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.