Chapter 40. Safety and Health Regulations for Mineral Mining

Mobile and stationary equipment that is to be used during a shift shall be inspected by the equipment operator. Equipment safety defects shall be reported to the certified mine foreman. Defects that affect the safety or health of persons shall be corrected before the equipment is…

Persons shall not get on or off moving equipment, except that trainmen may get on or off slowly moving trains. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Persons shall not be transported: 1. In or on dippers, forks, clamshells, or the bed of trucks, unless special provisions are made for their safety; 2. In or on buckets except shaft buckets; 3. On top of loaded haulage equipment; 4. Outside the cabs and beds of mobile equipment, …

When traveling between work areas, the equipment shall be secured in the travel position. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Dippers, buckets, scraper blades, and similar movable parts shall be secured or lowered to the ground when not in use. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

No person shall be assigned, allowed, or required to work alone in a hazardous area unless they can be seen or heard by another person in attendance. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Electrically-powered mobile equipment shall not be left unattended unless the master switch is in the off position, all operating controls are in the neutral position, and the brakes are set or other equivalent precautions are taken against rolling. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161…

Mobile equipment shall not be left unattended unless the brakes are set. Mobile equipment with wheels or tracks, when parked on a grade, shall be either blocked or turned into a bank or rib unless the bucket or blade lowered to the ground prevents movement. Statutory Authority§§ …

When in the dark or under conditions of limited visibility, all vehicles carrying loads which project beyond the sides or more than four feet beyond the rear of the vehicles shall display a warning light at the end of the projection. In the light, a warning flag not less than 12 …

Water, debris, or spilled material which creates hazards to moving equipment shall be removed. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Traffic rules, including speed, signals, and warning signs, shall be posted at each mine. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Heavy duty mobile equipment with cabs being operated in extreme weather conditions shall use control measures to limit exposure of the equipment operator to extreme heat and cold. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

When an operator is present, persons shall notify him before getting on or off heavy duty mobile equipment. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Heavy duty mobile equipment shall be provided with audible warning devices. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

A. An automatic backup alarm that is audible above surrounding noise levels shall be provided on heavy duty mobile equipment and mine vehicles with an obstructed view to the rear. B. An automatic reverse-activated strobe light may be used at night in lieu of an audible reverse al…

Railroad equipment shall be installed or maintained by the operator as follows: 1. Public and permanent railroad crossing shall be posted with warning signs or signals or shall be guarded when trains are passing and shall be planked or otherwise filled between the rails; 2. Opera…

Prior arrangements shall be made for emergency medical assistance and transportation of injured personnel. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Persons shall remain clear of mobile equipment in operation and shall not work or pass under the buckets or booms of equipment in operation. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Chute-loading installations shall be designed so that the persons pulling chutes are not required to be in a hazardous position while loading cars or trucks. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Berms, bumper blocks, or similar means shall be provided to prevent overtravel and overturning at dumping locations. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Grizzlies, grates, and other sizing devices at dump and transfer points shall be anchored securely in place. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

If truck spotters are used, they shall be well in the clear while trucks are backing into dumping position and dumping; lights shall be used at night to direct trucks. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Where clearance is restricted, warning devices shall be installed and the restricted area shall be conspicuously marked. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Tires shall be deflated before repairs on them are started and adequate means shall be provided to prevent wheel locking rims from creating a hazard during tire inflation. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

A tow bar and safety chain shall be used to tow heavy equipment that is not being operated under its own power. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Persons shall not work on or from a piece of mobile equipment in a raised position unless the equipment is specifically designed to lift persons. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Repairs or maintenance shall not be performed on mobile equipment until tagged out. The power shall be off and the mobile equipment shall be blocked against hazardous motion, except where power or motion is necessary to make adjustments. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161…

Suitable first aid materials shall be provided. First aid materials shall be adequate for the number of employees and accessible to all work areas. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Emergency telephone numbers, including fire, rescue, and state mining officials shall be posted at appropriate telephones at the mine. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Life jackets or belts shall be worn where there is danger of falling into water. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

All persons shall wear suitable hard hats when in or around a mine or plant where falling objects may create a hazard. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

All persons shall wear suitable protective footwear when in or around an area of a mine or plant where a hazard exists which could cause an injury to the feet. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

All persons shall wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shields or other suitable protective devices when in or around an area of a mine or plant where a hazard exists which could cause injury to unprotected eyes. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of…

A safety harness with a line shall be worn when persons work where there is danger of falling. Also see 4VAC25-40-2550. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Loose fitting clothing or gloves shall not be worn where they could create a hazard by becoming entwined or caught in moving parts of machinery. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Protective gloves shall be worn by employees handling materials which may cause injury. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Finger rings shall not be worn while operating or working on equipment or tools. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Reflective tape or material shall be worn on the hats or clothing of persons working underground or during hours of darkness. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Face shields or goggles, in good condition, shall be worn when operating a grinding wheel. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

An approved operational communication system acceptable to the director shall be provided and maintained at the mine for obtaining assistance in the event of an emergency. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Adequate protection shall be provided at dumping locations when persons may be endangered by falling material. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Safe means of access shall be provided and maintained to all work locations. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Crossovers, elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways shall be of substantial construction, provided with handrails, and maintained in good condition. Where necessary, toeboards shall be provided. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code …

Ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good condition. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.

Portable straight ladders shall be provided with nonslip bases, shall be placed against safe backing, and set on secure footing. Statutory Authority§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.294 and 45.1-161.305 of the Code of Virginia.