A. Each operator shall develop an emergency response plan for each mine. The plan shall include (i) a mine emergency communication plan, (ii) an evacuation procedure, (iii) the identification of waterlines, (iv) the number system of brattice, (v) the location of each escapeway, and (vi) such other information as the Chief reasonably requires.
B. The emergency response plan shall be subject to approval by the Chief or mine inspector. The Chief may require periodic updates to an operator's emergency response plan. Such operator shall comply with the requirements of the approved plan.
C. The emergency response plan shall be posted in a conspicuous manner and location readily accessible to all miners, both underground and at the surface of the mine.
D. The operator shall train miners in the implementation of the emergency response plan and shall conduct practice drills. Records of dates and times of practice drills shall be maintained in the emergency response plan.
E. Each miner employed by the operator who goes underground, and each visitor authorized by the operator to enter the mine, shall have available an adequate supply of self-rescue devices, each of which provides at least one hour of protection and is approved by MSHA. The training related to self-rescue devices shall be included in the emergency response plan approved by the Chief.
F. The operator shall maintain a list of the next of kin of all miners employed at the mine. The list shall be kept at the mine site or at a central facility readily accessible to the mine.
Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c. 323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.202; 1996, c. 774; 2006, c. 291; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy
Chapter 8 - Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc
§ 45.2-800. Face and other equipment
§ 45.2-801. Shop and other equipment
§ 45.2-803. Surface electrical installations
§ 45.2-804. Surface transformers
§ 45.2-805. Underground transformers
§ 45.2-806. Stations and substations
§ 45.2-808. Trolley wires and feeder wires
§ 45.2-810. Circuit breakers and switches
§ 45.2-811. Communication systems
§ 45.2-812. Electrical equipment
§ 45.2-814. Inspection of electrical equipment and wiring; checking and testing methane monitors
§ 45.2-815. Repairs to circuits and electric equipment
§ 45.2-816. Underground illumination
§ 45.2-817. Inspection of electric illumination equipment
§ 45.2-818. Firefighting equipment; fire prevention
§ 45.2-819. Duties in case of fire
§ 45.2-820. Emergency response plans; list of next of kin
§ 45.2-821. Reporting fires; response
§ 45.2-822. Fire prevention in transportation of mining equipment
§ 45.2-823. Storage and use of flammable fluids and materials
§ 45.2-824. Diesel-powered equipment
§ 45.2-825. Arcs, sparks, and flames
§ 45.2-826. Pre-shift examinations
§ 45.2-827. on-shift examinations
§ 45.2-828. Weekly examinations
§ 45.2-829. Examinations of fans
§ 45.2-830. Record of examinations
§ 45.2-831. Notice of hazardous conditions
§ 45.2-832. Notice of monitor tampering prohibition
§ 45.2-839. Actions for excessive methane
§ 45.2-841. Permanent stoppings
§ 45.2-842. Ventilation controls
§ 45.2-844. Ventilation with air from certain areas
§ 45.2-847. Examination of mine for explosive gas and other hazardous conditions
§ 45.2-848. Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty
§ 45.2-850. Intentionally bypassing a safety device; prohibition
§ 45.2-851. Control of coal dust
§ 45.2-853. Checking system; tracking system
§ 45.2-854. Protective clothing
§ 45.2-855. Noise levels and ear protection
§ 45.2-856. Smoking materials prohibited; penalty
§ 45.2-857. Allowing persons to work in a mine with smoker's articles; penalty
§ 45.2-859. Smoking in surface and other areas
§ 45.2-860. Portable illumination
§ 45.2-861. First aid equipment