45.1-161.72 - Requirements of recovery work. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.72. Requirements of recovery work.

A. During recovery work and prior to entering any mine, all mine rescue crewsconducting recovery work shall be properly informed of existing conditions bythe operator or his agent in charge.

B. Each mine rescue crew performing rescue or recovery work with breathingapparatus shall be provided with a backup crew of equal strength, stationedat each fresh air base.

C. For every two crews performing work underground, one six-member crew shallbe stationed at the mine portal.

D. Two-way communication, life lines or their equivalent shall be provided bythe fresh air base to all crews and no crew member shall be permitted toadvance beyond such communication system.

E. A mine rescue crew shall immediately return to the fresh air base shouldany crew member's breathing apparatus malfunction or the atmospheric pressureof any apparatus deplete to sixty atmospheres.

F. The Director may also assign rescue and recovery work to inspectors,instructors or other qualified employees of the Department as the Directormay determine desirable.

(1975, c. 432, § 45.1-33.5; 1984, c. 590; 1994, c. 28.)