Title 30, Mineral Lands and MiningRelease 119-102
§875 Emergency Shelters; Construction; Contents; Implementation Plans
Title 30 › CHAPTER 22 — MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH › SUBCHAPTER III — INTERIM MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES › § 875
Summary
The Secretary or an authorized representative can require sealed, ventilated rescue chambers in coal mines so miners can shelter in emergencies. Chambers must have first aid, air and breathing gear, surface communication, space to wait, any other required equipment, and operators must submit plans for Secretary approval.
Full Legal Text
Title 30, §875
Mineral Lands and Mining, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Secretary or an authorized representative of the Secretary may prescribe in any coal mine that rescue chambers, properly sealed and ventilated, be erected at suitable locations in the mine to which persons may go in case of an emergency for protection against hazards. Such chambers shall be properly equipped with first aid materials, an adequate supply of air and self-contained breathing equipment, an independent communication system to the surface, and proper accommodations for the persons while awaiting rescue, and such other equipment as the Secretary may require. A plan for the erection, maintenance, and revisions of such chambers and the training of the miners in their proper use shall be submitted by the operator to the Secretary for his approval.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Effective Date
Section operative 90 days after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Regulations
Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title I, § 112(b), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2168, provided that: “Not later than June 15, 2008, the Secretary of Labor shall propose
Regulations
pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 [30 U.S.C. 875], consistent with the recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health pursuant to section 13 of the MINER Act (Public Law 109–236) [120 Stat. 504], requiring rescue chambers, or facilities that afford at least the same measure of protection, in underground coal mines. The Secretary shall finalize the
Regulations
not later than December 31, 2008.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
30 U.S.C. § 875
Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102