A. No person shall enter an auger hole or highwall miner entry without prior approval from the Chief.
B. Every auger hole or highwall miner entry shall be blocked with highwall spoil or other suitable material before it is abandoned.
C. Every auger or highwall mining machine that is exposed to any highwall or explosion hazard shall be provided with worker protection from falling material and a mine explosion.
D. At least one person shall be assigned to observe the highwall for possible movement while ground personnel are working in a high-risk area in close proximity to the highwall.
E. All persons shall stay clear of any moving auger or highwall miner train, and no person shall pass over or under a moving train unless adequate crossing facilities are provided.
F. The ground control plan shall specify any spacing of holes, web design, and use of alignment control devices.
G. The ground control plan shall include other administrative, engineering, and source controls that are to be provided for safe operations.
1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.291; 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