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.