45.1-161.292:50 - Reports of explosions and mine fires; procedure - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.292:50. Reports of explosions and mine fires; procedure.

A. If an explosion or mine fire occurs in a mine, the operator shall notifythe Department by the quickest available means. Independent contractors shallnotify the licensed operator of such incidents. All facilities of the mineshall be made available for rescue and recovery operations and fire fighting.

B. No work other than rescue and recovery work and fire fighting may beattempted or started until and unless it is authorized by the Department.

C. If an explosion occurs in an underground mine, the fan shall not bereversed except by authority of the officials in charge of rescue andrecovery work, and then only after a study of the effect of reversing the fanon any persons who may have survived the explosion and are still underground.

D. The Department shall make available all the facilities at its disposal ineffecting rescue and recovery work. The Director shall act as consultant, ortake personal charge, where in his opinion the circumstances of any mineexplosion, fire or other accident warrant.

E. The orders of the official in charge of rescue and recovery work shall berespected and obeyed by all persons engaged in rescue and recovery work.

F. The Director shall maintain an up-to-date rescue and recovery plan forprompt and adequate employment at any mineral mine in the Commonwealth. Allemployees of the Department shall be kept fully informed and trained in theirrespective duties in executing rescue and recovery plans. The Department'splans shall be published annually and furnished to all licensed operators ofmineral mines. Changes in the plan shall be published promptly when made andfurnished to all licensed operators of mines.

(1997, c. 390; 1998, c. 695.)