§862 Roof Support

Summary

Operators must run a continuous program to make roof support better and keep miners safe from roof or wall collapses. They must have a written roof control plan, approved by the Secretary, printed and put in place within sixty days after the rule starts. The plan must show the kinds of supports and how far apart they go. The Secretary will review the plan at least every six months and after any roof or rib falls or support problems. A copy of the plan must be given to the Secretary and kept available to miners and their representatives. No one may go past the last permanent support unless there is safe temporary support or the approved plan says temporary support is not needed and it is safe. Mining methods must not create extra risk from roof falls, for example by making rooms or entries too wide or by unsafe pillar removal. Operators must keep enough proper materials and devices near each working face and other places named by the Secretary to secure the roof. Use safety posts, jacks, or other approved devices when work could loosen the roof (such as taking down loose roof, installing crossbars, drilling or installing bolts). Loose or overhanging roof and ribs must be removed or supported, and supports knocked out must be replaced quickly except during recovery work. Roof bolts must be tested as the plan requires and must not be taken out where doing so would create abnormal hazards (for example, during full pillar extraction or near clay veins). If bolt recovery is allowed, it must follow the approved plan, be done by experienced miners, and have adequate temporary support. When miners face danger from the roof, face, or ribs, the operator must examine and test them before any work or machines start and as often as needed, and fix any dangerous condition right away.