45.1-161.168 - Longwall escape routes and plan. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.168. Longwall escape routes and plan.

A. The operator of any mine which uses longwalls as a method of mining shallmaintain an accessible travel route off the tailgate end of the longwallworking face. He shall familiarize all miners working on the longwall sectionwith the procedures to follow for escape from the section, and shall alsoinform these miners at any time during which the travel route is impassable.

B. The operator shall develop a plan for use if the travel route becomesimpassable. The plan shall address (i) notification of miners that the travelway is blocked and of the method and timetable for reestablishment of thetravel way, (ii) re-instruction of miners regarding escapeways and escapeprocedures in the event of an emergency, (iii) re-instruction of miners onthe availability and use of self-contained self-rescue devices, (iv)monitoring and evaluation of the air entering the longwall section, (v)location and effectiveness of the two-way communication systems, and (vi) ameans of transportation from the longwall section to the main line. The planprovisions shall remain in effect until a travel way is reestablished on thetailgate side of a longwall section. Such an operation shall includeprovisions for such protective devices as fire extinguishers and respiratorsfor miners working on the longwall section.

(Code 1950, § 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228;1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774.)