A. An on-shift examination of the work area, including any pit, auger, thin seam, or highwall operation, shall be conducted by a certified person for each production shift and at such other times or frequency as the Chief designates as necessary for hazardous conditions.
B. A pre-operational examination of all mobile equipment shall be conducted by an authorized person.
C. A pre-shift examination shall be conducted by a certified person for certain hazardous conditions designated by the Chief.
D. Each mine refuse pile, as defined in § 45.2-617, shall be examined by an authorized person on each day on which any person works at such location.
E. The location of each natural gas pipeline on a permitted surface mine area shall be identified and conspicuously marked so that equipment operators can readily identify the location of such pipeline. A pre-shift examination shall be conducted of the location of each pipeline whenever the work area approaches within 500 feet of such pipeline unless otherwise approved by the Chief.
F. An air quality examination shall be conducted by a certified person when a surface coal mining operation intersects an underground mine, auger hole, or other underground working.
G. At least one examination for methane shall be conducted for each production shift in each surface installation, enclosure, or other facility in which coal is handled or stored. Each such area shall also be tested for methane before any activity involving welding, cutting, or an open flame. An examination conducted pursuant to this subsection shall be made by an authorized person certified to make gas tests.
H. Electrical equipment and wiring shall be inspected as often as necessary but at least once per month.
I. Each fire extinguisher shall be examined at least once every six months.
J. Each area of an inactive surface coal mine shall be examined for hazardous conditions by a mine foreman immediately before any miner is permitted to enter into such area to take emergency actions to preserve a mine.
Code 1950, §§ 45-32, 45-33, 45-60.4, 45-61, 45-68.1, 45-69.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-20, 45.1-42, 45.1-65; 1976, c. 598; 1978, cc. 118, 120; 1982, c. 385; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.256; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy
Chapter 9 - Requirements Applicable to Surface Coal Mines
§ 45.2-901. Regulations governing conditions and practices at surface coal mines
§ 45.2-902. Standards for regulations
§ 45.2-903. Safety examinations
§ 45.2-904. Records of examinations
§ 45.2-905. Areas with safety or health hazards; duties of surface mine foreman
§ 45.2-906. Personal protection devices and practices
§ 45.2-909. First aid equipment
§ 45.2-910. First aid training
§ 45.2-911. Attention to injured persons
§ 45.2-913. Duties in case of fire
§ 45.2-915. Haulage and mobile equipment; operating condition
§ 45.2-916. Equipment operation
§ 45.2-917. Safety measures on equipment
§ 45.2-918. Transportation of personnel
§ 45.2-920. Shop and other equipment
§ 45.2-922. Stairways, platforms, runways, and floor openings
§ 45.2-923. Loading and haulage work area requirements
§ 45.2-924. Equipment operation
§ 45.2-925. Control of dust and combustible material
§ 45.2-929. Circuit breakers and switches
§ 45.2-930. Electrical trailing cables
§ 45.2-931. Surface storage of explosives and detonators
§ 45.2-933. Minimum blasting practices
§ 45.2-935. Inspection of electric equipment and wiring; checking and testing methane monitors
§ 45.2-936. Highwall inspections
§ 45.2-937. Penetration of underground mines; testing
§ 45.2-938. Safety precautions
§ 45.2-939. Surface coal mining; distance from wells; requirements