West Virginia Code
Article 2. Underground Mines
§22A-2-53b. Haulage or Surface Areas

(1) Traffic directions which differ from standard highways practice shall be posted on signs along the haulage roads at strategic points in letters at least three inches high.
(2) Well marked signs conspicuously placed, shall be properly located to alert drivers to existing danger areas, such as the approach to a dangerous curve or an extreme grade.
(3) Traffic rules, signals and warning signs shall be standardized at each mine.
(4) Where side or overhead clearances on haulage roads or loading or dumping locations are hazardous to mine workers, such areas shall be conspicuously marked and warning devices shall be installed when necessary to ensure the safety of the workers.
(5) Flashers, flares or other means of signaling shall be used to warn approaching drivers of a hazard created by an obstruction in the roadway.
(6) Regulatory signs shall be used to indicate the required method of traffic movement.
(7) Posted warning signs shall be used where necessary to indicate potential hazardous conditions.
(8) Object marking shall be used to mark physical obstructions in or near the haulageway that presents possible hazards.
(9) All signs and markings shall be displayed and utilized so as to be as effective as possible.
(10) Where side or overhead clearance on any haulage road or at any loading or dumping location at a surface mine is hazardous to any person, such hazard shall be corrected immediately, and all necessary precautions taken while such hazard is being corrected.
(11) Haulage roads shall be located an adequate distance from highwalls and spoil banks to minimize the danger of falling material onto personnel and equipment.
(12) When dust created by haulage is thrown into suspension in such quantities that may obscure the vision of the operators of vehicles, an adequate means shall be taken to allay such dust.
(13) Only authorized persons shall be permitted on haulage roads and at loading or dumping locations.
(14) Berms or guards shall be provided where required on the outer bank of elevating roadways.
(15) The width and grade to be utilized in haulage road construction shall be determined for each specific situation based upon terrain configuration, vehicle characteristics and driver visibility for safe haulage.
(16) Haulage roads shall be constructed of sufficient width to permit the driver to maneuver his vehicle to avoid striking unexpected obstacles on the roadway where reclamation regulations permit.
(17) Provisions shall be made to adequately drain and remove excessive water from the haulage roads.
(18) Haulage roads shall be constructed, installed and maintained in a manner consistent with the speed and type of haulage operations being conducted to ensure safe operation. All roads leading to and from work sites on which persons are expected to travel to and from work or to haul coal or supplies, shall be of sufficient width and be maintained in good condition.
(19) Haulage operations shall be stopped when the haulage surface has deteriorated to the extent that it presents a danger to the safety of the haulage operation.
(20) All haulage vehicles placed into service after the effective date of this section shall be equipped with an approved supplementary emergency braking system.
(21) All power lines constructed over haulage roads after the effective date of this section shall be maintained at a minimum of twelve feet above all equipment used on haulage roads, including dump trucks in a raised position.

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