
1. Be constructed to serve as a barrier to fire, the effects of fire, and air leakage at each opening to the shop; and
2. Be constructed and maintained as follows:
a. So that, once closed, it will not reopen as a result of a differential in air pressure;
b. So that it can be opened from either side by one person or be provided with a personnel door that can be opened from either side;
c. To be clear of obstruction;
d. Provided with a means of remote or automatic closure unless a person specifically designated to close the door in the event of a fire can reach the door within three minutes;
e. If located 20 feet or more from exposed timber or other combustible material, the control doors or bulkheads shall provide protection at least equivalent to a door constructed of no less than one-quarter inch of plate steel with channel or angle-iron reinforcement to minimize warpage. The framework assembly of the door and the surrounding bulkhead, if any, shall be at least equivalent to the door in fire and air-leakage resistance and in physical strength; and
f. If located less than 20 feet from exposed timber or other combustibles, the control door or bulkhead shall provide protection at least equivalent to a door constructed of two layers of wood, each a minimum of three quarters of an inch in thickness. The wood grain of one layer shall be perpendicular to the wood grain of the other layer. The wood construction shall be covered on all sides and edges with no less than 24-gauge sheet steel. The framework assembly of the door and the surrounding bulkhead, if any, shall be at least equivalent to the door in fire and air-leakage resistance and in physical strength. Roll down steel doors with a fire resistance rating of 1-1/2 hours or greater, but without an insulation core, are acceptable, provided that an automatic sprinkler or deluge system is installed that provides even coverage of the door on both sides.
C. If routing of mine shop air to exhaust system is used as an alternative, routing the mine shop exhaust air directly to an exhaust system shall be done so that no person would be exposed to toxic gases in the event of a shop fire.
D. If mechanical ventilation is used as an alternative, reversal of mechanical ventilation shall be accomplished by a main fan. If the main fan is located underground:
1. The cable or conductors supplying power to the fan shall be routed through areas free of fire hazards; or
2. The main fan shall be equipped with a second, independent power cable or set of conductors from the surface. The power cable or conductors shall be located so that an underground fire disrupting power in one cable or set of conductors will not affect the other; or
3. A second fan capable of accomplishing ventilation reversal shall be available for use in the event of failure of the main fan; and
4. The mechanical ventilation shall provide rapid air reversal that allows persons underground time to exit in fresh air by the second escapeway or find a place of refuge and be done according to predetermined conditions and procedures.
E. If automatic fire suppression system and escape route is used as an alternative, the automatic fire suppression system and alternate escape route shall:
1. Be located in the shop area;
2. Be of the appropriate size and type for the particular fire hazards involved;
3. Be inspected at weekly intervals and properly maintained; and
4. In the case of the escape route, bypass the shop area so that the route will not be affected by a fire in the shop 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 § 15.24, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3010. Timbered mine entrances.
Timbered mine entrances shall be fire resistant for at least 200 feet inside the mine portal or collar or provided with fire protection adequate to control a fire for at least 200 feet inside the mine portal or collar.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.25, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3020. Waterline outlets.
Waterline outlets, if required, shall be located so as to be accessible if a fire is at stations or storage areas.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.26, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3030. Welding or cutting near combustible materials.
When welding or cutting near combustible material, the surrounding area shall, if practical, be wet down thoroughly before and after work is done. A fire patrol of the area shall be maintained afterward for so long as necessary to ensure that no danger of fire exists as determined by a responsible supervisor. In addition, when welding or cutting in shafts, winzes or raises, barriers, bulkheads or other protective measures shall be used to prevent injury to anyone working or traveling below.
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 § 15.27, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3040. Fire protection at conveyor pulleys.
Adequate fire extinguishers or equivalent fire protection shall be provided at the head, tail, and drive pulleys of belt conveyors and at suitable intervals along the belt line.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.28, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3050. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.29, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3060. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.30, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3070. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.31, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3080. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.32, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3090. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.33, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3100. Firefighting personnel.
Only trained mine rescue persons shall participate in firefighting operations in advance of the fresh air base.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.34, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3110. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.35, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3120. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.36, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3130. Conveyor switches.
Belt conveyors shall be equipped with slippage and sequence switches.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.37, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3140. Stationary diesel equipment installation.
Stationary diesel equipment shall not be supported on a combustible base.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.38, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3150. Stationary diesel equipment sensors.
Stationary diesel equipment shall be provided with a thermal sensor which automatically stops the diesel engine should overheating occur.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.39, eff. July 19, 1989.
Article 3
Air Quality, Radiation and Physical Agents
4VAC25-40-3160. Oxygen content in mines.
Air in all active areas shall contain at least 19.5% volume oxygen as measured by an acceptable oxygen analyzer.
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 § 15.40, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3170. Ventilation.
Main fans shall be installed on the surface; if it is necessary to locate them underground, they shall be in fire-resistant areas and shall be provided with remote controls.
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 § 15.41, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3180. Fan housings and air ducts.
Fan housings and air ducts connecting main fans to underground openings shall be fire resistant.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.42, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3190. Air intakes and returns.
Separate mine openings shall be provided for main intake and return air currents except during early stages of development. A multiple compartment shaft is a single opening for the purpose of this standard.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 5.43, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3200. Air current effectiveness.
The air current passing through the mine shall have a sufficient volume and velocity to dilute or remove dangerous amounts of noxious impurities and explosive gases.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.44, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3210. Fan maintenance.
Main fans shall be inspected and maintained properly.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.45, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3220. Mine atmosphere test instruments.
Instruments shall be provided to test the mine atmosphere quantitatively for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other gases that occur in the mine. Tests shall be conducted as frequently as necessary by the operator to ensure that the required quality of air is maintained.
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 § 15.46, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3230. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.47, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3240. Access to inadequately ventilated areas.
Access to inadequately ventilated areas shall be sealed, or barricaded and posted against entry.
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 § 15.48, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3250. Installation of ventilation tubing.
When used, ventilation tubing shall be installed so that the air current sweeps the face areas effectively. Maximum distance of the end of the tubing from the face generally shall be 30 feet for blowing and six feet for exhausting.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.49, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3260. Ventilation door operation.
Ventilation doors not operated mechanically shall be designed and installed so that they are self-closing and will remain closed regardless of the direction of the air movement.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.50, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3270. Requirements for ventilation doors.
Ventilation doors shall be:
1. Substantially constructed;
2. Covered with fire-retardant material, if constructed of wood;
3. Maintained in good condition;
4. Self-closing, if manually operated; and
5. Equipped with audible or visual warning devices, if mechanically operated.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.51, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3280. Ventilation door closing.
When ventilation control doors are opened as a part of the normal mining cycle, they shall be closed as soon as possible to reestablish normal ventilation to active areas.
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 § 15.52, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3290. Sampling for radon gas.
Mine atmospheres shall be sampled to determine if hazardous concentrations of radon gas are present. Where potentially hazardous concentrations are found, or known sources of radon exist, each active area shall be sampled as often as necessary by 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 § 15.53, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3300. Maximum annual exposure.
No person shall be permitted to receive an exposure to radon gas in excess of four working level months in any calendar year.
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 § 15.54, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3310. Maximum concentrations.
Persons shall not be exposed to air containing concentrations of radon gas exceeding 1.0 working level in active areas.
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 § 15.55, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3320. Changes in permissible exposures.
If levels of permissible exposures to concentrations of radon gas differ from those prescribed in this chapter are recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the President of the United States, no employee shall be permitted to receive exposures in excess of those levels after the effective dates established 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 § 15.56, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
Article 4
Explosives
4VAC25-40-3325. Storage and use of explosives.
See 4VAC25-40-3475 on gassy mines for blasting requirements.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3328. Certified underground blaster.
A certified underground blaster shall be in direct charge of all blasting activities and shall fire all shots.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294, and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 4, eff. November 30, 2018.
4VAC25-40-3330. Construction of underground storage magazines.
Main storage magazines used to store explosives or detonators near working faces shall be constructed with only nonsparking material inside and equipped with covers or doors and shall be located out of the line of blasts, 25 feet from roadways, power lines and in a reasonably dry place protected from roof and rib falls.
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 § 15.57, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3340. Use of storage magazines.
Box-type, main storage magazines shall be used to store detonators or explosives other than blasting agents near working faces and shall be located not less than 50 feet from the face.
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 § 15.58, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3350. Day-box magazines.
A. Day boxes shall be suitably labeled.
B. Contents not used during the shift shall be returned to the main magazine at the end of each shift.
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 § 15.59, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3360. Detonator-storage magazines.
Detonator-storage magazines shall be of the same construction as explosive-storage magazines and shall be separated by at least 25 feet from explosive-storage magazines.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.60, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3370. Notification of hoisting personnel.
Persons assigned to and responsible for hoisting shall be notified whenever explosives or detonators are being transported in a shaft conveyance.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.61, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3380. When hoisting to be stopped.
Hoisting in adjacent shaft compartments shall be stopped when explosives or detonators are being handled.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.62, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3390. Attending vehicles loaded with explosives.
Vehicles shall be attended, whenever practical and possible, while loaded with explosives or detonators.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.63, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3400. Cars containing explosives to be pulled.
Cars containing explosives or detonators shall be pulled, except when hand-trammed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.64, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3410. Warning of blasting.
Ample warning shall be given before blasts are fired. All persons shall be cleared and removed from areas endangered by the blast. Clear access to exits shall be provided for personnel firing the rounds.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.65, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3420. Leaving blasting area; reentering blasting area.
A. In areas where dangerous accumulations of water, gas or mud could be encountered, persons shall be removed to safe places before blasting.
B. Blasting areas shall not be reentered after firing for a minimum time limit of 30 minutes and not until the concentration of smoke, dust, and fumes has been reduced to safe limits.
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 § 15.66, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3430. Misfires to be reported.
Misfires shall be reported to the certified foreman. The blast area shall be barricaded and posted with warning signs until the misfire has been disposed of by a certified underground blaster.
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 § 15.67, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3440. Secondary blasting.
In secondary blasting, if more than one shot is to be fired at one time, blasting shall be done electrically or with detonating cord.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.68, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3450. Isolating explosives from static electricity.
Explosives, detonators, and blasting lines shall be isolated from sources of static electricity and stray currents and from extraneous sources.
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 § 15.69, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3460. Electric blasting.
Where electric blasting is to be performed, electric circuits and equipment in the immediate area to be blasted shall be de-energized before explosives or detonators are brought into the area; the power shall not be turned on again until after the shots are fired.
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 § 15.70, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3470. Initiating blasts from safe location.
Blasts in shafts or winzes shall be initiated from a safe location outside the shaft or winze.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.71, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3475. Blasting in gassy mines.
Blasts in gassy mines shall be initiated electrically, and multiple shot blasts shall be initiated with millisecond delay detonators. Permissible blasting units of capacity suitable for the number of holes in a round to be blasted shall be used unless the round is fired from the surface when all persons are out of the mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3478. Stemming.
Boreholes shall be stemmed as prescribed for the explosives used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
Article 5
Drilling
4VAC25-40-3480. Drilling machine operation.
Persons operating or working near drilling machines shall position themselves so that they will not be struck or lose their balance if the steel breaks or sticks.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.72, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3490. Drilling machine control levers.
Persons shall not attempt to operate drills from positions that hinder their access to the control levers.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.73, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3500. Secure footing when drilling.
Drilling shall not be attempted from insecure footing or staging or from atop equipment not designed for this purpose.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.74, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3510. Procedure when collaring holes.
Persons shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, rest their hands on the chuck or centralizer while drilling.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.75, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3520. Procedure for moving portable drills.
Air shall be turned off before moving portable drills from one face to another.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.76, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3530. Receptacles or racks.
Receptacles or racks shall be provided for drill steel stored on jumbos.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.77, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3540. Warning to persons below jumbo decks.
Before drilling cycle is started, warning shall be given to persons working below jumbo decks.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.78, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3550. Anchoring of drills on columns.
Drills on columns shall be anchored firmly before drilling is started and shall be retightened frequently thereafter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.79, eff. July 19, 1989.
Article 6
Loading, Hauling, and Dumping
4VAC25-40-3560. Carrying tools or materials on top of locomotives.
Tools or materials, except properly located and secured rerailing devices, shall not be carried on top of locomotives. Tools or materials shall not be carried in the cab if they would interfere with the operation of the locomotive.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.80, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3570. Coupling or uncoupling cars.
Trains shall be brought to a complete stop, then moved very slowly when coupling or uncoupling cars manually.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.81, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3580. Makeshift couplings.
Makeshift couplings shall not be used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.82, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3590. Mantrip cars.
Supplies, materials, and tools other than small hand tools shall not be transported with persons in mantrip cars. Mantrip cars shall be operated independently of ore and supply trips.
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 § 15.83, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3595. Transportation of miners.
A. Each mantrip shall be operated independently of any loaded trip of minerals or other material.
B. All miners, except the motorman and trip rider, shall ride inside the cars.
C. Miners shall remain seated while in moving mantrip cars, shall not board or leave moving mantrip cars, and shall proceed to and from mantrips in an orderly manner.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3600. Signalmen.
When a signalman is used during slushing operations, he shall positioned in a safe place.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.84, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3610. Open dry hole collars.
Collars of open dry holes shall be kept free of muck and material.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.85, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3620. Hazardous chute lips.
Warning devices, barricades or conspicuous markings shall be installed when chute lips create a hazard 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 § 15.86, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3630. Empty chutes.
Empty chutes shall be properly guarded prior to filling or sufficient material shall be left in the chute bottom to prevent rock from flying out when broken material is dumped into the chute.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.87, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3640. Danger from chute-pulling operations.
Ample warning shall be given to persons who may be affected by the draw or otherwise exposed to danger from chute-pulling operations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.88, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3650. Safety lines to be provided.
Persons shall not stand on broken rock or ore over draw points if there is danger that the chute will be pulled. Suitable platforms or safety lines shall be provided when work must be done in such areas.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.89, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3660. Loosening hang-ups.
Persons attempting to loosen hang-ups shall wear and use safety belts with tag lines or ropes to prevent their falling into the chute; if working near the chute opening, a bar sufficient in length to protect the person from dislodged material shall be used.
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 § 15.90, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3670. Shelter holes to be provided.
Shelter holes shall be provided to ensure the safety of persons along haulageways where continuous clearance of at least 30 inches from the farthest projection of moving equipment on at least one side of the haulageway cannot be maintained.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.91, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3680. Design of shelter holes.
Shelter holes shall be at least four feet wide; marked conspicuously with lights, reflective signs, reflective tape, reflectors or luminous paint; provide a minimum of 40 inches clearance from the farthest projection of moving equipment; and shall not be used for storage of timber, tools, or other materials unless a 40-inch clearance is maintained.
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 § 15.92, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3690. Trip lights.
Trip lights or approved reflectors shall be used on the rear of pulled trips and on the front of pushed trips.
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 § 15.93, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3700. Operation of mantrip cars.
Mantrip cars shall be operated at speeds consistent with the condition of tracks and equipment used.
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 § 15.94, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3710. Discharge and boarding points.
Where mantrip cars are used, discharge and boarding points shall be designated. Persons shall not board or leave moving mantrip cars.
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 § 15.95, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3720. Mantrip passengers.
Mantrip passengers shall ride on the side of the car opposite the trolley wire when the trolley wire is not centrally located unless covered mantrip cars are provided.
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 § 15.96, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3730. Movement of rock or material trains.
During shift changes, the movement of rock or material trains shall be limited to areas where such trains could not present a hazard to persons coming on or going off shift.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.97, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3740. Use of flexible ladders.
Flexible ladders shall be used only where rigid ladders may be impractical.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.98, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3750. Trap doors in ladderways.
Trap doors or adequate guarding shall be provided in ladderways at each level. Doors shall be kept operable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.99, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3760. Size of openings in ladderways.
The minimum, unobstructed cross-sectional opening in ladderways shall be 24 inches by 24 inches.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.100, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3770. Entering manways.
Warning shall be given and acknowledged before entering a manway above or below where persons are working.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.101, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3780. Working floors in stopes.
Working floors in square-set stopes shall be lagged closely and securely, and open sets shall be equipped with guardrails.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.102, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3790. Steep travelways.
Travelways steeper than 30° from the horizontal shall provided with ladders or stairways.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.103, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3800. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.104, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.
4VAC25-40-3810. Maintaining separate escapeways.
Every mine shall have two separate properly maintained escapeways to the surface which are so positioned that damage to one shall not lessen the effectiveness of the other, or a method of refuge shall be provided when only one opening to the surface is possible.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.105, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3820. Escape routes.
Escape routes shall be:
1. Inspected at regular intervals and maintained in safe, travelable condition; and
2. Marked with conspicuous and easily read direction signs that clearly indicate the ways of escape.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.106, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3830. Refuge areas.
Refuge areas shall be:
1. Of fire-resistant construction, preferably in untimbered areas of the mine;
2. Large enough to accommodate readily the normal number of persons in the particular area of the mine;
3. Constructed so they can be made gas-tight; and
4. Provided with telephones, adequate air and water supplies, suitable hand tools, and stopping materials.
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 § 15.107, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3840. Development of escape and evacuation plan.
A specific escape and evacuation plan, and revisions thereof, suitable to the conditions and mining system of the mine and showing assigned responsibilities of all key personnel in the event of an emergency shall be developed by the operator and set out in written form. A copy of the plan and revisions thereof shall be available to the director or an authorized representative, and any affiliated mine rescue teams. Also copies of the plans and revisions thereof shall be posted at locations convenient to all persons on the surface and underground. Such a plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be reviewed jointly by the operator and the director or his authorized representative at least once every six months from the date of the last review. The plan shall include:
1. Mine maps or diagrams showing all underground workings, locations of surface and underground ventilation fans and ventilation controls, directions of principal air flow, locations of refuge chambers, locations of first aid supplies and firefighting equipment, locations of main electrical installations and disconnects, locations of surface and underground fuel storage, locations of surface and underground facilities to store explosives and detonators, location of escape routes and locations of existing telephones or other voice communication devices (see 4VAC25-40-3120 and 4VAC25-40-3850);
2. A plan for fire prevention, warning, emergency evacuation, firefighting and emergency medical assistance;
3. Surface procedure to follow in an emergency, including the notification of proper authorities;
4. A statement of the location and availability of mine rescue personnel and equipment;
5. A plan for instruction of mine workers and rescue personnel; and
6. A statement of the availability of emergency communications, transportation, power and ventilation 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 § 15.108, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-3850. Telephone or voice communications.
Telephone or other voice communication shall be provided between the surface and refuge chambers and such systems shall be independent of the mine power supply.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.109, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3855. Communications.
Telephone service or equivalent two-way communication facilities shall be provided from underground working areas to the surface.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3860. Inclined escapeways.
Designated escapeways inclined more than 30° from the horizontal shall be equipped with stairways, ladders, cleated walkways, or emergency hoisting facilities.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.110, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3870. Emergency hoisting facilities.
Emergency hoisting facilities shall conform to the extent possible to safety requirements for other man hoists, shall be adequate to remove the persons from the mine with a minimum of delay, be maintained in ready condition, and be tested at least every 30 days; records shall be kept of these tests.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.111, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3880. Check-in and check-out system.
Each operator of an underground mine shall establish a check-in and check-out system which shall provide an accurate record of persons in the mine. These records shall be kept on the surface in a place chosen to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazards. Every person underground shall carry a positive means of being identified.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.112, eff. July 19, 1989.
Article 7
Electricity
4VAC25-40-3890. Bare wires and cables.
Wires and cables not encased in armor shall be supported by well-installed insulators and shall not touch combustible materials, roof, or ribs; however, this requirement shall not apply to ground wires, grounded power conductors, and trailing cables.
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 § 15.113, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3900. Metal pipelines.
Metal pipelines 1,000 feet or more in length along haulage roads where grounded return circuits are used shall be bonded to the return at the ends and at intervals not exceeding 500 feet.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.114, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3910. Insulation of power lines.
Power lines shall be well separated or insulated from waterlines, telephone lines, and air lines.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.115, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3920. Fastening power cables.
Power cables in shafts and boreholes shall be fastened securely in such manner as to prevent undue strain on the sheath, insulation, or conductors.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.116, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3930. Disconnecting switches.
Disconnecting switches that can be opened safely under load shall be provided underground at all primary power circuits near shafts, levels, and boreholes. Disconnecting switches shall be installed underground in all main power circuits within approximately 500 feet of the bottoms of shafts and boreholes, and at other places where main power circuits enter the mine.
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 § 15.117, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3940. Transformer stations.
Transformer stations shall be enclosed to prevent persons from unintentionally or inadvertently contacting energized parts.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.118, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3950. Trolley feeder wires.
Trolley and trolley feeder wires shall be installed opposite the clearance side of haulageways.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.119, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3955. Fire precautions in transportation of mining equipment.
A. Prior to moving or transporting any unit of off-track mining equipment in areas of the active workings where energized trolley wires or trolley feeder wires are present:
1. The unit of equipment shall be examined by a certified person to ensure that accumulation of oil, grease, and other combustible materials have been removed from such unit of equipment; and
2. A qualified person shall examine the trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, and the associated automatic circuit interrupting devices to ensure that proper short circuit protection exists.
B. A record shall be kept of the examinations and shall be made available, upon request, to the director.
C. Off-track mining equipment shall be moved or transported in areas of the active workings where energized trolley wires or trolley feeder wires are present only under the direct supervision of a certified person who shall be physically present at all times during moving or transporting such equipment.
D. The frames of off-track mining equipment being moved or transported in accordance with this section shall be covered on the top and on the trolley wire side with fire-resistant material, where appropriate, as determined by the director.
E. Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track and the frames of off-track mining equipment being moved in-track and trolley entries, except that rubber-tired equipment need not be grounded to a transporting vehicle if no metal part of such rubber-tired equipment can come into contact with the transporting vehicle.
F. To avoid accidental contact with power lines, the equipment being transported or trammed shall be insulated or assemblage removed, if necessary, if the clearance to the power lines is six inches or less.
G. Sufficient prior notice shall be given the department so that a mine inspector may travel the route of the move before the actual move is made, if he deems it necessary.
H. A minimum vertical clearance of 12 inches shall be maintained between the farthest projection of the unit of equipment which is being moved and the energized trolley wires or trolley feeder wires at all times during the movement or transportation of such equipment. If the height of the seam of minerals does not permit 12 inches of vertical clearance to be so maintained, the following additional precautions shall be taken:
1. Electric power shall be supplied to the trolley wires or trolley feeder wires only from out by the unit of equipment being moved or transported. Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only from the equipment being moved or transported, power may be supplied from such equipment if a miner with the means to cut off the power, and in direct communication with persons actually engaged in the moving or transporting operation, is stationed out by the equipment being moved;
2. The settings of automatic circuit interrupting devices used to provide short circuit protection for the trolley circuit shall be reduced to not more than one-half of the maximum current that could flow if the equipment being moved or transported were to come into contact with the trolley wire or trolley feeder wire;
3. At all times the unit of equipment is being moved or transported, a miner shall be stationed at the first automatic circuit breaker out by the equipment being moved. Such miner shall be in direct communication with persons actually engaged in the moving or transporting operation and capable of communicating with the authorized person on the surface required to be on duty;
4. Where trolley phones are utilized to satisfy the requirements of subsection C of this section, telephones or other equivalent two-way communication devices that can readily be connected with the mine communication system shall be carried by the miner stationed at the first automatic circuit breaker out by the equipment being moved and by a miner actually engaged in the moving or transporting operation; and
5. No person shall be permitted to be in by the unit of equipment being moved or transported, in the ventilating current of air that is passing over such equipment, except those persons directly engaged in moving such equipment. The provisions of this section shall not apply to units of mining equipment that are transported in mine cars, provided that no part of the equipment extends above or over the sides of the mine car.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3958. Use of track as electrical power conductor.
The following standards shall apply where track is used as a power conductor:
1. Both rails of main line tracks shall be welded or bonded at every joint, and cross bonds shall be installed at intervals of not more than 200 feet. If the rails are paralleled with a feeder circuit of like polarity, such paralleled feeder shall be bonded to the track rails at intervals of not more than 1,000 feet.
2. At least one rail on secondary track haulage roads shall be welded or bonded at every joint, and cross bonds shall be installed at intervals of not more than 200 feet.
3. Track switches on entries shall be well-bonded.
4. Rails shall not be used as power conductors in rooms.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3960. Splices in trailing cables.
Not more than five splices shall be made in any trailing cable unless they are vulcanized.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.120, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-3970. Machines not using cable reels.
On machines not using cable reels, no splices shall be present in the first 25 feet of trailing cable adjacent to the equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.121, eff. July 19, 1989.
Article 8
Personal Protection
4VAC25-40-3980. Welding operations.
Welding operations shall be shielded and well-ventilated.
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 § 15.122, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-3990. Self-rescue requirements.
Each mine having underground workings shall submit to the division a plan for the number, type, and location(s) of self-rescue devices sufficient for the number of persons working underground and the hazards particular to the underground workings of the mine. At a minimum, a one hour filter self-rescue device approved by the MSHA shall be made available by the operator to all personnel underground. The filter self-rescue devices shall be maintained in good condition by a daily visual check and weighing of the devices every six months, with maintenance records kept.
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 § 15.123, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4000. Requirements for self-rescue devices.
Use of self-rescue devices shall meet the following standards:
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, self-rescue devices meeting the requirements of 4VAC25-40-3990 shall be worn or carried by all persons underground;
2. Where the wearing or carrying of self-rescue devices meeting the requirements of 4VAC25-40-3990 is hazardous to a person, such self-rescue devices shall be located at a distance no greater than 25 feet from such person; and
3. Where a person works on or around mobile equipment, self-rescue devices may be placed in a readily accessible location on such equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.124, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4010. Landing shaft conveyances.
Chairs should be use to land shaft conveyances when heavy supplies or equipment are being handled.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.125, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4020. Individual lamps to be carried.
Individual electric lamps shall be carried for illumination by all persons underground.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.126, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4030. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.127, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.
4VAC25-40-4040. Inspections to follow fire or explosion.
In the event of a mine fire or an explosion, operations shall not be resumed until such mine or portion of such mine has been inspected and pronounced safe by a state mine inspector.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.128, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4050. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.129, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.
Article 9
Safety Program
4VAC25-40-4060. Mine emergency and self-rescue training.
A. On an annual basis all persons who are required to go underground shall be instructed in applicable sections of the Bureau of Mines Instruction Guide 19, Mine Emergency Training.
B. On an annual basis all persons who are required to go underground shall be instructed in the use of the individual self-rescue device provided to them. The instruction shall be given by a competent person using a training model of the same type as the self-rescue device provided to the employee.
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 § 15.130, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4061. Mine rescue stations.
Mines employing 75 or more persons underground shall either:
1. Maintain a mine rescue station equipped with at least 10 self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus, each with a minimum of two hours capacity, along with adequate supplies and spare parts; or
2. Affiliate with central or cooperative mine rescue stations that can provide two fully equipped mine rescue teams in the event of an emergency. Such affiliations shall be in writing and must be approved annually 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 Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4062. Rescue apparatus.
Mine rescue apparatus shall be acceptable to the MSHA or other approved agency and shall be properly maintained for immediate use. The equipment shall be tested at least once a month and records kept of the tests for at least one year.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4063. Rescue crews to be provided.
At any mine employing 75 or more persons underground, at least two rescue crews of five persons each shall be trained at least annually in the use, care, and limitations of self-contained oxygen breathing and firefighting apparatus and in mine rescue procedures. The training shall be given by division personnel or by persons approved to give such instruction. Rescue crews shall include supervisory and key personnel familiar with all mine installations that could prove vital to firefighting and rescue operations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4064. Alternative mine rescue capability.
Mines employing fewer than 75 persons underground shall maintain mine rescue capabilities as described in 4VAC25-40-4061 through 4VAC25-40-4063, or the operator may request in writing and obtain approval from the director for an alternative mine rescue capability. Such alternative mine rescue plans shall be subject to annual review and approval.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4065. Mine evacuation drills.
Mine evacuation drills shall be held for each shift once every six months. These evacuation drills shall involve all employees each shift and shall include:
1. Activation of the fire alarm system; and
2. Evacuation of all persons from their work areas to the surface or to designated central evacuation points at some time other than a shift change.
Records of such drills, showing the time and date, shall be kept for at least two years after each drill.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4066. Instruction in escape plans.
All persons who work underground shall be instructed at least once each calendar year on current escape and evacuation plans, fire alarm signals, and applicable procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. New employees shall receive such instructions before going underground. Whenever an employee is assigned to work in another area of the mine, he shall be instructed on the escapeway for that area at the time of such assignment. However, employees who normally work in more than one area of the mine shall be instructed at least once each calendar year in the location of escapeways for all areas of the mine in which they normally work or travel. Whenever a change is made in escape and evacuation plans and procedures for any area of the mine, all affected employees shall be instructed of such change. Records of instruction shall be kept for two years.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
Article 10
Personnel Hoisting
4VAC25-40-4070. Capacities of hoists.
Hoists shall have rated capacities consistent with the loads handled and the recommended safety factors of the ropes used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.131, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4080. Anchoring hoists.
Hoists shall be anchored securely.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.132, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4090. Connecting driving mechanisms to personnel hoists.
Belts, ropes, or chains shall not be used to connect driving mechanisms to personnel hoists.
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 § 15.133, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4100. Brakes on personnel hoists.
Any hoist used to hoist persons shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which shall be capable of holding its fully loaded cage, skip, or bucket at any point in the shaft.
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 § 15.134, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4110. Personnel hoist clutches.
The operating mechanism of the clutch of every personnel hoist drum shall be provided with a locking mechanism, or interlocked electrically or mechanically with the brake, to prevent accidental withdrawal of the clutch.
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 § 15.135, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4120. Brakes on automatic hoists.
Automatic hoists shall be provided with devices that automatically apply the brakes in the event of power failure.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.136, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4130. Friction hoist overtravel protection.
In a friction hoist installation, tapered guides or other acceptable devices shall be installed above and below the limits of regular travel of the conveyance and arranged to prevent overtravel in the event of failure of other devices.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.137, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4140. Overtravel prevention on personnel hoists.
All personnel hoists shall be provided with devices to prevent overtravel. When utilized in shafts exceeding 100 feet in depth, such hoists shall also be provided with over-speed devices.
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 § 15.138, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4150. Friction hoists.
Friction hoists shall be provided with synchronizing mechanisms that recalibrate the overtravel devices and position indicators to correct for rope creep or stretch.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.139, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4160. Overtravel bypass switches.
When an overtravel bypass switch is installed, the switch shall function so as to allow the conveyance to be moved through the overtravel position when the switch is held in the closed position by the hoist person. The overtravel bypass switch shall return automatically to the open position when released by the hoist 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 § 15.140, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4170. Emergency braking for electric hoists.
Each electric hoist shall be equipped with a manually operable switch that will initiate emergency braking action to bring the conveyance and the counterbalance safely to rest. This switch shall be located within reach of the hoist person in case the manual controls of the hoist fail.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.141, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4180. Position indicators.
An accurate and reliable indicator of the position of the cage skip, bucket, or cars in the shaft shall be provided.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.142, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4190. Placement of hoist controls.
Hoist controls shall be placed or housed so that the noise from machinery or other sources will not prevent hoist persons from hearing signals.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.143, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4200. Drum flanges.
Flanges on drums shall extend radially a minimum of two rope diameters and not less than four inches beyond the last wrap.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.144, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4210. Drum grooves.
Where grooved drums are used, the grooves shall be of the proper size and pitch for the ropes used.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.145, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4220. Engine-powered hoists.
Where any diesel or similar fuel injection engine is used to power a hoist, the engine shall be equipped with a damper or other cutoff in its air intake system. The control handle shall be clearly labeled to indicate that its intended function is for emergency stopping only.
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 § 15.146, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4230. Standards for wire ropes.
The American National Standard for Wire Rope for Miners shall be used as a guide in the selection, installation, and maintenance of wire ropes used for hoisting, except in those instances where the recommendations cited herein are more stringent.
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 § 15.147, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4240. Installation of wire ropes.
At installation, the nominal strength (manufacturer's published catalog strength) of wire ropes used for hoisting shall meet the minimum rope strength values obtained by the following formulas in which "L" equals the maximum suspended rope length in feet:
1. Winding drum ropes (all constructions, including rotation resistant):
For rope lengths less than 3,000 feet:
Minimum Value = Static Load X (7.0 - 0.001L)
For rope lengths 3,000 feet or greater:
Minimum Value = Static Load X 4.0
2. Friction drum ropes:
For rope lengths less than 4,000 feet:
Minimum Value = Static Load X (7.0 - 0.0005L)
For rope lengths 4,000 feet or greater:
Minimum Value = Static Load X 5.0
3. Tail ropes (balance ropes):
Minimum Value = Weight of Rope X 7.0
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.148, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4250. Guide ropes.
If guide ropes are used in shafts for personnel hoisting applications other than shaft development, the nominal strength (manufacturer's published catalog strength) of the guide rope at installation shall meet the minimum value calculated as follows:
Minimum Value = Static Load X 5.0.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.149, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4260. Wire rope examination.
A. Wire rope attachments shall be replaced when cracked, deformed, or excessively worn.
B. At least once every 14 calendar days, each wire rope in service shall be visually examined along its entire active length for visible structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication or dressing. In addition, visual examination for wear and broken wires shall be made at stress points, including the area near attachments, where the rope rests on sheaves, where the rope leaves the drum, at drum crossovers, and at change of layer regions. When any visible condition that results in a reduction of rope strength is present, the affected portion of the rope shall be examined on a daily basis.
C. Before any person is hoisted with a newly installed wire rope or any wire rope that has not been examined in the previous 14 calendar days, the wire rope shall be examined in accordance with subsection B of this section.
D. At least once every six months, nondestructive tests shall be conducted of the active length of the rope, or rope diameter measurements shall be made:
1. Wherever wear is evident;
2. Where the hoist rope rests on sheaves at regular stopping points; and
3. Where the hoist rope leaves the drum at regular stopping points and at drum crossover and change of layer regions.
E. At the completion of each examination required by subsections B, C and D of this section, the person making the examination shall certify by signature and date that the examination has been made. If any condition listed in subsection B of this section is present, the person conducting the examination shall make a record of the condition and the date. Certifications and records of examinations shall be retained for one year.
F. The person making the measurements or nondestructive tests as required by subsection D of this section shall record the measurements or test results and the date. This record shall be retained until the rope is retired from service.
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 § 15.150, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4270. Requirements for rope ends.
The end of the rope at the drum shall make at least one full turn on the drum shaft, or a spoke of the drum in the case of a free drum, and shall be fastened securely by means of rope clips or clamps. There shall be three full turns of cable or rope on the hoisting drum when the cable or rope is extended to its maximum working length. This standard does not apply to friction hoists.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.151, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4280. Load end attachment.
The rope shall be attached to the load by the thimble and clip method, the socketing method, or other approved method. If the socketing method is employed, zinc or its equivalent shall be used. The use of Babbitt metal or lead for socketing wire ropes is prohibited. If the thimble and clip method is used, the following shall be observed:
1. The rope shall be attached to the load by passing one end around an oval thimble that is attached to the load bending the end back so that it is parallel to the long or "live" end of the rope and fastening the two parts of the rope together with clips.
2. The u-bolt of each clip shall encircle the short or "dead" end of the rope and the distance between clips shall not be less than the figures given in the accompanying table.
3. As a minimum, the following number of clips or equivalent shall be used for various diameters of six-strand 19-wire plow steel ropes:
| Diameter of rope, inches | Number of clips | Center to center spacing of clips, inches |
| 3/4 | 4 | 4-1/2 |
| 7/8 | 4 | 5-1/4 |
| 1 | 4 | 6 |
| 1-1/8 | 5 | 6-3/4 |
| 1-1/4 | 5 | 7-1/2 |
| 1-3/8 | 6 | 8-1/4 |
| 1-1/2 | 6 | 9 |
| 1-5/8 | 6 | 9-3/4 |
| 1-3/4 | 7 | 10-1/2 |
| 1-7/8 | 8 | 11-1/4 |
| 2 | 8 | 12 |
| 2-1/8 | 8 | 13 |
| 2-1/4 | 8 | 14 |
Follow manufacturer's recommendations for other kinds of wire, rope and clips.
4. For all ropes less than 3/4 inch in diameter, at least four clips or equivalent shall be used.
5. When special conditions require the attachment of a sling to the hoisting cable to handle equipment in the shaft, the sling shall be attached by clips or equivalent in accordance with the table in subdivision 3 of this section.
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 § 15.152, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4290. New ropes.
New ropes shall be broken in according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
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 § 15.153, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4300. Safety device attachments.
Safety device attachments to hoist ropes shall be selected, installed and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications to minimize internal corrosion and weakening of the hoist rope.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.154, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4310. Secondary safety connections.
Where possible, conveyances attached to single ropes used to hoist persons shall be provided with secondary safety connections.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.155, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4320. Headframes and sheaves.
Headframes and sheaves shall be designed and constructed to withstand pulls by the hoists greater than the breaking strengths of the hoist ropes.
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 § 15.156, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4330. Clearance requirements.
Headframes shall be high enough to provide at least 15 feet of clearance between the bottom of the sheave or drum and the uppermost part of the highest rope connection of the conveyance when the conveyance is at its uppermost person-landing 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 § 15.157, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4340. Fleet angles.
Fleet angles shall not exceed 1 ½°.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.158, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4350. Platforms.
Platforms with toe-boards and handrails shall be provided around elevated head sheaves.
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 § 15.159, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4360. Diameter specifications.
Diameters of head sheaves and hoist drums shall conform to the following specifications:
| Rope construction | Diameter of sheave and drum | |
| Recommended Times rope diameter | Minimum Times rope diameter | |
| 6 x 7 classification | 72 | 42 |
| 6 x 19 | 45 | 30 |
| 6 x 37 | 20 | 18 |
| 6 x 25 type B, flattened strand | 45 | 30 |
| 6 x 27 type H, flattened strand | 45 | 30 |
| 6 x 30 type G, flattened strand | 45 | 30 |
| 18 x 7 classification | 51 | 34 |
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.160, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4370. Support grooves.
Head, idler, knuckle, and curve sheaves shall have grooves that support the ropes properly. Before installing new ropes, the grooves shall be inspected and, where necessary, machined to the proper contour and the proper groove diameter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.161, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4380. Metal bonnets.
Man cages and skips used for hoisting or lowering employees or other persons in any vertical shaft or any incline shaft with an angle of inclination of 45° from the horizontal, shall be covered with a metal bonnet.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.162, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4390. Use of buckets to hoist persons.
Buckets shall not be used to hoist persons except during shaft sinking operations, inspection, maintenance, and repairs.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.163, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4400. Specifications for buckets used to hoist persons.
Buckets used to hoist persons during shaft sinking operations shall be provided with adequate guide ropes and shall have crossheads equipped with safety catches and protective bonnets when the shaft depth exceeds 50 feet.
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 § 15.164, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 20, eff. July 8, 2009.
4VAC25-40-4410. Ratings for ropes suspending platforms.
In shaft sinking where a platform is suspended by wire ropes, such ropes shall have an approved rating for the suspended load.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.165, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4420. Rope guides.
Where rope guides are used in shafts, they shall be of locked coil construction.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.166, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4430. Use of manually-operated hoists.
When a manually-operated hoist is used, a hoist person approved by the director shall remain within hearing of the telephone or signal device at all times while any person is underground.
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 § 15.167, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4440. Use of automatic hoists.
When automatic hoisting is used, a hoist person approved by the director shall be in attendance on the premises while any person is underground.
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 § 15.168, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4450. Fitness requirements for hoist persons.
Hoist persons shall be physically fit and shall undergo yearly examinations to determine their continued fitness; certification to this effect shall be available at the mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.169, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4460. Competency of hoist persons.
Only hoist persons approved by the director shall operate the hoist except in cases of emergency and in the training of new hoist persons.
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 § 15.170, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4470. Use of extreme caution.
Hoist persons shall use extreme caution when hoisting or lowering persons.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.171, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4480. Speed for hoisting persons.
The safe speed for hoisting persons in a cage shall be determined for each shaft, and this speed shall not be exceeded. Persons shall not be hoisted at a speed faster than 2,500 feet per minute, except in an emergency.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.172, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4490. Maximum speeds.
Maximum acceleration and deceleration shall not exceed six feet per second.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.173, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4500. Authorized persons.
Only authorized persons shall be in hoist rooms.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.174, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4510. Balancing cages.
Balancing of cages shall not be done while persons are on cages.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.175, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4520. Lowering conveyances by brakes.
Conveyances shall not be lowered by the brakes alone except during emergencies.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.176, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4530. Maximum number of persons to ride.
The director shall designate the maximum number of persons permitted to ride on a trip at one time; this limit shall be posted on each landing.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.177, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4540. Persons in charge.
Authorized persons shall be in charge of all mantrips.
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 § 15.178, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4550. Conduct on conveyances.
Persons shall enter, ride, and leave conveyances in an orderly manner.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.179, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4560. Moving conveyances.
Persons shall not enter or leave conveyances which are in motion or after a signal to move the conveyance has been given to the hoist person.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.180, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4570. Doors to be closed.
Cage doors or gates shall be closed while persons are being hoisted; they shall not be opened until the cage has come to a stop.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.181, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4580. Riding in loaded buckets.
Persons shall not ride in skips, or buckets with muck, supplies, materials, or tools other than small hand tools.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.182, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4590. When skips shall be empty.
When combinations of cages and skips are used, the skips shall be empty while persons are being transported.
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 § 15.183, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4600. Hoisting rock or supplies.
Rock or supplies shall not be hoisted in the same shaft as persons during shift changes, unless the compartments and dumping bins are partitioned to prevent spillage into the cage compartment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.184, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4610. Limitations on riding shaft conveyance.
Persons shall not ride the bail, rim, or bonnet of any shaft conveyance, except where necessary for the inspection and maintenance of the shaft and lining.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.185, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4620. Open hooks.
Open hooks shall not be used to hoist buckets or other conveyances.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.186, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4630. Speeds for open buckets.
When persons are hoisted in an open bucket, speeds shall not exceed 500 feet a minute and shall not exceed 200 feet a minute when within 100 feet of a landing.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.187, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4640. Where buckets to be stopped on lowering.
Buckets shall be stopped about 15 feet from the shaft bottom to await a signal from one of the crew on the bottom for further lowering.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.188, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4650. Where buckets to be stopped on raising.
Buckets shall be stopped after being raised three feet when persons are hoisted from the bottom; a second hoisting signal shall be given after the bucket has been stabilized. Hoisting shall be at a minimum speed and the bell cord shall be attended constantly until the crosshead has been engaged.
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 § 15.189, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4660. Blocking cars.
Where mine cars are hoisted by cage or skip, means for blocking cars shall be provided at all landings and also on the cage.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.190, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4670. Securing materials in buckets.
When tools, timbers, or other materials are being lowered or raised in a shaft by means of a bucket, skip, or cage, they shall be secured or so placed that they will not strike the sides of the shaft.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.191, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4680. Placement of conveyances not in use.
Conveyances not in use shall be released and raised or lowered at least 10 feet from the floor of the landing.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.192, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4690. Signaling between stations and hoist room.
There shall be at least two effective approved methods of signaling between each of the shaft stations and the hoist room, one of which shall be a telephone or speaking tube.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.193, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4700. When telephone instructions are acceptable.
Hoist persons shall not accept hoisting instructions by telephone unless the regular signaling systems are out of order. During such an emergency, one person shall be designated to direct movement of the conveyance.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.194, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4710. Signals to hoist operator.
A method shall be provided to signal the hoist operator from cages or other conveyances at any point in the shaft.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.195, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4720. Standard hoisting signals.
A standard code of hoisting signals shall be adopted and used each mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.196, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4730. Posting of signal codes.
A legible signal code shall be posted prominently in the hoist house within easy view of the hoist persons and at each place where signals are given or received.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.197, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4740. Positioning signal devices.
Hoisting signal devices shall be positioned within easy reach of persons on the shaft bottom or constantly attended by a person stationed on the lower deck of the sinking platform.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.198, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4750. Qualifications of persons giving signals.
Any person responsible for receiving or giving signals for cages, skips, and mantrips when persons or materials are being transported shall be familiar with the posted signaling code.
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 § 15.199, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4760. Safety gates on landings.
Shaft landings shall be equipped with substantial safety gates so constructed that materials will not go through or under them; gates shall be closed except when loading or unloading shaft conveyances.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.200, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4770. Stop blocks or derail switches.
Positive stop blocks or a derail switch shall be installed on all tracks leading to a shaft collar or landing.
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 § 15.201, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4780. Where guides to be provided.
Guides shall be provided in each hoisting compartment in shafts inclined more than 45° from the horizontal.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.202, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4790. Construction of dumping facilities.
Dumping facilities and loading pockets shall be constructed so as to minimize spillage into the shaft.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.203, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4800. Shaft station clearance requirements.
Adequate clearance shall be maintained at shaft stations to allow persons to pass safely and to allow materials to be handled safely.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.204, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4810. Safe passage around compartments.
A safe means of passage around open shaft compartments shall provided on landings with more than one entrance to the shaft.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.205, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4820. Maintaining shaft sets.
Shaft sets shall be kept in good repair and clean of hazardous material.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.206, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4830. Persons working in shafts.
Hoist personnel shall be informed when persons are working in a compartment affected by that hoisting operation and a "Persons Working in Shaft" sign shall be posted at the hoist.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.207, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4840. Posting of signs.
When persons are working in a shaft, "Persons Working in Shaft" signs shall be posted at all devices controlling hoisting operations that may endanger such persons.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.208, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4850. Performing inspections and repairs.
Shaft inspection and repair work in vertical shafts shall be performed from substantial platforms equipped with bonnets or equivalent overhead protection.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.209, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4860. Bulkheads or equivalent protection.
A substantial bulkhead or equivalent protection shall be provided above persons at work deepening a shaft.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.210, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4870. Ladders in shafts.
Substantial fixed ladders shall be maintained as near the shaft bottom as practical during shaft sinking operations. Chain, wire rope, or other extension ladders shall be used from the fixed ladder to the shaft bottom, unless other suitable means are approved.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.211, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4880. Inspection and testing procedures.
A systematic procedure of inspection, testing, and maintenance of shaft and hoisting equipment shall be developed and followed. If it is found or suspected that any part is not functioning properly, the hoist shall not be used until the malfunction has been located and repaired or adjustments have been made.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.212, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4890. Records to be kept.
Complete records shall be kept of installation, lubrication, inspection, tests, and maintenance of shafts and hoisting equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.213, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4900. Replacement parts.
Parts used to repair hoists shall have properties equal to or better than the original parts; replacement parts shall be designed to fit the original installation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.214, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4910. Lubrication of ropes.
Ropes shall be kept well-lubricated from end to end as recommended by the manufacturer.
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 § 15.215, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4920. Cutting of ropes for inspections.
On other than friction hoists, ropes shall be cut off and reconnected to the conveyance as often as necessary to ensure adequate inspection of rope condition and to distribute wear of the rope. At least six feet shall be cut from the rope above the highest connection; this portion shall be examined carefully for corrosion, damage, wear, and fatigue by the rope manufacturer or an acceptable agency.
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 § 15.216, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4930. Cutting of ropes to distribute wear.
Hoisting ropes wound in multiple layers shall be cut off and repositioned on the drum at regular intervals as necessary to distribute wear of the rope. The length of cutoff at the drum end should not be an even multiple of the circumference of the drum.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.217, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4940. Ropes to be calipered.
Ropes shall be calipered at regular interval as necessary to effectively determine the rate of wear and damage. Caliper measurements shall be taken immediately above the socket or clips and above the safety connection.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.218, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4950. Electromagnetic or other nondestructive testing.
Electromagnetic or other nondestructive rope testing systems shall be used only as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, recommended inspection and tests.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.219, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4960. Substandard ropes.
Ropes shall not be used for hoisting when they have:
1. More than six broken wires in any lay; and
2. Crown wires worn to less than 65% of the original diameter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.220, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-4970. Testing on each shift.
Hoist persons shall examine their hoists and shall test overtravel, dead man controls, position indicators, and braking mechanisms at the beginning of each shift.
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 § 15.221, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4980. Testing with empty conveyances.
Empty conveyances shall be operated up and down shafts at least one round trip before hoisting persons after any shaft or equipment repairs and before regular mantrips are hoisted or lowered.
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 § 15.222, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-4990. Inspection of ropes and connections.
Rope and conveyance connections to conveyances shall be inspected daily.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.223, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5000. Inspection of safety catches.
Safety catches shall be inspected daily; drop tests shall be made at the time of installation. Every two months the cage shall be rested on chairs or proper blocking to check the operation or activation of the safety catches by allowing the rope to slacken suddenly.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.224, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5010. Inspection of shafts.
Shafts shall be inspected at least weekly.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.225, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5020. Inspection of sheaves.
Sheaves shall be inspected daily and kept properly lubricated.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.226, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5030. Lubrication of rollers.
Rollers used in inclined shafts shall be lubricated properly and kept in good repair.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.227, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5040. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 §§ 15.228, 15.229, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
Article 11
Gassy Mines
4VAC25-40-5060. Gassy mines.
A mine shall be deemed gassy and thereafter operated as a gassy mine if:
1. Flammable gas emanating from the ore body or the strata surrounding the ore body has been ignited in the mine;
2. A concentration of 0.25% or more, by air analysis, of flammable gas emanating only from the ore body or the strata surrounding the ore body has been detected not less than 12 inches from the back, face, or ribs in any open workings; or
3. The mine is connected to a gassy mine.
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 § 15.230, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5070. Effect of detection of flammable gases.
Flammable gases detected only while draining mines or flooded sections of mines, or during other mine reclamation operations, shall not be used to permanently classify a mine gassy. During such periods that any flammable gas is present in the mine, the gassy area of the mine shall be operated in accordance with appropriate standards in this article.
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 § 15.231, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5080. Smoking materials prohibited.
Persons shall not smoke or carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters underground. The operator shall institute a reasonable program to ensure that persons entering the mine do not carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.232, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5090. Use of open flames.
Except when necessary for welding or cutting, open flames shall not be used in other than fresh air or in places where flammable gases are present or may enter the air current.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.233, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5100. Supervision of use of open flames.
Welding or cutting with arc or flame underground in other than fresh air, or in places where flammable gases are present or may enter the air current, shall be under the direct supervision of a qualified person who shall test for flammable gases before and frequently during such operations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.234, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5110. Limit on percentage of gases.
Welding or cutting shall not be performed in atmospheres containing more than 1.0% of flammable gases.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.235, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5120. Installation of main fans.
Main fans shall be:
1. Installed on the surface;
2. Powered electrically from a circuit independent of the mine power circuit. Internal combustion engines shall be used only for standby power or where electrical power is not available;
3. Installed in fireproof housing provided with fireproof air ducts;
4. Offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening and equipped with ample means of pressure relief unless:
a. The opening is not in direct line with forces which would come out of the mine should an explosion occur; and
b. Another opening not less than 15 feet nor more than 100 feet from the fan opening is equipped with a weak wall stopping or explosion doors in direct line with the forces which would come out of the mine should an explosion occur;
5. Installed to permit prompt reversal of airflow; and
6. Attended constantly or provided with automatic devices to give alarm when the fans slow down to stop. Such devices shall be placed so they will be seen or heard by responsible persons.
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 § 15.236, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5130. Operation of main fans.
Main fans shall be:
1. Operated continuously except when the mine is shut down for an extended period;
2. Provided with pressure-recording gauges; and
3. Inspected daily and records kept of such inspections and of fan maintenance.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.237, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5140. Intakes and returns.
The main intake and return air currents in mines shall be in separate shafts, slopes, or drifts.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.238, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5150. Single shaft intakes and returns.
When single shafts are used for intake and return, the curtain wall or partition shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or equivalent and provided with pressure relief devices.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.239, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5160. Failure of fans.
When a main fan fails or stops and ventilation is not restored in a reasonable time, action shall be taken to cut off the power to the areas affected and to withdraw all persons from such areas.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.240, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5170. Failure of ventilation.
When there has been a failure of mine ventilation other than a failure of a main fan as described in 4VAC25-40-5160, the operator shall:
1. Withdraw all persons from the unventilated active areas; and
2. De-energize the power in unvented active areas. The power shall not be restored or persons permitted to reenter the affected active areas until a certified foreman has determined that the flammable gas concentration in such active areas is less than 1.0%.
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 § 15.241, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5180. Inspection after ventilation failure.
When ventilation is not restored in a reasonable time, all persons shall be removed from the affected areas; after ventilation has been restored, the areas affected shall be examined by a certified foreman for gas and other hazards and made safe before power is restored and before persons, other than the examiners and other authorized persons, return to the areas affected.
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 § 15.242, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5190. Access of personnel after fan shutdown.
When the main fan or fans have been shut down with all persons out of the mine, no person, other than the certified foreman, shall go underground until the fans have been started and the mine examined for gas and other hazards and declared safe.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.243, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5200. Operation of booster fans.
Booster fans shall be:
1. Operated by permissible drive units maintained in permissible condition;
2. Operated only in air containing less than 1.0% flammable gas; and
3. Kept in continuous operation when persons are in active areas of the mine affected by such fans.
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 § 15.244, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5210. Equipping booster fans.
Booster fans shall be:
1. Provided with an automatic signal device to give warning or alarm should the fan system malfunction. The signal device shall be so located that it can be seen or heard by a responsible person at all times when persons are underground;
2. Equipped with a device that automatically de-energizes the power in unventilated active areas should the fan system malfunction; and
3. Equipped with two sets of controls capable of starting, stopping, and reversing the fans. One set of controls shall be located at the fans. A second set of controls shall be at another location remote from the fans.
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 § 15.245, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5220. Installation and operation of auxiliary fans.
Auxiliary fans shall be:
1. Installed and operated in permissible condition; and
2. Operated only in air containing not more than 1.0% flammable gas.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.246, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5230. Inspection of auxiliary fans.
Auxiliary fans shall be inspected by persons approved by the director at least twice each shift.
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 § 15.247, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5240. Failure of auxiliary fans.
Persons shall be withdrawn from areas affected by auxiliary or booster fans when such fans slow down or stop.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.248, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5250. Volume and velocity of air current.
The volume and velocity of the current of air coursed through all active areas shall be sufficient to dilute and carry away flammable gases, smoke and fumes.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.249, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5260. Quantity of air standards.
The quantity of air coursed through the last open crosscut in pairs or sets of entries, or through other ventilation openings nearest the face, shall be at least 6,000 cubic feet a minute.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.250, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5270. Measurement of air quantities.
At least once each week, a certified foreman shall measure the volume of air entering the main intakes and leaving the main returns, the volume of the intake and return of each split, and the volume through the last open crosscuts or other ventilation openings nearest the active faces. Records of such measurements shall be kept in a book on the surface.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.251, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5280. Ventilation of battery-charging and transformer stations.
Permanently installed battery-charging and transformer stations shall be ventilated by separate splits of air conducted directly to return air courses.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.252, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5290. Intake air for pumps and compressors.
Electrically-operated pumps, compressors, and portable substations shall be in intake air.
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 § 15.253, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5300. Changes in ventilation.
Changes in ventilation that materially affect the main air current or any split thereof and may affect the safety of persons in the mine shall be made only when the mine is idle. Only those persons engaged in making such changes shall be permitted in the mine during the change. Power shall be removed from the areas affected by the change before work starts and not restored until the effect of the change has been ascertained and the affected areas determined to be safe by a certified foreman.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.254, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5310. Adjustments in ventilation.
If flammable gas in excess of 1.0% by volume is detected in the air not less than 12 inches from the back, face and rib of an underground active area, or in air returning from an area or areas, adjustments shall be made in the ventilation immediately so that the concentration of flammable gas in such air is reduced to 1.0% or less.
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 § 15.255, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5320. Detection of flammable gas.
If 1.5% or higher concentration of flammable gas is detected in air returning from an underground area or areas, the persons shall be withdrawn and the power cut off to the portion of the mine endangered by such flammable gas until the concentration of such gas is reduced to 1.0% or less.
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 § 15.256, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5330. Use of air passing by opening of unsealed abandoned area to ventilate.
Air that has passed by an opening of any unsealed abandoned area and contains 0.25% or more of flammable gas shall not be used to ventilate working areas. Examinations of such air shall be conducted during the preshift examinations required by 4VAC25-40-5510.
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 § 15.257, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5340. Use of air passing through abandoned panels to ventilate.
Air that has passed through an abandoned panel or area which is inaccessible or unsafe for inspection shall not be used to ventilate any working area in such mine. No air which has been used to ventilate any area from which the pillars have been removed shall be used to ventilate any working area in such mine, except that such air, if it does not contain 0.25% by volume or more of methane, may be used to ventilate enough advancing working areas immediately adjacent to the line of retreat to maintain an orderly sequence of pillar recovery on a set of entries.
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 § 15.258, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5350. Abandoned areas to be sealed.
Abandoned areas shall be sealed or ventilated; areas that are not sealed shall be barricaded and posted against unauthorized entry.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.259, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5360. Construction of seals.
Seals shall be of substantial construction. Exposed surfaces shall be made of fire-resistant material, or, if the commodity mined is combustible, seals shall be made of incombustible material.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.260, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5370. Fitting of seals for atmosphere sampling and pressure measurement.
One or more seals of every sealed area shall be fitted with a pipe and a valve or cap to permit sampling of the atmosphere and measurement of the pressure behind such seals.
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 § 15.261, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5380. Crosscut intervals.
Crosscuts shall be made at intervals not in excess of 100 feet between entries and between rooms.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.262, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5390. Closing crosscuts.
Crosscuts shall be closed when necessary to provide adequate face ventilation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.263, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5400. Line brattices.
Line brattices or other suitable devices shall be installed from the last open crosscut to a point near the face to ensure positive air flow to the face of every active underground working area, unless the director or his authorized representative permits an exception to 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 § 15.264, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5410. Composition of brattices.
Brattice cloth shall be of flame-resistant material.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.265, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5420. Damaged brattices.
Damaged brattices shall be repaired promptly.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.266, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5430. Crosscuts at abandoned rooms.
Crosscuts shall be provided, where practicable, at or near the faces of entries and rooms before they are abandoned.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.267, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5440. Where entries or rooms to be started.
Entries or rooms shall not be started off entries beyond the last open crosscuts, except that room necks and entries not to exceed 18 feet in depth may be turned off entries beyond the last open crosscuts if such room necks or entries are kept free of accumulations of flammable gas by use of line brattice or other adequate means.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.268, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5450. Construction specifications for stoppings.
Stoppings in crosscuts between intake and return airways, other than room entries, shall be built of solid, substantial material; exposed surfaces shall be made of fire-resistant material, or if the material mined is combustible, stoppings shall be made of incombustible 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 § 15.269, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5460. Airtight stoppings.
Stoppings shall be reasonably airtight.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.270, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5470. Installation of air locks.
The main ventilation shall be so arranged by means of air locks, overcasts, or undercasts that the passage of trips or persons does not cause interruptions of air currents. Where air locks are impractical, single doors may be used if they are attended constantly while the areas of the mine affected by the doors are being worked, unless they are operated mechanically or are self-closing.
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 § 15.271, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5480. Ventilation of air locks.
Air locks shall be ventilated sufficiently to prevent accumulations of flammable gas inside the locks.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.272, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5490. Doors to be kept closed.
Doors shall be kept closed except when persons or equipment passing through the doorways.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.273, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5500. Overcasts and undercasts.
Overcasts and undercasts shall be:
1. Constructed tightly of incombustible material;
2. Of sufficient strength to withstand possible falls from the back; and
3. Kept clear of obstructions.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.274, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5510. Preshift examinations.
Preshift examinations shall be made of all working areas by certified foremen within three hours before any workers, other than the examiners, enter the mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.275, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5520. Authorized personnel.
Only certified foremen and persons authorized to correct the dangerous conditions shall enter places or areas where danger signs are posted.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.276, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5530. Removal of danger signs.
Danger signs shall not be removed until the dangerous conditions have been corrected.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.277, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5540. Detection devices.
Each operator shall use permissible devices for detecting flammable gases, oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide, and other air contaminants.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.278, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5550. Frequency and method of examinations.
Examinations for dangerous conditions including tests for flammable gas with an acceptable device shall be made at least once each week, and at intervals of not more than seven days, by the certified foreman, except during weeks in which the mine is idle for the entire week.
The certified foreman shall:
1. Examine and make tests:
a. In the return of each split where it enters the main return;
b. On accessible pillar falls;
c. At seals;
d. In the main return;
e. In at least one entry of each intake and return airway in its entirety;
f. In idle workings; and
g. In abandoned workings, insofar as conditions permit;
2. Mark his initials and the date at the places examined;
3. Report dangerous conditions promptly to the operator or other designated person; and
4. Record the results of the examination with ink or indelible pencil in a book kept for that purpose at a designated place on the surface of the mine.
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 § 15.279, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5560. Examination reports.
The certified foreman or other designated mine official shall read and countersign promptly the reports of daily and weekly examinations by competent persons and shall take prompt action to have dangerous conditions corrected.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.280, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5570. Ventilation of gassy mines.
All gassy mines shall be ventilated mechanically.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.281, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5580. Airflow to be maintained.
Airflow shall be maintained in all intake and return air courses of a mine. When multiple main fans are used, such ventilation systems shall not develop areas without perceptible air movement.
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 § 15.282, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5590. Fan installation doors.
In mines ventilated by a combination of multiple blowing or multiple exhausting fans, each main fan installation shall be equipped with noncombustible doors designed and positioned so that, in the event of failure of a main fan, these doors will automatically close to prevent air reversal through the fan. The doors shall be located so that they are not in direct line with forces which would come out of the mine, should an explosion occur.
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 § 15.283, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5600. Diesel-powered equipment.
Diesel-powered equipment shall not be taken into or operated in places where flammable gas exceeds 1.0% of any point not less than 12 inches from the back, face and rib.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.284, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5610. Trolley wires.
Trolley wires and trolley feeder wires shall be on intake air and shall not exceed beyond the last open crosscut or other ventilation opening. Such wires shall be kept at least 150 feet from pillar workings.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.285, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5620. Permissible equipment required.
Only permissible equipment maintained in permissible condition shall be used beyond the last open crosscut or in places where dangerous quantities of flammable gases are present or may enter the air current.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.286, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5630. Permissible distribution boxes required.
Only permissible distribution boxes shall be used in working areas and other areas where dangerous quantities of flammable gas may be present or may enter the air current.
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 § 15.287, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5640. Electric equipment.
No electric equipment shall be taken into or operated in places where flammable gas can be detected in the amount of 1.0% or more at any point not less than 12 inches from the back, face and rib.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.288, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5650. Permissible electric lamps.
Only permissible electric lamps shall be used for portable illumination underground.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.289, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5660. Permissible or approved explosives.
Only permissible or other types of explosives approved by the director shall be used in gassy mines.
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 § 15.290, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5670. Written list of conditions.
The division, in granting approval referred to in 4VAC25-40-5660, shall provide the operator with a written list of conditions for using the specific explosives covered by the approval and adapted to the mining operation.
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 § 15.291, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5680. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 §§ 15.292, 15.293, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5700. Examinations for gas.
Examinations for gas shall be made immediately before and after each shot or round.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-161.294 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.294, eff. July 19, 1989.
4VAC25-40-5710. Limitations on firing shots.
Shots or rounds shall not be fired in places where flammable gas can be detected with a permissible flame safety lamp, or where 1.0% or more of flammable gas can be detected by any other MSHA approved device or method, at a point not less than 12 inches from the back, face and rib. See Article 4 (4VAC25-40-3325 et seq.) of this part for blasting requirements.
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 § 15.295, eff. July 19, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5720. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 § 15.296, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.
4VAC25-40-5730. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR480-05-1.2 §§ 16.1, 16.2, eff. July 19, 1989; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1998.