A. The Chief shall have authority, after consultation with the Virginia Coal Mine Safety Board and in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act, to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in underground coal mines in the Commonwealth. Such rules and regulations governing underground coal mines shall relate to:
1. The maintenance, operation, storage, and transportation of any mechanical or electrical equipment, device or machinery used for any purpose in the underground mining of coal;
2. Safety and health standards for the protection of the life, health and property of, and the prevention of injuries to, persons involved in or likely to be affected by any underground coal mining operations which shall include but not be limited to the control of dust concentration levels; use of respiratory equipment and ventilating systems; development and maintenance of roof control systems; handling of combustible materials and rock dusting; installation, maintenance and use of electrical devices, equipment, cables and wires; fire protection, including equipment, emergency evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and communication facilities; the use and storage of explosives; and the establishment and maintenance of barriers in underground mines around gas and oil wells. The Chief is authorized to promulgate regulations setting forth specific occupations and conditions for which a miner will be prohibited from working alone underground; and
3. The storage or disposal of any matter or materials extracted or disturbed as the result of an underground coal mining operation or operations or used in the mining operation or for the refinement or preparation of the materials extracted from the coal mining operation so that such matter or material does not threaten the health or safety of the miners or the general public.
B. The Chief shall not promulgate any regulation establishing requirements for the operation of, or conditions at, an underground coal mine which are inconsistent with requirements established by the Act.
History
Code 1950, §§ 45-8, 45-84; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-104; 1972, c. 784; 1974, c. 323; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 120; 1982, c. 118; 1990, c. 963; 1994, c. 28.
