A. A qualified person shall test for the presence of methane and for a deficiency of oxygen, using an approved device, at the entrance to an auger hole or at a highwall miner entry when either such entry point penetrates a worked-out area of an underground mine.
B. If one percent or more of methane is detected or 19.5 percent or less of oxygen is found to exist, no further work shall be performed until the atmosphere has been made safe.
1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.290; 1999, c. 256; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 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