§874 Hoisting and mantrips

Summary

Hoists that carry people in coal mines must have overspeed, overwind, and automatic-stop controls. They must have brakes able to stop a fully loaded cage or platform, cables strong enough for the load, and safety devices like catches that work fast in an emergency. Those catches must be tested at least once every two months. Hoisting equipment, including automatic elevators, must be checked every day. When people are transported, a qualified hoisting engineer must be on duty while anyone is underground, except for automatically operated cages, platforms, or elevators. Hoists must match rated capacities to the ropes used and have a reliable position indicator. There must be at least two ways to signal between shaft stations and the hoist room, and one must be a telephone or speaking tube. Locomotives and haulage cars in underground coal mines must have automatic brakes where there is room. If not, they must have approved speed-reduction or similar devices. Any haulage equipment bought on or after one year after the operative date must have automatic impact couplers that can be uncoupled without anyone going between the cars. Equipment without such couplers on the operative date must be fitted within four years after that date.