§862 Roof Support

Summary

Mine operators must run an ongoing program to keep the roof and walls of underground mine roadways and work areas safe. They must have a written roof control plan, tailored to each mine and approved by the Secretary, and make a printed copy available within sixty days after this part of the law takes effect. The plan must show what supports to use and how far apart they go. The Secretary will review the plan at least every six months and after any roof or rib failures. Workers may not go past the last permanent support unless temporary support is in place or the approved plan says it is not needed and it is safe. A copy of the plan must be given to the Secretary and be available to miners and their representatives. The operator must keep enough proper materials near each working face and other places the Secretary requires. Safety posts, jacks, or other approved devices must be used during tasks like taking down roof material, installing crossbars, drilling bolt holes, and putting in roof bolts. Loose or overhanging roof, faces, and ribs must be removed or supported. Supports removed must be replaced quickly unless doing recovery work. Roof bolts, when used, must be tested under the approved plan. Bolt recovery is banned in places with extra hazards (like full pillar extraction, near clay veins, or other irregularities). If recovery is allowed, it must follow the plan, be done by experienced miners, and only with adequate temporary support. Before any work or machine starts, and as often as needed afterward, the operator must check the roof, face, and ribs and fix any dangerous conditions right away.