45.1-161.232 - Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.232. Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty.

A. No person shall intentionally disturb, disconnect, bypass, impair, orotherwise tamper with methane monitors or other devices capable of detectingthe presence of explosive gases used in an underground coal mine. If themethane monitor is installed on a face cutting machine, continuous miner,longwall face equipment, loading machine, or other mechanized equipment usedto extract or load coal as required pursuant to 30 CFR Part 75.342, and themonitor or the equipment malfunctions, the monitor may be disconnected orbypassed for the purposes of removing the monitor or the equipment in orderto make necessary repairs to the monitor or the equipment. Any other methanemonitor may be disconnected, bypassed or removed.

B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of aClass 6 felony.

(1993, c. 247, § 45.1-65.1; 1994, c. 28.)