Chapter 40. Safety and Health Regulations for Mineral Mining

When moving a track-mounted or truck- mounted drill from one drilling location to another: 1. The mast shall be lowered to a safe position; 2. Tools and other equipment shall be secured in a safe location; and 3. The drill helper, when used, shall remain in sight of the drill ope…

In the event of a power failure, drill controls shall be placed in the neutral position until power is restored. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Drillers shall not hold or rest their hands on any rotating part of a drill. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

Boreholes large enough to create a hazard shall be covered or guarded. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Prior to moving handheld pneumatic drills from one working area to another, the air shall be turned off and bled from the hose. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Prior to drilling large boulders, drills shall be moved to a safe location and positioned securely in place. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

When drilling next to a wall or bench, drillers shall: 1. Remove any loose, unconsolidated material from the bench or wall above the work area; 2. Position the drill in such a manner that the controls are on the side of the drill away from the bench or wall; and 3. Never work bet…

Prior to using rotary jet piercing equipment, the operator shall obtain approval from the director who shall specify safety procedures to be used in operating this equipment. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

For each borehole intended for blasting, the driller shall produce a drill log as each hole is being drilled. The drill log shall include, at minimum, the name of the driller, borehole diameter, borehole depth, depth of broken material at the collar, and other geological conditio…

Employees with less than six months of mining experience shall work with or under the direction of an experienced miner. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Boilers and pressure vessels shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations (16VAC25-50-10 et seq.). Operators shall, upon request, provide proof that the boiler or pressure vessel meets the Boiler and Pressure Vessel…

Air compressors shall be equipped with automatic temperature activated shutoff mechanisms set for 400°F or with fusible plugs installed in the compressor discharge lines as near the compressors as possible. Fusible plugs shall melt at temperatures 50° less than the flash points o…

Compressors and compressed-air receivers shall be equipped with automatic pressure-release valves, pressure gauges, and drain valves. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressor-air intakes shall be installed to ensure that only clean, uncontaminated air enters the compressors. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressed-air receivers shall be drained of moisture, oil, or carbon buildup in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Operators shall ensure no person younger than 18 years of age works in any mine.Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294, and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressed-air receivers shall have inspection openings which, when the tanks are over 36 inches in diameter, shall be manholes. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Operators shall comply with 29 CFR 570.60 regarding persons between 16 and 18 years of age working around any mine.Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294, and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressors shall be operated and lubricated in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressor discharge pipes shall be cleaned periodically. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

Repairs involving the pressure system of compressors, receivers, or compressed-air-powered equipment, shall not be attempted until the pressure has been bled off. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

When three or more persons are working in a mine, a certified mine foreman shall be employed who shall ensure that all activities under the foreman's supervision are conducted in a safe manner in compliance with applicable laws and regulations adopted by the department. The direc…

At no time shall compressed air be directed towards a person unless a diffuser limiting pressure to no more than 30 pounds per square inch is used. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Safety chains or suitable safety devices shall be used at connections to machines of high pressure hose lines of 3/4 inch inside diameter or larger, and between high pressure hose lines of 3/4 inch inside diameter or larger, where a connection failure would create a hazard. Statu…

Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near oil or grease. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Gauges and regulators used with oxygen or acetylene cylinders shall be kept clean and free of oil and grease. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Valves on oxygen and acetylene tanks shall be kept closed when the contents are not being used. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Compressed gas or liquid gas cylinders shall be safely secured in an upright position. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Valves and gauges on compressed gas cylinders shall be protected by covers when being transported and stored, or if a hazard from falling material exists when used. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Pressure gauges, regulators, and reverse flow check valves shall be used on all compressed air and gas cylinders and shall be maintained in safe working condition. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Boilers shall be equipped and maintained as follows: 1. Boilers shall be equipped with guarded, well-maintained water gauges and pressure gauges placed so that they can be observed easily. Water gauges and pipe passages to the gauges shall be kept clean and free of scale and rust…

Welding operations shall be shielded and well-ventilated. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

The certified mine foreman shall examine active workings at the beginning of each shift. Any hazardous or unsafe condition shall be corrected prior to personnel starting work in the affected area. If the hazardous or unsafe condition cannot be corrected immediately, the affected …

(Repealed.)

Powered mobile equipment shall be provided with adequate service brakes capable of stopping and holding the equipment with its typical load on the maximum grade it travels. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Mobile equipment shall be equipped with emergency brakes separate and independent of the regular braking system when generally available for a particular class of equipment. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Equipment operators shall be certain, by signal or other means, that all persons are clear before starting or moving equipment. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Cabs shall be maintained to provide visibility for safe operation. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Cab windows shall be of safety glass or equivalent, in good condition, and shall be kept clean. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Heavy duty mobile equipment manufactured after June 30, 1969, shall be equipped with acceptable roll-over protection structures and seat belts. Equipment operators shall use the seat belts provided. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Vi…

Cabs of mobile equipment shall be kept free of extraneous materials. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Equipment operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of roadways, grades, clearance, visibility, traffic, and the type of equipment used. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

The certified mine foreman shall be trained in first aid and possess a valid first aid certificate issued by an approved agency or organization. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Dust control measures shall be taken where dust significantly reduces visibility of equipment operators. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Berms or guards capable of restraining the largest vehicle used in the area shall be provided on the outer bank of elevated roadways. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.