A. When supplies of explosives and detonators for use in one or more sections are stored underground, they shall be kept in section boxes or magazines of substantial construction with no metal exposed on the inside. Such boxes or magazines shall be located at least twenty-five feet from roadways and power wires, and in a reasonably dry, well rock-dusted location protected from falls of roof. In pitching beds, where it is not possible to comply with the location requirement, such boxes shall be placed in niches cut into the solid coal or rock.

B. When explosives or detonators are stored in the section, they shall be kept in separate boxes or magazines not less than twelve feet apart if feasible; if kept in the same box or magazine, they shall be separated by at least a four-inch substantially fastened hardwood partition or the equivalent. Not more than a forty-eight-hour supply of explosives or detonators shall be stored underground in such boxes or magazines.

C. Explosives and detonators, kept near the face for the use of workmen, shall be kept in separate individual closed containers, in niches in the rib, not less than twelve feet apart, at least fifty feet from the working place and out of the line of blast. Such containers shall be constructed of substantial material and maintained electrically nonconductive. Where it is physically impracticable to comply with such distance requirements, the explosives and detonator containers shall be stored in the safest available place not less than fifteen feet from any pipe, rail, conveyor, haulage road, or power line, not less than twelve feet apart, and at least fifty feet from the working face and out of line of blast.

D. Explosives and detonators shall be kept in their containers until immediately before use at the working faces.

History

Code 1950, § 45-53.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-47; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774.