CODE OF VIRGINIA

FIRST-CLASS MINE FOREMAN CERTIFICATION (§ 45.1-161.38)

A. The operator of any coal mine where three or more persons work during any
part of a twenty-four-hour period shall employ a mine foreman. The operator
shall employ as a mine foreman only persons holding a first-class mine foreman
certificate. The holder of such a certificate shall present the certificate, or
a photostatic copy thereof, to the operator where he is employed, who shall file
the certificate or its copy in the office at the mine, and the operator shall
make it available for inspection by interested persons.

B. The holder of a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be authorized to
act as foreman for all underground coal mines.

C. Applicants for a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be not less than
twenty-three years of age and have had at least five years of experience in a
coal mine (at least three years shall have been in an underground coal mine). A
graduate of an approved four-year college course in mining engineering shall be
given credit for three of the five years of practical experience required. An
applicant who possesses a degree in mining technology shall be given credit for
two of the five years of practical experience required. If the applicant meets
the above requirements, makes eighty-five percent or more on each of the
subjects of the written examination, and passes required map and gas
examinations, he shall be entitled to a first-class mine foreman certificate.
The written examination shall address, among other relevant topics, the theory
and practice of coal mining; nature and properties of noxious, poisonous, and
explosive gases, and methods for their detection and control; requirements of
the coal mining laws of this Commonwealth; and responsibilities and duties of a
mine foreman under state law.

D. Each candidate for certification as a first-class mine foreman shall complete
the course or courses of instruction in first aid as provided in subsection A of
§ 45.1-161.101 and pass an examination relating thereto, approved by the Board
of Coal Mining Examiners.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 45-7, 45-12, 45-29, 45-30, 45-31, 45-33.1, 45-68.4,
45-69, 45-73, 45-75, 45-78, 45-79, 45-81, 45-83; 1950, p. 156; 1954, c. 191;
1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-13 to 45.1-15, 45.1-21, 45.1-101.2; 1972, c. 784; 1974,
c. 686; 1976, c. 598; 1977, c. 679; 1978, cc. 94, 222, 489, 729; 1982, c. 255;
1984, cc. 178, 590; 1988, c. 577; 1993, cc. 171, 442; 1994, c. 28; 1997, c. 274.