Chapter 1. STATE MINE INSPECTOR

All tanks, pipes, or other containers which have held flammable, explosive or corrosive material shall be vented, cleaned, purged, and tested for safe and non-explosive atmosphere before entering, burning, cutting, or welding on them is permitted. Historical Note Former Rule 3:05…

Flammable liquids shall be stored in accordance with standards of the National Fire Protection Association or other recognized agencies approved by the Inspector. Small quantities of flammable liquids drawn from storage shall be kept in appropriately labeled safety cans. Historic…

Fuel lines shall be equipped with valves to cut off fuel at the source and shall be located and maintained to minimize fire hazards. Historical Note Former Rule 3:07.

Power wires and cables shall be adequately insulated where they pass through doors or walls or where they present a fire hazard. Historical Note Former Rule 3:08.

Valves on oxygen and acetylene tanks shall be kept closed when the contents are not being used. Historical Note Former Rule 3:09.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gases, and other flammable liquids, when not buried, shall not be stored within 100 feet of the following: 1. Mine openings. 2. Buildings or snowsheds connected to mine openings. 3. Fan installations or housings. 4. Hoist houses. Histori…

Abandoned electrical circuits shall be de-energized and isolated so that they cannot become energized inadvertently. Historical Note Former Rule 3:11.

Solvents with flash points lower than 100° F (38° C) shall not be used for cleaning. Historical Note Former Rule 3:12.

Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near oil or grease. Historical Note Former Rule 3:13.

Gauges and regulators used with oxygen or acetylene cylinders shall be kept clean and free from oil and grease. Historical Note Former Rule 3:14.

All heat sources, including lighting equipment, capable of producing combustion shall be insulated or isolated from combustible materials. Historical Note Former Rule 3:15.

Battery charging stations shall be located in well ventilated areas. Historical Note Former Rule 3:16.

When welding or cutting, suitable precautions shall be taken to ensure that smoldering metal or sparks do not result in a fire. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be immediately available at the site. Historical Note Former Rule 3:17.

Internal combustion engines, except diesels above ground, shall be shut off and stopped before being fueled. Historical Note Former Rule 3:18.

Drip pans shall be provided to catch leakage or spillage when oil or flammable liquids are dispensed in a place or manner which may create a hazard. Historical Note Former Rule 3:19.

Fire alarm systems shall be provided and maintained in operating condition or adequate fire alarm procedures shall be established to warn promptly all persons endangered by fire. Historical Note Adopted effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

Fuel stored underground will be in a return air split provided with adequate firefighting equipment. No oil line shall be allowed to pass down the shaft. Historical Note Former Rule 3:21.

Oil, grease or diesel fuel stored underground shall be kept in suitable tightly sealed containers in fire-resistant areas at safe distances from explosives, magazines, electrical installations and shaft stations. Historical Note Former Rule 3:22.

A fire extinguisher of suitable type and size must be carried at all times with each diesel powered unit. In addition, a fire control system shall be installed in each piece of equipment operating underground regardless of make and model. The system shall be approved by the Inspe…

The starting mechanism of the diesel engine shall be powered by electricity, air or some other source considered safe. The use of gasoline powdered starters for underground diesel equipment is specifically prohibited. Historical Note Former Rule 3:24.

Underground refueling stations must be well ventilated and separate from any underground equipment repair areas. Diesel fuel must be carried in tight containers. Historical Note Former Rule 3:25.

Only a day’s supply of diesel fuel will be allowed underground at any time and this must be stored in tight containers in a cool, well- ventilated place. The container will be set in a sufficient amount of suitable absorbent material to absorb all of the fuel being stored or shal…

Fires shall not be built underground; open-flame torches and candles shall not be left underground. Historical Note Former Rule 3:27.

Approved mine rescue apparatus shall be properly maintained for immediate use. The equipment shall be tested at least once a month and records kept of the tests. Historical Note Former Rule 3:28.

No smoking is permitted in or around diesel fuel storage areas. No open lights are permitted in diesel storage or refueling areas. There must be adequate firefighting equipment at all refueling stations and storage tanks for diesel fuel. Historical Note Former Rule 3:29.

Gasoline shall not be taken, stored or used in underground operations. Historical Note Former Rule 3:30; Amended effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

The use of liquefied petroleum gases shall be limited to maintenance work. Historical Note Former Rule 3:31.

Fuel used in underground diesel equipment must conform to the manufacturer’s specifications for viscosity pour point, cetane number, carbon residue and water. The flash point must not be less than 150° Fahrenheit and sulphur content must not be greater than 0.2% by weight. Histor…

Historical Note Former Rule 3:33; Former Section R11-1-333 renumbered as Section R11-1-412 effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

A mine rescue station equipped with at least ten sets of suitable and properly maintained two-hour minimum capacity self-contained breathing apparatus, adequate supplies, and spare parts shall be maintained at mines employing 75 or more persons underground or, in lieu thereof, th…

At mines employing 75 or more persons underground, at least two rescue crews (ten persons) shall be trained at least annually in the use, care, and limitations of self-contained breathing and firefighting apparatus and in mine-rescue procedures. Other mines shall have at least on…

Historical Note Former Rule 3:36; Repealed effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

Timber in mine entrances shall be fire retardant for at least 200 feet inside the mine portal or collar, or the mine entrance shall be provided with fire protection adequate to control a fire for at least 200 feet inside the mine portal or collar. Historical Note Former Section R…

Suitable fire extinguishers shall be provided on self-propelled mobile equipment with enclosed cabs, used in surface operations. Historical Note Adopted effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

Flammable and combustible waste materials, grease, lubricants or flammable liquids shall not be allowed to accumulate where they can create a fire hazard. Historical Note Adopted effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).

Where there is a potential for exposure of workers to a fire hazard, unattended stationary diesel equipment used in underground operations shall be provided with a thermal sensor which automatically stops the diesel engine should overheating occur. Historical Note Adopted effecti…

Where there is a potential for exposure of workers to a fire hazard, unattended belt conveyors shall be provided with a thermal sensor which automatically stops the drive pulley should excessive slippage create an ignition of the belt. Historical Note Adopted effective August 18,…