Illinois Compiled Statutes
225 ILCS 705/ - Coal Mining Act.
Article 21 - Fire Prevention And Fire Control

(225 ILCS 705/Art. 21 heading)

(225 ILCS 705/21.01) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2101)
Sec. 21.01.

Each mine shall be provided with suitable fire-fighting
equipment, adequate for the size of the mine, such as supplies of rockdust,
water lines and hose, water or chemical trucks, or fire extinguishers, as
approved by the State Mine Inspectors.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.02) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2102)
Sec. 21.02.

Clean dry sand, rockdust, or fire extinguishers suitable from a
toxic and electrical shock standpoint, shall be provided and placed at
substations, transformer stations and permanent pump stations, so as to be
out of the smoke in case of a fire in the station.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.03) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2103)
Sec. 21.03.

All fire-fighting operations shall be under the direct
supervision of the mine manager or his designated assistants.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.04) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2104)
Sec. 21.04.

Underground storage places for lubricating oil and grease in
excess of two days' supply, shall be of fireproof construction.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.05) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2105)
Sec. 21.05.

In all mines classified as gassy mines by the State Mine
Inspector, it shall be compulsory to use electric lamps, and smoking shall
be prohibited.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.06) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2106)
Sec. 21.06.

All persons in underground workings of a gassy mine are
prohibited from intentionally creating any arc, spark or open flame, except
those that cannot be avoided in the normal performance of work.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.07) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2107)
Sec. 21.07.
The carrying of matches or other flame-making devices, and
smoking underground is prohibited in gassy mines, except as provided by
Section 21.08 of this Act. If, in the judgment of either the State Mine
Inspector or
the operator, underground employees are violating the law, they shall have
the right to search such employees. When prosecution is intended, 2
witnesses shall be present at the time of search.

(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.08) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2108)
Sec. 21.08.

Welding, cutting and soldering with arc or flame underground, in
other than a fireproof enclosure is permitted but it shall be done under
the direct supervision of competent personnel, who shall test for methane
gas before and during such operations in gassy mines, and shall make a
diligent search for fire after such operations in all mines. Rock dust or
suitable fire extinguishers shall be immediately available during such
welding, cutting or soldering.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.09) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2109)
Sec. 21.09.

Rheostats, electric heaters, and resistors shall be located at a
safe distance from combustible materials.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.10) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2110)
Sec. 21.10.

All lubricating oil and flammable fluids used in coal mines
shall be contained in portable, closed, metal containers. In the mine, oil
shall not be heated over a fire or lamp.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.11) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2111)
Sec. 21.11.

Transformer stations, substations, motor-generator stations, and
permanent pump rooms shall be of fireproof construction.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.12) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2112)
Sec. 21.12.

When a mine disaster occurs the proper State authorities shall
be notified promptly.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.13) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2113)
Sec. 21.13.

After a major disaster, an inspection of the entire mine shall
be made by the State Mine Inspectors, and the mine shall not operate until
approved by the State Mining Board.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/21.14) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 2114)
Sec. 21.14.

The drilling and sealing of oil and gas wells penetrating coal
beds or underground workings of mines shall be done in compliance with
State statutes.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)